My wife and I recently dipped across the border into New England for a couple of days. The main reason for our trip was to see a Double-A baseball game in Manchester, New Hampshire, featuring the farm teams of the Toronto Blue Jays (New Hampshire Fishercats) and the New York Yankees (from Trenton, New Jersey). It was fun and Manchester is a beautiful city to visit.

While travelling in both directions, we made a point of stopping in two areas where Canadians (and many Americans) converge on for “good deals”. On our way to Manchester, we visited North Conway. On the way home, we made a side trip into Freeport, Maine. In both cases, we were left wondering what all the fuss was about. Yes, there are Factory Outlet stores with great variety BUT the prices far exceeded anything we would pay at home.

We even went into grocery and drug stores, just to compare prices with what we pay in Nova Scotia. Yes, we got a great buy on Heinz Ketchup in Skowhegan, Maine, but, other than that, products were more expensive than at home. We looked at everyday items such as canned tuna, coffee, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Even considering any differences in our currencies, shopping for the basics in Nova Scotia is much cheaper than in New England.

The only possible bargain is in New Hampshire, where there is no tax. They thrive on their alcohol sales, because pricing is anywhere from 25 to 75% cheaper than in Nova Scotia. However, when I thought I got such a great deal in North Conway on a pair of running shoes, I had to think again, considering some of the sale prices available at home.

It’s not just New England. I have often visited with relatives in California, where a visit to the grocery store can be a shock. We can buy California tomatoes and romaine lettuce cheaper in Nova Scotia than it costs to stock up in your neighbourhood grocery store in Chino, California.

Having said all that….wow….New England scenery and the restaurants are spectacular!!! We’re going back for more; just not for shopping.