America's Best Shopping Cities
Although the iconic shopping areas of New York City and Beverly Hills are must-do vacation destinations, some of the hottest shopping districts in the U.S. are hundreds of miles from Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive.
From quaint storefronts with historic flair to ultra-modern, high-rise malls, you'll find shopping districts dotted around the country that will enthrall you!
Retail Therapy in the Retail Capital
St. Paul may be the capital of Minnesota, but one of its western neighbors, the city of Bloomington, is the shopping capital of the state. Most notably, the Mall of America—the largest mall in the U.S.—hosts more than 500 stores on four levels. Go ahead and buy all the clothes and shoes that you want—there's no sales tax on these items. When you're all shopped out, you can dine at one of the mall's 50 restaurants or head on over to Nickelodeon Universe, the country's largest indoor theme park, where you can catch some thrills on the rollercoaster, the free-fall drop ride, the carousel or the log chute. Do you still have some energy left for more shopping? You can browse the boutiques in Southtown Center, which is 4 miles away from Mall of America, or you can drive 15 minutes to Edina for trendy shopping at the 50th & France business district.
Shop it up in Swanky Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona claims the title of "The West's Most Western Town," but this thriving city is best known as an upscale vacation destination. Its downtown shopping district covers several square miles and has shops ranging from frontier-style storefronts on wooden boardwalks in Old Town, to posh designer clothing and jewelry emporiums in the Fifth Avenue Shops. Meander across the Soleri Bridge that spans the Arizona Canal to explore even more shops along the Scottsdale Waterfront. The adjacent Scottsdale Fashion Square—Arizona's largest mall—features more than 250 stores on three levels. From shopping and beer tasting, to haircuts and even a live stage show, this mall truly has it all.
Meander the Magnificent Mile
Find your shopping bliss at more than 450 stores tucked into 13 city blocks along Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Browse through three multilevel shopping centers— Water Tower Place, the Shops at Northbridge and 900 North Michigan Shops—or visit the many eclectic storefronts along tree-lined Michigan Avenue. And as if shopping the Mile isn't fun enough anytime of year, the end of summer brings The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival! See the hottest trends for fall and winter at a bevy of fashion shows; savor succulent fare from some of the Mile's 275 restaurants at culinary exhibits; and show off your speedy shopping legs at the event's fun run!
Charge it in Charleston
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience on historic King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The street's palmetto-lined shopping zone has three separate districts, where you're sure to find just what you're looking for. In the fashion district, you can browse at Hampden Clothing, which boasts items created by more than 50 designers and is regaled as one of the nation's top boutiques by both Vogue and Marie Claire. You can pick up something special for the men in your life at Berlin's, which has been a fixture on King Street for more than 100 years. Some of their handsome items are made of such valuable materials as suede, lambswool, cashmere and silk. Artistic creations and chic home designs abound in the Upper King Design District; and beautiful furnishings and appointments dating back to the 18th century can be found in Charleston's famous antiques district.
Ready to travel? Find your hotel in Bloomington, Scottsdale, Chicago.
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