Someone once confessed to me that they like to go to Whole Foods not to shop, but to take in the atmosphere, and taste fine cheeses and other samples throughout the store. I get that. I like a grocery store with ambiance, but I cannot afford to do all of my food at a place where julienned vegetable medley goes for $7.99/lb.

Grocery shopping is a trade off for me; one week I will shop the cheapest deals I can find, and the next week I will supplement with healthier, more organic findings. This week was the higher end shopping, and I made a trip to Plum Market.

There are always a few great deals at Plum Market, and you can’t miss them; most of the sale items are prominently displayed right in the lobby. This week: Kashi cereal two for $4, boxes of clementines, kettle chips, etc.

I also make a point of perusing their well stocked and well priced wine offerings. This week I took home two bottles of Merlot for $10.88. I also like to check out their apothecary area where there is a wide selection of traditional, homeopathic, and health items, including a prescription pharmacy.

This weekend, on Jan. 23, shoppers have an extra reason to visit Plum Market in Ann Arbor. Its Get Fit Event promises freebies, samples, and evaluations to kick off a healthy new year. How about a free chair massage to put you in a healthy shopping mood? From 1-6 p.m. in the Apothecary department, you will also find specialists in stress evaluation, acupuncture & Chinese medicine, and micronutrient testing, offering free and helpful information about your health. But get there early; the first 50 shoppers get a goody bag full of samples.

Plum Market is located in the Maple Village Shopping Plaza. 375 North Maple Road | Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Store Hours 8 a.m.-10 p.m. every day Main telephone 734.827.5000 Rx Hours 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Friday Rx Tel 734.827.3000 | Rx Fax 734.827.3001