Sunday, August 27, 2006

Buy stuff!

After our first few weeks here, it seems appropriate to give you a review of some of our Pioneer Valley shopping discoveries. Consumerism = good, right?

There are no Dairy Queens here. This is a problem.

No Chipotles either. This is also problematic.

Minnesota-based retailers are well-represented in nearby Hadley, with a Target and a Best Buy. Nothing that fantastic about either of these stores, but it is nice to have some familiar names close by.

The Hadley Mall also features Dave’s Soda and Pet City. True to the business name, this warehouse-style store caters to the multifaceted needs of the region’s dog, cat, fish, and reptile owners, while offering those same owners the convenience of replenishing their dwindling supplies of carbonated beverages in the same shopping trip. Not the cheapest place to buy that 24-pack of Diet Coke, but it is perfect if you’re desperate for Diet Coke AND kitty litter…

Yesterday we made our way down to the Holyoke Mall, just north of Springfield. Readers familiar with any of the ‘Dales in the Twin Cities would feel at home here, as this mall features pretty much the same shopping options – Gap, Old Navy, Abercrombie, Sears, JC Penney’s, DSW, and so forth.

Virtually every town out here has a Dunkin’ Donuts. We haven’t yet succumbed to the pull of our local Dunkin’, but rumor has it that their coffee is decent, so we can’t avoid it forever.

Favorite new find so far: Trader Joe’s in Amherst. Hippie/granola/organic foods, fun atmosphere, cheaper than Whole Foods, pre-made cheese enchiladas – how can you go wrong?

- jbc

3 comments:

Jason Bauer-Clapp said...

Editor's note: I was informed by Tracy Griffin that Trader Joe's has a store on Excelsior in St. Louis Park. Just so you know...

Anonymous said...

Hi guys, love the new blog! I just wanted to mention that if you haven't tried it out yet, you should check out a Friendly's to satisfy your Dairy Queen cravings. The ice cream isn't soft serve but it's pretty good and there seems to be one in almost every town out east. Plus they have a sundae called the Happy Ending! How can you go wrong with that? Heidi, I got your message and I will call you back soon, I promise...

Anonymous said...

It's obvious you are having a lot of fun in your new surroundings. I can see Jay's creativity shining through - you could certainly make a career out of this. Maybe the local gazette needs another contributor.

I've been to the Trader Joe's on Excelsior Blvd. It is awesome! Gourmet delights at affordable prices.

Keep up the blog so we can all share in your fun.

Love, Aunt Ruth