R.A. Fountain General Store is a general store in Fountain, NC. Phone: (252) 749-3228. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 45 reviews. Website: http://www.rafountain.com/.
R.A. Fountain General Store logo R.A. Fountain General Store
Call Now Directions
Review
R.A. Fountain General Store showcasing its inviting exterior and signage.
4.7 45 reviews

A Century of Stories, Music, and Community

Fountain, NC's beloved general store where bluegrass echoes through century-old shelves and every visit feels like a discovery.

About Us

Interior view of R.A. Fountain General Store with patrons seated.
Interior view of R.A. Fountain General Store with patrons seated.

Some places just accumulate soul over time. R.A. Fountain General Store on East Wilson Street has been doing exactly that for nearly a hundred years, and the patina shows in the best possible way. Walk through the door and you're surrounded by old merchandise, local history, books, and music, all tended by hosts who actually know what they're talking about.

Alex, Kathy, and Julie run the place with a warmth that reviewers keep coming back to mention by name. The store earned a 4.7-star rating not from flashy renovations but from genuine character. Visitors drive out to Fountain specifically for the lightning wells, the surprise of a live bluegrass show in a room that smells faintly of aged wood and good stories, and the kind of conversation you simply cannot have at a big-box retailer.

This corner of eastern North Carolina keeps its own pace, and R.A. Fountain honors that. The store sits at the intersection of general merchandise, local culture, and living music history, a combination rare enough that people bring their out-of-town friends just to prove it's real.

What We Offer

The store carries the kind of everyday goods a working community actually needs, alongside books, music, and locally rooted curiosities that reward a slow browse. The selection reflects decades of knowing exactly what neighbors want on a Tuesday afternoon and what a curious visitor hopes to stumble across on a Saturday.

Beyond the shelves, R.A. Fountain hosts live bluegrass performances that draw serious music fans from across the region. The acoustics of an old general merchandise building turn out to be surprisingly right for acoustic strings and close harmonies. Show schedules vary, so checking the website before you drive out is worth the thirty seconds.

The lightning wells on the property are a draw all their own, an unexpected natural feature that gives the visit a dimension you won't find at any other store in the county. Bring a friend who hasn't been. Their reaction will be worth it.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 months ago
"Took my friend Mike to see lightning wells. My first visit there had a blast will definitely return!"
— Victoria Bachlotte
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Frankly I am biased toward places like R.A. Fountain General Store - I like books, music, history, old things and old-fashioned ways. Being of the warm and kindly people who live around here, Alex and Elizabeth run a warm friendly venue of music and literature with snacks and treats in an environment that simultaneously evokes memories (personal and shared) of old libraries, meeting halls, and old-fashioned stores with ice cream, bakery goods - and a healthy portion of antiques…. In short: a little trip back in time. But what really makes this place a delight is the friendly atmosphere fostered by the kindly, welcoming nature of Alex and Elizabeth, and their eclectic mix of friends and customers. Bring in Alex’s knowledge of writing, books and local history along with his welcoming yet frank conversation, it makes it hard to leave. So you stay a bit, have some snacks and a coffee, browse the books and pick one out (maybe two or three), learn something about them on a relevant topic of literature or history and head home feeling a little happier and a little smarter from time well spent. If you notice a musician or a band being promoted for an upcoming performance there I suggest you go, you’ll have a great time. But if you want a good seat up front - make sure you get your ticket in advance!"
— Tom Watson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"Kathy, Julie and Alex are all great hosts. Great hidden away blue grass venue. In a old general merchandise store that's been around for almost a century. Some really good shows from time to time plus up and coming musicians"
— Frankie Carraway
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"We go there frequently to watch bluegrass/country acts and it is a no frills friendly little old storefront. It takes you back about 50 years with old church pews and plastic chairs to sit on. Alex and his wife treat everyone with a friendly smile. Just a great little place out in the middle of nowhere and is a touch of old Americana!"
— Bruce Warrender
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"Great little store and really cool atmosphere for live music. Thanks again for hosting the show."
— Pete Henry

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is R.A. Fountain General Store located?

The store is at 6754 E Wilson St in Fountain, NC 27829. It's a destination worth the drive through eastern North Carolina's back roads.

Does the store host live music events?

Yes. R.A. Fountain is known as a hidden bluegrass venue, hosting live acoustic shows from time to time in the historic store building. Check rafountain.com for current event schedules before making the trip.

What are the lightning wells, and can visitors see them?

The lightning wells are a natural feature on the property that visitors consistently mention as a highlight. Past guests describe them as a surprising and memorable part of the visit. It's best to ask staff on-site for details.

What kind of merchandise does the store carry?

R.A. Fountain carries general store goods alongside books, music, and historical items. The inventory reflects the store's long local history and the eclectic tastes of its owners.

Is this a good destination for people who enjoy history and antiques?

Absolutely. Reviewers who love books, music, history, and old-fashioned ways consistently call R.A. Fountain a favorite. The building itself is nearly a century old and full of character.

How do I find out about upcoming shows or events?

The best source for current event information is the store's own website at rafountain.com. Shows are scheduled periodically, so it pays to check ahead if you're making a special trip.

Is R.A. Fountain worth visiting even when there's no live music scheduled?

Definitely. The store, the merchandise, the hosts, and the lightning wells make it a compelling stop on any day. The music shows are a bonus, not the only reason to come.

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Save to Contacts

Follow Us

Report an issue

See something off? Tell us. We’ll fix it and improve the listing for everyone. No account required.