After all my bitterness about the Unclaimed Baggage Center yesterday, I thought it best to follow up with a bargain hunting place that I really do think is worth every bit of time and gas it takes to get there: Opry Mills. It was decent before the flood. But, after it closed for 2 years, the re-opened mall is a true shopping treat.
Word of caution: this place is big, very big. And, when it comes to malls, I actually get dry eyes and near panic attacks after being in one too long; I have a set time limit and it’s about 2 hours and then I have to leave. Seriously. Heart palpitations. I need fresh air.
With only two hours to shop, I suggest the following stores, which are all located very close to each other: Off Fifth, J. Crew, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan and Nike. If you still have time, take in Banana Republic, Lucky Brand (I put this in my top tier, actually…), The Gap, BCBG, Nine West, Vera Bradley, Calvin Klein, Steve Madden and Michael Kors. Rumor has it that Kate Spade is opening up an outlet at Opry Mills in the very near future. And, for those with young kids, Janie and Jack just announced they are opening an outlet here, and their clothes are adorable.
The title “King of the Hill,” at least according to moi, is actually shared between two stores: Off Fifth and J. Crew.
The store is filled with jewelry, clothes and shoes for men, women and children, evening wear, accessories and pretty much everything that you expect at Saks Fifth Avenue.
J. Crew:
After hitting Off Fifth and J. Crew, you can go home, as you may have already spent your money. But, if you still have some to spare, head to the following stores. They are all found near one another. Just enter Opry Mills at the Ralph Lauren/Off Fifth entrance.
If you have a teenaged daughter, she will want to see the Forever 21 at Opry Mills. It’s enormous.
It’s enormous. I am 5’11” with a 36″ inseam. I say this to prove that I have a long stride; I cover much territory with each step. So, how many steps does it take to walk the Opry Mills Forever 21? For me, it’s 131. Yes, start at one end, out in the hallway, and count 131 long strides. It’s enormous. Here is a text from my daughter from INSIDE the store:
Before we even entered Forever 21, my 8 year old son groaned, “NOOOOOO. You’ll take FOREVER in there. That’s why they named it Forever 21.” He’s pretty funny.
If you have kids, the Lego store is a must-go. And, the Aquarium restaurant, while it’s not terribly good, is still a treat. The food is over-priced, but you are paying for a meal while watching sharks, eels and stingrays swim by. For me, this always includes a glass of wine, as by the time we arrive, I’m spent.
Opry Mills is a drive, but it’s really worth it.
Check out our other SB posts today:
SB Louisville talks favorite apps: click here
SB Atlanta educates us on the perfect travel outfit: click here
