Woody’s Stop N Shop

When we get off work on Friday nights, my husband and I frequently make the four-​hour trip from Hammond, Louisiana, to Noxapater, Miss., where Woody’s is a unique oasis in the heart of darkness along Hwy 15 between Philadelphia and Louisiville. This vibrant convenience store knows how to cook up Hunt’s pizza better than any i’ve ever had. We generally pick up a few slices and a cold beer before continuing on to our nearby special get-​away spot, or if we’re really hungry, we call ahead to order an entire pizza when we’re about 15 minutes away. Woody’s has a wide variety of fried deli food, and you don’t come out smelling like old grease. The long aisle of good quality, fresh candy has an extensive variety of everything imaginable. We’ve even stocked up on the latest flavors of M&Ms before they become available in larger markets. The souvenirs include the typical, but also many items unique enough to make decent gifts. Where else can you find a teddy bear wearing a Noxapater, Miss., sweater? The policeman who keeps watch over the place in the wee hours and the folks who keep the coffee hot and the pizza cooking are friendly hometown people. It’s no wonder this store is hopping at all hours of the day or night. We wouldn’t miss a chance to stop at Woody’s.