GO LOCAL

Kowaliga

General Store

STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

When Teresa Cameron purchased a store on state Route 63 three years ago, she started by selling produce from a tent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Kowaliga General Store has come a long way since then. Although customers are still greeted with a large ‘Produce’ sign at the entrance, once inside, it is easy to see that there is a lot more than just produce to explore.

Kowaliga General Store is a homey, welcoming spot with fresh pies for sale and a variety of gift items.

“The pies have really taken off,” Cameron said. “I filled 150 orders of pies and cakes Thanksgiving week.”

She calls the bakery business ‘The Silly Hen Bakery’ as a tribute to the chickens she has at home. Cameron bakes what she knows, and her top sellers include key lime and Kentucky derby pies, as well as Jack Daniel’s fudge. In addition to the pies and cakes, shoppers can find stoneground grits, bread mixes and boiled peanuts, along with a selection of fresh produce. Sometimes, lucky shoppers will find fresh eggs from Cameron’s hens. A variety of gift items, many of them lake themed, are also available and very popular.

This month, Cameron is featuring some beautiful Christmas ornaments that could make wonderful decorations or gifts.

She also has big plans, including a coffee bar and deli counter that will service customers seven days a week with fresh soups and sandwiches. Cameron is planning for the store expansion to be completed in early 2023. With contractors in high demand around the lake, she hopes that she has finally found someone who will complete the finishing touches on her industrial kitchen before lake

season starts this spring.

In addition, Cameron promotes a vehicular fire extinguisher campaign through the store. After losing her 16-year-old son, Gardner, in a car fire following an auto accident last March, she encourages her customers to purchase fire extinguishers for their cars. River Bank in Alexander City has set up a fund for donations that are used to purchase the fire extinguishers that Cameron gives away. At times, she has some for sale at Kowaliga General Store. When she sells one in her shop, the proceeds are used to buy another fire extinguisher.

“Fire extinguishers are required on boats and in RVs. Why not cars?” Cameron said. “If a fire extinguisher had been available immediately after the crash, my son may still be alive. By keeping a fire extinguisher in your car, you may save your life or the life of another.”

Kowaliga General Store is open seven days a week. During lake season, the hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or when the last customer leaves. During the winter months, the shop usually closes at 3 p.m., so Cameron can tend to the hens and other animals she has at home.

This store is worth the time to stop in and take a look around. Check out Cameron’s Facebook page for bakery items available to order.

Perfect as Pie

Left: Pies are Teresa Cameron's most popular offering at Kowaliga General Store; Above: Art, clothing, food and gift items make a charming display.

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