On the corner of Glisan and 21st Ave. in Portland, Oregon are three little gems: a sweet old-fashioned cafe serving breakfast bagels, great coffee and, best of all, devilled eggs (devilled eggs!); Bartinis, a martini bar featuring drinks like basil-infused vodka with fresh berry juice and $5 fondue during Happy Hour; and Trader Joe's.

Ah, Trader Joe's. Rows and rows of chocolate-covered cherries and veggie chips and mini raviolis and hearty onion soups and fresh goat cheese-sprinkled salads and wine, so much wine, all at amazing low prices on squeaky clean shelves and rung up by the friendlist staff ever (although that may have something to do with Portland's incredibly friendly vibe). Having visited Trader Joe's for the first time as the last stop on a recent road trip with three other girls, we crammed our overflowing grocery bags into the remaining floor space in the car and spent a lovely day driving while happily stuffing our faces.

I may have to make a monthly trip. It's only a seven hour drive... 

www.traderjoes.com