Penn’s store, located in Gravel Switch, KY, is the oldest country store in the United States. This historic landmark has remained in the same family for over 150 years. Despite the addition of electricity and a new bathroom, little else has changed over the years. (the building still has the original roof and is attached).
The main rental was scouting when they built their new house in 1992. It was the first bathroom facility of any kind, inside or outside storage.
This “earth breaking” event is annual celebrations, with the Outhouse Blowout. To participate in the program, the first weekend after Labor Day. Activities include: outhouse racing, car/truck/motorcycle show, float music festival and an offering of shop vendors. various goods.
(Autohouse racers are kind of heavy. /building-materials”>building materials, travel expenses, etc.)
Pens Store Outhouse Blowout is a book event. But remember, there is a $5 parking fee that is used to help with expenses.
In the early years several other buildings were placed on the property, in addition to the store itself. It became a spirit store, a chicken coop, a store house and a Penn residence. Today only the store and the toilets remain.
Inside the whole store doesn’t change much. It is not a tourist trap or a museum. Yes, the counters and glass displays are pretty much the same as they were in 1900, but Penn’s sells things like groceries and dry goods to people on the Gravel Switch.
handmade craft stores carries accessories, t-shirts, hats and other special items. (How about replacing Penn’s Whole Foods or nifty herbal moth repellent bags?)
The roof is still strewn with large keys that once held salt-cured ham and huge rolls of bologna. Now the same claws hold the grass, they make Penne’s garden. Good, old, bologna sandwiches are still a big hit. Tourists (and locals) have built them by the hundreds… maybe even thousands.
On the mind for a while music? Local musicians often congregate on the porch or around the trees to an improper effect. You never know just who might show up with a guitar or a fiddle in hand.
Penn’s Store summer hours (April through November);
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11am – 5pm Sunday 1pm – 4pm
Penn’s Winter Store hours (December through March);
Friday & Saturday 11am – 4pm Sunday 1pm – 4pm
Hours are variable. If you are traveling a long way to visit Penn State, it is best to know the hours in advance. You can reach Pen’s Store by calling (859) 332-7706.
