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Altamonte-Mall
Altamonte-Springs
As surely as Disney brought new life to Orlando, this mall -- the second largest in the area behind the Florida Mall -- brought new life (and a ton of traffic) to the then-one-stoplight town of Altamonte Springs, north of Orlando. A recent renovation added a food court, an indoor play area for kids, and an 18-screen AMC movie theater with stadium seating. The lineup features anchor stores Burdines, Dillard's, JCPenney, and Sears; and 175 other specialty stores, including The Body Shop, Foot Locker, Godiva, and Banana Republic.As surely as Disney brought new life to Orlando, this
Mount-Dora
Mount-Dora
This haven for artists (and retirees) is also an enjoyable day trip, not to mention a wonderful alternative to all that is Disney. The town, established in 1874, has the genuine feel of old Florida, with an authentic Main Street, far less crowded than the one Disney has re-created. The 19th-century buildings lining the streets are picture-perfect, leading to the calm, dark green waters of Lake Dora. Unlike most of Florida, this town actually has rolling hills, adding to the charm. Highlights include Renninger's Antique Center and Farmer's Market (tel. 352/383-8393 for the antique center, or 352/383-3141 for the farmers' market; www.renningers.com). The hundreds of shops and booths are open Saturday and Sunday. Up to 1,000 dealers attend Renninger's 3-day antique extravaganzas held the third weekends of January, February, and November. After you've worked up an appetite, take a lunch break at the Beauclaire Dining Room at the historic Lakeside Inn, 221 E. 4th Ave. (tel. 800/556-5016 or 352/383-4101; www.lakeside-inn.com). Enjoy lemonade and cookies while rocking on the front porch overlooking the lake.This haven for artists (and retirees) is also an enjoyable
Bass-Pro-Shops-Outdoor-World
Orlando
If you're looking for the retail version of fishing and hunting (including archery) heaven, schedule a visit to this store in the Festival Bay shopping center. The store also features areas for watersports equipment, camping gear, and outdoor apparel, as well as a golf pro shop and an aquarium. The store is open daily, usually from 9am to 6pm (closed Christmas).If you're looking for the retail version of fishing and
Lake-Buena-Vista-Factory-Stores
Orlando
The three dozen or so outlets here include Aeropostale, Big Dogs Sportswear, Carters, Casuals (Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger), Eddie Bauer Outlet, Liz Claiborne, Fossil, IZOD, Nine West, OshKosh, Reebok, Van Heusen, Gap Outlet, and the only Old Navy Outlet in the area. Savings can reach 75%, but most deals are much more modest. The plaza itself is very tasteful and inviting, and the location, just between the I-Drive and U.S. 192 areas on the lower end of Apopka-Vineland, means you can easily get here without having to face too much traffic (especially as 49 area hotels offer free shuttle service to shop here). This outlet center is a bit quieter and more relaxed than the Premium Outlets , but its selection of shops is far smaller. It does, however, have a nicely done food court area for a quick bite, a small children's playground, and even a salon if you are in need of a new do or a manicure.The three dozen or so outlets here include Aeropostale, Big
Mall-at-Millenia
Orlando
Anchors at this 1.3-million-square-foot upscale center include Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Bloomingdale?s. In addition to the heavyweight anchors, Millenia offers 200 specialty stores that include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Apple, Juicy Couture and Coach. It also features some of the better dining options around with restaurants ranging from fine dining to fast food; in January 2005, it opened the Blue Martini, an upscale martini lounge featuring regular live entertainment. The mall is 5 miles from downtown Orlando. Anchors at this 1.3-million-square-foot upscale center
Orlando-Premium-Outlets
Orlando
This 440,000-square-foot outlet center offers shoppers the atmosphere of a beautiful outdoor shopping mall filled with landscaping and natural lighting. It's inviting instead of outlet-ish. It's billed as Orlando's only upscale outlet and is by far the best choice for a great shopping experience in Orlando. It has 110 tenants, including Disney, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Timberland, and Tommy Hilfiger. Others include DKNY, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Nautica, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Some of the best buys are at Banana Republic, and the selection at all the stores is fabulous. Set just between S.R. 535 and I-Drive, it's easily accessible from either location.
Fla. - Orlando
© istock
Altamonte-Mall
Altamonte-Springs
As surely as Disney brought new life to Orlando, this mall -- the second largest in the area behind the Florida Mall -- brought new life (and a ton of traffic) to the then-one-stoplight town of Altamonte Springs, north of Orlando. A recent renovation added a food court, an indoor play area for kids, and an 18-screen AMC movie theater with stadium seating. The lineup features anchor stores Burdines, Dillard's, JCPenney, and Sears; and 175 other specialty stores, including The Body Shop, Foot Locker, Godiva, and Banana Republic.As surely as Disney brought new life to Orlando, this
Mount-Dora
Mount-Dora
This haven for artists (and retirees) is also an enjoyable day trip, not to mention a wonderful alternative to all that is Disney. The town, established in 1874, has the genuine feel of old Florida, with an authentic Main Street, far less crowded than the one Disney has re-created. The 19th-century buildings lining the streets are picture-perfect, leading to the calm, dark green waters of Lake Dora. Unlike most of Florida, this town actually has rolling hills, adding to the charm. Highlights include Renninger's Antique Center and Farmer's Market (tel. 352/383-8393 for the antique center, or 352/383-3141 for the farmers' market; www.renningers.com). The hundreds of shops and booths are open Saturday and Sunday. Up to 1,000 dealers attend Renninger's 3-day antique extravaganzas held the third weekends of January, February, and November. After you've worked up an appetite, take a lunch break at the Beauclaire Dining Room at the historic Lakeside Inn, 221 E. 4th Ave. (tel. 800/556-5016 or 352/383-4101; www.lakeside-inn.com). Enjoy lemonade and cookies while rocking on the front porch overlooking the lake.This haven for artists (and retirees) is also an enjoyable
Bass-Pro-Shops-Outdoor-World
Orlando
If you're looking for the retail version of fishing and hunting (including archery) heaven, schedule a visit to this store in the Festival Bay shopping center. The store also features areas for watersports equipment, camping gear, and outdoor apparel, as well as a golf pro shop and an aquarium. The store is open daily, usually from 9am to 6pm (closed Christmas).If you're looking for the retail version of fishing and
Lake-Buena-Vista-Factory-Stores
Orlando
The three dozen or so outlets here include Aeropostale, Big Dogs Sportswear, Carters, Casuals (Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger), Eddie Bauer Outlet, Liz Claiborne, Fossil, IZOD, Nine West, OshKosh, Reebok, Van Heusen, Gap Outlet, and the only Old Navy Outlet in the area. Savings can reach 75%, but most deals are much more modest. The plaza itself is very tasteful and inviting, and the location, just between the I-Drive and U.S. 192 areas on the lower end of Apopka-Vineland, means you can easily get here without having to face too much traffic (especially as 49 area hotels offer free shuttle service to shop here). This outlet center is a bit quieter and more relaxed than the Premium Outlets , but its selection of shops is far smaller. It does, however, have a nicely done food court area for a quick bite, a small children's playground, and even a salon if you are in need of a new do or a manicure.The three dozen or so outlets here include Aeropostale, Big
Mall-at-Millenia
Orlando
Anchors at this 1.3-million-square-foot upscale center include Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Bloomingdale?s. In addition to the heavyweight anchors, Millenia offers 200 specialty stores that include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Apple, Juicy Couture and Coach. It also features some of the better dining options around with restaurants ranging from fine dining to fast food; in January 2005, it opened the Blue Martini, an upscale martini lounge featuring regular live entertainment. The mall is 5 miles from downtown Orlando. Anchors at this 1.3-million-square-foot upscale center
Orlando-Premium-Outlets
Orlando
This 440,000-square-foot outlet center offers shoppers the atmosphere of a beautiful outdoor shopping mall filled with landscaping and natural lighting. It's inviting instead of outlet-ish. It's billed as Orlando's only upscale outlet and is by far the best choice for a great shopping experience in Orlando. It has 110 tenants, including Disney, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Timberland, and Tommy Hilfiger. Others include DKNY, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Nautica, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Some of the best buys are at Banana Republic, and the selection at all the stores is fabulous. Set just between S.R. 535 and I-Drive, it's easily accessible from either location.
