I’ve been there, and I can assure you that Carroll’s Variety Store in Pocahontas does, indeed, “offer a little bit of everything” from goat’s milk soap to jewelry to candy – candy like Arkansas-made fudge, English toffee, and funnel cake mix, sorghum, and chow chow, among other goodies for the goodness sakes goodies delight! She also has local artists’ products such as canvas art, jewelry and quilts. I actually found an old play by number child’s organ I wanted, and now I am wondering if it will still be there! It is quite an awesome place to shop till you drop!
A visit with Carol updates us that the newest thing going now at the store involves the goat’s milk soap. She had been buying it from a local woman for years whom has now retired, but yes! She gave Carroll’s Variety Store the recipe and they are making it themselves now! What a cultural historical time! Recipes pass from generation to generation. Personally, my little brother who was born with a heart defect had to drink canned goat’s milk as a baby, so I already knew it has special qualities obviously for different things.
We are assured now a fresh batch is made every week (it has to cure 6 weeks), so they have a new batch coming out every week now. It’s really good soap, mild and with a nice lather, with olive oil added to the recipe to add to its richness. It will now be sold in two sizes, a standard soap bar size and the other is twice that size.
They are located in the heart of the Pocahontas National Commercial Historic District at 211 North Marr Street, Pocahontas, AR 72455, phone 870-609-1912. Their store hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, and closed Sunday and Monday. If you are anywhere in the area, stop and say hi to Ms. Carroll’s Variety Store, and tell her Ginger sent you!!!
