It's a crammed and tiny place right off Rte. 113 in Chester Springs (and right out of an old-time movie) with easy access to all kinds of stuff to put in your mouth or your car, or anything you need in a pinch. That's what a general store is all about.
Except, Hallman's is even more. It serves up some of the tastiest take-out with an emphasis on ' local' and taking time to make things right.
It dates from 1928 when the small village behind was the railway stop for people getting off to go to the nearby spa in Historic Yellow Springs.
Back then, it was the local go-to-spot for goods and goodies, ranging from rubber bands to elderberry jam.
Today, it hasn't changed much except for the Gulf gas they offer (they pump!) Also, the tongue-tingling fresh-made sandwiches: The Zep, for example - a regional variation of your traditional hoagie packed with salami, capicola, bologna, and provolone. And home-made chicken salad, a big, fat healthy sandwich.
But, look around, and you'll see things you'd never expect all in one place. Worms, for example. (There's a major fishing stream nearby.) Wooden clothespins. Dog licenses. Lottery tickets and liverwurst. Down-home horseradish, paint and bug spray.
Yet, maybe best are the seasonal, local offerings: In Spring, fresh strawberries sweeter than honey; in summer, local luscious tomatoes, and corn fresh-picked and dripping with dew; all year, locally baked bread and Nelson's 'the best you'll find next to your own churned' ice cream.
Just hope you're not in a hurry. This is not 7 Eleven or WAWA. Owners, the Hallmans, and co-worker, Dudley Beggs, like to chat a bit with whomever comes in, maybe the local police chief, or a neighbor or two, over fresh-brewed coffee they pour daily. Only thing missing here is a pot-bellied stove.
But, never mind. There's a picnic table out back under a big tree where you can enjoy your Zep, or plump chicken salad sandwich, and a wide country vista while the Hallmans fill up your tank. Now that's take-out.
Sorry, no website. "Can't be bothered," say the Hallmans.
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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