Williams Brothers General Store: A Mississippi Treasure
A trip to central Mississippi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Williams Brothers General Store in Philadelphia. Since 1907, this family-owned store has been a local favorite, offering a little bit of everything, from groceries and hardware to clothing, boots, cowboy hats, and horse tack. Known for its friendly service and nostalgic feel, it’s a cherished spot for both locals and visitors. You can even get hoop cheese and bacon sliced to your liking.
The General Store
The Williams Brothers General Store is an old building that you might not even stop at unless someone had already told you about it. I had known about it for several years but never been there until this week.
We live just a few minutes from Oxford, MS, and are avid Ole Miss fans. Williams Brothers General Store holds a special place for many, including the Manning family, who have deep ties to Ole Miss. Olivia Manning, wife of football legend Archie Manning, is part of the Williams family. Archie and Olivia have three sons: Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. The store proudly displays pictures of these football greats throughout its walls.
Shopping
When you first walk in, the store seems a little cluttered. But you begin to walk around and you see that it really is well-organized and just goes from room to room. The men’s shoe area was the most impressive to me. I hated that my husband wasn’t with me because he loves good shoes))) I kept sending him pics of what I was finding and he finally told me to stop….he was playing golf lol.
Levi’s jeans also got my attention when I first walked in. There was a huge, long wall and just stacks and stacks of jeans.
There were children’s clothing, shoes, ladies’ shoes, western boots, hats, jackets, and just about any kind of gear you could be looking for.
I’m not really into boots and hats, but it surprised me when I ran across a rack of stunning Spanx sportswear! So I came away with a gift for myself))
Now I can’t wait for cooler weather! The price wasn’t too bad either. Each piece was about $20 – $25 less than the average retail price. It was a surprise to me to find a great selection of Spanx at Williams Brothers General Store. Next time I’ll be better prepared and go with an agenda!
Groceries and Produce
The only thing my husband asked to me pick up was some Hoop cheese, so I did. But they also slice bacon, any way you want it, along with bologna. I didn’t browse around too much in the groceries but did pick up a few pounds of raw peanuts for boiling later.
The cheese was sliced with this huge cutter and wrapped in white butcher paper. We had a bite of it with crackers just as soon as I got home))) Although I did put the cheese in the refrigerator, I kept it wrapped in white paper and placed it in a zip-lock bag.. I know some people leave Hoop cheese sitting out, but I just can’t, it’s just too risky.
There were jams, jellies, and jars of honey. Williams Brothers General Store seemed to have just about anything you might need for a home or barn! We didn’t explore the animal supplies or outdoor items much, but I did notice wooden furniture, watering troughs, and grills outside. One small charcoal grill caught my eye—it looked perfect for a small smoker or just the right size for a Boston butt or a couple of burgers. I’ll probably pick it up on my next visit, which won’t be too far away!
Speaking of hoop cheese…..if you are ever in the Toccopola area, you have to try the Fried Hoop Cheese Bites. A super simple appetizer served with Ranch Dressing. You know how we are in the South….we can batter and fry up anything))
Peter’s Pottery
Another unexpected pleasure was seeing shelves of Peter’s Pottery! I love this pottery.
Peter’s Pottery, from the Mississippi Delta, is known for its beautiful handmade pieces. Started by the Woods brothers in Mound Bayou, this family-owned business creates high-quality, artistic pottery. Each piece blends function and beauty, reflecting the Delta’s rich culture. From vases to bowls, Peter’s Pottery showcases Southern craftsmanship and is a beloved collectible.
I didn’t get to add anything to my Peter’s collection on this trip, but it’s on my to-do list for the next trip))
Willams Brothers General Store
The Williams Brothers General Store in Philadelphia, Mississippi, stands as a testament to the enduring charm and community spirit of small-town America. Offering everything from groceries and hardware to clothing, boots, and hats, it provides a nostalgic shopping experience. The store’s special connection to the Manning family and Ole Miss, adds to its charm. Known for its friendly service and unique items like hoop cheese and custom-sliced bacon, Williams Brothers General Store remains a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, celebrating over a century of Mississippi tradition.
