Cooter's Country Store in Dukes of Hazzard Land

What Cooter's Country Store is and where to find it

Cooter's Country Store is a roadside attraction in Covington, Georgia, themed around the 1980s television series The Dukes of Hazzard. The store sits about 30 miles west of Atlanta and operates as both a gift shop and a working garage, honoring the character Cooter Davenport, the show's mechanic. While it is not in South Carolina, it draws visitors from across the Southeast, including many South Carolinians who make the drive as part of a road trip through Georgia.

The store occupies a restored building filled with memorabilia from the series—cast photographs, props, vintage merchandise, and replicas of the General Lee, the show's famous orange Dodge Charger. The attached garage still functions as a real repair shop, blending the fictional world with working reality. Cooter's is run by Ben Jones, the actor who played Cooter on the show, and has become a pilgrimage site for fans of 1980s television and Southern pop culture.

Key Takeaways

• Cooter's Country Store is located in Covington, Georgia, about 30 miles west of Atlanta, and is themed around the character Cooter from The Dukes of Hazzard.
• The store combines a gift shop stocked with show memorabilia and merchandise with a functioning automotive repair garage.
• Ben Jones, the actor who played Cooter, owns and operates the store and is often present to meet visitors.
• The store is open to the public year-round, though hours vary seasonally, so calling ahead is recommended before making the trip from South Carolina.
• Admission to browse the store is free; visitors pay only for merchandise or services they purchase.

What you'll see inside the store

The interior is organized around Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia and Southern automotive culture. Display cases hold original scripts, photographs of the cast, and props used during filming. The walls feature vintage advertisements, neon signs, and artwork celebrating the show and the 1970s and 1980s era it represents. A life-size replica of the General Lee sits prominently, and visitors can pose with it for photographs.

The gift shop sells t-shirts, hats, die-cast model cars, DVDs of the series, and other branded merchandise. Many items are exclusive to Cooter's and cannot be found elsewhere. The garage section, visible from the store floor, displays tools and equipment used in real automotive work, reinforcing that this is a functioning business, not purely a museum.

The garage and automotive services

Unlike a typical gift shop, Cooter's operates a real auto repair facility. The garage handles general maintenance, repairs, and restoration work. Visitors can watch mechanics at work or discuss their vehicles with staff who understand both classic cars and modern repairs. This dual function—part tourist attraction, part working shop—gives the store authenticity and sets it apart from purely themed attractions.

If you are traveling through Georgia with a vehicle that needs attention, you can combine sightseeing with practical service. The garage also appeals to car enthusiasts and collectors who want their vehicles serviced by people who understand the culture and history of American automobiles.

Planning a visit from South Carolina

Cooter's is roughly a 6- to 8-hour drive from most of South Carolina, depending on your starting point. From Columbia, take I-20 west toward Atlanta, then follow local roads to Covington. The store is located at 240 Main Street in Covington's downtown area, making it easy to find once you reach the town.

Hours vary by season and day of the week. The store is typically open during daytime hours, but calling ahead at the store's phone number ensures you do not make the drive only to find it closed for a private event or holiday. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The store is accessible to visitors with mobility limitations, though some areas are narrow.

What to expect as a visitor

Cooter's attracts a mix of tourists: devoted fans of the television series, casual visitors interested in 1980s nostalgia, car enthusiasts, and families on road trips. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming. Ben Jones often greets visitors and is willing to chat about the show, his role, and the store's history. This personal touch is part of what makes the experience memorable rather than transactional.

The store is not large—most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour browsing and taking photographs. It works well as a stop on a longer Georgia road trip rather than as a full-day destination. Nearby Covington has restaurants and other attractions, so you can easily build a half-day or full-day itinerary around the area.

Nearby attractions and dining

Covington's downtown has developed as a filming location for movies and television shows, so the town itself has historical and cultural appeal beyond Cooter's. Local restaurants serve Southern food and comfort fare. The town square is walkable and has shops, galleries, and cafes. If you are making the drive from South Carolina, combining Cooter's with other Covington attractions or nearby Georgia destinations makes the trip more worthwhile.

Atlanta is 30 miles away, so you could extend your visit to include major museums, the Georgia Aquarium, or other city attractions. This flexibility allows you to shape the trip around your interests and available time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an admission fee to enter Cooter's Country Store?

No. Entering the store and browsing the memorabilia is free. You pay only if you purchase merchandise or use the garage services. This makes it easy to stop in quickly without financial commitment.

Can I meet Ben Jones when I visit?

Ben Jones is often at the store, but his schedule varies. There is no may provide he will be present on any given day. Calling ahead and asking about his schedule increases your chances of meeting him if that is important to your visit.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour at Cooter's. The store is compact, and once you have seen the memorabilia and taken photographs with the General Lee replica, you have experienced the main attractions. Longer visits depend on how much time you spend talking with staff or browsing merchandise.

Can I get my car repaired while I visit?

Yes. The garage handles repairs and maintenance. Complex work may take longer than a single visit allows, but routine services and inspections can often be completed while you wait or explore the store. Call ahead to discuss your vehicle's needs and get an estimate.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Cooter's is open year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for the drive from South Carolina. Summer heat can make the long drive tiring, and winter weather occasionally affects road conditions. There is no peak season that makes one time dramatically better than another, so visit when your schedule allows.