More than 5,000 firearms, a full lumber yard, Amish furniture, and root beer floats all share one address. Yes, really.
One family business pulls off that mix under a single roof in northern New Hampshire.
The store packs over 50,000 square feet of retail space into a very small town. It started in 1986 as a modest sporting goods shop.
Then it just kept growing, one department at a time.
I like how practical the whole thing feels. You can grab plumbing parts, fishing bait, a Carhartt jacket, and a fresh pizza in one stop.
I can’t imagine a better place to fix a forgotten item on a North Country road trip.
So how does a family turn a little sporting goods counter into a destination this big? The answer is worth a closer look.
A Family Shop That Refused To Stay Small
Back in 1986, Louise and Luc Cote opened a local sporting goods store. Nobody could have guessed it would someday cover more than 50,000 square feet.
That shop is L.L. Cote, and it sits in Errol, New Hampshire.
It has stayed family-owned and operated since day one, which feels rare these days.
The growth came in steady steps. In 1989, the family added a small hardware store in a separate building.
Then 2002 brought the purchase of a Main Street building for a recreation department. By 2004, construction began on a new structure that pulled the separate buildings into one main store.
The story didn’t stop there. In 2017, the family bought the former Currier garage across the street for an outlet and home decor shop.
Today, children Shawn and Kristina Cote own the business. Luc and Louise still serve as vice president and president, and they remain active in the store.
I love that detail. Plenty of businesses get sold off or lose their personal touch as they expand.
This one kept the family at the center through nearly four decades of growth. That kind of steady commitment explains a lot about why the place works so well.
Need A Two-By-Four And A Paint Can? Check
Most outdoor stores stop at tents and fishing rods. L.L.
Cote keeps going straight into a full-service hardware store and lumber yard.
The hardware side covers plumbing and electrical supplies, paint, and lawn and garden tools. You’ll also find small housewares for the everyday stuff that always seems to run out.
Then there’s the lumber yard. It stocks raw materials, concrete, and metal for bigger projects.
For folks living in a remote corner of New Hampshire, that matters a lot. A broken pipe or a sagging deck can’t always wait for a long drive to a city.
Camp owners will appreciate this setup too. Getting a cabin ready for the season usually means a long list of random parts.
Having hardware and lumber next to everything else saves time and fuel. It also means fewer forgotten items when you get back to the job.
My tip is simple. Bring measurements and a written list before you go.
The selection is wide, and it’s easy to get sidetracked by the rest of the store. A little planning keeps your project moving and your wallet happy.
Hunters Get A Whole Department Built Around Them
Over 5,000 firearms. That number alone tells you how seriously this store takes hunting season.
The hunting department at L.L. Cote carries well-known brands.
Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Remington, Savage Arms, Stoeger, Winchester, and Weatherby all show up on the list.
This makes sense given the store’s roots. It began as a sporting goods shop, and hunting gear has stayed a core part of its identity.
The North Country of New Hampshire is wild, wooded land. Plenty of hunters head that way each fall, so a stocked department nearby is a real asset.
Beyond firearms, the sporting goods side covers the related gear hunters rely on. Think accessories, optics, and the small items you remember only after leaving home.
A quick bit of advice helps here. Know the rules for purchasing firearms before you shop, especially if you’re coming from out of state.
Regulations can differ depending on where you live. Staff can point you in the right direction, but doing homework first saves hassle.
Keep the hours in mind as well. Sporting Goods runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, which is shorter than the main store.
Your Bow Will Be In Good Hands Here
Archery folks tend to be picky, and honestly, they should be. A bow that’s slightly off can ruin a whole season.
That’s why the archery department at L.L. Cote stands out.
It carries compound bows, crossbows, and traditional bows all in one place.
Each style suits a different kind of shooter. Compound bows bring power and precision, crossbows offer a different handling feel, and traditional bows keep things classic.
The store says its archery area is staffed by knowledgeable people. That matters more than flashy displays when you’re choosing gear that needs careful setup.
So what should a beginner do? Start by asking questions instead of grabbing the first bow that looks cool.
Draw weight, length, and comfort all play a role. A good fit makes practice more fun and helps you build skill faster.
Experienced archers can benefit too. Swapping ideas with people who work with bows every day can reveal tweaks you never considered.
The Errol location also makes this handy for anyone hunting the surrounding woods. You can sort out gear issues close to where you’ll actually use it, which beats a long trip back south.
Anglers, Even Winter Won’t Slow You Down
Ice fishing gear sits right alongside summer tackle here. The fishing department serves anglers in all four seasons.
L.L. Cote stocks bait, rods, reels, tackle, and nets.
When the lakes freeze over, the ice fishing equipment takes center stage.
That year-round approach fits northern New Hampshire perfectly. Winters are long, and plenty of people treat a frozen lake like a second living room.
Having bait available nearby is a big plus. Live bait doesn’t travel well over long distances, so a close source makes trips easier.
Here’s a practical idea for first-timers. Tell the staff what kind of water you’re fishing and what you hope to catch.
The right lure or line weight can change your whole day. A small adjustment often beats buying the fanciest rod on the wall.
Families can make a fun outing of it too. Picking out a starter rod and a few colorful lures gets kids excited before they ever reach the water.
Just remember to check fishing license rules before you cast. Getting that sorted ahead of time means more minutes on the water and fewer worries along the shore.
Kayaks, Tents, And Snowmobile Stuff Under One Roof
Some weekends call for paddling. Others call for a tent, a campfire, or a snowmobile trail at sunrise.
The recreation department at L.L. Cote covers all of those moods.
It offers kayaks, camping gear, tents, and equipment for ATVs and snowmobiles.
This department has its own listed address at 9 Main St., Errol, NH 03579. The main store sits right beside it at 7 Main Street.
Forgot the tent stakes? It happens to the best of us, and it usually happens far from home.
A stop here can rescue a camping trip before it falls apart. The selection makes it easy to replace missing pieces or upgrade something worn out.
Riders will appreciate the ATV and snowmobile gear as well. The surrounding area is known for outdoor adventure, so the store’s focus makes total sense.
One tip before you buy a kayak: think about how you’ll carry it home. A roof rack or truck bed makes life much easier.
Measure your vehicle and know your storage space at home. That way your new boat ends up on the water, not wedged awkwardly in a garage corner.
Grab A Sub, A Slice, Or A Root Beer Float
Shopping a store this big builds an appetite. Luckily, the convenience store and deli are ready for that moment.
The deli at L.L. Cote runs a sub shop, pizzeria, and ice cream counter.
The menu includes homemade subs, fresh pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, and mozzarella sticks.
Ice cream lovers get Gifford’s, plus frappes and root beer floats. Those treats run during summer, from Mother’s Day to Columbus Day.
Feeding a hungry crew after a lake day? Whole pizzas are available to go if you call about 30 minutes ahead.
That small step saves real time. You can finish shopping while the pizza gets ready.
The convenience store side handles daily basics and snacks. It also has 24-hour credit card gas pumps, which can be a lifesaver after dark.
Errol is a remote spot, so topping off the tank here is a smart move. Gas stations can be spread out in this part of the state.
I think the deli turns a supply run into a little outing. A frappe in one hand and a bag of gear in the other sounds like a pretty great afternoon.
Your Closet Might Leave With A Few Upgrades
Carhartt, Under Armour, North Face, and Columbia all hang in the same department. That’s a solid lineup for anyone who spends time outdoors.
The clothing and footwear section at L.L. Cote mixes these familiar brands with more unique apparel.
It’s a nice balance between trusted basics and fun finds.
Weather up north can shift quickly. A warm layer or waterproof boots can turn a chilly day into a comfortable one.
So it pays to shop with the season in mind. Fall and winter visits are a great time to look at jackets and insulated footwear.
Summer trips might call for lighter shirts and comfy shoes instead. Either way, trying things on beats guessing your size online.
Gift shoppers can score here too. A cozy hoodie or rugged work jacket makes an easy present for the outdoors fan in your life.
The best part is convenience. You can pick up clothes after grabbing hardware or bait, without making a separate trip.
Just watch your cart. Between boots, hats, and fleece, a quick look can easily become a full wardrobe refresh, and nobody would blame you.
Cross The Street For Amish Furniture And Rustic Charm
A former garage now holds handcrafted furniture and country charm. The family bought the old Currier garage in 2017 and gave it a cozy new purpose.
The Country Decor Store sits across the street at 54 Main St., Errol, NH 03579. It houses Amish furniture, signs, rustic decor, and the outlet store.
Back in the main building, the gift shop offers household items. There’s also a toy department that keeps changing, so kids may spot something new on each stop.
Timing matters for this side trip. The Country Decor Store is closed Monday through Wednesday.
It opens Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan around those hours if furniture shopping is on your list.
Thinking about a big piece? Measure your space and vehicle before you arrive.
Solid wood furniture can be heavy and bulky. Knowing your dimensions helps you pick something that truly fits.
I like how this building rounds out the whole New Hampshire experience. After hardware, bait, and pizza, you can finish with a rustic sign for your kitchen wall, and that feels like the perfect North Country souvenir.
