Stew Leonard's (Yonkers, NY)

During my first trip home with J a few years ago, he one day remarked, "Oh, I have to take you to Stew Leonard's."

He then explained to me that Stew Leonard's, which began as a dairy store in 1969, is a large grocery store at which his family frequently does its shopping. My reaction?: "A grocery store? You have to take me to a grocery store?" However, with the promise of free samples, I begrudgingly embarked on our grocery shopping adventure.

As soon as we arrived, I realized, Whoa, this is no ordinary grocery store. I mean, does Bristol Farms give you free ice cream or coffee when you spend $100? (Really, they should give you something. I spent $27.00 on nuts and fruit there the other day).

Since expanded to four locations, Stew Leonard's has taken its roots in fresh milk and expanded them to include meats, seafood, produce, baked goods and cheese. This place has everything from regular groceries to fresh-made bread and cheese to an incredible amount of pre-prepared food such as sushi, sandwiches, soup and lobster rolls.

The most interesting part of the store is that there are no aisles. The store is, instead, maze-like, with a winding path that travels through the entire store. Fortunately, along the way, you are bound to happen upon delicious samples and at least one or two things you didn't realize you needed.

I wish all produce sections had pretty Christmas lights!

Also contributing to Stew Leonard's delightful and unique environment are the animatronics stationed throughout the store. This one sings about the healthy nature of bananas.

Here's J starting up the Chiquita Banana for old time's sake (actually, he does this every time we come...). This Yonkers outpost was not yet here when he was little, and his parents would often make day trips out of visiting the original Stew's in Norwalk, Connecticut, so that they could shop and he could enjoy the store.

Stew Leonard's wasn't named the "Disneyland of Dairy Stores" by The New York Times for no reason.

Now, I definitely understand why J had to bring me here. Stew Leonard's offers so much more than your average grocery store and boast an incredibly impressive selection of fresh items made on-location (I practically chugged their fresh orange juice) and to-go items (I wish there was one near me to grab lunch for workdays). Visit one of their locations if you get a chance!

Stew Leonard's

www.stewleonards.com

1 Stew Leonard Drive

Yonkers, NY 10710

(914) 375-4700