I travel out of state to shop at Trader Joe's for my family. Here are 8 items worth the long round trip.
My home state of Wyoming doesn't have a Trader Joe's, so I drive to Colorado for my favorite items.
The trip is 57 miles each way, but I pick up things I'm unable to get at my local supermarkets.
I fill my shopping cart with staples like pappardelle pasta, Alfredo sauce, and sunscreen.
Wyoming has a lot to offer. One thing it doesn't have, though, is Trader Joe's.
Although I can get pretty much everything I need from local grocery stores, there are a few special items I travel 57 miles to buy at a Trader Joe's location in Colorado.
Here are eight things I cross state lines to buy at the grocery chain.
I always grab a bag of Piñata apples when they're available.
Although they're not as sweet as my favorite Honeycrisps, I love grabbing a bag of Piñata apples from Trader Joe's. They have a nice tropical flavor and come in a large, 5-pound bag.
They never last long in my house, so I always hope they'll still be available on my next shopping trip.
Trader Joe's sunscreen doesn't feel greasy.
I never wore sunscreen as a kid, mostly because of the smell and greasy feel on my skin.
As a mom, though, I always have to make sure my kids are sufficiently protected from UV rays, which means I constantly have my hands covered in sunscreen. However, I don't mind it as much when it doesn't smell or feel greasy.
Trader Joe's has a great line of health and beauty products, and I especially love the invisible gel sunscreen. I find that it soaks in quickly after application, and I can't even tell by the smell that it's been applied.
Just the Clusters vanilla almond granola makes the perfect snack.
Trader Joe's Alfredo sauce is a hit with the whole family.
This Alfredo sauce has a nice blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese flavors. Even my picky child eats it without complaining.
I like to brown some chicken and simmer it in the Alfredo sauce with broccoli and pasta. The whole process is quick and results in a quick dinner that everyone will eat.
Pappardelle is the perfect base for pasta dishes.
These wide noodles cook quickly and pair well with any sauce. I only wish they came in a bigger package.
Trader Joe's glazed vanilla-bean scones are surprisingly tasty.
My husband loves the Trader Joe's cheddar jalapeño pull-apart bread.
My husband and older son both love spicy foods, so I like to get them Trader Joe's cheddar jalapeño pull-apart bread.
It's not super spicy, but it has a nice kick. I usually buy at least one extra package to freeze, since they typically polish off the first one within days.
Trader Joe's pizza crust makes dinner easy.
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Phonetics lesson aside, Circa's central lobby bar is an ideal spot to enjoy a classic espresso martini. A vivacious blend of vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and espresso is served in a coupe glass perfectly positioned with a view of famous Glitter Gulch memorabilia and the iconic Vegas Vickie neon sign. A famous face since 1980, Vegas Vickie underwent an extensive refurbishing process to restore her to her former glory, making this an iconic setting for both classic and trending drinks. A martini doesn't always mean alcohol — something mixologist Juyoung Kang at Doberman Drawing Room has embraced with flair. The Arts District's newest hideaway offers a coffee cheesecake espresso martini that skips the liquor but delivers on flavor with a blend of malt, coffee, and honey. This mocktail is dusted with nutmeg and finished with a surprising sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a salty, yet creamy infusion. Of course, this drink can be made boozy upon request. In between sips, check out the century-old chandelier and custom stained-glass windows. While membership comes with perks, cocktails can be enjoyed even without paying the $3,000 annual fee. Local Summerlin institution the Martini offers a rich variety of espresso martini options on its generous cocktail menu. The classic version features Wheatley vodka and chilled espresso, but the bar also blends liquors into different variations of the standby recipe. Cold brew Irish whiskey, añejo tequila, and even chocolate liqueur offer unmatched variety. (The Martini offers a non-alcoholic chocolate espresso martini for those who prefer a liquor-free option.) Its espresso martinis, available 24 hours a day, are always a good start or end to the night. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Travel off the Strip for a caffeine treat at the well-loved Las Vegas dive on Spring Mountain Road. For a dialed-up take on the usually vodka-forward recipe, two servings of espresso martini made with vanilla vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, and espresso concentrate are poured into a full-sized pint glass. Come for the cocktail and stay for the live music that has rocked Las Vegas for nearly five decades. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Nearly impossible to find on the Bellagio casino floor, romantic speakeasy the Vault is worth hunting down, especially for its ultra dreamy espresso martini. Served in a wide glass with an impossibly delicate stem, the Seductress is a combination of bourbon cask-aged rum, cognac, espresso, and banana, all topped with creamy sesame froth and a toasted garnish. Ask for a spoon to scoop up the cream left behind, then order another round to soak in the luxe black marble bar and alcove booths housing Las Vegas's finest. Pair sugar and caffeine by ordering one of three dessert espresso martinis at Lago by Julian Serrano. Try the classic affogato, featuring a splash of hazelnut liqueur poured over chocolate ice cream and topped with hazelnut mousse. The chocolate version adds white chocolate liqueur, while the vanilla martini takes a lighter approach with vanilla ice cream and Licor 43. No matter the choice, the view of the Bellagio fountains from Lago's patio makes every sip of these coffee-infused drinks even better. Open in Google Maps Foursquare True to the name, Third Eye Grind combines three beloved liquors — Kahlua, Licor 43, and Frangelico — with Grey Goose vodka and espresso. Executive chef Chris Santos spearheads the kitchen at this vibrant Cosmopolitan hotspot, where plates of empanadas or brisket bao buns pair with other cocktails straight from New York. A small sugary treat like a macaron might be perched atop the espresso martini for an added delight. Open in Google Maps Foursquare The Waldorf Astoria is always topping its own luxury bar offerings, and the reimagined Hard Shake brings an inventive cocktail list that won't be forgotten anytime soon. The former Skybar now invites visitors into a dark and romantic Art Deco interior, perfect for enjoying strong and caffeinated martinis. Buckle in for a Bullet Train, an amped-up blend of reposado tequila, espresso concentrate, espresso liqueur, and a sweet dash of Angostura cocoa bitters to complement the agave. Gold chocolate coffee beans garnish a rocks glass, making for an elegant presentation. Tom Colicchio's MGM Grand steakhouse, Craftsteak, does more than grill fine meats and seafood dishes. Its flights and cocktails are spectacles to enjoy, especially the aptly named Wake Up Call espresso martini. 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Uncommons' resident tequileria prepares the drink with coffee liqueur, Licor 43, and a house espresso blend. With themed glassware accented by a desert-meets-tropical setting of wicker furniture and vibrantly colorful decorations, Todo Bien is an ideal tiki escape for cocktail lovers.
