Since 1895, generations of Randolph and Guilford county farmers have hauled grain to the Julian Milling Company to be ground into feed. In the store, you’ll still find freshly milled feed, plus seeds and plenty of resident cats. Bird lovers can grab bags of Beardo’s Birdseed — these days, the shop’s most popular product — handcrafted by third-generation General Manager Eric Horney, better known as “Beardo” on account of his notable facial hair.
7405 Old Second Street
(336) 685-4433
beardosbirdseed.com
Though Farmville Hardware — owned by Josh Cannon and his dad, Greg — dates back decades, it keeps pace with the times by offering online shopping. photograph by Chris Rogers
Its red-and-white-checkered exterior was restored in 2019, but this 79-year-old store’s role in downtown Farmville — for decades, a major tobacco hub in eastern North Carolina — has never diminished. Inside, necessities for the home, farm, and family, from compost to jam, stretch from wall to wall.
3726 West Wilson Street
(252) 753-1100
farmville-hardware.com
Founded in 1919, Bell’s is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Fayetteville, and it continues to serve as a friendly one-stop shop for all things lawn and garden. Manager Jeff Thomson — who gives gardening advice under the self-assigned nickname, “The Bloomin’ Idiot” — can talk you through the rustic seed wall, where varieties are sold by the ounce. Meanwhile, Miss Kitty, the store cat, can accompany you through the vibrant plant nursery.
230 East Russell Street
(910) 483-8400
bellsseedstore.com
Shoppers can still buy seeds by the scoop at P.L. Woodard & Co. in Wilson. photograph by Chris Rogers
Wooden bins of seeds sold by the scoop line the worn, seafoam green counters at Womble Hardware & P.L. Woodard & Co. Opened by Paul Lee Woodard in 1899, this downtown institution has served Wilson with care for well over a century. Since purchasing the two-story brick storefront in 2010, the Womble family has carried forward that legacy, meeting customers’ individual needs. Whether that means rope cut by the foot or fertilizer portioned by hand, the business’s enduring presence remains a testament to the family’s steadfast investment in the community.
108 Barnes Street Southwest
(252) 243-3541
plwoodardandco.com
In the early 1800s, Matthews earned the nickname “Stumptown” because of how many trees were cleared for cotton fields. Today, this store carries that farming legacy forward with goods for the garden and from the garden. You’ll find hardware alongside baskets of tomatoes, heads of garlic, and bright bouquets of peonies, all from Renfrow Farms. The business dates to 1900 and is reminiscent of Grandpa’s garage.
188 North Trade Street
(704) 847-4088
renfrowhardware.com
Comfortably cluttered with racks of seeds and wooden shelves of honey, hoop cheese, and country ham, this community treasure has been serving local farmers and gardeners since 1910. The days of swapping machinery for corn, wheat, or chickens may be gone, but the dedication to customers is not. Shoppers can even bring their own jars to fill with homemade molasses, straight from the store’s barrels.
937 Washington Street
(919) 682-1311
stonebrothers.com
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