I actually do like my Publix! I have two of them both within two miles of my house (in opposite directions from each other) - but one of them is much bigger, so I tend to go there. But I have also found cool things in the smaller one that the bigger didn't carry. Right now one of my favorite things they carry is unsweetened "Barney Butter" - a very nice almond butter that is mixed with palm oil to give it a smooth texture. I first saw Barney Butter at my local health foods market but they only carry the version that has added sugar! Publix carries that too, but also the sugar-free version.

I also have a Whole Foods market about 20 minutes away and go there from time to time. But I do look forward to Trader Joe's - and I also liked Harris Teeter when I liked in or visited NC.