For many Twin Cities residents, Shakopee is, well, a bit of a drive. So it better be a good sale for many of us to drive out there, even with gas under $3 a gallon.

But several small business owners in Shakopee have the right idea by holding their semi-annual sales on the same days, so shoppers can drive from sale to sale like a neighborhood garage sale.

Here's a list of participating store owners:

Northaire soup sale: Save up to 50 percent on a wide variety of packaged soups, desserts and appetizers.The best part? Lots of free samples from the soup ladies themselves, Maggie and Mary. For more info, including hours and directions, go to the Delish website.

Gage & Gage gift wrapping paper, bows, curling ribbon, gift boxes and bags sale all at wholesale prices or less. For more info, go to the Gage site.

Cameron's Coffee includes their speciality Arabica coffees and liquers. Also free tours of the roastery.

Dianne's Candle Company includes name brand scented candles that have soldl for $45 in stores and about $15 at the sale, including labels such as Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang. Next to Gage & Gage at 700 Valley Industrial Circle S., Shakopee.