Searching for the Elusive White Squirrel
By Dani Halliday
THE HIGHWAY 64 PROJECT
Conrad and Hinkle
Long Lasting Convenience
Tucked away on Main Street, Lexington, North Carolina, is Conrad and Hinkle, a historic mom-and-pop grocery store that has been a cornerstone of the community since 1919. It's not just a store, but a gathering place where locals come to catch up, share stories, and support each other. Suppose you envision the classic “old-timey” store with a steady supply of local touch of modern technology. In that case, you are picturing Conrad and Hinkle, a place that has not only stood the test of time but also holds a special place in the hearts of the community.
The heart of Conrad and Hinkle is a treasure trove of delights, with four aisles stocked with everything from Ritz Crackers to local jam. But it's the unique aspects that truly make this store a standout. As you step inside, a freezer to your right tempts you with its assortment of homemade pies in various sizes, complete with homemade whipped cream and pie crust. While every part of this store is special, two features stand out: The self-checkout counter, a relic of the past, and the pimento cheese, a local delicacy that is sure to pique your interest.
The self-checkout counter is located at the back of the store. Although it is no longer in use, the owners have chosen to preserve it as a testament to the store's evolution. The counter, with its old cash registers and check-out logs, is a window into the store's early days. The entire back area is adorned with a flow of memorabilia chronicling the store's journey from its first opening to the present day. It's a living history that Conrad and Hinkle are proud to share with its visitors.
The pimento cheese is the bell of the ball. Since its opening, the store has been making its own pimento cheese. While it used to be made in-store, it is still sold there. The recipe has not changed, nor has the methods of creation. This iconic dish is not just an integral part of the greater Lexington community, but according to Food&Wine, it has also attracted food enthusiasts from across the country and even across the Atlantic, eager to taste its unique flavor.
Lexington, North Carolina, is already a beautiful town that can make for a lovely visit, but the local history, especially at Conrad and Hinkle, can not be beaten.
–Caroline Kilborn
The Candy Factory
Lexington's Sweet Spot
Located just across North Main Street from Conrad and Hinkle, the Lexington Candy Factory is a true time capsule. Its front doors open to a world of nostalgia, with iconic candy wrappers and boxes adorning the upper walls, which are also home to a collection of antiques, and, of course, candy.
As you step into the store, the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and popcorn. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the colorful baskets of gummy candy and local trinkets. Moving further, you discover a delightful array of gluten-free and vegan homemade chocolates, as well as individual packages of candies. The journey continues with the sight of an impressive popcorn machine and a maze of candies, from Bit-O-Honey to peppermints. In its unique oval shape, the store's path is a candy lover's paradise.
The heart of the store is a treasure box of confectionery delights. Here, you'll find an abundance of candies, from homemade chocolate turtles to fudge and caramel, each a sweet testament to the Candy Factory's craftsmanship. While there are classic aspects of this store, there are some modernizations. Candies that are popular today, as well as trinkets and toys for the modern-day toddler, can be purchased.
​The Candy Factory is the epitome of a “classic candy shop”. If stopping at Conrad and Hinkle is on your list for Lexington, North Carolina, then The Candy Factory should be, too.
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–Caroline Kilborn
Sweets Off Main Streets
The old, creaky floors, red candy buckets, and candies and toys from the 1940s bring a whirlwind of nostalgia when you open the door to The Candy Factory. Located in Lexington, the factory is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you prefer homemade fudge and chocolates or are in need of a bite of your favorite childhood candies, this is the place for you. Just look for smiling customers and the red and white striped pig outside. You won’t want to miss it!​
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–Jenna Hokanson
