Bargains / must buys while in the USA

[Denali]

Walmart...last time I walked in not only did I get a real People of Walmart experience but was amused by the ability to buy your coffin beside DVDs and giant leaf blowers!

We did the Kentucky Bourbon trail (get 6 stamps, get a very nice free tshirt) a couple of years ago, stopped at a few Walmarts on the way just to get the Walmart experience!

My suggestion to those that do the KB Trail - swing past Bowling Green to check out the Corvette Museum and factory. Not my kind of thing but still cool.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

We did the Kentucky Bourbon trail (get 6 stamps, get a very nice free tshirt)

We did something similar years ago, went to Jack Daniels, one other I cant remember the name of ( and I don't drink it !) and Makers mark where you can "make" your own bottle by dipping in the red wax. We did that -

 

[Denali]

We did something similar years ago, went to Jack Daniels, one other I cant remember the name of ( and I don't drink it !) and Makers mark where you can "make" your own bottle by dipping in the red wax. We did that -

By memory, Makers Mark (very beautiful, did the bottle dipping thing), Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Woodford (the winner of the trip, taste wise), Rose something and the Heritage Centre.

I was in Ohio working for 2 weeks so for the weekend, I looked at what was within 4hrs driving and met up with friends on the way back as they live near Jim Beam.

 

[blackcat20]

Yes, I do the same thing and marvel at how much high fructose sugar there is in almost everything. I do bring back a few little things that are probably only available in say DJs very expensive food hall. Always declare them and never had a problem. Unlike a colleague once when we in Paris who bought a huge stack of pate exactly the same as is sold here in the little green tins. He had the lot confiscated. Moral for me, only buy cheap food stuffs.

I bought home a few odd things last year like vanilla bean paste and saffron threads. Had a chat with customs and all good to go.

 

[get me outta here]

When the US Airways GUM extravaganza was on, I had a lovely time in the Tommy Bahama outlet store. Of course it was all over priced in the first place, but 75% off quality and style has provided fond stylish memories.

(GUM is a USA territory)

 

[maxwelljames]

Flying into LAX, a week based at Anaheim, 3 days down at San Diego, 3 at Vegas and another day and a half near LAX before flying back to OZ. I have a hire car and 3 teenage girls..... I have info coming from One AFFer on factory outlets.

I'm flying QF and as a WP have a reasonable checked luggage allowance that I expect will be fully utilised by the 4 fairer sex in the family.

I don't really need anything but I'm a sucker for a bargain. The only thing on my list at present is some Californian wine to bring back but if nothing stands out I will just grab some of my favourite Glenmorangie whiskey somewhere

COMMENT:
Steady, You will probably not be allowed to take Californian wine, through Security at the airport, unless you buy it Duty Free at the airport.

 

[SandyS]

Flying into LAX, a week based at Anaheim, 3 days down at San Diego, 3 at Vegas and another day and a half near LAX before flying back to OZ. I have a hire car and 3 teenage girls..... I have info coming from One AFFer on factory outlets.

I'm flying QF and as a WP have a reasonable checked luggage allowance that I expect will be fully utilised by the 4 fairer sex in the family.

I don't really need anything but I'm a sucker for a bargain. The only thing on my list at present is some Californian wine to bring back but if nothing stands out I will just grab some of my favourite Glenmorangie whiskey somewhere

When I was in the States in May, we got 1.75 litres of Glenmorangie for around US$60 in Costco. They also had McCallan for around the same price, from memory.

 

[robd]

Here's Jnr's stash of makeup from trip Oct 2014:-



Note there is also a bottle of 500 paracetamol tablets, which cost about $7.

And this from Macy's sale -



She also had to purchase some designer evening shoes as instructed by her friend, circa US $800+. The price for those was actually cheaper in Honolulu, as the tax there was only 4%.

She always takes suitcase inside suitcase when heading over to the USA.

 

[coriander]

So looks like there's some lag between existing stock in Australia and the new imported prices (or else merchants here are cutting their profits substantially).

+1.

Picked up a couple of Victorinox Werks suitcases marked down in the Ebay sale. Can't imagine they would've stayed that cheap once the store restocked.

 

[yld200]

Great tips here, loving the info... Me and the Mrs will be flying over in October and will definately hit the Vegas outlets, not quite sure about Woodbury in NY just yet... sounds promising but we'll probably have to buy another suitcase!

 

[cove]

I was looking last night at raise.com to decide which e-gift cards to buy for our trip next month. For dining I think I will go Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris and either Johnny Rockets or Rubys. We already have McCormick ,Flemings and Jerrys so we wont go hungry.

 

[robd]

Mmmmmmm, Cheesecake Factory.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Red Lobster was my favourite chain restaurant, but PF Changs is now my number 1.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Vote for PF Changs too, both for LA and Honolulu

 

[blackcat20]

Mmmmmmm, Cheesecake Factory.

They do a fantastic peach coughtail, cobb salad, and pumpkin cheesecake.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

I was looking last night at raise.com to decide which e-gift cards to buy for our trip next month. For dining I think I will go Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris and either Johnny Rockets or Rubys. We already have McCormick ,Flemings and Jerrys so we wont go hungry.

Cove I tried to sign up for raise.com but does not seem to allow me, keeps sending me back to registration page, is it something you can join from Oz?

 

[Kiwi Kid]

Have you done Johnny Rockets before? Must say to me it's the epitome of American fast food - sweet white buns, plastic cheese & not much flavour. Another vote for Cheesecake Factory - can't go wrong.

 

[dairyfloss]

Mmmmmmm, Cheesecake Factory.

My favourite is Chris' Outrageous Cheesecake, but I was too full last time (last week!) after my Cuban sandwich and 22oz (650ml) beers to get one!

 

[robd]

They do a fantastic peach coughtail, cobb salad, and pumpkin cheesecake.

You gotta try the Parmesan-Garlic Cheese Bread.

Don't even start on the cheesecake...

 

[blackcat20]

My favourite is Chris' Outrageous Cheesecake, but I was too full last time (last week!) after my Cuban sandwich and 22oz (650ml) beers to get one!

I get my cheesecake to go and eat it later when I dont feel stuffed.