By Dana, Guest Contributor
When my husband and I first began exploring the idea of moving south, we knew we wanted the peace and beauty of the North Carolina mountains. What we didn’t know was that one of the hardest things to leave behind wouldn’t be people or places — it would be a grocery store.
Yes, I’m talking about Wegmans.
We moved from central New Jersey to North Buncombe County over a decade ago. Before we called Weaverville home, we spent several years commuting back and forth — working up north while fixing up our future retirement home down here. And during that time, my weekly routine always included a trip to the Princeton Wegmans, a store that quickly became more than a place to buy groceries. It was part of my lifestyle.
If you know, you know.
What Makes Wegmans So Special?
When the Princeton store opened in 1998, it immediately stood out — even in a state with no shortage of supermarket options. But Wegmans had something different: the freshness, the variety, the friendly staff, the smell of the bakery, the ethnic food counters, the thoughtfully designed store layout… it made grocery shopping feel less like a chore and more like a mini adventure.
Over the years, I’ve visited nearly 20 Wegmans locations in seven states — New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, and North Carolina — and I can say with confidence: they never miss.
Yes, the stores are big — some massive. The largest, in DeWitt, NY, clocks in at 160,000 square feet. That’s nearly twice the size of an average supermarket. Even the “smaller” Wegmans stores are about 80,000 square feet. So, wear your comfy shoes.
People sometimes assume Wegmans is expensive, but I’ve always found their staple items comparable to Publix, Ingles, or Harris Teeter. Sure, you won’t find Aldi prices here, but you’re paying for quality, selection, and experience — and that’s worth something.
A Bit of Wegmans History
Wegmans began in 1916 as a fruit and vegetable pushcart run by brothers Walter and John Wegman in Rochester, New York. Since then, it’s grown into one of the most beloved grocery chains in the U.S. — regularly topping “Best Places to Work” and “Best Grocery Store” lists.
Their expansion has been gradual and strategic. From their base in western New York, they’ve opened stores throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. North Carolina is currently the southernmost edge of their reach, with stores in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary, and Wake Forest — and one under construction in Holly Springs. More recently, they’ve begun planting flags in the Charlotte area.
Their distribution centers in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia keep the stores stocked, and I suspect it’s only a matter of time before that network nudges a bit further south and west.
Why Not Asheville?
This is the question that lives rent-free in my brain.
I know Buncombe County doesn’t quite match the metro populations of Charlotte or Raleigh. But we’re growing — fast. And based on the number of folks I’ve met in WNC who’ve moved here from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland (aka Wegmans Country), I know I’m not alone in dreaming of a store closer to home.
Sure, Publix has been a nice addition to Weaverville. But Wegmans? That would be a game-changer. A little competition never hurts, right?
A Road Warrior’s Grocery Guide
Until a Wegmans sets up shop here, I’ve become something of a road-trip grocery hauler. On long drives back from Raleigh or Charlotte — or during bigger cross-country trips — I always make time to swing by a store. My crew jokes that I plan our route around Wegmans stops, and honestly, they’re not wrong.
We pack like pros:
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A large hard-sided cooler
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Blue ice packs of all sizes
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Nesting soft-sided coolers for overflow
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Hotel stays in suite-style rooms with full kitchens (hello, freezer space!)
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Backup plans involving ice machines and very polite front desk staff
If you’ve ever considered bringing home frozen dumplings from Raleigh or a dozen cheese danishes from Virginia, I promise — it can be done.
Bonus tip: Ask the hotel to freeze your blue ice packs overnight. Just label your bag with your name, cell, and room number. We’ve never been turned down!
Supermarkets as Cultural Windows
One of my favorite parts of traveling is checking out regional grocery stores. You’d be amazed what you learn about a place based on what’s in the meat case or snack aisle.
A few highlights from the road:
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Whole pig parts in Macon, GA
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Bayou critters at Rouse’s in Slidell, LA
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Tongue and pastrami at the kosher deli in Ramsey, NJ
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Green chili tamales at a Tucson Safeway kiosk
It’s a quirky little joy — discovering the flavors that make each region unique. And it makes me appreciate the cultural blend Wegmans brings together under one roof even more.
Final Thoughts
I love my life in the mountains. The pace, the people, the stunning landscapes — they’re what we came here for. And over the years, I’ve learned to live without some of the things I used to take for granted.
But I still miss Wegmans.
Maybe one day they’ll come to Asheville. Until then, I’ll keep road-tripping and restocking our freezer with everything from lobster mac and cheese to mushroom risotto. Because while barbecue and biscuits may reign supreme here (rightfully so!), a girl can still dream of a world where great bagels, flaky croissants, and prepared pad Thai are just a short drive away.
