A Serendipity Farmhouse Reflection on shopping at Wegmans by Old Fuzz Face

Let’s be honest—I’m not the kind of man who takes grocery shopping lightly. I’ve got a system. I’ve got maps. And yes, I’ve got notes. So when Blondie and I drive 37 miles to Wegmans in Gainesville, it’s not just a whim—it’s strategic.

Now don’t get me wrong: Aldi is our go-to. Low prices, fast checkout, no frills—just the way we like it most weeks. But every now and then, we need something more. Something fresh, varied, even a bit—dare I say—fancy.

That’s where Wegmans comes in.

Why Wegmans?

They’ve got a prepared food section that could feed a small army or two weary farmhouse cooks. Hot bar, sushi, pizza—the works. We usually stop for lunch in the mezzanine and plot our course like seasoned generals.

And the wine, beer & spirits? Aldi’s got value, but Wegmans has Virginia wines and staff who know their pairings. Blondie likes that. I like not guessing.

We make our way through dairy, floral, cheese, and produce—all noticeably better stocked and styled than what you’ll find at the budget chains. Blondie’s eyes light up in the cheese department. Me? I push the cart and hope for samples.

Then there’s the fresh market—seafood, charcuterie, artisan pastries. Aldi doesn’t even try. Wegmans makes it easy to say yes to quality. And yes, I do say yes to the bakery rolls for the ride home.

No, we’re not there every week. That wouldn’t be practical. But when we go, it’s intentional. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about finding things that make cooking better, shopping more enjoyable, and Blondie smile.

That, folks, is what I call a smart decision.

Until next time, Keep it Simple! & Keep it Practical!
—Old Fuzz Face

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