13 Best Shopping in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

The Galleria Dallas, with more than 200 retailers and anchor stores Macy's, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, is one of Dallas's best-known malls. Specialty shops include Tiffany & Co., Versace, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Spanish clothier Zara. A soft-structure play area on the third level near Saks (strategically placed near children's specialty shops) is a great place to let little ones (42 inches and shorter) burn off some energy. The bottom level features an ice-skating rink. Just outside the enclosed mall, but still on the Galleria grounds, is the American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Girls and their moms delight in shopping and dining in the cheerfully decorated space dedicated to the American Girl line of dolls and accessories.

Locals rely on Bishop Street Market for unusual and beautiful gifts, cards, pottery, glass, and jewelry. There's also a small section of whimsical baby items.

While you're in a western-state of mind, mosey over to Cheif Records for country tunes from the likes of Gene Autry, Lefty Frizzell, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Wills, and of course Ernest Tubbs.

If you're in the mood for seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from the region, stop by the Dallas Farmers Market. The vendors are competitive, often offering samples and flagging down potential customers. You'll also find fresh plants, flowers, and handcrafted goods. An indoor market features furniture, home decor, jewelry, sauces, and organic meats. Weekends are festive at the market, with families shopping and children running around, chasing pigeons, and eating ice cream and other snacks sold on-site.

Shopaholics shouldn't miss Grapevine Mills Mall, with more than 1.5 million square feet of discount shopping. Families can spend an entire day here, watching movies, playing video games, shopping for bargains, and eating at restaurants like the Rainforest Cafe. If full-price Neiman Marcus isn't in your budget, check out Last Call, the local retailer's discount store. Hello Kitty fans take note: The area's only licensed Sanrio shop is here, too.

A small store that specializes in Christian merchandise, Holy Grounds is crammed with crosses, angels, Bibles, study books, and embellished T-shirts. In the back of the store you'll find more than 100 flavors of whole-bean coffee.

Hit Hulen Mall for two levels of shopping and dining. The anchor department stores are Macy's, Dillard's, and Sears. In between those giants, discover shops that offer something for everyone in the family: the Disney Store, Claire's, and Gamestop for the kids, Brookstone, Radio Shack, and Hollister for the men; and Brighton Collectibles, Crabtree & Evelyn, and Caché for the women. Movie Tavern serves drinks and dinner at the movies.

A great place for boots, ready-to-wear or custom-made, is M. L. Leddy's.

The original Neiman Marcus is a huge Dallas draw and has been since 1907. Skip the elevator and take the escalator to each level to appreciate the whimsical decor and surprising displays of art. Each floor is a distinct experience, all the way up to the sixth floor, where you can dine with ladies (and men) who lunch at Zodiac or get your hair done in the salon. On the way out, stop at the first-floor coffee bar for an affordable treat.

Developed as the nation's first indoor mall by art collector Ray Nasher, NorthPark Center has world-class art on its walls and sculptures in its hallways. Retail outposts include Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Bottega Veneta, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Elevated features include a gorgeously landscaped greenspace, an indoor duck and turtle pond, and the twice-yearly Fashion at the Park runway shows. December is the best and busiest time to visit—the train exhibit delights children and adults alike, puppets and humans perform throughout the mall, and the building is decked out in tasteful holiday finery.

The Shops at Willow Bend include anchors Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and boutiques such as Escada, Lacoste, and Yves Delorme. The indoor play area (which looks like a giant breakfast, complete with a Texas-sized steak and a coffee cup to jump in and out of) is usually packed with toddlers and their parents. The rest of the mall is rarely crowded—excellent for serious shoppers with little time.

Downtown Fort Worth's Sundance Square is a perennial draw, with several small stores.

Zola's Everyday Vintage feels more like a boutique than a vintage store. The pieces are well edited, cleaned, and mended before reaching the floor. Look for high quality items—and corresponding prices.