The shopping opportunities in Central Florida seem almost endless. New shopping malls are being developed all the time, as well as the longer established malls, such as Belz (renamed Prime), the Florida Mall, Premium Outlets......
But whilst these malls are big and offer a wide range of goods, if 'big' is important, at the time of writing (February 2006) the mall claiming to be Florida's biggest involves a drive to the east coast.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is on Florida's east coast, just north of Miami. It involves a drive of several hours, so we took the opportunity to visit the area when we flew into Miami instead of 'our usual' Orlando (most scheduled airlines permit open-jaw arrangements, where you fly into one airport but return home from another - an ideal arrangement if you wish to visit Miami, Fort Lauderdale or the Florida Keys as well as the Central Florida attractions). Another reason to find yourself in Fort Lauderdale is to join a cruise (perhaps to the Caribbean). And whilst in the area, a visit to Sawgrass Mills is a must for shopaholics.
Sawgrass Mills
Sawgrass Mills claims to be Florida's largest retail and entertainment centre, featuring more than 300 name-brand outlets. A mixture of open air and 'covered' shopping areas makes this a very pleasant place to visit and spend a few hours - and also spend a few dollars. And with seven day opening well into the evening, there is no need to rush and miss any shopping opportunities.
Shops
Many of the names here are well known to international visitors. Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Ron Jons - as well as names better known to locals. With over 300 to choose from, it is easy to be parted from your dollars. It's also easy to get carried away - remember how much space was left in your suitcase. Or, for visitors from Europe travelling by scheduled airline, make full use of your luggage allowance - if this will require buying an extra suitcase you are in the right place to save money on this as well.
Entertainment
As well as a cinema, there is also the opportunity to eat - either a snack, fast food or a sit-down restaurant.
How To Get There
Sawgrass Mills is located two miles north of
Interstates 75 and 595, just off the Sawgrass
Expressway interchange, and 11 miles west of the city of Fort Lauderdale, and a 30-minute drive from both Miami and Boca Raton.
But whilst these malls are big and offer a wide range of goods, if 'big' is important, at the time of writing (February 2006) the mall claiming to be Florida's biggest involves a drive to the east coast.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is on Florida's east coast, just north of Miami. It involves a drive of several hours, so we took the opportunity to visit the area when we flew into Miami instead of 'our usual' Orlando (most scheduled airlines permit open-jaw arrangements, where you fly into one airport but return home from another - an ideal arrangement if you wish to visit Miami, Fort Lauderdale or the Florida Keys as well as the Central Florida attractions). Another reason to find yourself in Fort Lauderdale is to join a cruise (perhaps to the Caribbean). And whilst in the area, a visit to Sawgrass Mills is a must for shopaholics.
Sawgrass Mills
Sawgrass Mills claims to be Florida's largest retail and entertainment centre, featuring more than 300 name-brand outlets. A mixture of open air and 'covered' shopping areas makes this a very pleasant place to visit and spend a few hours - and also spend a few dollars. And with seven day opening well into the evening, there is no need to rush and miss any shopping opportunities.
Shops
Many of the names here are well known to international visitors. Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Ron Jons - as well as names better known to locals. With over 300 to choose from, it is easy to be parted from your dollars. It's also easy to get carried away - remember how much space was left in your suitcase. Or, for visitors from Europe travelling by scheduled airline, make full use of your luggage allowance - if this will require buying an extra suitcase you are in the right place to save money on this as well.
Entertainment
As well as a cinema, there is also the opportunity to eat - either a snack, fast food or a sit-down restaurant.
How To Get There
Sawgrass Mills is located two miles north of
Interstates 75 and 595, just off the Sawgrass
Expressway interchange, and 11 miles west of the city of Fort Lauderdale, and a 30-minute drive from both Miami and Boca Raton.