I have several friends who went to college in Ithaca, NY and when we all moved to Boston after graduation the one thing they complained about missing the most was a grocery store called Wegmans.
For years now I have been hearing about how amazing this store is and when the news broke that Wegmans would be coming to Massachusetts, they all jumped for joy.
The first Wegmans in Massachusetts opened in Northborough, but their newest store is in rapidly developing (or should I say, redeveloping) Chestnut Hill.
The anticipation of the Wegmans' arrival was so great that the police put flashing signs up the week before the grand opening cautioning locals that the traffic would be extremely intense and to expect majors delays.
All this for a grocery store!
So tonight, I finally decided to see what all the hype is about.
Parking at Wegmans couldn't have been easier (even in the rain) and I walked in and decided to push a cart because I knew I'd want to buy more than just a few quick items for dinner.
Wegmans is known for their prepared food section and the first sign I saw said "Chicken wings." Yes, people, there is a chicken wing bar at Wegmans.
The prepared section also boasts some pretty good looking pizza. Sausage and banana peppers, anyone?
If you're having a hummus, olive or roasted red pepper craving, you can taste all three plus many more delicacies at the Mediterranean bar.
The meat section was actually quite impressive (even to me), especially the pre-made kabobs. How perfect for a BBQ!
Speaking of BBQs, you can also buy these pre-seasoned burger patties, like this one packed with cheddar and bacon.
Feel like seafood? How about live lobsters?
The center of the store is dedicated to produce. Wegmans really seems to like bananas.
Much like a deli counter, you can get fresh slices of fruit.
Even better, you can pick your fruits and have the Wegmans team make you a fruit salad on the spot. Goodbye, chopping watermelon with a giant butcher knife.
Around the corner from the fruit station I found my new obsession, the trail mix bar.
Don't you worry, I dropped everything else and began making my own mix. I'm a pretty big fan of any store that encourages me to put M&Ms and chocolate chunks into my snacks.
While on the sugar high from the M&Ms, I also checked out the bakery items. This almond croissant caught my eye.
I would also like to enjoy this raspberry bear paw danish.
Perfect for summer, the bakery was showcasing strawberry lemonade cupcakes with a striped straw garnish. How cute!
Now, what I discovered about Wegmans is that they are so much more than just a grocery store. For example, their floral section is stunning. They had all the usual suspects - carnations, tulips, roses, gerber daisies - but they also had beautiful orchids.
Why stop at the flowers and plants? They also have lawn ornaments. I swear I almost left with that light blue owl.
The garden section also has an array of scented candles with flavors like Sunday Morning Pancakes, Red Velvet Cupcake and Brownie Batter. Don't mind if I do!
After sniffing candles, I arrived at the greeting card aisle. Yes, aisle.
Said aisle has a whole section of just Papyrus cards. You know, the fancy $6 dollar ones.
Much to my surprise and delight, Wegmans also has paper goods. You know how I love a festive napkin.
I love both of these choices for my July 4th BBQ. I was too overwhelmed and couldn't choose on the spot.
There was a whole aisle of Pier 1 type finds as well - wine glasses, plates, mixing bowls, aprons - the works.
There is a section of Wegmans, toward the back, that carries "regular" grocery items, the kinds of things you would find at Shaws or Stop & Shop. That section of the store is piled high with boxes and feels like Costco.
The only plus side of that Costco-like section is it has the ice cream.
The Wegmans ice cream selection is first class. I discovered a brand that shares its name with a popular beer and comes in fun flavors like Black & Tan and Root Beer Float.
Also, did you know there is wine flavored ice cream? I believe we've uncovered the holy grail.
After walking up and down every single aisle, literally, it was time to check out. I resisted the urge to buy this cute reusable bag that was hanging by the register.
After my first trip to Wegmans, one thing is clear: this is a one stop shop. Normally when I host a party, I wind up going to the grocery store, the party store, the florist and sometimes even Target or Home Depot. With Wegmans, I am positive I could get absolutely everything I need in one trip. Did I mention they also have a liquor store?
Though Chestnut Hill is way too far for me to drive just for my regular weekly grocery shop, I would totally do a Wegmans run in anticipation of a big party.
Have you been to Wegmans? Are you a devoted customer?
