Top Shopping Malls in Atlanta
PERIMETER MALL: URBAN SUBURBAN PARADISE
A bit out of the way, in Atlanta’s more suburban area is Perimeter Mall. Perimeter Mall, located on Ashford Dunwoody Road, is heavily populated with shoppers from all across the state. Upon entering the labyrinthine parking area, it may be a bit difficult to locate a close parking space near any of the entrances. The side of the shopping mall which faces Ashford Dunwoody Road houses some of the most popular restaurants in Atlanta. Here, visitors who just plan to stop by for a meal can opt for a sophisticated dining experience at Maggiano’s, a lowly-lit comfortable Italian restaurant chain. On the other side of the lot is The Cheesecake Factory, a trendy, mid-range restaurant featuring an endless rainbow of cheesecake confections, in addition to a menu packed with all sorts of culinary delights. One of the highlights of this area of the mall is the valet parking available for diners and shoppers alike. In the evening, the lights twinkling over the outdoor tables at these restaurants are magical.
As far as the shopping is concerned, Perimeter Mall is a largely carpeted shopping mall with an enviable food court. Each wing of the mall houses a multitude of stores ranging from high-end boutiques, to inexpensive kiosks. The mall itself is extremely spacious and comfortable, with plenty of walking room. Atlanta’s Perimeter Mall attracts many different types of people. However, because the surrounding area is comprised largely of upscale neighborhoods and businesses, the majority of the patrons are made up of middle class families.
Atlanta’s Perimeter Mall is also an attractive shopping option because of the many other smaller shopping plazas and upscale restaurants surrounding it. There are many bookstores, coffee shops, and cafÃ?©s dotting every street bordering the fashionable shopping site.
LENOX MALL: SEE AND BE SEEN�
Not too far up the “street” from Perimeter Mall are two more of Atlanta’s top shopping venues. They are both located in the high-class Buckhead business district. Adjacent to Peachtree Road, and facing Lenox Road, is the ever-popular Lenox Mall. Like Perimeter, this shopping mall also offers “protective” shoppers valet parking for their automobiles. Sprinkling the exterior of the mall is an assortment of upscale restaurants. Along Lenox Road are a few mid-range dining options such as Ruby Tuesdays and Houston’s.
The shopping venue itself offers several indulgent stores like BCBG and Bebe boutiques for women. Those seeking out home dÃ?©cor items will have Crate and Barrel and Storehouse furniture stores to pamper their homes with the finest of accessories. Couture shoppers will be delighted to find a Betsey Johnson boutique on Lenox Mall’s upper level. There are no knock-offs in this store. All fashions are authentic Betsey Johnson creations suited for the adventurous and colorful shopper. A Banana Republic store on the lower level gives shelter to racks and racks of spiffy, metropolitan-styled duds.
The mall itself is not terribly large. Though there are many different types of stores within, and lining the outside of the shopping center, Atlanta’s Lenox Mall is most known for being an ideal place to “peruse”, and be seen. Hordes of youngsters crowd the mall every Saturday, using Lenox more as a social gathering place, than a place to purchase goods. The demographic of patrons at this shopping mall is extremely diverse. Teenagers, upper and middle class families, businesspersons, and even celebrities have been known to frequent the venue. Atlanta’s Lenox Mall is the perfect place to have a meal, or simply people watch.
PHIPPS PLAZA: FOR THE DISCRIMINATING SHOPPER
For the shopper who wants the ultimate upscale shopping atmosphere, literally yards away from Lenox Mall is Phipps Plaza. This mall is known for its pricey and exclusive bevy of stores including Nordstrom’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany’s. Valet parking is surely an option at this mall, as are many other extravagant conveniences. Phipps Plaza is a fairly sizable mall to hold primarily upscale stores. The mall virtually smells of sophistication, as even the trimmings within the shopping mall’s interior are stylish and detailed.
The main draw for this mall is the 14-screen movie theatre. Phipps Plaza’s AMC theatre, has a strange ticketing process. Movie-goers must visit the velvet-roped ticket booth on the 2nd floor of the mall, although the actual theatre is located on the mall’s upper level. While the process in general may seem a bit awkward, in actuality having the ticket booth so far away from the theatre discourages “movie-hoppers”, and also keeps the flow of traffic from becoming congested inside the mall. The movie theatre, in addition to showing the typical blockbuster films, also indulges independent movie lovers in the occasional art house, or foreign cinematic delight.
While the food court, also located on the upper level contains a few common fast food choices, the majority of the court houses a few specialty cafes and other dining options, like Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Salad Sensations. The mall itself has provided many different conveniences for those who are accustomed to upscale accommodations.
Whether you’re shopping for home decor items, elegant gowns, or simply a snack, Atlanta’s metropolitan shopping malls have something for everyone. In addition to providing a plethora of goods and services, Atlanta’s malls are known for being extremely accommodating for social gatherings.
