The shopping experience at the Cracker Barrel restaurants is a guilty pleasure of mine that started on road trips, and has blossomed now that we live within regular driving distance of one (oh look, you can shop online, but in-store is better)!!

If you don't know, or have driven by blindly, our Cracker Barrel for Beaconites, Fish Kill and Wappingers Falls folks is on Rt 9 next to the Panera/Starbucks/Verizon plaza right off 84 headed north to Poughkeepsie.

Cracker Barrel's annual 60% off sale is happening right now (didn't know they had one! I always hit 'em up post seasons...hint for glittery holiday decorations at 75% off), and you know I snapped up that stuffed monkey rocking chair for little Cole's first birthday, down from $69.99 to $24.99 or some such. I also snagged two couch pillows for $12 each. So yeah.

Need some birthday presents? Flower tattoo stickers? Bulldozers? Baby cloths with tutus? Yup. Inside of Cracker Barrel. And then you can slide on over to the restaurant for pancakes! (Note: I don't recommend them for dinner...a little flour-y and bland....but still good for kids if you're in a pinch).