Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
326
Cole, Nike, Polo/Ralph Lauren, LaCoste, Burton Snowboards, Hollister, Timberland,
and Tommy Hilfiger. Others include DKNY, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Nautica, O'Neil, Salva-
tore Ferragamo, and Versace. Some of the best buys are at the more moderate stores
(including Banana Republic, Gap, and Sperry, among others), 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.
8200 Vineland Ave.
&
407/238-7787.
www.premiumoutlets.com/orlando.
Prime Outlets
The largest of the Orlando factory outlet centers is a very inviting
semi-covered outdoor mall (similar to the way the Premium Outlets are laid out). It
offers a wide range of merchandise and over 200 of the hottest designer brands, which,
in a few cases, can be gotten at a savings of up to 75% off retail prices. Still, as is the case
with most outlets,
most buys here are no better than what you'll find in discount houses in your
hometown.
There are well over a dozen shoe stores (Bass, Cole Haan, Nine West, Nike,
Vans, Sperry, and so on); a handful of housewares shops (Calphalon, Le Creuset, and Le
Gourmet Chef ); a Disney Character Warehouse; and over 100 clothing and accessories
shops for men, women, and children (Neiman Marcus Last Call, Gap, Kate Spade, Juicy
Couture, ESPRIT, Aéropostale, Ecko, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Kenneth Cole, Burton, Pac
Sun, Polo, Perry Ellis, Nautica, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, DKNY, Colombia Sportswear,
Van Heusen, OshKosh, Izod, Under Armour, GUESS, and a slew of others). You can also
shop for electronics, cosmetics, luggage, jewelry, toys, gifts, accessories, and lingerie.
Thankfully, a recent overhaul ensures that you no longer have to get in and out of your
car to hop from building to building, an incredible inconvenience that once kept this
shopping center off my list of favorites. The addition of on-site dining, ranging from
snack spots to sit-down dining, is also a huge plus. It is, however, in an off-the-beaten-
path location, so unless you're staying relatively close to Universal Orlando, the other
outlet options make a much better choice. 5401 W. Oak Ridge Rd.
&
407/352-9600.
www.primeoutlets.com.
8
THE MALLS
Altamonte Mall
As surely as Disney brought new life to Orlando, this mall—the
second largest in the area behind the Florida Mall (see below)—brought new life (and a
ton of traffic) to the then-one-stoplight town of Altamonte Springs, north of Orlando.
Relatively recent additions include 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.
Note:
At press time, the owners
of the Altamonte Mall had filed for bankruptcy protection. There has been no official
word as to the effect this will have on mall operations or the future of the mall itself.
451
E. Altamonte Dr.
&
407/830-4422.
www.altamontemall.com.
Tips
Homegrown Souvenirs
Oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits rank high on the list of Florida's top
local products.
Orange Blossom Indian River Citrus,
5151 S. Orange Blossom
Trail, Orlando (
&
800/624-8835
or 407/855-2837; www.orange-blossom.com), is
one of the top sellers during the late-fall-to-late-spring season.
