Shopping
There are several key attractions west of Interstate 95, first and foremost of which is the Broward chunk of the mighty Everglades (see Day Trips, below). Before we get there, we know many more people are interested in one of the country's biggest shopping centers, Sawgrass Mills Mall (12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., between Flamingo Rd. and NW 136th Ave., Sunrise; 800/356-4557; Mon–Sat 10am–9.30pm, Sun 11am–8pm), an almost two-mile stretch of 300-plus stores, with everything from designer boutiques to Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman-Marcus outlets offering 75 percent or more off retail. Add dozens of eating and watering holes, plus a 23-screen multiplex and a great GameWorks arcade for entertainment, and you'll understand why this Texas-size monument to capitalism is not just the biggest outlet mall in the country, but also one of the top tourist magnets in the state. One of the latest additions is a fabulous complex called Wannado City (888/926-6236; confirm hours by phone; $29.95 or $14.95 after 4pm), designed to let kids role play as fire fighters, Broadway stars, chefs, airline pilots, and more, in impressively realistic, high-production-value settings. By the way, wheels aren't essential for Sawgrass Mills; a $15 shuttle will get you out here from most hotels six days a week; ask your concierge.
Farther east on Sunrise is the Swap Shop (3291 W. Sunrise Blvd.; Mon–Wed & Fri 7am–6pm, Thur & Sat–Sun 5am–6.30pm; www.floridaswapshop.com), a huge, noisy complex of flea, farmers, and antiques markets with bells and whistles galore on 88 acres, including an amusement park, games arcade and first-run movies.
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