The Golden Raspberry

You would think one raspberry shake stand per block would be an appropriate raspberry-shake-stand-to-block ratio. But you would be wrong, as the locals of Garden City, Utah, home of the Raspberry Days festival and ground zero for that bumpy, hairy, seedy fruit, would tell you. Acting on a tip from the local sheriff (the best tips to act upon, I find), we selected LaBeau's out of the half-dozen choices that were all within a hundred yards. The shake was delicious -- thick and full of raspberries, thereby meeting all raspberry shake requirements. We were hoping to be stopped by the sheriff on the highway later to thank him, but we literally couldn't get arrested.

From the "Astounding Nutmeats" File

Towering nearly 40 feet high, this is the World's Largest Pistachio.

It sits outside McGinn's Country Store/Pistachio Tree Ranch/Arena Blanca Winery, which is also the World's Longest Store Name, on US Hwy 54/70 North, outside Alamogordo, NM. But it is more than just an eye-grabbing drupe. Store owner (and old classmate of mine) Tim McGinn explained it was created as a monument to his late father, which a soon-to-be-placed plaque will reveal. I only hope when I'm gone, something large and delicious is constructed in my honor.

Speaking of delicious, the following items are must-eats from McGinn's: Atomic Hot Chili Pistachio Brittle, Cinnamon Glazed Pistachio Bites, Churro Nuggets, Chipolte Olives, Cherry Butter, and Chocolate Diablo Wine. You can check everything out online here. I don't even make any money off it, unless I am paid in satisfaction, and then I am rich (Note: richness not valid for tax purposes).