keeping it farm fresh

With the Thanksgiving holiday just a few days away, I decided it would be nice to spend the morning at a supermarket and learn a little bit about the ingredients that will go into Thursday’s special meal. I thought this would be a great way to make food-shopping fun and, at the same time, get my little one involved in the meal prep tradition . If you find yourself asking how a supermarket could be fun, you definitely have not visited Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers, NY. Dubbed as the “Disneyland of Dairy Stores” by the New York Times, Stew Leonard’s did not fall short for entertaining the two toddlers in tow (my little Lola and nephew).

As soon as you arrive, you are greeted with seasonal flowers and veggies which, weather permitting, can serve as a great backdrop for some cool fall pics. upon entering the store, we stopped at the wishing well and although they may not have understood what “making a wish” might mean, they got a kick out of tossing a penny into a well. It’s the simple things!  We then had the opportunity of touring the store and indulged in quite a few treats. Talk about stimulating their senses… they were able to taste fresh-baked bread, eat some juicy watermelon, smell a cup full of chocolate, sniff some jalapeños and even touch a live lobster (something my nephew was fascinated with). The employees were super friendly and totally catering to the little visitors greeting them at the different store departments. We even had a quick dance stop when Chiquita Banana broke into song swaying to tropical beats over the large banana pile (a favorite for Sofia). In the warmer months your visit doesn’t have to stop here, there’s a petting zoo out back that can save you the production of planning a trip to your local zoo. We will definitely be back for that.

Although Stew Leonard’s is not an ordinary supermarket, I’m sure that a visit to your local store can still be an adventure for your little one. While life with a child is usually a race against time, the next time you visit, try not to see it as another task to check off your list. Indulge your senses and your child will too. Nibble on a blueberry or two, sniff some fresh cilantro, or run your fingers through a spiky pineapple. I promise it will make for an enjoyable trip.

xoxo