The decor draws you in, an authentic mix of antiques, art, and memorabilia reflecting southeastern North Carolina history, beautifully arranged, as if in a gallery, by owner Patrick Leclair. Never mind the name; this isn’t your grandpa’s general store.
Patrick left his career overseeing the decor of a national chain of high-end clothing stores to move to Fayetteville and open Leclair’s, tucked in the heart of the Haymount neighborhood.
It’s “general” because the handmade pottery is displayed near the pastries; leafy plants fill colorful handwoven baskets; live-edge walnut charcuterie boards hang from hooks; and Pendleton blankets are folded over vintage trunks that sit beside a display of metal ammo boxes filled with locally sourced salves, soaps, and salsas.
And, like general stores of the past, Leclair’s has become a favorite place to while away the hours.
Patrons sip hot coffee and nitro cold brew as they scroll and type and turn pages at picnic tables and in repurposed pews. Later, they’ll rehang their mugs on a wall with dozens more, each belonging to a returning customer who can’t resist this mercantile for the modern age.
Leclair’s General Store
1212 Fort Bragg Road
Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 491-1060
leclairsgeneralstore.com
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, the residents of this Chatham County town start early.
Our editor in chief shares a few treasured memories from her childhood home, a Christmas Eve night being one of the very first.
We took some, ahem, creative liberties when we combed through Our State’s archives to find a few favorite stories that carry the tune of a Christmas classic.
From decades-old family recipes to a centuries-old Carolina cookie, we’re filling our holiday tables with dishes that have stood the test of time.
