A Throwback to Simpler Times
This is the 21st century, isn’t it?
Customers arriving in the parking lot at Rocky Top General Store in Harriman might have to remind themselves of that, since the quaint and rustic store looks like a throwback to simpler times. Not many places have 50-pound bags of rabbit food stacked six feet high on the front porch, along with authentic Radio Flyer wagons that are available to purchase.
But Rocky Top General Store specializes in these types of odd and sometimes nostalgic items, along with much more. Owner David Webb and his wife, Mildred, have lived in Harriman all their lives, and the Webbs help keep simplicity and friendliness a top priority by offering every visitor a fresh bag of popcorn prior to browsing through the interesting store.
And interesting is an appropriate word. For example, books for sale on site feature titles such as Eggs and Chickens, How to Build a Smokehouse and Red Turkey Liniment, which apparently is an ideal remedy for easing the soreness and pain experienced by show horses and show dogs. The store also has a wide variety of old period furniture and functional appliances, plus giftware such as ceramic dolls and intricate birdhouses.
Farm equipment and poultry supplies can be found here, including chicken wire, poultry feed, cages, traps, leg bands, vaccines and medications. Shoppers can also find canvas work clothes, wood-burning stoves and cast-iron cookware.
There’s even an old-fashioned soda pop machine that sells bottled Coca-Colas. Rocky Top General Store remains an enigma even in 2009, serving as a general store and a museum – all in the same setting.
The Rocky Top General Store sponsors the Tennessee "Polk Salad" Festival & Pageant, held the second Saturday in May each year in Harriman. In addition to crowning a Miss Polk Salad, the festival features live music, children's activities, baking contests, an art contest, a sack race, baseball throw and more.
