I know in larger towns and the cities, businesses are almost always open, even on Sundays and holidays, and often over night. But for those of us in rural areas, or in areas where businesses choose to let their employees enjoy the holidays with their families, shopping in an emergency can be tough.
Don't forget your truck stops, which never close. Ours contains almost everything (except prescriptions-but a few national chain ones now have pharmacies in them as well) you might need when your stores are closed. Items include milk, groceries, OTC meds, draino, tools, some clothing, toiletry items, TP, a deli, DVD's, office supplies, stamps, batteries.....not to mention gas and oil.
There are also shower there, should ones water be out, and a free charging station for cell phones.
Last week a guy was complaining to me that he had a stopped up drain on Saturday night and he had to wait till Monday to get draino from the hardware store. I asked him why didn't he go down to the truck stop and get it and he gave me a blank look and replied he never even thought of going there, as he isn't a trucker. Anyone can shop there, and its always open, as the trucks are always on the road.
Excellent Tip!
We camp quite a bit and often in areas far from stores as our interests and research are archaeology and biology. Even out in the boonies, we have been lucky to find truck stops with stores offering just about anything one might need.
Recently, we were camping in an area without wi-fi and could not find a paper map to help us locate a specific site. The cashier at a truck stop took the time to check on Google Maps and print out a map for us. Nice lady!
