20 BEST SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
WORDS BY CHRISTINA KALLERY
Whether you’re on a last-minute spree or searching for a truly special gift for a loved one, we’ve scoped out 20 of the hottest spots for your holiday shopping. From mega malls to quirky boutiques, these destinations promise to help you find the perfect gift for even the trickiest names on your list.
01 Fifth Avenue and 57th, New York City
Years before Holly Golightly gazed longingly through glittering shop windows in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, New York’s Fifth Avenue was synonymous with luxury and glamour. Times haven’t changed a bit, as this world-renowned strip still reads like a who’s who of upscale designer merchants. There’s no more enchanting time to shop than during the Christmas season, when Saks and Bergdorf Goodman go all out with their famously ornate window displays. Top ritzy destinations include Tiffany & Co (of course), Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels, Gucci, Cartier, Bulgari, Prada, Henri Bendel, Fendi and Versace. Not ready to spring for that crocodile bag? More affordable brands, like Banana Republic and the Nike Town superstore, now share prime real estate with Chanel and Trump Tower.
02 The Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Spanning the scenic stretch of Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile is home to literally hundreds of shops along with several multistory malls. This bustling Windy City district attracts shoppers from all over the world, who adore its wide variety of merchants, plus its conveniently compact layout. During Christmas time, the avenue feels more magnificent than ever, thanks to over one million white lights adorning the strip. Major destinations range from Salvatore Ferragamo, Bloomingdales and Bulgari to Sony and Disney. Whether you’re scouting for designer goods or more affordable gifts, you’ll be crossing names off your list in no time. Don’t be afraid to explore side streets or even head over to nearby Oak Street, the city’s famed capital of chic boutiques.
03 Birmingham, MI
Just north of Detroit, the sleepy, upscale community of Birmingham, Michigan offers a leisurely alternative to the holiday mall frenzy. Unlike most of Motown’s sprawling suburbs, Birmingham lends itself to walking, and boasts a charming Main Street USA appeal. Privately owned shops line the quaint downtown streets, joined by art galleries, antique stores, two movie theaters and an array of cozy restaurants and bars. You’ll find no shortage of eclectic gift ideas at shops like Barclay’s Antiques, featuring Japanese woodblocks and African art. Other noteworthy stops: Tender, a boutique featuring high-end shoes like Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, and Valentino, plus vintage clothing items and jewelry, and Kilwin’s Chocolates and Anthropologie. www.enjoybirmingham.com
04 Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
One of the most celebrated shopping districts in the world, Rodeo Drive spans a mere three blocks. Although you won’t find much in the way of affordable fare here (that’s not the point at all), you just might spot your favorite celebrity ducking into Armani or Herm[00e8]s. Thanks to five-star tenants like Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, I Magnin and Gucci, Rodeo Drive represents the cr[00e8]me de la cr[00e8]me of luxury shopping. In fact, the strip is home to Bijan, rumored to be the most expensive store on earth, where men’s suits run an astronomical $15,000 and visits are granted by appointment only. Rodeo’s haute atmosphere feels especially intoxicating during the holiday season, when streets are decked out in twinkling lights, poinsettias planted in the center of streets and trees festooned with bright red ribbons.
05 NoLita, New York City (north of Little Italy)
The hippest New York shopping scene (this minute, anyway) “is all about NoLita.” Here’s where you’ll find boutiques like Blue Bag, purveyor of fabulous-yet-affordable bags of all kinds, Calypso, stocked with distinctive, gorgeous pieces to rev up a bland wardrobe, and Lunettes et Chocolat, a shop specializing in—you French speakers guessed it—chic eyeglasses and decadent chocolate. A major must-shop: Find Outlet on Mott St, which hawks clothing from au courant brands and designers (La Rok, Cynthia Steffe, Lemon, Mint, Nickel, and Harvey’s, to name a few) at 50%–80% below regular prices. In addition to independent boutiques, NoLita serves up trendy brands like John Fluevog, Only Hearts and Sigerson Morrison.
06 Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Bloomington’s Mall of America (see also page 44) is to mall lovers what Everest is to mountain climbers. The largest mall in the United States, it’s also a top tourist attraction, offering everything you’d expect in the ultimate shopping center—and then some. In addition to hundreds of stores, Mall of America features restaurants, bars, childcare centers, a dinosaur museum and even a full-sized indoor theme park complete with 74-foot Ferris wheel. The entire complex gets decked out for the holiday season with lights and ornaments galore. This year, the mall’s two 44-foot Christmas trees will be a-glitter with crystal ornaments from the Swarovski store. Other highlights include the Holiday Music Festival, starring a range of musical guests from school groups to well-known acts that perform in all five of the mall’s courts. Be forewarned: a successful excursion here requires planning. Be sure to grab a map and don’t be too proud to ask for directions if you get lost! www.mallofamerica.com
07 The Design District, Miami (NE 40th St)
Need the perfect gift for that design enthusiast on your list? The Miami Design District is home to roughly 200 designer showrooms and galleries, spanning an unbelievable 18 square blocks. You’ll discover finely crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces from emerging designers, along with beautiful decorative artwork, unique interior furnishings, rare antiques and other eclectic merchandise. The district also features the famed Living Room Building—a larger-than-life outdoor living room, complete with furniture. www.miamidesigndistrict.net
08 Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas,
Rumor has it this three-story mall located on the Vegas strip is fabulous for celebrity-spotting (Robert Goulet, anyone?). But who needs stars when you’ve got supermodels? That’s right. Las Vegas’ Fashion Show Mall lives up to its name, featuring daily runway performances on an elevated stage that has hosted the likes of top designers Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli. As you’d expect, the Christmas season only amps up the dazzling display, with festive lights and a huge decorated tree. The Fashion Show’s merchant roster includes Nordstrom, Swarovski, Betsey Johnson, Sanrio, Diesel, Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, among others. What with the catwalk and all-star clientele, it’s a very Vegas way to do your holiday shopping. www.thefashionshow.com
09 Union Square, San Francisco
Located in the heart of breathtakingly picturesque San Francisco, Union Square and the surrounding shopping district (Stockton, Geary, Powell and Sutter streets) offer gift options galore. From high-end designer boutiques like Chanel, Gucci and Marc Jacobs, to smaller shops like Lush (the mega popular seller of naturally derived, delectably scented beauty products), to mega stores NikeTown USA, Borders, Urban Outfitters and FAO Schwartz, there’s a destination to suit every shopper’s sensibility. What’s more, the mild December weather and great people-watching opportunities make for a pleasant outdoor stroll. At night, the spectacular Macy’s Christmas tree lights up the sky along with a menorah that stays illuminated from December 23 to December 28.
10 Orlando Premium Outlets, Orlando (8200 Vineland Avenue)
Say “outlet mall” and most folks conjure images of sad, near-vacant shops stocked with cheesy off-brands and last year’s styles. Orlando Premium Outlets defies the dingy stereotype, boldly proclaiming itself the vacation destination’s “only true upscale outlet center.” It’s a boast not unfounded. The mall offers around 110 outlets, including designer names like Barneys New York, Burberry, Coach, Escada, Calvin Klein, Armani and Fendi. You’ll also find plenty of major brands like Adidas, Banana Republic, Gap, K*B Toys and Carter’s. Just make sure you allow enough time to make the rounds! www.premiumoutlets.com
11 Galleria, Dallas
If the glamorous, wealthy bombshells of the ’80s drama Dallas had shopped in a mall, it would be this one. Opulent to the hilt, the Galleria boasts such high-end tenants as Gucci, Cartier and Versace along with scores of upscale restaurants, clothing and specialty shops. It also adjoins the world-class Westin Galleria Hotel. As if all that weren’t enough, the mall features its very own indoor skating rink! In a fitting nod to outsized Texan sensibilities, the mall’s towering Christmas tree is said to rival that of any other shopping center in the world.
12 Newbury Street, Boston
Winding from Massachusetts Avenue to the Boston Common, Newbury Street offers a wonderfully picturesque holiday shopping route. The stylish New England district also features a wide selection of stores. High-end designers like Louis Boston don’t edge out lower-priced merchants like Express and Marshall’s, so there are choices for every budget. Other local highlights: bring your reading list to the celebrated Avenue Victor Hugo Book Shop, featuring an extensive inventory of hard-to-find titles. Then head over to the Newbury Street Gallery to check out the latest collection before finishing up with a cup of chamomile at Tealuxe—one of the city’s best tearooms. The café features over 100 teas, including seven different Chais and assorted white teas. Gift tins and loose teas are available for purchase.
13 Memphis Antique District (Midtown)
When department-store fare just won’t do, it’s time to think one-of-a-kind—AKA vintage or handcrafted gifts. Located in historic Midtown Memphis, the antique district boasts a plethora of non-standard-issue wares, from oriental rugs and antique home furnishings to garden accessories and specialty lighting. Stop by Graham’s Lighting Fixtures to browse the inventory of glittering chandeliers, distinctive lanterns and unique exterior lighting. There’s also an upholstery shop and Market Central, an international emporium that specializes in antiques and decorative arts from around the world. The 14,000-square-foot complex boasts a formidable 40 bays of antique furnishings. www.memphisantiquedistrict.com
14 Jewelers Row, Philadelphia (Sansom Street between 7th and 8th Streets)
If you’re looking for something sparkly to slip under the tree, Philadelphia’s historic Jewelers Row will undoubtedly yield the perfect gift. After all, the neighborhood boasts over150 independent jewelry retailers and if you add in assorted designers, craftspeople and wholesalers, the number reaches about 350. Jewelers Row also ranks as the nation’s largest diamond district, although you’ll find all manner of colorful gems and precious metals here, too. Highlights include the family-owned Barsky Diamond Importers & Cutters which offers an endless selection of gorgeous custom designs and unusual stones. Highlights include black diamond beaded necklaces, brilliant boulder opals and tourmalines and enormous diamonds. Another must-see: Safian and Rudolph Jewelers, a 54-year-old diamond emporium famous for its formidable inventory featuring literally thousands of styles of engagement ring settings. During the holidays, the district’s quaint, brick-paved streets produce a cozy, Old World vibe that invites browsing.
15 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
For funky stocking stuffers, head to Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. Just be prepared to set aside an entire afternoon, as you’ll most likely end up strolling both sides of this colorful strip, stopping to browse in one shop after another. Most merchants carry an affordably priced inventory of hip, edgy items—clothing, footwear, campy/kitschy collectibles or trendy home decor. But it’s not just the shops that will catch your eye—this street provides some of the most entertaining people watching around. Don’t miss: Fred Segal, a city block’s worth of shops featuring everything from clothing and perfume to food, cool comic book store Golden Apple, and Aardvark’s, the vintage clothing outpost to the stars.
16 The Avenue at Tower City Center, Cleveland, OH (230 Huron Road)
Even if you don’t get any shopping done, the amazing beauty of this mall’s architecture makes it well worth the cab fare. Converted from an old train terminal, The Avenue at Tower City Center features a breathtakingly gorgeous glass-dome ceiling and elegant marble staircases, creating an almost otherworldly (and decidedly un-mall-like) effect. The indoor shopping center boasts more than 100 shops and restaurants, plus a large movie theater. Christmas festivities include a sparkling, 42-foot-tall tree and hanging ornaments, entertainment and free gift-wrapping. Kids can visit with Santa and Bruce the Talking Spruce tree, catch a special Broadway-style musical review or ride with parents on the mall’s Express train ride. www.towercitycenter.com
17 Cherry Creek, Denver
Even the shopping-phobic will appreciate the laid-back ambiance of Denver’s cozy Cherry Creek district. Nestled in a hip residential neighborhood just minutes from downtown, Cherry Creek is populated with an array of boutiques ranging from chic to quirky, along with plenty of interesting eateries. A manageable-sized mall anchors the district, offering a just-right mix of quality merchants like Neiman Marcus, Cole Haan, Adrienne Vittadini and the Build-a-Bear shop. This year, the mall will feature a snow globe theme presented by Disney. In the Cherry Creek neighborhood, shoppers can bask in the season’s glow among the lighted trees and breathtaking mountain backdrop or go for a few turns around the outdoor skating rink. www.cherrycreekmall.com
18 Fells Point, Baltimore, MD
If your loved one’s tastes run more John Waters than J Crew, head to Baltimore’s Fells Point district—the oldest section of the city—for a wide selection of funky apparel, fun home decor, unique silver jewelry and obscure vinyl. While you pursue your quest for the perfect tongue stud, you can also take in the historic locale’s weathered cobblestone streets and stunning waterfront view. Afterward, you can browse the Baltimore Tattoo Museum or even get some ink of your own from one of the local artisans. Of course, the less adventurous can always get their local color via one of the Fells Point’s many character-laden pubs or restaurants. Another highlight: Exotic home decor wonderland Eclectic Elements, which features a massive inventory of international delights including authentic Indian, Indonesian, Chinese furniture, Moroccan lighting and mirrors, an extensive line of candles, plus statuary, wall art, journals, sake sets, and baby and pet gifts. Don’t miss Baltimore’s Parade of Lighted Boats in early December and the annual eggnog contest, a favorite tradition where local restaurants and stores offer up their best holiday concoctions for customers to sample and judge. www.fellspoint.us
19 City Market, Raleigh, NC (303 Blake Street)
Those in the mood for an old-fashioned Christmas will thrill to City Market’s lamp-lit cobblestone streets, policemen on horseback and working trolley. Perhaps owing to its quaint appeal, this one-time farmers’ market now stands out as one of Raleigh’s most colorful shopping destinations, as well as a major center for business and entertainment. Offering an interesting mix of art galleries, fashionable boutiques, specialty gift shops and restaurants, City Market caters to the eclectically inclined. Among the highlights: Amazing Glaze Ceramic Studio, Peche de Chocolat, specializing in imported chocolates, a plethora of charming antique stores, the Raleigh Contemporary Gallery, and Dechen Collections, a Tibetan gift store.
20 The Haight, San Francisco
Once the bastion of hippie culture, today’s Haight is less about peace and love than getting your shop on—which translates to great gifts for the hipster on your list. Stores for the young and trendy line both sides of the strip, hocking everything from designer jeans and hip footwear to vintage clothing and used records. Among the standouts: Giant Robot for collectible toys, art, books and t-shirts, Buffalo Exchange, a buy-and-sell used clothing extravaganza, and Doe, a cool fashion and accessories boutique. After a long day of browsing, it would be remiss not to dine at Cha! Cha! Cha!, the city’s most celebrated Caribbean restaurant. And be sure to order the sangria.