SHOPPING
If you are looking for a taste of Florida, there are several outdoor markets selling fresh, local produce, preserves and products, including the Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market and Bartow Farmers’ Market. For mall shopping in the area, hit the more than 70 shops at the Lakeland Square Mall.
The Loop in Kissimmee is a popular outdoor mall, split into Loop East and Loop West, offering 30 retail outlets including Sunglass Hut and Old Navy. Stop for a cone at Ben & Jerry’s or grab a bite in one of 10 eateries.
The new Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, is now home to more than 100 shops, ranging from Anthropologie and Lucky Brand to the LEGO Store and the Art of Disney.
Pointe Orlando, the lush landscaped, fresh-air destination near the Orange County Convention Center, is known for more upscale and specialty shops, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret.
Want big? Florida Mall in Orlando offers 1.9 million square feet of space and more than 250 stores to shop ‘til you drop.
The Mall at Millenia in Orlando has become a favorite of locals and visitors. This shopping mecca features some of the most stylish shops in all of Central Florida: Tiffany & Co., Gucci and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. The Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offer discounts in hundreds of brand-name stores.
Park Avenue in Winter Park is the quintessential place to shop in Central Florida. Wander in and out of shops, such as Tuni, Siegel’s Winter Park, Ten Thousand Villages and Charyli as you walk the brick-lined street. Nearby Winter Park Village features Pier One Imports, Owen Allen and Ulta.
North of Orlando, Renninger’s Antique Center & Farmers’ & Flea Market in Mount Dora is worth the trip. The family-owned business, situated on 117 acres in the rolling hills of Lake County, features hundreds of vendors, as well as vintage car and garden shows.
Nearby, ViaPort Florida in Leesburg features three dozen stores, while Paddock Mall in Ocala has 90 stores, anchored by Macy’s, Sears, Belk and JC Penney.
Explore the shops and boutiques on First Street in historic Sanford, once a major Central Florida hub. The town is also home to Seminole Town Square with six anchor stores including Burlington Coat Factory.