Give your group an exceptional outdoor shopping experience at these five locations

Outlet malls can be a terrific addition to your next group tour itinerary. Combining shopping, dining and entertainment, they allow your group members to stretch out and enjoy themselves in a contained area. The following New England Development outlet malls are all excellent options to consider for your next tour.

Asheville Outlets, North Carolina After your group has visited signature attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and Blue Ridge Parkway, set aside time for leisurely shopping at the only major retail center within 80 miles: Tenants include Coach, J.Crew Factory and American Eagle, while also featuring smoked meats from the Beef Jerky Outlet and decadent desserts at Lindt Chocolate Shop. Tour buses can park in the free lot that surrounds the property. Free shuttles can be reserved for groups staying at nearby hotels and conference centers. In addition to over 70 stores, Asheville Outlets hosts Food Truck & Craft Beer Festivals, and the Wine & Jazz Fest, which showcases North Carolina musicians and wine-growers.

Outlets of Des Moines, Iowa
Six miles from Iowa’s capital and largest city, the Outlets of Des Moines in neighboring Altoona claims Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Under Armour and Michael Kors among its premier tenants. The convenient location at the intersection of I-80 and US-65 makes the outlets a perfect tour stop, but the complex is an attraction in itself. The mall’s figure-eight layout is easy to navigate, and its elegant thoroughfares make for a pleasant shopping experience no matter the season. Groups of 15 or more receive a free coupon book with discounts at stores such as Tommy Hilfiger, Lucky Brand Jeans and Brooks Brothers Factory Store. The complex is adjacent to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

Palm Beach Outlets

Palm Beach Outlets

Palm Beach Outlets, Florida
The 100-plus retailers include notable brands include Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Vera Bradley, while the neighboring Marketplace at the Outlets Complex includes options for budget-conscious shoppers such as T.J. Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. Fast-casual food restaurants include Moe’s Southwest Grill and Tobu Oriental Eatery. Groups looking for a leisurely meal can enjoy full-service options like BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse or First Watch. Located off I-95, Palm Beach Outlets is easily accessible for groups touring South Florida. The nearby La Quinta Inn West Palm Beach Airport has partnered with the mall to provide shuttle service to and from the outlets.
Outlets of Little Rock, Arkansas
The only outlet shopping center in Arkansas features notable brand names such as Banana Republic Factory, Levi’s Outlet Store, Nike Factory Store and H&M. Other stores include footwear retailers (Converse, New Balance Factory Store, Skechers) and home furnishings options (Kitchen Collection, Le Creuset, RH Outlet). Located southwest of downtown at the I-30 and I-430 interchange, the complex is convenient to the Hilton Garden Inn West Little Rock and La Quinta Inn & Suites of West Little Rock. The elegant figure-eight design allows groups to browse through storefronts with ease, while the open-air walkways accommodate visitors with benches and floral displays. Outlets of Little Rock hosts classic car shows and pop-up stores throughout the year.

CambridgeSide c. Flagship Photo Gustav Hoiland

CambridgeSide c. Flagship Photo Gustav Hoiland

CambridgeSide, Massachusetts
Situated along the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge and offering over 100 shops and restaurants, this multistory mall complex is just steps from downtown Boston and not far from MIT and Harvard Square. Stores range from Apple, H&M, Superdry, A|X Armani Exchange to Forever 21, Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret. Besides a food court, shoppers can choose from restaurants like World of Beer and P.F. Chang’s. Groups can book a package that includes a 60-minute river cruise (in season), lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and store discount coupons.