One step into Washington General and your mouth immediately begins to water. Warm and wide pine floors stretch beneath your feet, above, subtle lighting folds over the rustic beams. The store opened in 2015 in the former Luce’s Barn and the town hardware store, and folks miles around are talking about it.

I drive this road weekly to my little camp to escape the bustle of my coastal community, and now I am a regular at this great store.

The front of the Washington General Store overlooks Route 220 (the Waldoboro Road) in the center of Washington Village, and if you get lucky, you might catch an evening music event there, where area musicians periodically gather. Shawn, the store’s owner, is a personable guy and goes that extra mile to make you a repeat customer. Much of the renovations represent his handiwork, and all the staff is more than small-town friendly.

Sandwiches and pizzas are made to order, and there are coolers filled with wines, cheeses and microbrews. My favorite is the Reuben with none other than Morse’s Sauerkraut, but my wife, Denise, loves the tuna melt with bacon. I typically finish off any order with a cup of coffee and one of the many fresh baked goods. (The apple cinnamon muffins are by far the best!)

My dog, Bella, likes it when I remember to buy her a couple of treats, as what happens at camp stays at camp, Rocky and Jimi, my other little friends, may never know what they are missing.

Long and short of it: Should you be on the road to Washington, Union, or Liberty, 220 holds many great stops, not to mention, some of the best views, but don’t forget to stop at the Washington General Store and say hi. Tell them I sent you and mention reading about them in the Wave.

If you would like to check out the menu and call ahead for a great sandwich or pizza!