Where shopping is NOT a pleasure!

I have lived here for almost a year now and I still can't find a grocery store I like. It's not fun. I generally don't mind grocery shopping, but here - I hate it! Here are my choices:

1. Bi-Lo - Once I realized I had to give Bi-Lo a chance, I thought, "Okay, this isn't so bad." Then I went again and again and again and realized they don't have half the stuff I want. Their selection is pitiful. They just don't have many options. If you want cheese, you have one kind of cheese to "choose" from. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get my point...right? Their prices are decent on what they do have and they do have some good sale prices sometimes, but their meat selection is also pretty poor.

2. Piggly Wiggly - I don't like these stores in general. However, since this place is some sort of headquarters for them (or something like that) I decided I would try them. Surely they would be nicer here, right? I mean, they're ALL over the place in this town! I walked in once and almost fell over when I saw the prices! They are freakin' expensive!! Need I say more?

3. Publix - First of all, there is not one close to me. I have to drive at least 15 minutes if not longer (and pass several other grocers), in order to get to one. That is probably the biggest strike against it at the moment. It's just terribly inconvenient. And with a one year old in tow, convenience is key. I have also been irritated by each of the Publix stores I have visited. There are three of them within about 15-20 minutes, so I vary as to which one I go to when I decide to go to Publix. And each one of them has bothered me in one way or another. Whether they have been out of an item, not taken a coupon, or whatever. I guess I hold grudges.

4. Food Lion - Rather comparable to Bi-Lo. It's not a bad place, but not great selections. Prices are okay, but not phenomenal. There is one super close and at the moment I like it better than the Bi-Lo that is even closer, so it is probably the most frequented thus far in the list. (Plus it has a Walgreens and CVS within walking distance!) One thing I have noticed about Food Lion is that they have a shopping cart that fits 4 kids!! I'm not kidding! Not that I have a need for a 4-seater shopping cart, but still. I was impressed. I don't think I've seen one of those anywhere else. If I did have 4 kids that I had to take shopping they would absolutely get my business!

And finally -

5. Wal-mart - You knew I had to mention it sooner or later, right? I HATE grocery shopping at Walmart. I always have. Generally I would only go if I need more than groceries and just wanted to get everything in one trip. That is the convenience of Walmart. And it can be convenient, I will give it that. HOWEVER!!! Oh, the crowds...Oh, the lines...Oh, the screaming children running up and down the aisles with no parent in sight...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! Do you feel my pain? It makes me short of breath even thinking about the struggle that is Walmart shopping. And even so, I HATE to admit it, but that is the place I frequent most for my grocery shopping needs. I hate having to go there, but right now it seems to be my best option. Can you believe I even used the word "best" in the same context as "Walmart"? Although Walmart's lack of selection bugs me tremendously, it is better than the selections at the other stores - with the exception of Publix, which is too far away and irritating in it's own way. And the screaming children - well, I console myself by thinking, "At least if my baby screams no one will notice." However, it's relatively rare that he's unhappy in the grocery store. But I console myself however I can. As for the lines and crowds, I just don't go when I'm in a rush. It's just not worth it. Nothing is worth going to Walmart when you're in a rush. Patience is the key here.

My only other options would be:
Kroger - which is an hour away!
Super Target - I don't even know where there is one!
Harris Teeter or Whole Foods - I'd be happy to adjust my budget in order to pay a little more to shop at either of these stores. Unfortunately, I believe the closest one is at least 30 minutes away which makes in terribly inconvenient for standard shopping. If I can ever get myself into the meal planning that I want to do, perhaps I could do a once a week trip to one of them...that's an idea, anyway.

{sigh}

Any suggestions?