Lebanon is the gateway to Historic Penn’s Store, located in the small hamlet of Gravel Switch. The Store has been designated a Kentucky Historical Landmark. Opened in 1845, it is the oldest country store in America continuously operated by the same family. It offers a unique step back in time.

Historic Penn’s Store has been in the Penn family since 1850 and has become a popular site for visitors seeking living history. The spirit of the store remains today much as it has throughout its past 150 plus years, although most recently it has been damaged by floodwaters and is currently undergoing restoration. It will be closed for business during this time, though progress can be viewed on site.

When restoration concludes, counters and glass showcases much as they were at the turn of the century will be on display once more. You will be able to see large spike nails in the ceiling where rolls of bologna and salt-cured country ham once hung. Dried herbs from the proprietor’s herb garden will be for sale as well as groceries, sandwiches and dry goods as it always has in the past. There will also be t-shirts, caps, handmade crafts, and specialty items for gifts and mementos.

Historic Penn’s Store has been featured in many magazine and newspaper articles, some of which emphasized the annual events held there. The largest event is the Great Outhouse Blowout, a celebration of the old-fashioned facility, complete with outhouse racing, which featured a visit from Ernie “Turtleman” Brown Jr. this past year!

Some of the articles reference the music featured at the store. It is not uncommon for musicians to drop in for impromptu "concerts." The store was even used as a backdrop for a Playboy magazine shoot and was featured on Animal Planet!

Historic Penn's Store has become a landmark to remind people of the bygone days of a more innocent and simple way of life. Those wishing to make a donation to help preserve Historic Penn's Store and to help keep one of Kentucky's Designated Historical Landmarks for future generations, please contact the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission for more information at 270.692.0021.

Directions…

• From Centre Square, drive one block south on KY 55/Spalding Ave. to light (Main St.).
• Turn left onto U.S. 68/Main St. and continue for 10.8 miles.
• Turn right onto 243 and continue for 1.4 miles then bear left onto KY 243 continuation.
• Drive 2.5 miles then turn right onto KY 243 continuation.
• Turn right onto Penn’s Store Road just after making that turn.
• Historic Penn’s Store is straight ahead.

Hours…

• Summer (April through November) – Wed., Thurs. & Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m.
• Winter (December through March) – Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m.

*Hours are subject to change so visitors are encouraged to call in advance, 859.332.7706 or 859.332.7716.

Special events…

• Sunday Afternoon Pickin’ & Singin’ – Sunday afternoons from 1-6 p.m., musicians and singers from all over are invited to join in the fun and anyone else can just come to listen to this free jam session. Call in advance during the winter months.
• Kentucky Writers Day Celebration - Each year in Kentucky April 24th is set aside for writers from all over and from all walks of life to celebrate Robert Penn Warren's Birthday.  Penn's Store helps celebrate in its own unique way on the weekend closest to that date.
• The Great Outhouse Blowout and Country Cruise-In – Each autumn brings Penn's Store's biggest and most exciting event. Usually held the first Saturday in October, this event features racing outhouses, bluegrass music, special guests, vendors a classic car, truck and motorcycle show.
• A Country Store Christmas – Visitors can enjoy a drink from the wassail bowl, eat a few cookies and shop for the holidays among the handmade Christmas gifts and crafts. Sit by an old wood burning stove and visit with the friendly people of the Forkland Valley.

For even more information, call 859.332.7706 or 859.332.7716 or visit www.pennsstore.com.

*Source: www.pennsstore.com, 2006.