A whopping 400,000 square feet of bargain bliss await visitors at this enormous Fort Myers flea market. With over 900 vendors, Fleamasters is the largest market in Southwest Florida and offers an astounding variety of merchandise, including, but definitely not limited to, fresh fruits and veggies, paintings, clothing, electric bikes, Florida souvenirs, antiques, outdoor equipment, rare perfumes, cutlery and local wines. The market is covered with lots of ceiling fans and some stores are air-conditioned. The food options range from burgers and BBQ to tasty Latin cuisine. There is even a music hall and a stage for entertainment when you need a break; the people-watching is top-notch. You could truly spend all day here and not get bored.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Spend all day searching for treasures from more than 900 vendors. There are a music hall and all kinds of food to keep you fueled.
Gina's expert tip: If you run out of cash, there is an ATM in the food court at the south end.
Located at a busy intersection in south Fort Myers (US41 and Daniels Parkway), this shopping center is full of stores for folks looking for both value as well as Florida themed clothing and decor. Take for example Bealls, billed as "your Florida store." Stocked full of clothing, houseware and decor for the "Florida lifestyle" Bealls also has an outlet store at the opposite end of this shopping center. In between the two Bealls, you'll find popular store names such as Stein Mart and Tuesday Morning along with long-time local favorite Wilford & Lee, specializing in all things home related. In addition, the center has an all-day breakfast restaurant and an Asian buffet for when your stomach begins to rumble.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: An expansive shopping center lined with value stores, both national and local, including a couple of restaurants for recharging; and lots of parking.
Gina's expert tip: If you buy too much to fit into your suitcase, the shopping center has a shipping station to help get your goods home.
One of Southwest Florida's largest indoor shopping centers, the Edison Mall offers patrons more than 160 clothing, specialty and gift stores. The enclosed, climate-controlled setting makes it ideal for a rainy day shopping extravaganza. Anchor stores include JC Penney's, Sears, Dillard's and Macy's. In fact, Macy's has two locations; one contains only women's items such as clothing, shoes and make-up. The other includes everything else! In addition to the great shopping, Edison also features over a dozen restaurants that specialize in everything from Japanese to Cajun cooking in the food court. Plenty of restaurants with table service can be found along the mall's perimeter.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The longest operating mall in the area, this indoor facility keeps you cool while you shop favorite name-brand stores.
Gina's expert tip: Macy's has two stores, the center location only has women's items.
The Bell Tower Shops is an outdoor shopping complex that over the years has been home to numerous upscale national shops, along with unique local boutiques and galleries. The center's open-air design recently saw major renovations resulting in a more chic, modern vibe, while retaining the palm trees and other tropical foliage. The center court is a perfect spot to host concerts, fashion shows and a number of food and wine-themed events year-round. The Bell Tower also boasts several award-winning, locally-owned restaurants, chains like Grimaldi's Pizza and World of Beer, a movie theater and a Fresh Market.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: This centrally located outdoor shopping center, home to national names and local brands, has just completed a major renovation project offering a fresh modern look.
Gina's expert tip: You and your pet can enjoy Yappy Hour the second Friday of every month, with dog-friendly shopping and activities.
The Shell Factory is more than a shopping destination, it's a family entertainment destination as well. Located in North Fort Myers, this fun shopping center features well over 65,000 feet of retail space full of merchandise ranging from Christmas decorations to jewelry and clothing, to shells, shells and more shells. The main showroom boasts a selection of more than five million shells collected from beaches worldwide. When your kids get squirmy send them to the Fun Park for bumper boats and a zip line across the lake, or to the Nature Park where they can see alligators and other animals, both exotic and native. Grab some food at Captain Fishbones and then shop some more.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The Shell Factory has food and entertainment for your kids, while you shop the world's largest collection of rare shells, jewelry, art and clothing.
Gina's expert tip: Factor in extra time to visit the Shell Factory's Nature Park and Fun Park.
Gather your friends, family, favorite shopaholic and your wallet, then head to this spacious outlet mall, lined with soaring palms and over 60 brand-name stores. If you are vacationing on Sanibel or Captiva Islands, this will be your last bargain shopping stop before heading over the causeway. Whether you're on the hunt for heavenly bubble bath from Bath & Body Works or a sassy sundress from Gap, you'll snatch up the perfect find at a satisfying 25% to 65% discount price. Other must-stop shops include Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, GUESS, Fossil and Coach. There is also a playground to entertain the youngest shoppers in your party.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: With more than 60 designer outlet stores to shop, Tanger is the last stop before heading over the bridge to Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Gina's expert tip: Stop by the mall office for special coupon books.
One of the most all-encompassing shopping centers in Fort Myers, this outdoor village-like mall is home to an astounding array of more than 70 stores. Adults, teens and even tiny tot tourists can find something here, whether it be fishing supplies from the 123,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shop; stylish onesies from Babies "R" Us; luxurious Bath & Body Works lotions or a darling dress from Charlotte Russe. Be sure to scope out locally-owned shops like Forema for affordable but classy fashions. Gulf Coast Town Center also boasts a Regal Cinemas with IMAX. Enjoy the mouthwatering myriad of restaurants and bars to rest your feet and refuel, the list is long and impressive.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Gulf Coast Town Center has become the go-to place for not just great shopping but also dining and entertainment east of I-75.
Gina's expert tip: Free concerts and movies are offered in the Market Square, check the website for a schedule.
Boasting more than 35 retail shops, Periwinkle Place looks as much like a well-manicured public space as it does a shopping center. Situated along and named after Sanibel's main road, it's the largest shopping plaza on the island. This is the place to go if you are looking for upscale men's and women's fashions, as its covered boardwalks lead past boutique after boutique, many of them locally-owned. The very first Chico's clothing store is located here. Pick up some bling at Congress Jewelers, or unique art at Island Style. After shopping, treat yourself to a meal at the Blue Giraffe or enjoy some professional pampering at the Sanibel Day Spa.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Enjoy laid back island shopping at unique boutiques, stay for a gourmet lunch and relax in the shaded garden.
Gina's expert tip: Watch out for the bicyclists coming and going along the densely covered paths.
This open-air, Main Street-style mall just south of Fort Myers in Estero, is the center of a 500-acre master-planned community, giving it a unique and relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by glistening lakes and fountains, shoppers stroll the lovely boardwalk, collecting goodies from 113 stores along the way. One side is lined with so-called box stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, World Market and Ulta. The other side features higher-end boutiques such as Chanel, Pandora, Lucky Brand and Apple. After browsing your favorites, unwind with a movie and dinner at one of two dozen unique restaurants including steakhouses, Asian cuisine, island cuisine, Italian and lots more.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: A street-style mall with more than 113 high-end shops, unique restaurants and a movie theater.
Gina's expert tip: Feet tired? Look for courtesy carts to get you and your packages to your car quicker.
Just off of Interstate 75, only 18 miles from the city of Fort Myers, this award-winning, open-air Mediterranean-style outlet mall's bright covered sidewalks are lined with over 160 designer and brand-name stores. Amidst picturesque fountains, koi ponds and vibrant murals, shoppers discover spectacular sales at such beloved outlets as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Neiman Marcus, Coach, Michael Kors, White House/Black Market and Le Creuset. There are an expansive lakefront dining piazza and additional restaurants and bars on the east entrance. A children's area will help distract your little ones and so will the special events that mall managers plan every week.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: With over 140 high-end outlet stores, Miromar is conveniently located off of Interstate 75 between Fort Myers and Naples.
Gina's expert tip: Hosting numerous special events, check the mall's website for the loaded calendar