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
Why does this Haywood County town have some of the cleanest water in the state? It’s the result of the community’s efforts to keep the forests in its watershed pristine.
The spectacular views in North Carolina’s High Country aren’t just inspiration for writers, painters, and sculptors. Those landscapes — the rugged gray face of Grandfather Mountain, the vibrant fall leaves, the deep green meadows — are brushstrokes on Earth’s own canvas.
The sprawling vineyards and wide-open skies that stretch for miles across seven North Carolina counties offer relaxing getaways — not to mention some of the state’s finest wines — for Sunday drivers aching to escape the rush of city life.
Nothing lasts forever — and that’s what makes many of our cherished moments so special.
