Scaly Mountain General Store, opened in the early 80s, is the hub of social activity for the Scaly Mountain Community in southwestern North Carolina. From drinking morning coffee to icing fresh fish from the day’s catch, members of this community use the general store daily. “Scaly Mountain is the best place in the whole world,” said citizen Gene Head. “Next stop is heaven.”

Among the regular local characters sits Troy “The Security Guard” with his dog, Sissy. The two have become icons of the store maintaining traditions and friendships. “Troy is here pretty much as often as me,” said Lisa Miller, longtime employee and fan of the general store.

But Scaly Mountain locals are not the only ones enjoying the treasures of the general store. Highlands citizens, South Carolinians, Georgians and the occasional Yankee frequent the store. But regardless of who comes, all are welcome to buy what they need, stay and greet.”

Click to read captions

A BP gas station at dawn
Two men sit at a desk drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette
A girl runs through a convenience store
A cork board with various business cards on it
A mule-drawn buggy at the gas station
A man smiles while holding a baby at the gas station
A hand reaches for milk and cigarettes at the store
Kids point at a dog resting on a retail shelf
Two teen girls work behind the counter at the store
A hand holds a cigarette above an ashtray
A woman sits her daughter on the counter at the store
A man and his dog exit the store

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