Sunday, May 27, 2007

Target Shopping Strategies

I'm not usually a fan of big box discount retailers but I'm a fan of Target (even after the Target card hacking debacle!)
(Those in the know pronounce it Tar-jhay!)
Target has fashionable clothes,electronics & home accessories at reasonable prices. Some stores have groceries & pharmacies & dollar bins.
Some useful Target bargain hunting strategies can be found at Not Made of Money
I've found that clearances are towards the back of merchandise areas & on the back end shelves.
Target.com has a listing of weekly sale merchandise, discount coupons & merchandise and sales not available at a local brick-&-mortar Target store.

'TisThe Season for Local Produce !

It's almost summer & it's time for local produce!
Buying local produce is good for the local economy, usually good for your pocketbook & is a greener option than buying stuff shipped from another area. Fresh produce is yummy & a great addition to your healthy diet. Frugal, green, tasty & healthy; what's not to like?
During the colder seasons, most of these places close down except to sell Halloween & Thanksgiving pumpkins & Christmas trees.
I'm listing many, but not all local options for local produce.
I've shopped at all these markets & wouldn't hesitate to recommend them!

17th Street Farmers Market in Shockoe Bottom:
100 N. 17th St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-646-0310

Thursday, May 3, 2007 through Sunday, October 28, 2007

Thursday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm

Saturday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm
Sunday Open Heirloom Market: 8:30am–2pm
Antiques, vintage & collectibles


Ashland Farmers Market:
On Duncan Street behind Town Hall (off Rt.54)
Saturdays May 5 - November 24
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

William Byrd House Community Market:
S. Linden St & Idlewood Ave ·
Downtown Expressway, I-195 South · Exit 186 (Belvidere St) ·
Next to Grace Arents Community Garden
Free Parking - Rain or Shine.

Tuesday,3:30 to 7 pm, May through October.

Goochland Rural Market:
Grace Episcopal Church -
2955 River Rd W, Goochland, VA
(Rt.6 or Patterson Ave./River Rd. extended)

Saturday May 5th through Sept. 1st - 8 a.m. to12 p.m.
Labor Day through October 27th - 9:00am to 1:00pm

Pole Green Produce Stand
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices!
6547 Pole Green Road (Meadowbrook Road extended), Mechanicsville, VA 23111
804-730-7732
Open April through Thanksgiving
(Weekends only April, October & November - Daily May-September)

Hanover Plant & Vegetable Farm
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices!
Has a large greenhouse.
13580 Ashland Rd
Ashland, VA 23005
804-752-2334

Jim & Robins Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices in Henrico County
11120 Patterson Ave. Richmond, VA 23233
804-754-0484

Cheryl's Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices
Rt 660 & Route 33(Staples Mill Rd.extended), Ashland,VA
804- 752-5846

Produce cart on Libbie Avenue just off Patterson Avenue:
During season a vendor sells fruit & vegetables at this location.
Hours: ?

Some links to listings of Virginia produce markets, wineries, pick-your-own-produce farms & food festivals:
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/index.shtml
http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/index.html
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/organic/index.shtml
www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown-july/pdf/frmsmkts.pdf
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/festival.shtml