Goofing Off On A Friday Afternoon, I Ponder A Pretty Sign

/ Ally Bean

Lean in closely, my gentle readers, while I tell you a secret: sometimes I hesitate to tell you what we’ve been up to.

The thing is, and isn’t there always one, I wouldn’t want you to be jealous of our exciting suburban lives. That would never do. I’m not here to gloat over anything, I’m here to share the nitty gritty flapdoodle and twaddle of our daily lives.

Considering we’re all friends here, I’m sure that once you learn what Z-D and I did last Friday afternoon, you’ll understand how we roll. You’ll get a clue into our psyches and how we make our own fun.

You see, after traipsing around Ikea for an hour or more, buying an $8 dish drainer for the kitchen sink, we were high on the joy that comes from a successful shopping adventure. So as we were driving home, on a whim, for a change of pace, we decided to stop at a large unique garden decor center to see what was going on there.

And to get in a few more steps.

Unlike the modern indoor international Ikea vibe, this old-fashioned outdoor locally-owned garden decor center is funky. It sits on acres of land with an old farmhouse at the front of the property and seemingly endless merchandise behind it.

In fact at this time of year everywhere you look there are displays of pots and fountains and stepping stones and birdbaths and gazing globes and pond supplies.

When we pulled into the parking lot we parked in front of the sign you see in the large photo at the top of this post. This sign directs you, the customer, to go one way or the other way around the house.

Unlike Ikea there aren’t multiple ways to walk through this place. Here you must decide between two options about which way you’ll go.

That is, you can meander along the Scenic Route that wraps around the front of the property where there is inspiration, like fountains and ponds, paths and statuary, but nothing for sale.

OR

You can go the opposite way that leads directly to the Main Entrance [ironically behind the house] where you find what you need, pay for it, then have it loaded into your vehicle.

I’m not going to tell you which path we chose, but I’m going to say that my heart skipped a beat & I did a little happy dance when I realized that the sign in the parking lot was a “blogging question of the day” found in the wild!

And considering I had nothing planned to write about this week, how fortuitous is that? 😊

Questions of the Day

• When’s the last time you decided to spontaneously go somewhere for no other reason than you were driving or walking by?

• If you shop in brick and mortar big box stores, do you visit with a specific purpose, OR do you go for reconnaissance, OR do you go there to walk & window shop, OR for some other reason?

• If you shop in locally-owned businesses near you, what’s your favorite one? And why?

• Thinking in an introspective way about what makes you tick: do you usually prefer to meander [scenic route] or to be direct [main entrance]?

~ ~ 🤔 ~ ~ 

214 thoughts on “Goofing Off On A Friday Afternoon, I Ponder A Pretty Sign”

  1. Gosh. I would say I’m a bit of both. For the majority of the time, I prefer to hit ‘n run, but also enjoy the occasional mindless wander when I’ve got time to kill and no list. I must say that sign made me smile 🙂

    And, while not a gardener, those pots are a glorious sight!

    It’s also been far too long since the last visit to Ikea… I may have to offer temptation in the form of Scandinavian food stuffs 😀

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deb, I imagine we’re all a little bit of meander and direct, depending on the circumstances. I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the sign.

      We didn’t buy anything on this visit to the garden decor center but you’re right, going there is a glorious sight. So pretty. Enjoy Ikea!

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  2. That’s my type of place and I would absolutely take the scenic meandering route. Shopping should be done at leisure, unless I need something from Wal Mart, then I’m in and out. And yes, we often take day trips with no specific destination in mind.
    👍

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    • Rivergirl, we took the meandering route before going to the back of the property to look at the merchandise. This place is amazingly fun to wander around just to see what you can see. I like day trips with no specific destination, too.

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  4. Give me the scenic route any day. However since my other half doesn’t understand the meaning of spontaneous, sometimes I have to spontaneously make plans without him. Of course because they are plans, they aren’t actually spontaneous but I try.

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    • Jenn, I’m smiling at the idea of spontaneous plans so that you can be spontaneous because you planned it. Oddly that makes sense to me. I like the scenic route, too, btw.

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  5. How did you not spend an extraordinate amount of cash in that gorgeous garden centre?

    I love how you find a subject outta nowheres and boom!

    I sponaneously go places on the regular… driving along, you see something and before you know it, you’re turning in…

    Big box stores: Depends on the occasion. Am I looking to while away the day and be inspired by whatever whatsits they have on display? Or am I looking for a specific something that I know exactly where it is, even if I have forgotten the shortcuts to getting there (Ikea… you are sneaky bastards).

    Much as I know the Costco garden centre will have the basics, I needs must go to our local garden centre called Regimbald’s. They know so much! And they usually have lots of plants I cannot find elsewhere.

    I am definitely the scenic route type. I’ll never forget telling my late husband about what I did when I was alone… I told him I took a road that I didn’t know where it would end up!(To him – this was disastrous! Getting lost made him break out in a sweat!) You can discover so many things when you take the long way ’round.

    Side note: one of the things I love about Waze is how I end up taking roads I didn’t even know existed. Just last night I went through a part of town and have noted to myself that, come the weekend, when there is no traffic, I have to go back!

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    • Dale, the truth is that over the years we’ve bought so many beautiful pots at this garden center that we no longer have anywhere to put new ones. BUT we still love to go there for a walk and to oogle the pretties.

      I’m smiling about your take on Ikea. Ain’t it the truth about trying to get around in there! Our Costco doesn’t have a garden center, but we have a local plant nursery that like yours has plants you can only find there.

      I know some people can’t abide being lost, but I’m like you I’ll meander and not worry about accomplishing anything. I hope when you go back to the new-to-you part of town you find something wonderful there. You never know what you’ll see, eh?

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      • I can well understand because I would have, as well!! Nothing wrong with oogling.

        Ikea are smart, we cannot deny that. Back when the kids hung out in the day care, I knew how to get there directly… I’m pretty lucky with this Costco. It’s quite large – the garden centre”

        Mick loathed it. I laughed at him all the time. He was the type who would stop twenty times to ask directions, if he had to – not your typical male 😉 I know that eventually, especially in a small town, you will eventually get to the other side.
        I’m going to have to go back bacause there were some cool murals! It’s a long weekend for us – usually when we plant our veggie gardens. I am so pissed because I had ordered these raised boxes and I have not received them. Swear, cuss, curse…

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  6. Hands down, scenic route every time. (that very phrase flitters (Not to be confused with flutter) through my mind every time. Love this little peak into how your roll. I try to build Whimsy whenever I have the option….(from initialing my name under the siding in the gable on a house, to hiding things in hidden spaces I have jurisdiction over, to arches to walk through my laboratory (garden spaces). Better get going, we’re starting a flagstone walk for a picky customer. DM

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    • DM, not surprised you’d pick the scenic route. I adore your idea of putting whimsy into what you do and your ways of doing it are priceless. Good luck with the flagstone walk… and the customer too of course.

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  7. 1. Yesterday. I was headed out to get potting soil and not being able to see out of my car windows covered in pollen I made an unexpected but needed stop at the car wash first. 2. Specific purpose always. 3. I’ve been in my local stores too often. They are cute and great for non-locals in what they offer but overpriced and unnecessary for me. 4. Both! I am purpose driven for sure but meandering happens often as well, usually outside.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, how lousy about the pollen but it is that time of year here, too. Good to get your car washed. Excellent point about how local stores can be over-priced but aren’t really for locals so they stay in business. I see that around here, too.

      Both is a perfectly acceptable answer that I suspect is how we all are, depending on where we’re standing on the earth and how much free time we have.

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  8. In answer to your first question, that’s what M and I are doing right now. Meandering along the shores of Lake Erie, stopping whenever we feel like it. I was a voracious planner – it was part of my work – but have been happy to let it drift away since retirement.

    I shop locally as much as possible and although I have on occasion ordered online, it’s definitely not habitual. My favourite stores tend to be food-related, smaller and of course, local. When I had a garden I could spend considerable time in garden stores, too! My mother could “shop” for hours and buy a set of pickle forks; she would have adored IKEA. Me, definitely not. For the most part, shopping, especially for clothes and shoes, is a chore to be completed as efficiently as possible.

    I like to meander, wander, poke around. I have never much liked tours, crowds or being herded. Two days ago we drove past Niagara Falls (Canadian side) and didn’t get out because parking was nightmarish and it was becoming crowded. I had seen it before though. Spontaneity is basically how we roll now that we aren’t pinned down by the requirements of work!

    Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, you raise a good point about how your choices change once you’re retired and don’t have to plan every little thing. I like meandering along when on vacation, too. Like you there’s no way I’d stop at Niagara Falls if it was crowded with bad parking. If you’ve seen it once, you’ve got the gist of it.

      When it comes to clothes and shoes I like to be direct, too. But I rarely shop for those things so the rest of the time I’m like your mother buying some “pickle forks.” I just like to see what I can see.

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  10. I’ll let you in on a little secret, too, Ms Bean. There are no Ikeas in South Carolina. In fact, google is so weird that when googling “Ikea in South Carolina” it comes up with ‘South Charlotte’ (NC) as qualifying as a store in the state of South Carolina.
    Anyway, just thought your inquiring mind would like that tidbit.
    I’m always up for an adventure, so spontaneous drives rank high of the list of fun for us as a couple, too. Interestingly, over the years, I’ve learned the wisdom in the ‘male attitude’ of shopping: the get-in-the-store-grab-what’s-needed-pay-and-leave for certain errands.
    Guess us older Beans live quite the balanced and harmonious life! HA!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, I suppose I kind of understand how south Charlotte NC could be considered SC even though it isn’t. Leave it to Ikea to make sure everyone knows where one is. For years our nearest one was in Chicago.

      A spontaneous drive is fun. We do that, too, just because we can. I sometimes am more into a direct way of shopping, like at a convenience store or the sock department of Kohl’s. But overall I meander through stores and on some days, my life.

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  11. When we first met, my boyfriend suggested I’m too regimented and we should do something spontaneous. My response: “Okay! How about on Saturday afternoon?” I’ve since learned the value of meandering and taking the scenic route. There’s so many to see when we slow down and look around, and there’s no harm in pulling over for a few minutes to check out the view and break up the routine.

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  12. I too go for any excuse to get in more steps. And finding happy scenery in the process (like the pots and fountains and stepping stones and birdbaths) is a bonus.

    If I shop with my daughter, I don’t have to have a specific goal in mind, but when I shop solo, you can bet I’m there for a purpose.

    Thank you, Spectacled Bean!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marian, visiting this garden decor center is happiness personified [potified?]. So many pretties that you forget about steps, just keep going.

      Good point about the difference between shopping with someone and shopping by yourself. When Z-D and I are together we wander like professional meanderers!

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  13. Meander, meander, meander! And I get really honked off when I’m in a toot and know I shouldn’t take the scenic route but desperately want to. Grrr. I love those unexpected finds and the sign at the garden center was fabulous. Applicable to sooo much more than a traipse around the plants for sale…a reminder about how to live life. xo, Ally Bean! 🥰

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  14. My husband is a surgical strike shopper. He knows what he wants, goes in, buys it, and doesn’t look at anything else. This “efficient“ method may lead to several trips a day to Home Depot if he is working a project. I tend to browse wherever I shop to see if there is anything else there that I need, or something new to consider. I have no intention to return within a couple of weeks, so I want to make it count. We occasionally shop together, and we try to overcome our differed when we do. Often while I browse, he’ll leave to get coffee. I understand his restlessness, and this often keeps everyone happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • KDKH, what a great way to describe how your husband shops: a surgical strike shopper. My MIL is like that with the same outcome, multiple trips to the same store to get a specific item each time.

      I’m more like you, I wander and browse not wanting to go back to the store if I can help it. I’m glad you understand your husband’s approach and that you two have worked it out.

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  15. I usually don’t meander off the path but when I do, it’s generally either a book store or garden shop that draws me in – and I always take the scenic route! These days I’m never in that much of a hurry.

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    • Crystal, I like your saying, that’s become mine too. Yes, the thing about meandering is that suddenly you realize how much you’ve moved and didn’t have to force yourself to do it.

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  18. I treat Costco and the grocery store like I’m in the military; get in, do a little recon if necessary, get the objective, and get out as fast as you can. If I’m on vacation in a place like Annapolis, with lots of cute shops, I’ll do more meandering–until it’s time for the reservation at the tea house! And sadly, I can’t think of the last time I spontaneously decided to pop into a shop because I was walking or driving by (unless on vacation). Now that everything is online, I tend to do research before checking a place out.

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    • Autumn, I’m smiling about your approach to Costco and the like. There’s something to be said for being efficient. You’re right about meandering through small shops, just going where your interest takes you. I’m the same about doing research online for big ticket items before I go shopping.

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  19. Ally, we’re pretty much direct route, lack of spontaneous detours drivers. There’s just so much traffic in our area. We don’t do much meandering at all. We do frequent big box stores, however…and there’s much more meandering then.😊

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    • Bruce, I understand about the traffic. For us many times to spontaneously make a turn into somewhere isn’t worth the effort to fight traffic. I know big box stores are often considered kind of evil, but to meander around inside one is a good way to get a walk in.

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  20. We haven’t spontaneously gone somewhere since before my stroke, so at least 17 years now. Mary doen’t do spontaneous. Ditto big box stores: we don’t do Walmart, and when we go to Target, Mary knows what she wants and she’s only there long enough to grab those items and check out. The only local businesses that we frequent, aside from restaurants, areknitting stores. When I was still playing guitar, I went to the music store once in a great while, mostly to buy things like strings, picks, straps etc.

    When I was by myself, I took circuitous routes and meander around. With Mary, we typically went directly to places, which is what we do now.

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    • John, I do understand being direct when shopping, but the older I get the more I am into spontaneousness and meandering. I wonder why Mary is so goal-oriented when she shops? Rhetorical question, my MIL is the same way. Sorry you’ve had to adapt to her way of doing things when you’d prefer to take the scenic route.

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    • Markus + Micah, I bet you could fit into some of those pots, too. There were ones that were 4 or 5 feet high, maybe 20 inches around. I’m with you, I enjoy finding quirky places.

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    • Janet, it makes sense. When on vacay it’s about exploring while when at home it’s about thriving. Different ways to envision what you do. The pots were spectacular, to a one.

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  23. We have a very similar garden center in our town. It’s local, family-owned, and huge. I often find myself there when I’m in my gardening clothes and covered in dirt and I inevitably run into someone I know while I’m there. It’s definitely my favorite local spot.

    I am usually very regimented in where I go, but I was in Michigan for family reasons recently and I knew the whole day I would be cooped up inside, so I stopped at a random park for a quick 20-minute walk and discovered a real gem! I should be spontaneous more often.

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    • NGS, I’m laughing. There’s something about gardening centers that make you feel welcome no matter what you’re wearing. And of course you’d run into someone you know when not looking your best.

      Your walk in a random park sounds delightful. Good of you to go a bit outside of your comfort zone to do something spontaneous, especially under the circumstances.

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  24. Well, it all depends. In bookstores and plant nurseries I definitely meander. I love to look at things and get ideas for what to plant or read. That’s the spontaneous side of me. Otherwise, I’m a woman on a mission when I shop because I dislike it intensely. My favorite nursery is about 5 minutes from my house and owned by a family whose children went to school with mine. There’s also a coffee shop there. 🙂

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    • Margaret, I’m sometimes a woman on a mission because shopping isn’t my thing either, unless there’s a good walk involved. Your family-owned garden nursery sounds wonderful, both because you know who owns it and because of the coffee shop. What a good idea to combine the two.

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  25. I am a straight ahead, no detour kind of shopper. Always local and only big box if I can’t find it elsewhere. I don’t have and will never have an Amazon account. I bulk errands to be efficient and get them done. Rarely meander in a store unless it’s a garden place or antiques so given the sun was shining I would have taken the long winding inspirational path.
    But as to spontaneous that occurs during travel time. Loads of that happened on our recent road trip.

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    • Bernie, I have no difficulty believing you’re a no detour shopper. That is so you! Like you I prefer to run a bunch of errands at the same time to save on gas. I haven’t been in an antiques store in years, yet I remember meandering through them. A few other commenters mentioned that when on vacation they are more spontaneous. I can understand that.

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      • I have so many friends who love to wander the shops and browse. I think I’d rather have a root canal! Antique stores are definitely a meander, but I rarely go now as we have our quota. I am not yet downsizing, but I don’t need EXTRA stuff unless it has a purpose.

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        • We’re in the same in-between state. Our house is filled just right and we’re not ready to downsize so the appeal of shopping for furniture/household items is over. Plus we still have family antiques in the basement that we need to send to auction [I guess].

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    • I’m curious, what do you think about services like Instacart, that you provide a shopping list to (especially from big box stores like Costco) and it automagically arrives at your doorstep at the prescheduled time?

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      • Interesting question, EW. I don’t know a thing about using Instacart, although one time out of curiosity we tried Kroger grocery delivery. Our order arrived on time, but cans were dented and boxes were smooshed. Still if we were unable to get to the store in person I’d use it again.

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        • I hear you about that, and in my experience (we use them quite frequently for Costco same-day delivery), every time we had an issue, it got resolved immediately upon bringing it to their attention. For example, we got frozen blueberries (Kirkland brand, very good), and one of the bags was sliced through: it looked like when they opened the box that the frozen blueberry bags were in at the store, one of the bags got sliced. Either way, that was not a bag I would have purchased myself. Who knows what got in it (and how many blueberries got out :O). We got an immediate refund.

          My bestest experience with them was once when our order contained a watermelon, and the shopper texted us while in the store, and said that the watermelons don’t look that great, and wouldn’t get one if it was her shopping for herself, but if we still want one, for sure she’ll get it. I was awed by that shopper (even though it only happened that one time).

          And, no, I’m not affiliated with them 🙂

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      • Until 6 months ago getting a parcel delivered was worse than getting a tooth pulled..we live rural and it’s such a big hassle. Canada Post has now given us a real address rather than a box # but it’s still not my preferred method to shop. I grew up rural in the 60’s and we shopped via the Eaton’s and Sears catalogue so you could say I’ve been there and done that. I prefer to go to the store to see what I am buying.

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  26. That sounds like a lovely garden decor center and, yes, how fortuitous was your spontaneity!

    • It’s not unusual for us to go somewhere unplanned just because we happen to be out and about. Oftentimes it’s a place (like a bird feed store or a garden center) that we’ve been meaning to go to, but keep forgetting to until we have an “aha” moment while on the road. But the most fun unplanned excursion was in March when we went into Thomasville, GA, after attending a plant sale nearby. Intially, we were going to have lunch at a place on the outskirts of town but it was closed so we drove to the downtown area and parked. I hadn’t been to the downtown area in years so the fun part was walking around, (finally) getting something to eat, and then stopping in at (yay for me) yarn store. It was an interesting experience, too, because my city (Tallahassee) does not now and never has had a proper downtown (one in which you can park and safely walk around).

    • We rarely shop in big box stores. Target is the closest I get to one of those, and I’m usually on a mission when I go. Is Home Depot considered a big box store? Well, in any case, aside from groceries and dry goods, we do most of our shopping online. As much as I want to support the local economy, most of the stores in this town don’t carry everything we might want or need.

    • I want to say our Coop is my favorite locally owned business, but I don’t think it’s really locally owned anymore. We’re members of the Coop, but the store has had a lot of financial problems and so now it’s run by a national organization. So … I’d then have to say our local indie bookstore (Midtown Reader). It’s a small bookstore but the staff are great.

    • With bookstores, yarn shops, and garden centers, I prefer to meander. Any other store, I just want to get in and out. I must say, though, given all our books, all my yarn, and our garden, we can easily meander at home 😉

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    • Marie, you’re spontaneous people, too. We do the same thing, are out driving in an area then remember we wanted to checkout somewhere new so we go. Shopping in a true downtown is unusual anymore, something to enjoy. Your experience in GA is a fun vacation memory.

      I go into Target occasionally but it’s nowhere near when I live so it is more destination than a regular experience. I’d call Home Depot a big box store.

      I like small bookstores but for me it’s mostly B&N or Amazon when it comes to books. I’m loving that you can meander and shop your home for the things you might need. I feel that way here, too.

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  27. If you really made it through IKEA and only bought an $8 dish drainer, that may be some kind of world record. IKEA should have a wall of honor for people like you. As for the garden center, I couldn’t help noticing the size of the pots. Am I safe in saying some of them run into the hundreds of dollars? It’s been our own experience with large-scale ceramics. As to your questions, retirement allows for those blissfully spontaneous detours (including U-turns), which seem to happen a lot more these days. Goes against my “direct” grain you ask about in your last question. Finally, the big boxes are only for products we can’t find anywhere else (or cheaper). Local businesses win out EVERY time we’re given the choice.

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    • Dave, I enjoy seeing what Ikea has for sale, but never seem to need anything much. You’re right, the large pots are hundreds and the fountains are closer to thousands. Nothing is inexpensive at the garden decor center, but oh so pretty.

      I feel the same way about big box retail stores, useful for certain things, but I’m not drawn to them in general yet appreciate them on occasion.

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  28. Given the choice I always take the Scenic Route. Since I live by the mountains I have to be careful. The last time I took the scenic route I needed 2 beers afterwards. big box only when I have too or I am going for something specific. For example I need to hit Ikea as I need to 30″ Billy book cases – if I had known you were going….

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  29. We rarely stop somewhere spontaneously unless we’re on vacation. I would ALWAYS take the scenic route if I’m wandering somewhere. Big box stores are for just going in to get what I need and leaving immediately.

    My favorite locally owned business is Heinen’s, which is an upper end grocery store, but they are more of a local chain. I honestly can’t think of any local retail that I shop that doesn’t involve food!

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    • Bijoux, spontaneity and vacations go together. I get that. Your approach to big box stores is a sound one. I have to really like to see the stuff in the store, like at Ikea, to want to dilly-dally.

      I’m laughing about shops that involve food and how they appeal to you. You’re a woman after my own heart [tummy?]. 😋

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  30. I need some of those large pots! What a selection. I’d take the scenic route too. I like a local grocery store that’s owned by a family. They have an amazing gift and Tchotchke section plus they have hot breakfast, lunch and dinner that you can eat in the store or take out. Sometimes I do take out for dinner. My husband is big on driving down roads we’ve never been on before.

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  31. Ally, I love that you and Z-D were excited about a new dish drainer! That’s how I am too. Your garden center sounds wonderful! I love having a chance to meander and explore, but it doesn’t happen very often. It seems like we’re always too busy, we have a schedule and a list, and that’s it. The sign was the perfect inspiration for a blog post!

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    • Michelle, like I said I sometimes worry about talking about what we do, it being so exciting and all. 🙄 Pleased to know you get excited about small things, too. I understand about having a busy schedule and a shopping list, that’s how my life used to be pre-pandemic. I saw that sign and instantly knew it’d would be included in my next blog post.

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    • How can one NOT be excited about a dish drainer? 🙂 In fact, for the last few years, we’ve been in the market for one, too, since ours is showing its age. And we learned that the style we like is now called “vintage” and it costs x10 the ones at Ikea. Why are simple things sometimes so complicated (or just expensive)?

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      • EW, you favor a “vintage” style dish drainer and now I can’t stop smiling about this. I’d guess that slapping the word “vintage” on any consumer good immediately increases the price. I do love knowing this about you!

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        • Now THAT’s an interesting observation. The prices of our simple (though large-ish) dish rack were a mystery to me. There’s no special sauce to them, why are they so expensive all of the sudden.

          You have solved the mystery, Monsieur Poirot! (Though I picture you more of a Miss Fisher type detective!).

          Tell me when I’m oversharing 😛

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  32. There was a time that a sign pointing to the scenic route would have had shooting over that direction in a heartbeat. And where are your pictures of the scenic route? I love all the different pots. Huge pots! Only their cost would prevent me from going crazy.

    A friend and I used to do the Sam’s club and other big box store shopping once per month. Send me with a friend and I will happily check out every aisle. Send me by myself and I’m much more likely to get in and get out.

    It has been a long time since I have gone off wandering. It used to be one of my favorite things. Pick a road and see what was out there. Most small towns have a diner for lunch and a flea market or antique shop worth spending some time in. Some have a genuine General Store.

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    • Zazzy, no pictures of the scenic route because I couldn’t get a good angle with clear light on anything. Those shots looked like nothing, rather indistinct.

      I’m the same way about shopping. Go with a friend and I’ll dawdle more, but go by myself and I’m on a mission.

      I haven’t been in an antique store in years and they are a place that forces you to slow down and wander. You’re right many of the small towns around here have one, often called an antiques mall, always filled with interesting stuff.

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  33. I think getting excited about the little things like a dish drainer is a part of any long-term relationship. (We’re definitely the same way.) Spontaneity doesn’t seem to be a big part of our lives, LOL. I don’t like to shop (especially for clothes) so I generally go directly to what I need, get it, and leave. However, given a chance to meander around an area such as a garden center, I’ll take it. I’m just full of contradictions!

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    • Linda, I get it. I don’t like shopping for clothes either, so I’m focused when forced to do that. But meandering around somewhere that holds my attention and doesn’t force me to try on anything, that I’ll do. Long live contradictions.

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  34. I really wish I could tell you I enjoy walking through Ikea without a shopping list, but Ikea is a four-hour round trip from here so I haven’t been there. My daughter and grandkids go about once a year or so and love it. I would definitely stop at a place with all those gardening pots. My car would turn in there all by itself. 🙂 I normally go to big box stores with a list but meander around a few aisles to see if I’m missing something. 🙂 We have a fair amount of small locally owned stores, but my favorite is Just The Thing which has an interesting array of antique furniture and other vintage items. I would probably head to the main entrance unless it was a gardening venue, and then I’d definitely walk around. 🙂

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    • Judy, we go to Ikea maybe two times a year, mostly to window shop because the merchandise changes often. The place with the pots is usually a destination for us, but we were going home a back way from Ikea and realized we were close so we stopped. Plus it was a beautiful day.

      Your Just The Thing sounds like a great store. I enjoy going to places like that, not looking for anything on a list but just taking it all in.

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  36. Not sureI’ll remember all the questions, but I’ll try. I tend to be direct when shopping because I want to get through and get done…usually. Where do I meander? Home Goods, a devilishly tempting place, and Costco sometimes when I have time. Also can be dangerous. We’ve meandered in Joshua Tree National Park, in various botanical gardens, and while driving through parks or wilderness areas. Almost forgot, I definitely wander at Half Price Books or other bookstores. If I’m somewhere with cute shops, I like to take my time and poke around. Not so many of those places anymore. Mostly I see the same stores everywhere. Sad.

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    • Janet, I get what you’re saying, if you have a list and a purpose you’re direct. If, however, it’s a fun store you’ll meander. I’ve been to Joshua Tree National Park once and didn’t have the time to meander, which in retrospect makes me sad. I’m with you in bookstores, gotta just wander, that’s how I find the best books. I agree about seeing all the same stores everywhere. It’s weird and disheartening.

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  37. When’s the last time you decided to spontaneously go somewhere for no other reason than you were driving or walking by? These days, nothing seems to be spontaneous (thanks COVID).

    • If you shop in brick and mortar big box stores, do you visit with a specific purpose, OR do you go for reconnaissance, OR do you go there to walk & window shop, OR for some other reason? Again, these days if I’m going into a store it is for a specific reason; with the intent to get in and out. BUT, back in the day, window shopping and recon were my main reasons for visiting a store.

    • If you shop in locally-owned businesses near you, what’s your favorite one? And why? Can’t think of any locally-owned businesses near me that I’m interested in. Although, we used to have locally-owned nursery down the road that I loved! I just noticed last week that they’ve lost the nursery part and have just become a stone center (bummer).

    • Thinking in an introspective way about what makes you tick: do you usually prefer to meander [scenic route] or to be direct [main entrance]? Depends on the situation; but if I had my druthers, I’d probably meander.

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    • Gigi, excellent point about how Covid changed our shopping behaviors. Hadn’t thought about that before. Getting in and out is the priority, especially in crowded big box stores. I suppose that’s why shopping outside in the garden center seemed delightful.

      Well that is a bummer for you that your nearby store has morphed into only stone. I get it, but don’t like it.

      Many, many commenters have said the same thing, given your druthers, meander it is. I’m right there with you.

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  38. I’m a direct shopper, but that has a lot to do with not liking shopping. I don’t mind browsing online because it’s so easy to leave anytime I feel like it.

    Clothes shopping is the worst. My wife used to accompany me, like a child, for our annual clothes shopping trip. We bought everything we needed for the next school year. She had a list and was super efficient. She also knew I was like Cinderella at the ball, except I was only good for about an hour before turning into a pumpkin.

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    • Pete, I understand why direct is best for you. If I’m going to make a big ticket purchase I browse online first to see the deets about what’s available.

      I dislike shopping for clothes, too. Sadly I have to make my own list and force myself to buy things. When I can I order online, but some clothing items you have to see/try on in person. I turn into a pumpkin quickly too, a snarling pumpkin in fact.

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    • Donna, you sound like you’ve nailed how to be spontaneous and meander. Well done.

      Shopping in big box stores with a specific purpose seems to be the norm among commenters.

      Our local shops are thriving now. During the pandemic years I worried about them, the restaurants too. Nice to see them back in the green.

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  42. This is proof if I don’t do something in the moment (comment on a blog I just read), I will get distracted. I do like a local store near me called Frugal Muse. It’s a used book store and I like wandering around, although I don’t remember when I last did that. I do not meander – I go to the closest entrance and exit the fastest way possible. I anticipate that will change when I don’t have so many obligations outside of shopping, ie: when the kids are grown and moved out. That feels like it won’t happen for centuries though. I like the idea of stopping by a place as I drive by. This feels like something I would be more apt to do while I’m on vacation. Dare to dream.

    This store you stopped by looks very cool. If only I was focused on the outside of my house. Then I would be interested in buying large pots, etc. but dang – the inside of my house needs me too much right now. 😉

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    • Ernie, I understand why you are a direct shopper. Considering how many people you keep track of the idea of meandering around, some would say wasting time, might not be the best approach. Like you other commenters have mentioned that on vacay they are spontaneous, but at home they stick to the plan.

      The outdoor decor at this store is stunningly beautiful. It’s a pleasant place to walk around and through, just for the heck of it. However you’re right, if’n you’re not looking to accessorize the outside of your house this place wouldn’t be for you, a direct shopper. 😊

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  43. Gosh, good questions. I do like to take unplanned detours. For recent meandering though I have to just point out our Saturday doing the spring bird count. A good time to wander areas of the county I don’t generally visit. All rural.
    My favorite local store is hands down Maria’s bookshop. Mostly, I detest shopping and just go to get what I need/want. No dilly-dallying for me, usually. Exceptions do occur.

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    • Eilene, doing your bird count would force you to meander! It’s not like you can force the birds to get in a single file line and march past you.

      I’m not big on shopping either, but sometimes I’ll find the fun in it. More so the older I get, in fact. I like the name of your favorite local store, there used to be so many shops with someone’s name in the store name, very personal. Now not so often…

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  44. Ally, it’s been forever since I decided to go somewhere spontaneously – probably the last time I was out in the country, got lost and saw a huge flea market. I’ve never been to one so thought “why not” and thinking the photos/experience could become blog fodder. But they were crowded and had a capacity crowd, so I would have had to wait until others left to get in.

    I went to the mall for the first time in years a few weeks ago. I needed new walking shoes, had a birthday month percentage off coupon, so rather than order online and worry about porch pirates, I went inside. Ultimately, they didn’t carry them in the store and they had to be ordered online.

    It seems all the mom and pop shops I shopped at have closed or I no longer need the goods (a local pet shop for example which I preferred over big box stores). I shopped at the same small shoe store for years until Margaret retired. She steered me in the direction for my walking shoes as she was a walker herself and she was right about this style which I’ve worn since I began walking in 2011. I do want to try a fun new store that opened up called “Vintage Mercantile” in Trenton. They have some vintage-type things for the home and clothing as well. I’d forego the clothing but it looks unique. I follow them on FB – I see they are on Instagram as well. So one day I’ll pop in.

    I like to meander because I get more steps in that way. At the grocery store, I park the cart and go grab what I need and bring it back, then complain because I can’t remember where I parked it. 🙂

    I like that assortment of pots at the place you stopped. That would be a place I would stop at.

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    • Linda, what a bummer that when you decided to spontaneously go to a flea market you couldn’t get in. I didn’t know that could happen, but it makes sense. Capacity is capacity.

      I haven’t been to the mall in ages, maybe a few years even. Wouldn’t you know that what you wanted wouldn’t be there and you’d have to order online! Too bad Margaret’s store is no more.

      “Vintage Mercantile” sounds like a promising place to visit. Like you I’d not care about the clothes, but the household stuff could be fascinating. Hope you get the chance to go there.

      I meander because of the extra steps, too. Some of our larger grocery stores are good for wandering, while I find that in the smaller ones I’m a direct shopper.

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      • And that flea market was before COVID and outside on top of it – it was only there on Saturdays.

        I was sorry to see Margaret go – it was a family business and her kids didn’t want to run it.

        I’m looking forward to a visit there. I follow them to see what they have – a little bit of everything and they are fairly small but have a lot of in-store vendors, so once a year they have a fun event where all their vendors come together and the owner of the “Vintage Mercantile” rents a hangar at a small airport and they have an open house.

        I can rack up a lot of steps grocery shopping this way – it is Meijer, so pretty much has everything, but spread out as it is so large.

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  45. This post has a very definite Robert Frost vibe. Oh, dear! I think. I should more often take “the road less traveled.” That would “make all the difference.”

    Those pots are lovely. Did you get any? I’m planning a trip soon to a large nursery nearby–a great place to wander. I don’t wander around quite as often as I used to. I don’t have as much energy.

    Your mention of the dish drainer reminds me of a thing or two I’d like to get at a lovely kitchen store in our smallish town. We used to have the very best clothing store here, but last year the ladies retired. I’m not the only one in town who’s in mourning at their loss. Sigh! Oh, well. I guess it’s time for a trip to the mall. That’s fun too.

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    • Nicki, I didn’t think about Robert Frost when I was writing this post, but you’re right. Maybe that’s the reason the sign called to me, once an English major always an English major.

      We didn’t buy any pots on this trip. We’ve purchased a few there over the years though and the quality is spectacular.

      I’m sorry your favorite clothing store closed. That’d make me sad, too. There’s always the mall, of course, but that’s not the same vibe. Oh well, watcha gonna do!

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  47. I love a bit of fortuitous inspiration, almost as much as I love ‘flapdoodle and twaddle’ 🤣

    🤔 I often go past places that I think I could visit spontaneously but I rarely stop off on a whim, I have this annoying little voice that always stops me.

    For bricks & mortar shops I love the little independent shops that sell stuff you can’t get in the big ‘uns. Making unique purchases floats my boat.

    Thanks for letting us joyride on your suburban lifestyle Ally 😊

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  48. When’s the last time you decided to spontaneously go somewhere for no other reason than you were driving or walking by? It’s been a while, I’m inspired by your adventure though and plan to implement the strategy the next time I’m driving without a destination or purpose. 🥰

    • If you shop in brick and mortar big box stores, do you visit with a specific purpose, OR do you go for reconnaissance, OR do you go there to walk & window shop, OR for some other reason? I’ve done all of the above, it depends upon who I’m with at the time. I love looking at Ikea displays and not having a specific item to purchase, feels better on the pocket book that way 😂

    • If you shop in locally-owned businesses near you, what’s your favorite one? And why? I don’t have a favorite one, but I do enjoy seeing all of the revivals of local businesses that are finding their way to recovery after the dreaded last few years. I do make an effort to buy something to help support their efforts and to encourage them on.

    • Thinking in an introspective way about what makes you tick: do you usually prefer to meander [scenic route] or to be direct [main entrance]? I think I’m a bit of both, that approach that leaves the options open. PS – my jaw dropped seeing all of the pottery…what are the prices on those beauties?! WOW

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    • Shelley, I’m pleased to know you’ll try to be more spontaneous when it makes sense to you to do so. It was fun to pop into this place for the heck of it.

      Good point about just looking in Ikea, not buying anything. We like to window shop there. I’ve been pleased here, too, to see little local shops start to thrive again after the pandemic years. I’m not a big shopper but I try to buy some things in them.

      I am like you, I can be a bit of both depending on the situation. However overall I like to think of myself as a meanderer. As we walked around, just glancing at the prices on the pots, they ranged from $75 to $500. The fountains were close to $1,000 and up.

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  49. I’m much better at spontaneously stopping when we’re traveling, cuz that’s what it’s all about. At home I’m too focused. Nearby are several non-chain gift stores that I love to browse but I must keep one hand firmly on my closed purse or else I’d spend way too much money on cute things we neither need nor have room for. They are dangerous places.

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    • The Travel Architect, I understand about being spontaneous while on vacation. In my experience that’s what makes for a fun trip. I, also, can be too focused when shopping at home, wanting to accomplish things on my to-do list, BUT I’m getting better at spontaneity. Maybe it’s a learned life skill!

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  50. Oooh I love a garden centre!

    When’s the last time you decided to spontaneously go somewhere for no other reason than you were driving or walking by? Just recently! On our trip we made a few little stops to see things like waterfalls or pretty lookouts. One in Quebec was particularly lovely.

    • If you shop in brick and mortar big box stores, do you visit with a specific purpose, OR do you go for reconnaissance, OR do you go there to walk & window shop, OR for some other reason? I go for a specific reason! I don’t love shopping so I am on a mission.

    • If you shop in locally-owned businesses near you, what’s your favorite one? And why? Visiting my mom recently, we went to this little boutique we always go to in the middle of small town Central Alberta. It’s called Merry’s Mercantile and it’s owned by a friend of mine. It’s just the loveliest little place, with all sorts of eclectic things. It’s the original home of Salvadore!

    • Thinking in an introspective way about what makes you tick: do you usually prefer to meander [scenic route] or to be direct [main entrance]? It depends on the situation and how much time I have!

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    • Nicole, I’ve no doubt you had some spontaneous moments during your recent vacation. That’s what can make going away fun and memorable [in a positive way].

      I don’t usually like to wander around in big box stores, am there with a purpose in mind, BUT the older I get the more I’m inclined to mosey around a little. While writing this post I realized this change in me. Who am I now?!!

      Salvadore came from Merry’s Mercantile! Oh I love him so I know I’d adore this shop. Eclectic is my kind of jam.

      I agree that who you are can change depending on the situation and how much time you have… and how much energy you have. The last point being more relevant in my life lately.

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  51. What a cool place. If I had the time, I’d definitely wander around the Scenic Route.

    “Yet knowing how way leads on to way…” as Robert Frost says LOL. This post reminded me of his seminal poem “The Road not Taken.”

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    • Nance, we took the scenic route then looked at all the pots. Sometimes being spontaneous then meandering is the way to go. Yes, the sign was a modern take on Robert Frost, that may or may not have been intentional.

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  52. If I’m walking, with dog or otherwise, and I spot something I’ve never seen, I will take a closer look, whether it’s street art, a menu, or the window of a cool shop. I enter if it’s books or stationary. I tend to shop with purpose at target…I have a list I buy from said list and I exit. I get much of my produce from the farmers market, which is local. Otherwise there’s little left that’s locally owned. Whether I meander depend totally on my schedule. Monday to Thursday is purposeful, the rest of the week could be more laid back.

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    • LA, I like your way of doing things. I notice details all the time, too. Bookstores call to me, but over the years I’ve become less interested in stationary stores. Like you, in Target I have to shop with purpose or I’d be in there forever. We still have quite a few locally or regionally owned business around here that are unique enough that you can’t breeze through them like big box stores.

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  53. My last trip to Ikea (which is over an hour away on the south end of Denver) was similarly unproductive…after an hour or so we walked away with a small bamboo-like potted plant, also $8, which I promptly killed. Just sayin’…

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    • Lies Jack Kerouac told Me, Ikea is a good place to go for a walk, I’ll give it that. We’ve gone in before to buy furniture which is more goal-oriented than this last adventure there. You killed a plant, eh? Somehow I think the new dish drainer is indestructible, but we’ll see, won’t we?

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  54. I like the idea of not planning a day trip, but I am a type A personality, so I like to have lots of wiggle room. 😊

    When we go to a big box store, I have a specific purpose. When you said you left IKEA with one $8 item, I nodded in agreement. Since becoming a minimalist several years ago, I’m more of a get in and get what I need type of person. In general, I prefer an outdoor garden center to a big box store.

    And that garden center is MAGICAL. So I would definitely be taking the scenic route.

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    • Kari, you know yourself well! I like to be efficient when I shop but I’m more of a Type B so I can go with the flow. Truthfully I rarely buy small things for the house but when I do it is often something niche-y that sings to me.

      The garden decor center is something to behold. We stopped because it is pretty, pretty there and it was 180º opposite of Ikea. Doing the yin yang approach to shopping!

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    • Awakening Wonders, you’re right about small towns, in America and everywhere, they are a treasure trove of quirkiness and fun [as long as you aren’t hungry and know where a rest room is].

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  57. In the sailboat world, there are racers, cruisers, and gunkholers. I’m a gunkholer at heart, and it has carried over into my land-based explorations of nature. Friends sometimes will ask, “Where are you going this weekend?” and I’ll say, quite honestly, “I haven’t the slightest idea.” Sometimes I leave home headed for point A, but before long I’ve made a sharp right, and I’m headed for point B. Even when I travel, I’m that way. I almost never make hotel or motel reservations ahead of time, because I don’t know where I’ll be.

    As for your other questions, the only thing I can say is that I don’t shop — unless you count stopping by the chandlery for more sandpaper or varnish, or a trip to the grocery store. Part of that’s living with almost no discretionary income, but an even bigger part is that ‘just shopping’ bores me to tears. When my mother was alive, I’d take her on shopping expeditions, but it was purely a matter of filial obligation. If I do need to purchase something, I do my best to go small and local. Big Box Stores, for me, could qualify as one of Dante’s Circles of Hell.

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    • Linda, I know next to nothing about sailboats other than they’re pretty to see out on a lake or ocean. Your three descriptions make sense. I’m not surprised you’re a meanderer at heart.

      I used to love to shop, then hated it. Now, after the pandemic, I only wander around stores that entertain me in some way, like the two places we visited last Friday. I like little local shops, want them to succeed, but am not a tchotchke person, too frugal.

      I understand about Dante and big box stores. Were he to write his Circles of Hell today, they’d be one for sure.

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  59. Ally, these are good questions! The last time I was spontaneous in shopping/meandering was at a local garden center because….flowers and flowers and flowers. Do I need to explain further?

    The favorite small business/local establishments? There are two that come to mind…Free Market, an organic, healthier grocery store that’s not huge, but has many things that other stores do not. And Happy Bellies, a gluten-free bakery/sweets place that caters to people with food sensitivities and allergies (non-dairy, egg-free, etc.).

    My shopping habits are all over the place, from online to big box stores, to local small business. Depends on what I need/want. Or if REI or Kohl’s mails a coupon to me. I no longer shop like I used to, pretty much staying away from the mall, but when I do, I prefer quiet times that allows me to meander among the goodies.

    The place with the many ceramic pots is cool, but I hope they all have drainage holes for when it rains. Yeah, that was my first thought…

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    • Mary, I understand why you meandered at the garden center. In answer to your practical question, the pots we’ve bought there over the years all have had drainage holes.

      You sound like you have two good local spots that have food! I’d be enthusiastic about them both.

      I also use coupons, especially with big box stores. In truth when I receive something in the snail mail or email, I’m reminded that those stores exist. I haven’t been to the mall in forever but do shop online when I can. Like you I shop wherever makes sense in the moment.

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  60. That garden center looks amazing! If I had such a place, I would definitely take the scenic route. We do have some pretty awesome locally owned garden centers, and I have spent far too much time (and money) there in recent weeks. As for big box stores, those are always an in-and-out proposition. Congrats on getting out of Ikea for only $8.00! I bow to you. Although, I did have a recent trip in which I went there only for their chocolate bars, and I left with only chocolate bars. I would only advise such a trip on an early weekday morning, as there are far too many people there at other times to make such a trek for such a paltry prize worth it. One of the perks of retirement is being able to shop when most others can’t.

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    • Rita, the garden center if fun year-round, but especially so this time of year when we’re on the cusp of summer. Most times I’m in and out of big box stores with list in hand, but if Ikea isn’t too crowded I’ll mosey along. I feel encouraged by your pursuit of chocolate bars, and only chocolate bars. Well done. You’re right about how the experience changes depending on the day and time. I’m learning that.

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      • I guess I don’t really think of Ikea as a big box store, but of course it is. Literally. I guess it’s generally an exception to my in-and-out with a list rule. The quality does not seem to be what it once was, so I don’t enjoy browsing there as much as I once did. It might be my eyes that have changed, though.

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  61. Spontaneous trips are a MarTar tradition (though they have been fewer to come by as of late since Tara is on a mad tear to get her raised beds built and her garden going). I like to meander on those weekend getaways, but if I’m forced to hit a big box store, I will always choose the direct approach. My goal is to get in and out as quickly as possible.

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    • Mark, I’m not surprised that you and Tara like to meander. It’s been interesting to learn who is comfortable with it and who isn’t. I understand about doing the gardening thing when you it is time, weather dictates. I tend to be the same way as you with big box stores, I have purpose.

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  63. I am a meanderer overall. I like to explore. Journey often as valuable as destination. I can’t tell you the last time I stopped when I saw something interesting, or went somewhere spontaneously. I probably need more of that in my life.

    Local businesses, my faves are the food – there’s a bbq joint at the end of my street, and a panaderia three blocks away.

    Our Ikea went in at least 8 years ago, and we have never been. I generally shop with intent. I dislike shopping and find it anxiety-inducing and prefer to do it online. I enjoy window shopping at boutique stores, where one can peruse without pressure.

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    • joey, I’m not surprised that you’re a meanderer. I like journeys, too. Destination will be what it is, ‘ya know? We often pop into somewhere that looks interesting, just because.

      Your food places are making me hungry. I like our small town restaurants and bars, too.

      Ikea is an experience. If you’re going there for something specific it’s best to shop it online first, get the location number for the item in your store, and then be direct. BUT if you’re looking for somewhere to just go for a walk, then meandering through there [at a non-busy time] is fun.

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  67. I’ll always take the meander trail if allotted the time. For Big Box, I almost never have a plan.. except if plan means seeking random ideas for future gifts. It’s how I roll.

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  68. Fabulous questions actually. But first…. I can’t think of a better advertising campaign for Ikea than this post of yours. Seriously, I mean you got a dish drainer and didn’t even mess with their meatballs! I’m afraid the pandemic changed the way I meander. Or the fact that I no longer meander. Everything is still as if I’m wearing a mask and with a specific purpose before I… GET BACK HOME! I need to get back to meandering. Favorite local store: Coastal Traders here in St. Augustine. They have lots of Asian nik naks that unfortunately also appeal to my wife. – Marty

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    • Marty, we don’t need furniture anymore so for us Ikea is a walk and window shopping, although this time I did spring for a dish drainer. I understand about how the pandemic changed your shopping behavior. It’s only been this spring that I’ve felt safe going into stores and taking my time. Of course the outdoor garden decor center is a different situation, no virus to worry about there.

      Costal Traders sounds like a fun place. I get why it also might not be a place you can walk away from empty-handed. Some shops are like that.

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  69. I love that sign, Ally, and the alternatives it offers. As for your questions, the last place I went on a whim was driving through Valley of Fire on my way home from the Grand Canyon. It was an excellent decision!

    When I shop in a big box store, I typically go in with a mission to get in and get out, though I confess I do at times find myself drawn to look at something else.

    When I shop small locally-owned businesses, I prefer to meander and treat it like an adventure or a sight-seeing tour. One of my favorite local shops is called Sacred Energy. They have unique books, crystals, and other such items. It’s also where I go for soundbaths. One of the reasons I enjoy it is because so much of life is about doing practical things, and everything there is whimsical or spiritual…and so pretty.

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    • Christie, oh that is great, what a wonderful way to a meander. Valley of Fire sounds unique and great. Yes, yes, I adore your idea of “an adventure or a sight-seeing tour.” Well said. Sacred Energy would be my kind of place, whimsical and practical is my jam, too.

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  70. Oh delightful. I don’t go out shopping very often but if I do, I want to walk and window shop (and also, hopefully, walk away with something that I didn’t know I needed :)).

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  71. I can’t remember the last time I saw something out the window while driving and decided to go in right then and there! That does happen if I’m meandering around and walking, but I’m usually focused on my destination when driving.

    I do love to go into a store without a specific purpose, though. It’s fun to browse!

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    • Stephany, I understand about being focused on getting to your destination. It’s easier to deviate from the plan when you’re on foot, than in a car.

      We enjoyed browsing around the garden decor center. We took the scenic route, then dove into the back where all the merch was.

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  72. I’m going the waterfall and wind chime way. Our favorite (more expensive) nursery has a similar choice. If there’s time I like to wander and enjoy touring – it’s so lovely – you can pretend it’s your own private escape. (We never go on weekends or holidays – it is something of a destination) On crowded days, we run in and grab what we need – knowing the general location of various types of plants from previous trips and then get in line ( the checkers are always kind, knowledgable and chatty, and frequently the owner/family. They never rush people). Sadly mild weather is ending and oppressive heat arrives..so it’s always the waterfall, fountain, and wind chime route in hot weather…even with the mosquitoes. Cheers and onward

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    • philmouse, you’re right that by taking the scenic route you can pretend that you’re walking around your property. No one rushes you at this place, either, it’s definitely family-owned. I know that it gets extremely hot where you live, oppressive heat isn’t for me, I’d wilt. I can understand how the waterfalls and fountains call to you, gotta stay cool somehow.

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  73. I think it all depends on the reason I’m out shopping, and if I’m in a hurry or not, but it’s usually the scenic route, always looking for inspiration. I would love browsing around your garden décor center. We’re planning an expedition to IKEA next week for midsummer decorating and food ideas. The closest one down here is 2 hours away! How close is yours?

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    • Barbara, I like to take the scenic route for inspiration, you raise a good point about why to take the scenic route. Browsing at this garden decor center is a given, even when we’ve gone in with a purpose we end up window shopping. Our Ikea is 30-40 minutes away depending on traffic. Obviously yours is a much bigger adventure. Enjoy!

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  74. I like to meander if I have time. I enjoy window shopping and seeing what a store has to offer, even if there is nothing there that I want to look at. Especially at a nursery, looking at all of the plants makes me happy!

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    • J, it really comes down to time. We were already goofing off on a Friday, so why not go somewhere else. This place was amazing, but we left not buying a thing. Window shopping at its finest.

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  75. For some reason, my brain told me that your summer hours meant you were away for the summer. I ‘m glad I went back and read the last part of it! Anyway, I usually go to places like Ikea or Walmart for a specific purpose because they take so much effort to get to. Walmart is a little closer, but Ikea is a distance. So I don’t shop there often.

    I haven’t been spontaneous in my car adventures, since spontaneity requires having a full tank or at least more than the $8 or $10 worth of gas I usually get! 😄

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    • L. Marie, thanks for checking back in here. Yep, over the summer I’m posting every other week instead of weekly & commenting on other people’s blogs when I can.

      For me going to Walmart or Target is for a specific purpose. I don’t go to either often, they’re not close to where I live. Good point about having gas in the tank before going on a spontaneous adventure. Hadn’t thought of that but you’re right. 🙂‍↕️

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  77. Ally, what a fun sign and I’d be straight off on the scenic route! Actually, that is the way we visit any garden centre, meandering along. Yesterday we went to our local one, their flowers and trees are amazing with a great and knowledgeable team. As email subscribers I picked up the monthly freebie – this time a tray of wildflowers then proceeded to find lots more to add to our pots and borders. (The garden has finally been discovered after six weeks neglect!😀) On the weekend I enjoy a mooch round a local town, looking through the bookshop etc, however other times I’m in and out of a shop just buying what I came for – deliberately putting on the ‘blinkers’ and avoiding distractions! Btw. Could you resist those beautiful pots or did you come home with one or two?! 😀

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    • Annika, we went the scenic route then wandered aimlessly through the merchandise behind the house. I’d be all over an email freebie coupon deal. Around here I’ve only seen wildflowers for sale in packets of seeds, not in trays already started. That’s cool. Like you there are stores and times when I have to be direct. We didn’t buy any pots on this visit, but have bought many before. The merchandise is pretty, durable, and unique.

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  78. That place, with all the colorful pots is right up my alley!

    I generally shop with a purpose, but there have been times when the mood has stuck as I was near a fun spot to visit.

    My favorite place to go is a local plant nursery; it’s a feast for my eyes with all the bright pots (like you shared here) and alllll the flowers and plants you can imagine. It is my happy place.

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    • Suz, the place with the pots is delightful in the spring and summer. I’m glad we ducked in, we often are purposeful to the extreme so this was a nice change.

      I can only imagine how lovely the local plant nursery is where you are– and year-round I reckon. It’s the colors that draw me to plants and pots and outdoor decor, too. It’s easy fun to just look at them.

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