The newly opened Coconut Point Town Center is considered the crown jewel for shopping in fast-growing Estero – located on the West Coast of Florida halfway between Ft. Myers and Naples.  As the focus for a 500-acre master planned community, Coconut Point is more than just a shopping center.  The property includes 90,000 square feet of office condominiums, and residential units – all flanked by acres of lakes and meandering boardwalks.  The Mediterranean architectural style compliments the 1.2 million square feet of open air retail with more than 150 stores and 15 restaurants.  Anchor tenants include Dillard’s, Barnes and Noble, Sports Authority, Tommy Bahama, and Ann Taylor, among others.   Designed as a Main Street-style shopping destination, Coconut Point is the place for vacationers and residents alike to gather, shop, dine, work, and play.  A 20-screen megaplex theater lets you be the first to enjoy the latest films in sumptuous style.   Fine dining is available at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, the Blue Water Bistro, and the Grill Room.

Moving further North, Fort Myers is home to the Edison Mall which is recognized as the largest mall in southwest Florida.  The “L” shaped layout makes it easy to find stores, such as Dillard’s, Macy’s, the Disney Store, and other perennial favorites.  Strolling the mall’s full interior is the equivalent to walking more than a mile, providing additional appeal for those looking to exercise while they shop.   More than 20 eateries and 160 specialty vendors offering everything from resort wear to other Florida favorites complete the experience.   New tile floors, soft seating areas, and a sparkling, renovated fountain in air-conditioned comfort provide further appeal.  Edison Mall is located at the intersection of US 41 and Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

1. Lake Eola Park: This downtown Orlando centerpiece offers 43 acres for exploration and recreation, including fountains, a walking path, playgrounds, swans to feed and swan shaped paddle boats and gondolas (for a slight fee.)
2. Harry P. Leu Gardens: Admission is free on Mondays. Guests can enjoy three miles of walkways, rose gardens, a butterfly garden, ancient oak trees, and more.
3. Ocala National Forest: A great place to experience natural Florida. The Florida Trail is a popular hike, where you can view hardwood forests, swamps, springs, and prairies. You can also canoe, picnic, hike and more.
4. Kelly Park: This park offers over 248 acres of outdoor fun and excitement! A crystal clear spring is the focus of this park, with water sports, including tubing, and rock climbing available!
Orlando’s rich history also makes its museums a can’t miss experience. Plus, they’re open Free to the public
5. Cornell Fine Arts Museum: This museum showcases over 6,000 art pieces ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Art lovers of all ages will not want to miss one of the oldest collections in all of Florida.
6. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Home to the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany. There is also an extensive American Pottery collection, as well as 19th and 20th century paintings collection. Admission is free on Fridays.
7. Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida: An informative center dedicated to remembering the millions if people that were lost during the rule of Nazi Germany.
8. Fort Christmas Historical Museum & Park: Visit the full size replica of Fort Christmas, including seven restored pioneer homes and showing pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Key themes are homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping. There are even more free things to do in Orlando, Florida!
9. Downtown Disney Marketplace: Explore the World of Disney store, which is an experience in and of itself. Also visit the Lego Imagination Center, where your kids can enjoy the free Lego building stations and nearby playground.
10. Disney’s Boardwalk: Stroll along Disney’s boardwalk for a charming step back in time, complete with water views and street entertainers.
11. The Town of Celebration: Visit this Disney-made town where you can adrmire the gorgeous houses, well-groomed yards and magic of Disney living. Depending on when you visit, you may see machine generated snow or falling leaves.
12. Old Town: On Saturday nights a free rock-n-roll concert and a parade of 300 vintage cars are offered.

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Whether you shop to relieve stress or to buy new items for your wardrobe, it’s important that you find stores and boutiques that offer the best bargains. Such establishments help you maximize your shopping budget. Are you planning to hit the road and head out to Florida malls for a shopping spree? Here are some things to consider when shopping in the state.

First, do some research about various Florida factory outlets and malls. See the list of brands they offer and assess whether they can provide you with affordable buys. Basically, you can tell if malls can offer you bargains from the brands they have available. Aside from this, you can also check out for their sale schedules and discount promos. End-of-season sales can help you save a lot of money in buying different items like clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.

Second, ask your family and friends about independent stores and boutiques in the state. Do not get tied up in retail outlets; seek out downtown shops where you can find bargains. This makes you appreciate the best of Florida shopping.

Third, stretch your budget. Some people think of shopping in Florida outlet malls as extravagant, but the truth is that these outlet malls can offer many low-priced, high-quality items. Just make sure to make the most of your budget and you’re sure to go home with a smile on your face and lots of shopping bags in your hands.