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Book Warehouse is nothing like the Barnes and Noble or Border's chain bookstores. Instead, here they carry books that are closeouts, discontinued, or overruns (printing). You'll be hard pressed to...
Book Warehouse is nothing like the Barnes and Noble or Border's chain bookstores. Instead, here they carry books that are closeouts, discontinued, or overruns (printing). You'll be hard pressed to find any familar titles or authors for they don't carry the latest best sellers.
The store does have well displayed sections for easy browsing for books of interest. Prices are quite low, often up to 80% off publisher's fee. It's a small store but well stocked.
Located at the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, it's nestled in with 130 other stores. This means there's a little walk from your parked car to this store. Hardly worth it unless you're there for other shopping.
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Books a Million is a large chain bookstore, in the likes of Border's and Barnes and Noble. While I have frequented the latter two, I had not ever been in Books a Million.
I was first struck by...
Books a Million is a large chain bookstore, in the likes of Border's and Barnes and Noble. While I have frequented the latter two, I had not ever been in Books a Million.
I was first struck by the vastness of this store. It seemed to have no end. I swear it is bigger than the grocery supermarkets.
Contrary to my earlier belief this store is not a "warehouse" type of disconntinued or damaged books. Everything I saw was current and new. Displays were pleasing to browse. Sections were well marked for subject matter. In the cookbook section I had trouble finding a book by a favorite author so asked for help. The clerk quickly found the title in her computer and located the desired book. There were many clerks present to help everyone.
Here were lounges with soft oversized cushioned chairs in various parts of the store for reading books. There's also a Joe Muggs cafe that serves coffee.
At the checkout I was asked if I wanted to join the "Millionaires Club". When she told me I would get 10% off purchases I declined as I just had a small item in my cart. I learned later that this card can also be used for 10% off their online store as well.
I will definitely be returning to Books a Million often.
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Marshalls
Category:
Department Stores
3611 First Street E Suite 400
Bradenton, Florida 34208
(941) 747-2929
I've always wondered what the store Marshall's was like. They don't advertise in the newspaper so I really didn't know what to expect. Located in a very large strip mall, I knew many people...
I've always wondered what the store Marshall's was like. They don't advertise in the newspaper so I really didn't know what to expect. Located in a very large strip mall, I knew many people frequented this place. Yesterday I finally decided enough mystery!
The store is large but smaller than the well known Target. It carries toys, games, household goods such as furniture accents, decor, crystal, kitchen supplies and possibly the most clothing I've seen. There are no walls or sectioned off areas which allowed my eye to span the vast number of racks. I appreciated the well displayed size signs everywhere. Even the children's section was easy to browse. Surprisingly the tags on all the merchandise looked just like the ones they use at TJMaxx. Even the mark downs/clearance had the same look.
I recognized the many name brands in clothing and all areas. This raised my opinion of Marshall's right then. Of course nothing here is full price.
Christmas sales were evident here. The usual wrapping paper, boxes, ribbons were for sale. I liked how they displayed smaller items near the cash registers and end cap isles to inspire ideas for gift giving. Men's buttery soft leather toiletry bags were a steal at $9.99 yesterday. My "find" was a beautiful small fluted covered dish (for microwave,oven, freezer) for only $2.99. It wasn't damaged in any way.
There was help available and plenty of cashiers. I had a pleasant shopping experience and will return soon!
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If you've never eaten at a Golden Corral, you are missing possibly the biggest feast ever. I don't know if all the Golden Corral restaurants in the chain in the USA are as fantastic as the one in...
If you've never eaten at a Golden Corral, you are missing possibly the biggest feast ever. I don't know if all the Golden Corral restaurants in the chain in the USA are as fantastic as the one in Bradenton but I feel very fortunate to have this buffet in my winter hometown.
The readers of our local paper, Bradenton Herald, have consistantly voted this Golden Corral on Cortez Rd the Best Buffet in the city. When you consider they serve just about every food imaginable on every night of the week, it's no wonder. Needless to say, it is not a place you want to visit unless you are hungry.
I've never had to wait in line as the restaurant is large enough to accomodate many. Weekends do seem to draw more people however.
The food stations are on separate islands so no worry about waiting in a long line to reach your desire selection. Steaks are cooked at your request, roasts are carved and so on. The dessert table is quite awesome and eye appealing so I recommend you save room in your tummy for this. The salads are wonderful too. Really, there's nothing I don't like because they seem to know what Americans like!
Golden Corral has theme nights. If you like Shrimp, go on Monday. Tuesday- bring your family for "Family night". Wednesday is for tasting tacos, burritos and all those down-on-the-border treats on "Mexican night". For finger lickin' ribs, attend "BBQ night" on Thursday. As you may guess, Friday is "Seafood night" while Saturday is "Steak night". Sunday you'll find ham and beef roast for "Carvers night".
And last, you just can't beat the price at under $10 for adults. Senior Citizen prices are only $8.99. I recommend not getting a soft drink or coffee if you want to keep the bill under $10. There's plenty of good water. This is possible my favorite restaurant of all.
http://www.goldencorral.net/
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When we feel like having a fun night, we head to Anna Maria's. The atmosphere in this restaurant is always lively. Weekends are always packed out but we don't mind waiting sometimes. During the...
When we feel like having a fun night, we head to Anna Maria's. The atmosphere in this restaurant is always lively. Weekends are always packed out but we don't mind waiting sometimes. During the week there's not as much wait, especially if we get there by 5:30.
The lunch specials are quite good at only $11.49 for two. Dinner specials are $16.99 for two, both are for anytime/day. The entree prices are very reasonable with ample portions. Service can be a bit slow if they are extremely busy; otherwise it's about normal, like most restaurants.
I really like their fish and chips, all you can eat. It comes in a basket with cole slaw and lots of french fries. The Nutty Grouper is very good too.
The wait staff is attentive, but a little pushy on getting you to order alcoholic drinks. Obviously this is high profit item for the restaurant as it is for any. I don't like running up my bill so always decline.
Plenty of booths and tables here though a bit crowded together. Guess this is what makes the place lively.
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One of the fastest growing food markets in the USA is Save a Lot. Both in FL and MI I've found new chains of Save a Lot sprouting, especially in the smaller towns.
If you haven't tried Save a...
One of the fastest growing food markets in the USA is Save a Lot. Both in FL and MI I've found new chains of Save a Lot sprouting, especially in the smaller towns.
If you haven't tried Save a Lot yet, you've been spending too much on groceries, particularly staple items. This Palmetto store has many Hispanic food items. The produce is local and usually pretty fresh. They also carry fruits and vegetables not in season for a reasonable price. The can goods selection is quite varied, again for low prices. The meats are just average, in my opinion, so I pass up that. Dairy foods, especially milk, is always up to date and cheaper than I can find anywhere unless there's a sale. I love stocking up on the frozen vegetables, especially the stir frys.
Unlike many of the bigger supermarkets, I've not had to wait in long lines. If it does get crowded they have enough cashiers to open more. They accept all credit cards except American Express. Be warned that the clerk does not bag your groceries. Bring your own plastic bags or use their free boxes.
I'm always amazed at my total bill. The low prices bring me back every time.
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If you're in the south, you just gotta have RIBS. And what a selection of restaurants to choose from. Frankly I was overwhelmed by the choices so I asked neighbors and friends for recommendations....
If you're in the south, you just gotta have RIBS. And what a selection of restaurants to choose from. Frankly I was overwhelmed by the choices so I asked neighbors and friends for recommendations. Kojak's Ribhouse was one I was urged to try.
Located north of Bradenton in Palmetto, this restaurant is in its 4th year at this location. Though famous for ribs Kojak's has an extensive menu of many items, all homemade. I chose the rib dinner with 2 sides - cole slaw and red buttered potatoes, all of which were very good. The ribs were especially meaty and not too fatty. I liked that extra sauce was available because they were a bit on the dry side for me. The half rack was more than enough so I had the leftovers put in a box for lunch the next day. My husband also had the ribs but chose the corn on the cob (so so) and the french fries (good). Their homemade corn bread that accompanies all dinners was excellent.
Service was excellent. In fact, it wasn't even 5 minutes after placing the order that our dinners arrived. The patrons coming in for take outs were also served in a timely manner.
The decor was pleasant with more live plants I've ever seen outside of a nursery. The mixture of booths and tables would accommodate parties of any size. The bar spanning the width of the dining room was quite impressive. We enjoyed the pleasant piano music while feasting the Friday evening we were there. It was not crowded and we did not have to wait to be seated.
I've heard the new Grouper sandwich is good so we'll be coming back.
To order online check here : http://www.kojakstogo.com/
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CVS
Category:
Retail Shopping
Parrish, Florida 34219
9415566
CVS and Walgreen's are both within a mile of each other where I live in FL. Surely you'd think they would give each other competition but to me I don't see it.
CVS is a drugstore but also...
CVS and Walgreen's are both within a mile of each other where I live in FL. Surely you'd think they would give each other competition but to me I don't see it.
CVS is a drugstore but also like the old 5 and 10 stores. Looking at their sales flyer you see that there is a wide selection of items this store carries. When I'm in FL, I like having access to this store since it's not available in my hometown of Traverse City, MI.
Unlike Walgreen's, CVS doesn't seem to have the wonderful sales that attract me to weekly visits. For one thing they don't have as much "pantry foods" as Walgreen's. The sales also don't seem to be as lucrative as their competitor.
CVS seems to be more of a party store. It carries many fast food type items in their frozen food case plus drinks of all kinds.
Here you will need a store card (must sign up for one) to get the good deals. If you forget to show your card, you will pay the higher price. One nice thing though, your sales receipt will usually show a coupon for a savings on a future visit.
Here's a link to learn more about CVS - http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/cvsmain
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When I open the Sunday newspaper, I first look for the Walgreen's ad. It's my favorite store because their sales can't be beat!
Remember those wonderful 5 and 10 stores of the old days? ...
When I open the Sunday newspaper, I first look for the Walgreen's ad. It's my favorite store because their sales can't be beat!
Remember those wonderful 5 and 10 stores of the old days? Walgreen's reminds of those stores with their wonderful sales on items like I could buy back then.
Walgreen's is like a miniature department store. They have almost everything I need. I love that I can buy my hearing aid batteries, my favorite can foods, nuts, as well as getting great deal on toys for my grandkids.
There's never been a week that I haven't found a great deal on something, to use a manufacture's coupon to maximize the good deal. At the beginning of the month, Walgreen's will have 4 or more items that are FREE when used with a rebate from their special Rebate flyer. Your money spent comes back to you in the form of a check or a gift card, which is enhanced by even more dollars.
Service is great. When it's busy, they always open new checkouts to keep the lines short.
Since I'm a "snowbird" I like that I have Walgreen's at my northern home as well as in FL. One time I brought my sales flyer from MI when I came to FL and used it to purchase a gallon of milk. The MI flyer had the milk at 75 cents cheaper which the FL Walgreen's honored! I was impressed.
Here's the link to learn more - http://www.walgreens.com/default.jsp
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When I'm here at my winter home, I like that there are supermarkets different than what's available to me in Traverse City. Publix Supermarket is one of them.
This is clearly the favorite of...
When I'm here at my winter home, I like that there are supermarkets different than what's available to me in Traverse City. Publix Supermarket is one of them.
This is clearly the favorite of the population, judging from the crowds the visit this store, no matter what the hour. It took me a while to figure out why because it has not found favor with me.
The biggest complaint I have with Publix is their weekly sales flyer. It is mostly "fluff" listing just a few of the items on sale in the store (this I didn't learn until after a year of shopping here). This 6 page flyer wastes much space on recipes, "white space", and description and use of the sale items. I was surprised upon visiting the store to find that there are many items on sale that are not listed in the weekly sales flyer! I am the type of shopper that is drawn to the store only by what is on sale. I even base my weekly meal menu on this.
People tell me that their produce is very fresh. Yes, but it's also very expensive.
What is good is Publix brand ice cream. Buy it when it's on sale and you'll have the best, creamiest ice cream available in so many wonderful flavors (try Eggnog!) It's my favorite item at Publix.
There's a pharmacy here. Also food samples in the latter part of the week. There's even a large "carnival" type scale should you want to know if you should avoid the ice cream here!
The lines are short because each line has a helper bagging your purchases. What a nice time saver for those of us in a hurry.
Here's a link to learn more about Florida's popular supermarket - http://publix.com/
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