Fodor's Expert Review Piazza at Schmidt's

This local developer's mixed-use interpretation of Rome's Piazza Navona was a long time coming, and was the cause of so much controversy over the years that locals were almost shocked to see it finally open in summer 2009. A "curator" handpicks the independent retailers and gallerists who fill nearly 40 ground-floor commercial spaces. (Condos occupy the floors above.) They ring a giant plaza with pavement scalloped in the same pattern as in Rome and featuring a giant stage and screen. Especially during warm-weather months, there's usually some kind of event or live entertainment going on at the piazza.