Retail Therapy

Okay, ladies. Admit it. Sometimes, after a bad day or just a week of working and not having time to go out, you need a mini weekend shopping spree. New clothes, new shoes, new accessories; you have to have them and you feel better when the cashier hands you that overstuffed bag. Luckily, I've had the opportunity to live in and visit different parts of the country and have found three retail paradises that can't be beat!

Most recently, I visited the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, near the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With 2,779,242 square feet of shopping space and 523 stores, this is the largest shopping Mecca in the country. The mall has your typical anchor stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Sears, but also has unique specialty stores like For Love 21, the accessories-only boutique from Forever 21. Unlike other malls, though, the Mall of America has some features you'd never to expect to find in a shopping center.

Take for example, Nickelodeon Universe. Roller coasters, water rides, and a carousel are just a few of the thrills you can take in during your MOA experience. The mall also offers a movie theater, a miniature golf course, an aquarium, and even a wedding chapel!

The next mall I'd recommend is a tad more mainstream – Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia. This mall, just outside of Washington, D.C, is also a biggie at 2,200,000 square feet. The mall proudly claims 300 stores ranging from A|X Armani Exchange to Zumiez in addition to eateries and a movie theater.

The final mall on my list is Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California. Just miles from downtown Los Angeles, Del Amo ranks as one of the largest malls in the nation at 2,100,000 square feet. With 300-plus stores, the mall has everything you can imagine both inside and out to take advantage of L.A.'s year-round mild climate. It is also home to one of my favorite restaurants of all time - Pat & Oscar's!

There is still one mall, though, that I yearn to visit. King of Prussia Mall near Philadelphia is the second largest mall in the United States. Its 2,793,200 square feet of retail space is truly a shopping paradise. Anchor stores like Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom are just three of King of Prussia's more than 400 shops. And with no tax on clothes in the state of Pennsylvania, what's not to like?

So bring on the sales! Where do you like to shop? Leave a message and share your favorite shopping experience.