Ask the Locals

Last week, Jon and I were in upstate NY for a family reunion. You cannot go to a family reunion without pie, right? Normally, I’d bake one myself (really, I’m quite a baker). Because I know my way around a rolling pin, I’m a bit finicky about what I buy in a store to share with friends and family.

On the way to the reunion, we stopped at a small grocery store in a small town along a small country road. The only baked goods we could find were mass produced cream pies that made my teeth hurt just looking at them. Topped with two inches of whipped cream, not only would they have tasted only of sugar, but they would have melted in the 85 degree heat.

“Can you recommend a place nearby where we can buy pie”, ignoring the fact pies were staring us in the face. The gal behind the counter quickly offered up directions to the Amishstore in Belleville, about five miles away.

We were off and we struck it rich.

Not only did we snag the last two homemade pies (apple and peach) in the store but I found whoopee pies (which I brought back for my friend, Lillian) and 10 year-old aged cheddar cheese. Ya can’t get good cheddar in Seattle so this was heavenly to me!

When you’re traveling, always ask the locals. They know! Particularly when it comes to food, they are eager to share with you their insider tips.

Bulk foods at Sharps 

One Peach, One Apple, Oh MY!

Happy Travels!