My Costco Travels: Frederick Maryland

A quick search using the warehouse locator in the Costco app shows that there are over a dozen different Costco warehouses in the greater DC metro area. I have been to nearly all of them but I rarely post about them because to me they are just part of my normal Costco rotation. But in keeping with my new "My Costco Travels" series I am going to try to post a little something about every warehouse I visit, even if it's not a "new to me warehouse" because its probably new to many of you :) 

Last weekend I ventured out to western Maryland to the Frederick Costco. The Frederick warehouse opened in late 2001 and has everything you'd expect to find at a Costco except they don't sell any alcohol, not even beer and wine thanks to archaic MD state laws.

Almost all of my athletic apparel is from Costco, whether it's a name brand item from Nike or Underarmour or Kirkland Signature, I've rarely been disappointed with my purchases. I picked up two of these Mondetta Ladies Full Zip Jackets w/ hood (item #1075018, $19.99) at the Frederick warehouse and I LOVE them! The jacket has a fitted shape, long sleeves with thumb holes at the cuff and an overall longer length that I'm crazy about. And it comes in four colors: a white/light grey, a black/dark grey, and blue/black and a purple/black. My blue & purple photos didn't come out well so I also copied some images from costco.com where this item is also available with free shipping. The purple and blue are not that bright in real life and it does run large so I recommend buying down a size.

How beautiful are these yellow Vintage Mums (item #250752, $10.99)!?

Versatile items that can be worn more than one way are awesome, like this Campion Lightweight Snap Scarf (item #1087414, $12.99). It snaps together and can be worn three different ways: as an infinity scarf, a drape or as a shrug. Made of Nylon & Spandex, the material is stretchy & soft. The scarf comes in three colors: Turquoise Green, Black and Pink. This item is also available on costco.com with free shipping.

I feel like you can never have too many basic layering pieces like this Felina Ladies Camisole 3-pack (item #1074554, $12.99). Made of Cotton, Modal and Spandex these basic tanks are soft and smooth. Available in two different color packs white, black & dark gray or navy blue, fuchsia, & light gray. This item is also available on costco.com with free shipping.

These Kirkland Signature Active Leggings (item #7987655, $16.99) are my favorite KS leggings yet. The full length wicking fabric hugs your legs without being too tight and most importantly they stay put - no pulling or tugging needed to keep these babies in place. The mid-rise waistband stays flat and has a hidden pocket and there is even an inner draw string to adjust the fit. Available in four different colors, blue dot, purple mercury, and two different black prints: charcoal heather marble and black fracture embossed. (I bought the two black prints.) These leggings are also available on costco.com with free shipping and plus sizes are available online only.

There is a Kirkland Signature Ladies Active Jacket (item #7987654, $29.99) that matches the leggings. It comes in four colors: blue, purple, black and gray. The long sleeves have a thumb hole at the cuff, there is a hidden hood in the back of the collar and my fave feature: the pockets have zippers. This item is also available on costco.com with free shipping and also in plus sizes.

The Fitbit Charge 2 is one of the highest rated fitness trackers according to Consumer Reports. My old Fitbit didn't have a heart rate monitor so when I saw Costco had the Charge 2 with a $20 off instant manufactures rebate I decided it was time to upgrade. The Fitbit Charge 2 bundle (item #1110234, $129.99) at Costco includes an extra wrist band, chose size small or large. I've been wearing my new fitbit for just over a week and I totally dig it!

Costco also has Fitbit Blaze bundle (item #1070528, $199.99).

And a Fitbit Alta bundle (item #1060231, $128.99).

T3 hair dryers are the BEST! This T3 Micro Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer with Tourmaline (item #978242, $89.99) at Costco is 55% LESS than the retail price! I have the white one. I don't know if it actual dries "60% faster" than my old hair dryer but it definitely dries my hair faster.  And for such a large hair dryer it is lightweight so my arms don't give out while drying my long hair. I highly recommend this hair dryer. Its also available on costco.com (in the black color only) with $4.99 shipping & handling.

I spotted the iconic Chi Original 1" Ceramic Flat Iron (item #1022917) marked down to an incredible $39.97which is 60% off the retail price. I bought mine years ago and it still works like new.

Did you know Costco has its own line of wine glasses!? I did not and was thrilled to discover this Kirkland Signature 8-piece All Purpose Wine Glasses (item #1040005, $17.99). These break resistant, lead-free crystal glasses hold 25 oz, are dishwasher safe and were made in Germany by the renowned German company Riedel Glassworks. At just $2.25 per glass these are a steal. If you are a Riedel fan, and want lead crystal glasses Costco sells an 8-pack of Riedel Vinum Cabernet Wine glasses on costco.com for $119.99. (Had I not already purchases a zillion wine & champagne classes at a Costco business center two summers ago I would have totally been all over these...)

Speaking of crystal, check out these beautiful Waterford pieces. This 10" Waterford Normandy Crystal Vase (item #1112222) is just $69.99 - thats 58% LESS than the price Nieman Marcus sells the same vase for.

This Waterford 10" Cassidy Bowl (item #5559999) is $69.99 - which is 69% LESS than the Bloomingdales sale price!

And this pair of Illuminology by Waterford Crystal Candlesticks (item #1114444) is only $49.99.

Radar detectors are illegal in Washington DC and Virginia so I rarely see these - but if you live anywhere else you might be able to get your hands on this Escort Passport Long Range Radar & Laser Beam Detector (item #1054421, $249.99).

Costco also sells dash cams. This Cobra Drive HD Dash Camera (item #1088622, $118.99) with 1080p HD wide angle view comes with an 8GB SD card, HDMI cord and mount.

The Frederick Costco had some cool exercise equipment like this, Cap Deluxe Utility Bench (item #1082183, $89.99).

And this Cap 200 lb Dumbbell Set with Rack (item #783500, $189.99).

Frederick also had a great selection of winter gear. I picked up a Subzero Polar Vortex Snow Brush & Ice Scraper (item #1080286) for $14.99. It's actually two pieces, you get the longer brush/scraper with the pivoting head and telescoping handle that extends to 50", and you get a smaller handheld ice scraper. Both have thick foam handles for an easy grip.

I picked up two pairs of these Brekka Down Ski Mittens (item #1074285, marked down to $19.97), one pair for me and one pair for mom. They are SO WARM!

I also got a Bula Convertible 4-in-1 Balaclava (item #1050983, marked down to $6.97) for my mom so she can run in the wee hours of the morning without her face freezing off.

I've never been snowshoeing but this Yukon Charlie Mountain Profile Snowshoe Kit (item #1061932, $69.99) looks pretty cool. It includes a gear back pack, telescoping poles and aluminum framed snowshoes.

Bolle Youth Ski Helmets (item #1061443) were marked down to $19.97.

Bolle Youth Ski Goggles (item #1061447) were marked down to $14.97.

And there were a few Bolle Adult Ski Goggles (item #1061444) left, marked down to $19.97.

If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter you know how much I love the Kirkland Signature Beef Chili with Beans (item #39508, $12.99 for approx 4lb contianer), an item that is readily available at Costcos throughout the Northwest Region but not something I have seen on the East Coast. Until now that is; I was ecstatic to discover it for the first time on the East Coast at the Frederick warehouse. If you come across it at your Costco you have to try it, it's SO good. One of the deli workers told me they are bringing the chili to the food court too!

Does your Costco have mobile hand washing stations?? I saw a few of these scattered throughout the deli and freezer section. And after sampling a delicious pot sticker and having the dipping sauce drip down my hand I was thankful for these little sinks.

It's not quite February yet but Costco has already brought back these Heart shaped Cheese Raviolis! Nuovo Pasta Four Cheese Heart Ravioli (item #383254) is $9.79 for 2 lbs.

I love how the Frederick Costco has a dedicated refrigerated case for Kosher foods!

Yum! Starbucks Cookie Straws (item #1112677, $9.6).

I sampled these GoGo Squeeze Organic Applesauces (item #887790)  and they were really good, but after getting them home and comparing them to my Kirkland Signature Organic Apple Sauce (item #897971) I felt a little cheated. Kirkland Signature Organic Apple Sauce is made from two ingredients: organic apples and ascorbic acid (to protect color). But a quick review of the ingredients of the GoGo Squeeze Apple Sauce showed that they contain purees and juice concentrates. I like that GoGo Squeeze uses lemon juice instead of ascorbic acid, but I don't like that all the juice & puree adds 33% more sugar compared to the KS organic apple sauce. I'm also not a fan of the "Apple Strawberry" flavor containing banana and black currant.

D you have a water softener in your house? You can get a 50lb bag of Morton Water Softener Pellets (item #48892) for only $5.99 at Costco.

Or a 40lb bag of Morton Rust Remover Super Pellets (item #200049) for only $4.99.

Is it just me or do we all wear more shoes in the winter months? With all the snow boots, Ugg boots, rain boots, tall boots, short boots, mud boots, work boots etc. this Organize It All 3-tier Metal Show Rack with Storage Bin (item #707812, $36.99) is sure to keep your mudroom or family entrance neat and tidy. The storage bins would be great to hold hats, mittens and gloves.

I really like this Manor House LED Coach Light (item #1015194, $28.99) with a dusk to dawn sensor.

January always bring a smorgasbord of furniture to Costco and I've been trying to avoid all the furniture aisles until we get the remodel finished but I have fallen in love with this 72" Whalen Industrial Metal & Wood Workbench (item # 707636, $299.99). Its supposed to be a workbench for a garage or workshop but I think it is way too nice for that. The solid rubberwood top and full extension drawers contrast so well with the industrial black metal, and along with the heavy duty casters give the whole piece a real steampunk vibe to me. I REALLY want this!! I think I could easily put it in the new dining room as a sideboard or server or you could use it for almost anything, a desk, a console underneath a TV or a table in your laundry room. I might actually have to borrow the hits truck and go back to pick this up... (This item is also available on costco.com, but with a steep $149.99 shipping & handling fee).

The Frederick Costco also has self checkout lanes.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

the Costco Connoisseur

#GoingToAllTheCostcos

P.S.

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Buy your booze at Costco and save!

If you live in one of the 18 states where the sale of distilled spirits (aka hard liquor) is controlled by the state then you are stuck purchasing your liquor from state sanctioned ABC stores and which means you're stuck paying their outrageous prices. But if you live in any other state, then you have the privilege of being able to purchase your favorite booze from retailers like grocery stores, convenience stores and big box stores like Costco. Because both the state of Maryland and the state of Virginia are unfortunately so called 'control states,' Costcos in MD & VA cannot sell hard liquor. Virginia Costcos can sell beer and wine but Maryland Costcos can't sell any alcohol. For years Marylanders & Virginians in the DC Metro Area have suffered, but the opening of the first Washington DC Costco in Nov 2012, changed everything.

Because the District doesn’t control the sale of liquor the same way MD & VA do, they allow retailers, like Costco, to sell hard liquor, which means you can purchase not only Costco size bottles of your favorite booze, but you can enjoy Costco size prices too!

Check out these price comparisons of some name brand spirits: on the left side of each photo is the retail price in a Northern VA ABC store and on the right side is the Costco price in the Washington DC warehouse for the exact same size bottle.

Bombay Sapphire Gin: a 1.75L bottle retails for $53.95 but Costco sells the same bottle for only $29.39. The Costco price is an astounding 45% cheaper than the retail price! You save $24.56!!

Belvedere Vodka: a 1.75L bottle retails for $59.95 but Costco sells the same bottle for only $42.89. The Costco price is 28% less expensive than the retail price, which saves you over $17!

Malibu Caribbean Rum: a 1.75L bottle retails for $29.95 but Costco sells the same bottle for only $18.89; that’s a 36% savings off the retail price! Even the ABC store sale price of $26.95 can’t compete with the Costco sale price of $15.69, which is an even greater savings at 41% less than the retail price!

Knob Creek Kentucky Bourbon: a 1.75L bottle retails for $69.90 while Costco sells the same bottle for $49.99. The Costco price is 28% less than the retail price!

Kahlua Coffee Liqueur: a 1.75L bottle retails for $47.95 while Costco sells the same bottle for $35.89. The Costco price is 25% less than the retail price!

Bailey’s Irish Cream: a 1.75L bottle retails for $50.95 while Costco sells the same bottle for $39.99. The Costco price is 21% less than the retail price!

Tanqueray Gin: a 1.75L bottle retails for $49.95 while Costco sells the same bottle for $28.99. The Costco price is 41% less than the retail price!

Grey Goose Vodka: a 1.75L bottle retails for $69.90 while Costco sells the same bottle for $45.89. The Costco price is 34% less than the retail price!

Beefeater Gin: a 1.75L bottle retails for $41.90 while Costco sells the same bottle for $25.99. The Costco price is 37% less than the retail price!

Johnny Walker Red Whisky: a 1.75L bottle retails for $49.90 while Costco sells the same bottle for only $28.89. The Costco price is 42% less than the retail price!

Patron Silver Tequila: a 1.75L bottle retails for $103.90 while Costco sells the same bottle for $79.99. The Costco price is 23% less than the retail price!

Dewar’s Special Reserve 12 Year old Scotch: a 1.75L bottle retails for $79.95 while Costco sells the same bottle for $49.89. The Costco price is 37% less than the retail price!

Ciroc Vodka: a 1.75L bottle retails for $71.95 while Costco sells the same bottle for $45.89. The Costco price is 36% off the retail price!

From this sample you can clearly see how Costco can save you anywhere from 21% to 45% off the retail price of your favorite distilled spirits. And if you’re stocking up for a big event there’s virtually no risk because Costco allows you to return any unused, unopened bottles as long as you have your receipt and all original packaging, (the same goes for unopened cases of beer too), whereas most ABC stores will charge you a restocking fee to return merchandise and some put a cap on how much you can return if they allow returns at all.

Of course, that’s not all, Costco also has its own line of fabulous Kirkland Signature distilled spirits you can enjoy at a fraction of the cost of their brand name competitors. Check out this selection of KS brand hard liquor also from the DC warehouse.

Kirkland Signature 18 year old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (item #823871):

Kirkland Signature Reposado Tequila (item #774371):

Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila (item #888117):

Kirkland Signature Vodka (item #999910):

Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky (item #888870):

Kirkland Signature Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon (item #888863):

And finally, for you enthusiasts & collectors, check out the Kirkland Signature Glenlivet Distillery 40 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (item #746526). You can read more about this limited quantity item in the December 2013 Costco Connection magazine.

Costco also carries a wide variety of top rated wines (including Champagne) and beers, including their own Kirkland Signature wines & beers, so the next time you need booze for a barbecue, a party, a wedding or even just for the weekend hop in your car and make a trip to Costco. And if you live in the DC metro area make a trip to the DC warehouse.

***DISCLAIMER 20 Aug 2015***

It has been brought to my attention that the state of Virginia has a law decreeing "No more than one gallon of alcoholic beverages (or the metric equivalent) may be brought into Virginia from outside the Commonwealth, excepting shipments to the commission or its licensees." This, for the purposes of this blog post, essentially means that it is illegal to purchase more than five (5) 750 ml bottles of liquor in DC (or any other state) and bring them back into Virginia- even if they are for your own personal consumption.

I have also heard that Virginia employees ABC agents monitor liquor stores in the District specifically looking for people with Virginia license plates who purchase large quantities of alcohol (like several cases) and bring them back into Virginia. Apparently, once these consumers cross back into Virginia the ABC agents can stop the driver, seize the alcohol, impound the vehicle and fine the driver.

With that being said, Costco is a lot more than just a liquor store so if I (as VA resident) go to the DC Costco warehouse and purchase several bottles of liquor in a single trip along with my other groceries and household items (which I have done many times) I feel like I am probably fine. However, now that this state law has been brought to my attention I will certainly think twice about going to the DC Costco Warehouse and purchasing an entire cart full of nothing but alcohol for my next party.

I am not a lawyer and thus not an expert on the law and I cannot provide legal advice, but I certainly do not want to encourage anyone to break the law. Please use the links below AND do your own research to ensure you understand your states alcoholic beverage laws and use your own judgement before purchasing alcohol outside of your state of residence:

http://www.welovedc.com/2010/01/21/know-the-law-buying-liquor-online/

https://www.abc.virginia.gov/enforcement/virginia-codes-and-regulations

https://www.abc.virginia.gov/enforcement

(It should also be noted that beer and wine are covered under separate VA state laws that allow you to legally purchase two cases of wine or two cases of beer (or one case of each) outside of the Commonwealth, but since Virginia Costcos already sell beer and wine, if you are a Virginia resident you should be able to purchase what you need without traveling out of state.)

Marylanders- I'm sorry but I know nothing of your alcohol laws except that I have heard they are even more ridiculous than the Virginia alcohol laws and according to Tom Bridge from welovedc.com the state of Maryland basically just wants you to stay completely sober.

End of Disclaimer.

Thanks so much for reading my blog! 

Until next time,

the Costco Connoisseur

#GoingToAllTheCostcos

P.S.

Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur

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