http://www.wpri.com/dpp/rhode_show/i-luv-ri-hack-and-livery-general-store

The Rhode Show tagged along for the ride to a company in Hope Valley that has been around for more than 35 years.

Built in 1888 in Hope Valley, the building was used as a stable till the early nineteen hundreds. Now, it's one of the few true general stores left and an I Luv RI favorite. 

"Washington Trust created the “I love Rhode Island” campaign to celebrate all that's great about Rhode Island. Businesses, non-profit, the people, the stores, and to just talk about what's great about our Ocean State," said Elizabeth Eckel, Senior Vice-President of marketing for Washington Trust Bank.

This is one of those places that you can get lost in.

"Hack and Livery” is just well known, it's unique, it has a little bit of everything, and you can always find something special here. It's just a treasure; it's a Rhode Island treasure."

The current owners have had the keys for over 35 years.

"The store was constructed in 1888 by a gentleman, George H. Barber, who ran it as a livery stable, until about 1912, and he passed after that. This operated as many different things, from antique shops, to used cars. Many, many things. We bought the place in 1975, it took two years to renovate and restore the property. We opened it in '77, and this is our 35th year in business, which we're pretty proud of," said Owner Douglas Yattaw.

The people who shop here each day are not just customers to the staff. 

Doug says they are so much more, "I’d like to think that myself, and all the people that work here do such an excellent job of helping people, of being courteous, and just being nice every day. That's why we have been successful, and as highly successful as we are, my customers mean an awful lot to me, and to us."

Kids and families keep coming back for the penny candy and the history this building holds.

"Well, I think it's almost the old Shakespeare adage, don’t judge a book by its cover. It's an old barn, it's an old building. It's got a big horse painted on the front of it, and they walk inside and they're totally amazed by the color, the brightness,” said Doug.

You can buy everything here, from a pirate hat to a Yankee candle.

"Well, I like to think that everything that's sold here is successful. We attempt, by American fortune. That's not that easy to do anymore, we do extremely well with our Yankee candles, but I think our business' biggest success is our candy. And the candy appeals to everybody, whether you're three years old, or you're 93 years old. Everybody loves candy!" Doug said.