I felt the need this afternoon to “check out” the Parks Mall. I had been told that that is the only MALL in Arlington with the other shopping areas being more “strip malls” than big connected MALLS. And they were right about Parks Mall. It is connected, under one roof, but is surrounded by various strip malls and restaurants.
I had a few items in mind to purchase in this shopping expedition, but most of them could not be found at a normal mall. I needed two really long parka zippers (not for a parka, but for an unusual craft project for Nikki and Lily), a long pillow form to cover and place on our hearth, and some fancy cord and tassels (the end of a project for UPC, Bwd).
For those items I needed a fabric shop or a Hobby Lobby—which I found, but that is another story for another day.
The mall has about 4 entrances along Cooper St. I picked one and drove around and around trying to get my bearings. I saw the “satellite” shopping areas, a stacked parking structure and lots of eateries. Finally I saw Penny’s, Macys and Dillard’s, so I knew I had found the real deal.
It is a “city” mall like so many others, with the requisite “Brand name” stores selling jewelry, shoes, clothing, hats, phones, books, and electronics. There was a food court offering a variety of choices. One that surprised me was Sonic—sure would cut down on overhead without the young ladies on skates.
I was there more to look around and get the “feel” for the place than actually to shop, but when I do this I usually have some item in mind, that if I find it, I’ll probably buy it. Today was red sandals. I found white, black, pink, purple, orange and neon green, but very few pairs of RED sandals and I LOOKED. One particular shop, whose name I’ve forgotten had a pair of sandals what looked like Nick’s boot he wore when he had foot surgery. It was all Velcro straps and metal rings in front, and bare sandal in the back. Not a particularly attractive look. Didn’t find any red sandals, like I was hunting, tho'.
There were several Salons both for hair and nails and a place called a Day Spa. Then there was Glamour Shots along with at least one family photographer.
The merry-go-round was full of kids and the skating rink also being used, see video below.. Maybe the time of day I was there made the difference, because the mall wasn’t very crowded at all, being early afternoon on Monday.
Here's a video of the skating rink.
I stopped in more than one children’s clothing store, just looking but didn't find anything I couldn’t live without. In one store, named Young at Heart, I found what I’ll call children’s prom dresses. Yep, they were formal wear from 1-year size up to about girl’s 10-12. Some were strapless, some were sequined and almost all had floofy skirts. Most were white, which leads me to think they might have been for some sort of church ceremony. Anyway, they were pretty and completely impractical. Nope, I didn’t look at prices, except for the 1-year size which was $45. I remember Abercrombie and Fitch from years ago as being a rather stuffy men’s apparel place, but as I walked past this one, loud unpleasant (modern) music greeted the passersby and the clerks looked anything but stuffy. Times must change, I suppose. I didn’t go in the Tuxedo shop either, but if you need one, I can show you where to get it.
I was very good about not snacking, but not for lack of smelling and being tempted. I saw folks eating pretzels, popcorn, cookies, ice cream, dippin dots, and candy.
Oops, I forgot to mention, the mall has a very child friendly playground and it was being used.
I had an interesting afternoon, without buying a thing and now I know where to go when I really need something other than red sandals. Got lots of people watching done and got my bearings in that part of Arlington.
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