I like the food at The Cracker Barrel. It's usually pretty good, whether we go there for breakfast or dinner. They have done a great job of positioning themselves as the "Old Country Store", a combination restaurant/retail shop, where every store is positioned on a major U.S. interstate. And every store looks virtually the same.
The Cracker Barrel store carries some interesting items. They are big on nostalgia, so you'll find Coca-Cola items, old games from the 40's, 50's and 60's, audio cds featuring old radio shows, etc. My kids always enjoy hitting the toy section to look at beanie babies and other fun stuff.
But Cracker Barrel is also infamous for carrying some of the most awful and tacky merchandise ever to grace God's green earth.
Last time I visited, I whipped out my Treo 650 and took some photos of some incredibly abyssmal items.
I give you exhibit #1, the electronic bunny, found in the hideously pastel Easter display...
It lights up various colors and its head turns back and forth. Scary stuff.
Exhibit #2 is the Forest Face, which comes in several delightful configurations...
If a friend invited me to their home and I saw a forest face on their tree, I would turn around and head home. Then I would call the police and have them arrested for arbor abuse.
Finally, the cream of the crop... the "If you buy this you must be over eighty and have blue hair" item... I give you Exhibit #3, the Whimsical Pig Bird Feeder...
AAArgh! My eyes! It BURNS!
Ok, good fun.
The moral of the story?
Eat at Cracker Barrel for the food. Tread lightly in the store. The next item you purchase may make you the laughing stock of your neighborhood.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
April 13, 2006 03:08 PM
What!!!??? No motion-sensitive croaking frog pics??? They're usually by the door where they seem to croak incessantly. Cracker Barrel is a required stop whenever we travel Stateside and their audio tape rental program has melted miles and help retain parental sanity on trips to Dallas & Orlando. Ummmm, I can taste the fried catfish sandwich now! Two thumbs up!
April 13, 2006 05:20 PM
ahhhh.. joel..
u like Cracker Barrel :-)
April 13, 2006 06:18 PM
Joel,
Driving by a Cracker Barrel for me is like being sucked into the Black Hole. There is no getting out without a purchase. My daughters and I took a trip from the Florida Keys to Omaha to Milwaukee. We hit every single one on the way. Cleanest restrooms and always a good stash of candy for the road.
The gift section always works for Grandma.
April 13, 2006 08:49 PM
I haven't been to Cracker Barrel in ages. The nearest one to my home is at least 30 minutes away. I have never bought anything from their shops, but it is fun to peruse the store while waiting for a table.
April 21, 2006 11:39 AM
But Cracker Barrel does have 1 major redeeming grace, it's Books on Tape and CD's. When you are traveling cross country, or on some long trip, and like to listen to stories, then Cracker Barrel has the best deal. You buy a box tape or CD set, continue on your journey, then turn your completed story back in to another Cracker Barrel at journey's end or when you're finished. They credit you back, and the net is basically a ~$3.50 rental. Listening to an intriguing mystery while traveling a boring interstate is a great way to make your trip whiz by.
April 24, 2006 05:07 PM
Cracker Barrel is the best restaurant there is in town!! It has the best tasting food at the cheapest prices. Everytime I look for somewhere to eat, I always wind up at The Cracker Barrel for some Grilled Chicken Tenders. They're the BEST!! Also, the service is excellent, and the waitresses/waiters deserve the best tips!
October 5, 2006 04:29 AM
The Carrot Cake is Back!!! It's soooo yummy, it will be gone around Oct 22 though. If you haven't tried it, I highly suggest it. And the Christmas trees are in the store now. The ornaments are much better than last years.
March 16, 2007 12:12 PM
cracker barrel has fantastic food . we eat there all of the time .stop by you will love it
December 10, 2008 03:02 AM
Joel sweetie, Cracker Barrel gift Shop is awsome! I could close my eyes and could pic something out for my home. The gift shop carries brands like willow tree and webkinz. I could hardly call it junk. I think your a tad off calling it tacky. The stuff Cracker Barrel sells is fun and has character. I think your being a little too critical cause if I went to someones houseand saw the tree face, I'd think it was cool.
April 12, 2009 05:27 PM
How much dose a Webkinz cost?