Thanksgiving is not an important holiday for me. I've lived in the United States for almost 13 years and turkey is not my favorite food. However, I like the idea of giving thanks and the 2 paid days off are always welcome. I usually travel abroad since November is low season for international travel. Last year we went to Ecuador. This year we had plans to go to Peru. Since I am 8 months pregnant, I am not allowed to get on an airplane anymore. I'm Tampa bound and I plan to enjoy the days off doing the best thing to do this weekend: Shopping!!!!
Black Friday is probably the craziest and busiest shopping day of the year. I'm not planning to join the masses on this day. I am planning to go during the weekend to an outlet mall since they have great sale specials during holiday weekends.
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The only choice we have to make is which of the 3 nearby outlet malls we should go to. There are 2 in Orlando and one in Sarasota. It takes about the same time to get to both. The only difference is that the Orlando Outlets have more stores and that since it is a tourist destination they are always PACKED! Black Friday or not, parking is impossible and you feel like they are giving away everything for free because of the excitement of the shoppers.
One of the things to do when you come to the U.S from other Countries is to shop!! My friends from out of town always ask me which outlet is the best. They are all great, but it depends what you want to buy. They all have Coach, Ninewest, Lacoste, Polo, Banana Republic, Gap, Jcrew, Michael Kors, Nike, Guess, BCBG, Ann Taylor and many other stores.
Ellenton Premium Outlets
This outlet is typically my choice when I don't want to go to a massive place and I don't want to spend all day shopping. There are over 130 stores with a great selection and not many tourists. Parking is easy and I love the drive to Sarasota. The only store that is different here is the Saks 5th Avenue that has a great selection of shoes, dresses, designer jeans and all other amazing Saks merchandise at great prices.
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| Photo Credit: www.premiumoutlets.com |
This is typically my choice when it comes to shopping in Orlando. Probably because it is closer to Tampa. Traffic getting in the parking lot and even out can be tricky. There is only one main exit road and unless you are familiar with the back roads you will be in traffic for a long time. There are over 150 stores in this mall. Some of my favorite stores that are not found in the other outlets include: lululemon, Prada, Burberry, and Tory Burch. My sisters like it because there is a Toys r us outlet store for their kids. The 7 for all mankind store is always a must for me, but you can also find one in the International Drive Outlets.
Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive
There are over 180 stores in this Outlet and you don't get to see all of them in one day. I usually plan what I want to buy before I go. Some of the stores that can only be found in this Outlet are Victoria's Secret, Champion, Forever 21, Aldo, and Ugg. There is a Pinkberry to take a break. There are a few better options for food apart from the food court. This is the newest Outlet mall in the area and in my opinion the best option.
I love the outlets in Orlando! Joe's Jeans is my favorite store. They make great denim for girls with curves. And I admire your determination to make the most of your vacation time, even without being able to go on a plane!
ReplyDeleteDays off are a privilege not to be wasted! Haha we ended up not going to the outlets. My body can't take long shopping days :( I didn't feel that great this weekend. I've never tried joe's jeans. I will have to try next time I'm jean shopping -it will be a while!
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