Trader Joe's
 

Indianapolis has a Trader Joe's but driving an hour and a half from Fort Wayne, Indiana is impractical.

I am in Alameda, California for the weekend and there is a very nice Trader Joe's in South Shore shopping area. I spent a good hour looking at all the beautiful and CHEAP blooming plants--all NOID but easily identifiable.: many Oncidium, Miltonopsis, Zygopetalum, Phalaenopsis, and mini-Phals. All were priced at US$12.99. The mini-Phals are $6.98.

Since I have to fly home in a couple days, I resisted buying any plant! Imagine that!!!

Is there any SF Bay Area people that could suggest orchid vendors in this geography?

There are quite a few in San Francisco. Shelldance orchid nursery is one of my favorites down in Pacifica. Orchidoholic is a cool store in a wholesale flower Plaza on 6th and Brannan. Next to it is another orchid store but the name escapes me at the moment... There are a couple nurseries in town (Golden Gate Orchids and Hanging Gardens), however they require an appointment to visit and I haven't got around to it.

There are also usually orchid vendors at the various farmers markets in San Francisco, and they have some unique and beautiful things.

Lots of places, so I'm still getting around to all of them.

Enjoy your trip!!!

Thank you spamelson. I'll try Shelldance and Orchidoholic. I think Golden Gate Orchids is closed??

I spoke with the owner once, and he told me he has significantly reduced his stock, so that's a possibility. . :/

Too bad you won't be here for the Pacific Orchid Exhibition!

The owner of Golden Gate is the Event Director for POE. I really wished I timed my visit to be here next weekend. But I had urgent family business to take care of this weekend.

Not a orchid vendor but go to the Conservatory of Flowers in GG Park. They always have orchids in bloom.

Then go have Thai food at Ploy II in the upper Haight.

Trader Joe's
 

I'm trying to stay out of The City! But I love Thai Food, and I'm familiar with Ploy. Thanks AnonYMouse! I'm so amazed at the all day rain storm today. I drove along the South Shore and even in this weather there were parasailers on the bay--about eight guys in wet suits.

This is the kind of rain my Neofinetia would LOVE!