Locals call the Woodson Falls Market, Mike’s Place, after owner Mike Larson. Mike and his wife, Emma, who mans the deli, took over the failing grocery story several years back. By focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, high quality meats, and items last minute shoppers are likely to need, Mike has developed a strong following.
With little commercial development in town, Mike and Emma added newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, and seasonal plants to their inventory, taking care not to complete with neighboring merchants, Frank Pastore’s hardware store and Nell Whitney’s New Age shop, Rainbows & Unicorns.
Mike’s Place is small but not tiny. The store is neat and clean, avoiding a cluttered feeling despite its broad array of goods. There’s one door in and another out. There’s a large picture window to the right of the store’s entrance in which Mike features seasonal goods likely to appeal to shoppers. The rest of the building is painted barn red, in keeping with the rural feel of the town. A single cash register, usually manned by Mrs. Browning, the widow of a retired State Trooper, is positioned just before the exit.
A key feature of the store is the gathering place to the left of the deli. Furnished with several round tables and chairs, the space invites shoppers to linger over a cup of coffee and something to munch on while sharing news and gossip with their neighbors.
Emma Larson is one of Gaby’s closest friends. They often take time to chat when Gaby visits Mike’s Place.