Shopping Experience at Stew Leonard’s, Yonkers, NY
Grocery shopping in New York City is not, for NYCity Mama, the most fun experience. She imagines that for most New Yorkers with more than one kid, or any kid at all, this would be the case. Because although the selection of places to shop, and the very many options of where to buy food is incredible in New York City, it is probably one of the most uncomfortable things to do if you are shopping for more than just yourself, with kids in tow.
Now, she loves stopping into places, such as Zabar’s, Fairway, and West Side Market, but the aisles are small, and New Yorkers aren’t the friendliest bunch when shopping for food in tight spaces, so when that time of the month comes when they need to restock on larger paper and food items and shopping at the chosen greenmarket won’t do, Mama’s family tends to venture out of the city and into the burbs.
Today they decided to head out to Yonkers. A bit of a drive for them from Washington Heights, but always eager to take on new adventures, they were happy to do it as they had heard that there was a place where the shopping experience was one of a kind.
So they made their way past the Bronx and into Yonkers and shortly after found themselves in the crowded parking lot of Stew Leonard’s.
The minute they walked in Mama saw what all the buzz was about. There, past the green house and flowers, past the corn and right next to the ice cream stand, she and her family were greeted by the huge smiling lobster named Larry. And it was then that Mama could see why this busy shopping destination could work for her and her kids because from the minute they walked in the boys were captivated by all the things set before them.
So while Mama and her husband were amazed at how red the tomatoes were, and the huge selection of fresh mozzarella and herbs, such as cilantro, oregano, basil, and dill, her boys were in awe of the singing Chiquita banana, mooing and singing cows, and various characters from a baker, to a scarecrow, to a monkey, swinging, doing flips and spins above their heads.
And while Mama’s husband drooled over the freshly baked goods (and it was pretty amazing, they even had French Toast Bagels covered in powdered sugar!), and Mama managed to take a picture of their on-site baking facilities before two employees yelled out “NO PHOTOS!!”, her boys were in awe of all the singing chickens and farm animals displayed throughout.
But, it wasn’t just baked goods and animatronics that had them all excited. The place smelled amazing at every turn. Past the baked items was the seafood, and fresh homemade pasta dishes. Then there was the coffee stand, or the fresh sushi stand, huge cheese stand, followed by the deli and hot counter food purchased by the pound. It was an amazing experience walking around the place.
And as they walked out, longingly staring through the windows of the in store wine shop, but deciding that it would have to be for another day, the cashier told them that they qualified to get two free ice cream cones with their purchase! So they made their way to the ice cream shop and not only got ice cream, but all the sprinkles their little hearts desired. Their boys slowly devoured them.
Before Mama could make her way to exit, her husband called to her and pointed out an eating area on the opposite side of the store. There were picnic tables laid out and patrons eating everything from sandwiches to burgers, to even entire lobsters (which Mama found out cost $11 with a side of fries)!
But what really got the boys excited were the chickens, goats, sheep, and cows located in the little farm at the back of the building, where kids could also feed the animals.
So $200 worth of groceries, and about an hour worth of fun for the kids, everyone was ready to head home, especially after finishing their ice cream surprise. It was a fun shopping experience, and the selection of items cannot be beat. Though not the most inexpensive place for groceries, Stew Leonard’s can really be that special shopping trip to take every so often with the family for good quality products, great food, and fun for the kids.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Stew Leonard’s. I was there every other week when I used to live in the Bronx & Yonkers. My kids LOVED that place too but of course they don’t remember b/c they were so small. I sure miss that place.
I hope they make one by my house.
I love Stew Leonard’s. Conveniently located in Yonkers. I also live in Washington Heights and the drive is not bad all. Its about 15-20 minutes on I-87 from Manhattan.