Photo by Michel Meynsbrughen
Food is never far from my mind. I love all things associated with it: eating it, preparing it, and shopping for it. (Not necessarily in that order. And there is one thing I don’t like about it –the clean up that comes along with it!)
Why Grocery Stores Hold a Fond Place in My Heart
Growing up, I remember my family shopped at one grocery store: Safeway. It was right up the street from our house. Within walking distance even. In nicer weather, especially when my grandparents came to visit, we’d take leisurely strolls up there to get treats like a juicy watermelon that my dad would carry back for us to eat on the back porch, or maybe candy bars or soda pop to enjoy on the way home while we talked and just enjoyed each other’s company.
As I got older King Soopers became the store of choice because of an invention called a build-your-own salad bar. My busy working mom would pick me up from school and we’d have fun walking around the salad bar picking out our dinners together and catching up on the day’s events.
Albertsons was another good one, especially for crab legs. They’d run great specials on them, so we’d make a mini-event of it. Mom would go pick out the crab legs and get the bread while I went to the video section to rent us a movie.
I think that’s why I view grocery stores in the way I do. They’re more than just places to get food; they’re the places where memories start.
All Grown Up
These days I’m responsible for gathering the harvest to serve at our hearth. Sometimes I can get everything I need in one place. Sometimes I have to take the pocketbook into consideration. Sometimes it’s the soul even more than the body that needs nurturing.
Luckily I know stores to accommodate all of these needs!
Frugal Store: Walmart
Need I say more? They usually have the most competitive prices around and a good selection to boot. When money’s tight (or I’m just being tight with the money) this is the place I go.
Every Day/Regular Shopping Week Stores: Publix and Harris Teeters
Publix and Harris Teeters tend to run higher than Walmart, and sometimes Harris Teeter can run higher than Publix or vice versa. But Publix is a bit more convenient to get to than either Walmart or Harris Teeters so I usually end up there. (Plus, when I’m in the mood to be bad, Publix’s bakery can’t be beat!)
However, I usually can be found making at least one pit stop per week in good ol’ HT because they are the only store in town that carries Wayne’s favorite lemonade, Florida Natural.
Indulgent Store: The Fresh Market
Ah, this is my utmost favorite store, but it’s only to be ventured into on special occasions. (Or for fish. They have the best seafood in town.)
However, they also have the highest prices in town.
But every once in a while it’s just what my soul needs. Stepping inside, I feel comforted inhaling the wonderful aromas from their fresh coffee area, flower shop, deli area, and bakery. It’s like being at a flower market, farmer’s market, and European market at the same time, making it a delightful place to shop when I need a diversion from the ordinary.
Question for Readers
Where do you like to shop? What’s your favorite store? Do you have a place like the Fresh Market that you like to shop at when you want to splurge and/or indulge yourself? Do you have a favorite frugal grocery store?
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