Don't stop at the first place you see. Even though Safeway is easy to spot on the corner Donner Pass Road and Hwy of Skip the lines and crazy parking at Safeway, especially on high-season weekends.

Save Mart at 11399 Deerfield Drive is where the locals go, and it's got a great selection of organic and local produce and offerings. It's open until midnight, but may close earlier for special holidays.

CVS is right next door for all your pharmacy needs, and I like them because they took the bold move to not sell tobacco products a few years ago.

For specialty vegan and organic products, check out New Moon Natural Foods on Donner Pass Road.