Is there anyone from from the east coast who buys something there that is not available where they live..like any food items, spices, certain brands of things, etc.? Thanks!

Your question's a bit confusing. You live on the east coast & want to know what to buy in Calif. that might not be available at home??? LUSH bath products have been a popular stop in San Fran but I believe they have or will shortly open in NYC.

How about wine?

This may be very dated information, but I understand that See's Candies are not available on the East Coast.

Or are you looking for higher priced things?

California is a huge state. Where, specifically are you talking about?

Curious

SF Sourdough bread comes to mind. Ghiradelli Chocolates - can you get those back east?

How about an In-N-Out burger or a carne asada burrito? probably doesn't travel well, though.

rice-a-roni... san francisco treat...

Mmmm - carne asada. I think I may have to grill some of that up this weekend.

How about some ollalieberry jam? Artichokes? Those ship well.

If you're coming during crab season, buy a styrofoam cooler, pack it with dry ice and stuff as much dungeness crab into it as you can. The grocery store will probably crack it for you if you don't know how to do it yourself (it's easy). Tape the cooler securely with duct tape and put it on your return flight as luggage. Buy a few loaves of sourdough bread (at the grocery store, not at the airport) plus some California wine and you'll have the basics for a great crab fest. I do this lots of times when I'm visiting the East Coast and the folks there seem to love it. I've never had any trouble transporting crab this way. I figure if the airline loses it, they'll have an aromatic reminder of their error in a day or two It's probably a good idea to serve the crab your first night on the East Coast.

Bon Appetit!