Shopping Network

Some of my out-of-town friends ask me which of the DFW malls are the best to visit when they come in for a shopping weekend. That’s kind of like asking, “Which of your children do you love the most?”

I like them all.

It’s hard for me to choose, since they each have a particular atmosphere, unique combinations of merchants, and even architecture.

Yet my friends would be expecting me to answer their question and help them out. As their friend, I would do my best. So I’m going to do my best for you.

We looked at things like architecture, variety of merchants, number of perimeter stores, but I also considered the “WOW” factor. It’s about an experience, not just shopping. So here is our opinion of the 6 must-see shopping center malls of DFW; 3 in the Dallas area and 3 in the Fort Worth area, in no particular order:

Galleria Dallas (Dallas area – Dallas): For sheer “Wow” factor, Galleria Dallas is impressive. Modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy, it’s four levels ooze élan and luxury. There are one-of-a-kind high-end stores, but also a good variety of mainstream merchants.

Stonebriar Centre (Dallas area – Frisco): Stonebriar may have the most interesting exterior architecture of any shopping center mall in DFW. This open, bright mall has it all, and has the most children’s apparel merchants of any other mall.

Town East Mall (Dallas area – Mesquite): Town East is instantly recognizable by its large center structure that covers the center part of this huge shopping mall. Remodeling in 2005 added many stores and updated the interior. Town East resembles a large wheel, with the Food Court its center hub.

Grapevine Mills (Fort Worth area – Grapevine): Grapevine Mills has more merchants than any other shopping mall in DFW – 237 of them! If you can’t find it here, it probably isn’t made. Wear comfortable shoes, as the rectangular concourse is almost one mile around.

Southlake Town Square (Fort Worth area – Southlake): Although not an enclosed mall, it’s uniqueness makes it an experience unlike any other in this list. Southlake Town Square is designed to resemble a small town square, with the stores branching off onto small side streets. The best way to enjoy Southlake Town Square is to park your car, and take your time walking around, soaking it all in.

The Parks at Arlington (Fort Worth area – Arlington): In 2002, The Parks added 400,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest shopping malls in DFW. More than just a place to shop, The Parks is a place to have fun, with an ice-skating rink, theaters and a carousel ride. Traffic around The Parks can be heavy at times, but the trip is worth it.

A Little History

Walter Dillingham purchased 50 acres of unwanted swampland in 1912 from Bishop Estates for $25,000. Actually Waikiki was mostly swampland as well into the 1800′s.

Plans were announced in 1948 for the shopping complex. The Ground breaking ceremony occurred in 1955 and construction began in 1957.

When it first opened in 1959, it was the largest mall in the entire United States with 89 stores and 4,000 parking spaces. The Mall of America built in Bloomington, Minnesota became the next mall to become the largest in America. Today Ala Moana is one of the 15 largest malls in the U.S.

In 1966 the mall doubled in size and added J.C. Penney and Liberty House.

In 1987 a food court with 19 restaurants and 900 seats was added.

The current owners of Ala Moana (General Growth Properties) use it as a template, and have invested a billion dollars to remodel other centers across Canada and the United States.

The Ho’okipa Terrace was opened in 2005. It has ten incredible restaurants all in one place including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., California Pizza Kitchen, Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, Mai Tai Bar, Pearl, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, Tanaka of Tokyo, and Tsukiji Fish Market and Restaurant.

Ala Moana Shopping Center Today

The mall is very close to Waikiki, so it is convenient for tourists. A shuttle runs every ten minutes from Waikiki seven days a week. It also has plenty of parking for those who are driving, and it is within walking distance of the Ala Moana Beach Park.

For the locals, the mall includes a grocery store, post office and a night club (Pearl Ultralounge). For all, it includes a huge international food court. You can also find fine dining facilities.

Interesting facts about Ala Moana Shopping Center:

“Ala” means street, and “Moana” means ocean in Hawaiian. The Developers chose the name “Ala Moana” because it explained the location of the center.

Hawaii became the 50th state eight days after Ala Moana Center opened Hawaii in August 1959.

Eleven of the original mall retailers from 1959 are still at the mall today, although they may not be in the same location.

* Sears
* Longs
* Foodland
* Slipper House
* Crack Seed Center
* Reyn’s
* Shirokiya
* Watumul’s
* Territorial Savings
* U.S. Post Office
* Dairy Queen

Unique to Ala Moana

The mall features open-air corridors, which are lined with palm trees and tropical vegetation including real banana trees.

There is a center stage for performances which feature local entertainment including dancing, singing, and much more. The Royal Hawaiian Band (accompanied by hula dancers) frequently plays at Center Stage, which is one of the most popular amphitheatres in Hawaii.

They often have fashion shows on the center stage and since it is open air, they can have fireworks for special celebrations.

Down the center of some walkways are koi (fish) ponds with lilies where you can sit on the rocks and relax. There are also amazing waterfalls to enjoy.

The mall has high-end shops including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace and Armani, as well as department stores like Macy’s and Neiman Marcus.

Unclaimed Baggage Center was founded in 1970 by Doyle and Sue Owens as a part-time business. Shortly thereafter it became a full-time venture. In 1978, the Owens incorporated the company and watched it prosper as one of the great ‘hidden’ bargain centers for savvy shoppers. With such a huge variety of items, shoppers can be sure to find something they are looking for. There are lots of great bargains in the store’s huge selection of inventory.

In 1995 Bryan Owens, son of the founder, acquired Unclaimed Baggage and managed the expansion which includes the current contemporary retail space that spans more than a city block. The store has many features including a Concierge Desk to help guests and Cups Espresso Café which serves Starbucks Coffee and Dippin Dots ice cream.

Unclaimed Baggage Center is located in Scottsboro Alabama. This center sells articles of unclaimed and undeliverable airline luggage. This unique shopping experience allows visitors to purchase lost treasures from around the world.

Found in Jackson County in Northeast Alabama, Scottsboro is situated on the Tennessee River’s largest lake, Lake Guntersville. Local highways and Interstates serving the Scottsboro area are Interstate 65 and U.S. Hwy. 72, making it easily accessible to many local attractions and fun things to do. The one-of-a-kind store is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and bordered by the 70,000 acre Lake Guntersville.

What to Expect When You Visit Unclaimed Baggage Center:

This is the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys hunting for bargains. Be on the lookout for one of a kind treasures and other interesting new and pre-owned items from a selection of over 7,000 things in stock such as, designer clothing, jewelry, electronics, cameras, and sporting goods.

Some interesting items that have been discovered in unclaimed luggage include:

· Huge 40.95-carat natural emerald

· 5.8-carat diamond set in platinum

· Authentic replica of 19th century full suit of armor

· Egyptian artifacts dating back to 1500 B.C.

· Special camera designed for NASA’s Space Shuttle

· A Barbie doll with a roll of $500 in bills hidden side

Approximately 60% of the stores merchandise is clothing. During your next trip to the area be sure to check out Unclaimed Baggage Center. You never know what you might find.

Nova Sisk is the director of sales for Hampton Inn $ Suites Scottsboro Alabama hotel. The Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsboro hotel in Alabama is located in the mountain/lakes region of northern Alabama surrounded by majestic mountains and rich valleys, located minutes from Lake Guntersville. Whether in town for business or pleasure, Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsboro Alabama hotel has been designed with your comfort in mind, from boat parking slips to complimentary high-speed internet access, your comfort is their main goal. Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms and suites features the Hampton Cloud 9 bed, mini refrigerator, microwave, work desk, basic cable plus HBO, and 37 inch flat panel TV.