Family garden-themed family adventure is one to grow on

When it comes to shopping, it’s a family affair. I mean, I had to inherit the gene from somewhere, right? So it’s no surprise that when Mom and Dad come to visit, we grab Junior and hit the road for some serious retail therapy.

That’s exactly what happened last weekend, as we took to the streets in the rain. First stop? Metropolitan Soul in Bangor, so Mom could stock up on the Baggu nylon grocery bags ($6) — they’re the best. I spent way too much time at the jewelry counter, ogling the enormous rings. My favorite is a chunk of glass set in a sterling bezel and painted with an Asian-inspired floral pattern, and someday it will be mine.

But not this day. Junior, Mom and I headed to The Grasshopper Shop, while Dad headed to the car. The girls had loads of luck. Junior and I each couldn’t resist the kitschy Cup of Flowers, a growing gift packaged like a Cup o’ Noodles ($3.50), and we all got Father’s Day cards, too.

At Giacomo’s Italian Groceria, Mom grabbed a pack of pizzelles (wafer-thin anise cookies) while I pondered jars of marinated vegetables.

Though we were too late for the European market at Ingrid’s German Shop, I did manage to pick up a pretty little plant pot and a set of kids’ gardening tools ($6.95 and 3.50 each, respectively).

Things were starting to take on a gardening theme – my green thumb goes wild this time of year – and I figured I could find one of those indestructible Tub Trugs I’ve read about in all my garden magazines. Especially since we all piled in the car and headed to Ellsworth. We had lunch at Cleonice (which, continuing with the theme, has a farm to raise much of the produce used at the restaurant). Yummy. I recommend the lamb burger.

Full and happy, we trotted over to The Grasshopper Shop, which has a different selection than the Bangor venue. I tried on a shirt – perfect, save for two unfortunately placed bows on the chest – and drooled over the glazed Italian flower pots. Then, we all walked over to J&B Atlantic, where hammock swings and pretty furniture ruled the day. Suddenly, I was a woman on a mission, and if it wasn’t garden-related, I wasn’t buying it.

Imagine my excitement when we arrived at Sweet Pea Gardens in Surry. There, I filled a flat with seedlings, herbs and seeds (all for $22), while owner Sue Keating reassured me that it wasn’t too late to plant my sweet peas – almost, but not quite. We took a detour into Blue Hill so I could show ShopParents one of my favorites: The Meadow, which is always loaded with lovely gifts.

A shopping trip with my parents isn’t complete without a Renys stop, and since we were in the Ellsworth area, this was no exception. Mom scored – big time – with an Eddie Bauer dress and a bunch of $1.99 flip-flops. Junior and I didn’t fare quite so well, but I did contemplate a newer, cleaner pair of Crocs. They aren’t pretty, but they make the best gardening clogs ever.

At L.L. Bean, Mom and Dad continued their winning streak – each got a shirt – while I contemplated a mismatched set of outdoor furniture. It wasn’t meant to be. And I couldn’t find a pair of Tevas in my size either. Then, to top it all off, nobody wanted to go to Marden’s. I still hadn’t found my Tub Trug, and in true family style, I was starting to feel a little whiny.

But our family shopping outing was a blast, as always, and it turns out I had no need to worry. Two days later, I stumbled across Tub Trugs – in every size and color – at Blue Seal. I grabbed a small one in pink, and as I carried it to the counter, I realized it could double as a beach bag. Or a strange-looking purse.

Mom would be so proud.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you. Send questions, comments or tips by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net, or by U.S. Mail to Bangor Daily News, attn: ShopGirl column, 491 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401. Visit the ShopBlog at http://communityv1.bangornews.com/blog/4.