A Traveler's Guide To Shopping in Northern Virginia

Finding a great place to shop can be a challenge if you don’t know the area. Luckily, shopping in Northern Virginia is easy because of the wide selection of retail centers and malls to choose from. Here are three of the finest places to spend your money.

Tysons Galleria

Located in McLean, Virginia, Tysons Galleria is the place for upscale shopping and dining. The retail center is easily accessed from downtown Washington, DC by car and public transportation. If you drive, the center offers free parking. Valet parking is also available for a small fee. There are over 100 retail shops at Tysons Galleria. These include such high-end specialty shops as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace, and anchor stores Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s. The retail center is at the heart of a mixed-use development, which makes shopping convenient if you want to shop where you live, eat or work. It is also located near cultural attractions and entertainment options if you want to enjoy a full night out.

Tysons Corner Center

If you want a place to find something for everyone, Tysons Corner Center has over 300 retail shops and restaurants. Also known as Tysons I, according to Richey Property Management, it is one of the largest shopping malls in the country. It not only provides free parking and Wi-Fi, but it also offers luggage storage for shoppers traveling to and from the airport with small roller bags. Minutes from downtown Washington, DC, the retail space is considered a city within a city where you can find hotels, offices and apartments. Premium department stores include Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor. You will also find specialty shops such as Zara, American Girl, Bath and Body Works, L.L.Bean, Lady Foot Locker, and Forever 21. Tysons Corner Center has a weekly farmer’s market and a movie theater. It is also home to The Plaza, a 1.5-acre elevated outdoor space used for concerts, cultural activities and outdoor dining.

Leesburg Premium Outlets

If you’re looking for deals and discounts, according to the Clarion Hotel, you should head to the Leesburg Premium Outlets. The center has much sought-after outlet stores such as Nike, Old Navy, Columbia, The Gap, Chico’s and Hanes. It also has dining options ranging from smoothies and salads to pasta and sandwiches, making it a one-stop shopping experience. This shopping complex is located 17 miles west of Dulles International Airport and 35 miles from Washington, D.C. Once you’re done shopping, there are lots of other things you can do in the area, such as golfing, wine tasting, and visiting the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum.

When it comes to shopping in Northern Virginia, there are a host of choices from deluxe boutique stores to department stores to inexpensive outlets. You’ll never tire from the selection — only all the fun you’re about to have!

Here’s another article you might enjoy reading: Packing Tips for First-Time Travelers to Canada

And if you are traveling for the Holidays..don’t forget to take your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning book that has become a Holiday tradition in many households.. The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions-2nd edition