+1 on the LHBS. I buy equipment online, but for ingredients I prefer fresh. My local store, The Brew Hut in Aurora, has a lot of patrons, and the stock turns over constantly. They also know how to store the things properly, so they stay fresher longer. If your LHBS has old, improperly handled stock, and no other option is available, perhaps Northern Brewer, More Beer, or Austin. Although even if I had to drive a hundred miles to find a good supply store I think I would just plan ahead and buy bulk, and then I would be responsible for the storage. Bulk also saves money.