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Whether you seek a 12-carat emerald or a $12 scarf, you are sure to find what you need in one of Houston's large department stores. Neiman Marcus , in the Houston Galleria at 5085 Westheimer Rd. on the city's west side, is equipped to handle the wants of millionaires and eccentrics as well as those of browsers. The Galleria's 375 other stores include Macy's, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, along with places to eat and an ice-skating rink.
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Other malls offering restaurants, small shops, department stores and entertainment areas include Baybrook Mall , 500 Baybrook Mall Dr. in Friendswood; Highland Village , 4055 Westheimer Rd.; Memorial City Mall , 303 Memorial City Way; Town & Country Village , 12850 Memorial Dr.; Uptown Park , 1121 Uptown Park Blvd.; and Willowbrook Mall , 2000 Willowbrook Mall at SR 249 and FM 1960.
Small Shops Offer Many Delights
There also are an eclectic mix of independent shops and well-known retailers at Rice Village , 2400 University Blvd., near Rice University. Old Town Spring , north on I-45 at exit 70A at 403 Main St., has antique and specialty shops, galleries and restaurants in 180 restored Victorian cottages along tree-lined streets. It's a great vacation stop to find one-of-a-kind items.
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Urban cowboys and cowgirls will find boots, hats and other Western garb at Cavender's , which you'll find at 10102 Gulf Frwy. Service Rd. (off I-45), 13580 East Frwy. (off I-10), 2505 S. Loop W. (off I-610) and 14031 Northwest Frwy. (off US 290).
Antique lovers can forage for vintage treasures in Lower Westheimer (also called the Westheimer Curve), between Montrose Boulevard and Dunlavy Street.
Most stores are open Mon.-Sat. 9-9. Most shopping centers are open Mon.-Sat. 10-9 and Sun. noon-6.
Go Down to the Boardwalk
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Kemah Boardwalk , 20 miles south of Houston off I-45 at exit 25 at 215 Kipp Ave., is a waterfront complex of shops, restaurants and amusements, including a Ferris wheel and roller coaster. It is truly a shopping destination that can't be missed. Katy Mills , 25 miles west of Houston at 5000 Katy Mills Cir., offers 1.3 million square feet of designer outlet shopping; a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, with a 20,000-gallon aquarium, wildlife exhibits and sporting demonstrations; and more than 20 restaurants. Deal-seekers flock to Tanger Outlets, 5885 Gulf Frwy., for savings on items like clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories; stores include Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Reebok.