I live in So.Cal. in a community of 5,200 that is spread out over 420 square miles. We have two gas stations, and a country market that doubles as the deli, laundromat, hardware store, pharmacy, and community gathering place. We have a liquor store, a few "antique" stores, and other than the two name brand gas stations, we just got a Dollar General, our only chain store. Oh, and we have a handful of mom and pop restaurants and repair shops. Our population may increase by 10 times on weekends as we cater to offroaders who come up from the big city to camp and ride or if we have a big movie production in town or a big off-road event such as King of the Hammers.
I don't have TV or Internet. I'm usually lucky to have electricity, which is a pain when it goes out because that means no water. I love my rural lifestyle, and as such, specialize in rural shops.
I just did a gas station in a community POP 17 and quite commonly do them in communities of less than 200. The gas station owners love it when I'm the mystery shopper because they know I'm not going to ding them for the stupid stuff the guy from the big city dings them for, such as dead flowers under five feet of snow or no water hose because it's seven degrees. I understand them and what they go thru. (I can vouch for the fact that there are good reasons for some of Maritz' quiz questions.) I also do stations where not only does the station have an outhouse but most of the houses do too because no one has indoor plumbing.
I love my rural shops. You get to meet some of the nicest people. But as OP suggested, you have to be prepared for almost anything.
A few months ago I went to check on a restroom and came face to face with an assault rifle that the owner was removing from his gun safe. There were signs all over the station that he also offered CCW classes. We startled each other.
I've also noted lately a slew of gas station owners trying to give me free stuff, which makes me wonder about my counterpart. I always turn it down.
Last week I stopped between audits to photograph deer. I've also photographed bear and other wildlife. The beauty of the rural areas is calming versus the stress of shopping LA, which I still do from time to time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/28/2016 02:32AM by whiterosie.