Four States Fall 2018 - 17 - Thank Goodness We Just Stuffed Our Faces

Bro-in-law Jim (no relation to the store) also suggested our next stop at Jungle Jim's. Not what you might think from its name, but it is probably the world's largest grocery store or at least the biggest we have ever shopped in. It is over 6 acres of over 180,000 products under one roof.

I'm not going to give you the whole history, other than grocer Jim's first permanent building was constructed in 1974 on this location and expanded from there. However, you can read all about it at:
(https://junglejims.com/about-us/the-jungle-jim-story/).
What a guy!

For starters, the parking lot is HUGE. Across the lot we spotted a mono-rail filled with folks. It went from the lot to a station on the roof. It seemed elaborate, but made sense because from your car to the store could be quite a distance for some.

However, as we got closer we discovered it was a "prop." Full size, but not real. Not to spoil the illusion, but those people are painted in place. It was the first of many jaw-dropping things that make this place unique.

The jungle part of Jungle Jim's International Market is a fantasy zoo just outside the entrance. There are life-size cement animals "lounging" around a pool and waterfall. An oasis amidst concrete! Periodically elephants spray water from their trunks and there is a gorilla on the roof by the A/C. Kids must really love it.

At the entrance special events are announced. This one caught our eye. Not sure where it is held, as most places don't allow smoking inside these days. I do like the idea of a cash bar though, because if you are going to smoke a cigar, you need a good bourbon whiskey (Maker's Mark?) to go with it.

Once inside you still cannot fathom the largess of this place. This room is a minimum of one-third the size of the enterprise.

What makes it unusual and fun is the "decor" that highlights each department. This huge muscle man,  rising almost to the high ceiling, flexes by the protein supplement stand.

Here is a balloon stand next to the sushi bar. There is a huge variety of fresh-made sushi and other Japanese products to choose from. Cute, eh?

I don't want to keep saying huge, but everything here is huge. Just assume HUGE for every display.

The Boar's Head Brand stand has a beautifully refurbished delivery truck stationed on top of the cheese and meat display.

Olive bar with sooo many varieties. This photo shows maybe half the bar.

Apparently award winning bathrooms. We didn't try them. Check the beer and wine tastings first, then hit the head. I googled "National Lavatory Association" and did not find anything, although there is an "American Restroom Association." Hmmmmm.

There is at least one cooking school and maybe more. Saw several different cooking school signs with different themes, so not sure.

Some displays have nothing to do with food. This tribute to a singing Elvis is a little mysterious. The king of the jungle seems also to be the king of rock'n'roll. This is life-size and a half.

This display sells Amish farm products under its full-size horse and buggy.

Not quite sure what this was all about. Looks like a bakery in back and a display of "buckeye" candies--chocolate and peanut butter truffle kind of thing--in front. Apples? Who knows?!

There is something for everyone.

Here is the original S.S. Minnow from the 1960s show "Gilligan's Island." Giant cereal display on top. Compare the boat size with the woman.

On the other side of the Minnow is the fish department. This two-story display is in a big square, so there are twice as many tanks as you see here.

They not only display live lobster and seafood, but local fish, too. Here's some rainbow trout.

Their international section is not to be beat. Over 36 countries are represented. Signs hanging from the ceiling draw you to whatever country your heart might desire. And not just one little counter for each, but huge displays. Oops, there I go again.

Need eggs? They have every size from ostrich to quail.

And, oh, the hot sauce department is topped with a full-size fire truck. Said to have at least 1,400 varieties from mild to wild.

We bought just a few thing as we did not have refrigeration and had a couple more days of vacay.  On our way out, we had our photo taken in the pumpkin patch and race car department (what in center of pix).

Here's Pa and Ma Killarney. Ahh...what a sweet couple!

We were there over an hour and saw maybe half the store. We missed the 6,000 pound cheddar cheese wheel, Candy Land with thousands of nostalgic and new-tangled candies, fresh pasta bar, cookware and gadgets department, exotic meats area (rattlesnake, kangaroo, alligator, ...), and largest State liquor store in Ohio. And, they offer music events, kids' tea parties, and guided store tours.

If you are ever in the general area of northern Cincinnati, this is worth a jaw-dropping stop. There really is a lot more to tell then this little blog commentary has room for. It is "an amusement park for food lovers" and it is AMAZING!