1. The Fashion Lounge
City: Arlington, TX
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (888) 314-8319
Address: 3901 Arlington Highlands Blvd.
Description: Men and women are served at this contemporary shop, where brands include Abi Ferrin, Sky, Hale Bob, Ed Hardy, Paco, Smet, William Rast, and Blackburn.
2. Arlington Highlands
City: Arlington, TX
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (214) 572-0777
Address: 4000 Retail Connection Way
Description: Newest among shopping entities in Tarrant County, this open-air complex that’s fashioned to look like an old town square is home to Ann Taylor Loft, Francesca’s, James Avery, Jos A. Bank, Sunglass Hut, Ulta Cosmetics, White House Black Market, World Market, and WineStyles, along with more than a dozen places to eat and sip, such as Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, The Melting Pot, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Red Robin Gourmet Burger & Spirits, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Piranha Killer Sushi, Gloria’s, P.F. Changs, Mimi’s Café, McAlister’s Deli, Kincaid’s, Freebirds, Chuy’s, and Dave & Busters. Entertainment is found at Studio Movie Grill, the Little Gym, Improv Comedy Club, and Splitsville, an upscale bowling alley.
3. Parks At Arlington Mall
City: Arlington, TX
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (817) 467-0200
Address: 3811 South Cooper St.
Description: At the center of this complex, a menagerie-themed carousel provides a bit of diversion, and it’s just $2 a ride. In addition, there’s an NHL-size ice arena for skating ($6 plus skate rentals), an 18-screen AMC movie theater, and a kids’ soft play area with characters from the Golden Books stories. More than 180 specialty stores include Coach, Bare Escentuals, Banana Republic, Aeropostale, Hollister, Origins, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Caché, AGX, Starbucks, Anchor Blue, G by Guess, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, DSW, Lifeway Christian Store, Forever 21, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, along with Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears, and JCPenney. There’s a Cheesecake Factory and a 900-seat food court.
4. Whole Foods Market
City: Arlington, TX
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (817) 461-9362
Address: 801 East Lamar Blvd.
Description: The Austin-based store specializing in natural, organic products has a small store near Six Flags in Arlington. This one has an excellent wine selection, as well as good take-home meals. A larger store is expected to open in southwest Fort Worth in late 2010 or early 2011.
5. Plato’S Closet
City: Arlington, TX
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (817) 466-4430
Address: 5904 South Cooper St.
Description: A recycling retail store specializes in clothes for teens and twenty-somethings. Bring in your old stuff and shop for new, used goods, too.
6. Theatre Arlington
City: Arlington, TX
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (817) 275-7661
Address: 305 West Main St.
Description: Since 1973, this theater company has offered stage productions for mainstream and youth audiences. Nine shows usually fill a season, offering musicals, comedies, dramas, and kid programs. Classes are offered for ages four to adult, too.