ARBORETUM. This upscale, open-air retail destination in the northwest part of town enjoys a solid reputation. Named for the preponderance of trees around it, the center boasts two levels of mainstream shopping aimed largely at an established, older demographic. Representative shops include Express, Pottery Barn, The Sharper Image, and Restoration Hardware. Sit-down restaurants, park areas, and signature cow sculptures give the complex added appeal. A movie theater is also in the vicinity.

WEST AUSTIN. This mall overlooking downtown Austin is the city's largest, so if your time's limited, it's a good bet for finding most everything you need. Inside, wood, leather, and tile impart a sense of permanence, a perfect complement to the quality goods you'll encounter at places like Eddie Bauer, Sephora, Crabtree & Evelyn, Williams-Sonoma, Coach, Sigrid Olsen, and Talbots. Plenty of sit-down and quick-serve eateries pepper the mall, and anchors include Dillard's, Sears, JCPenney, Macy's, and Nordstrom.

NORTH AUSTIN. Anchored by Macy's and separate Dillard's venues for men and women, this pleasant mall serves the needs of folks in the northern part of town. Apparel standards include Gap, Wet Seal and Banana Republic; familiar specialty retailers include Bath & Body Works, Aveda, B. Dalton, Discovery Channel Store and Sunglass Hut. An upper-level food court promises everything from Japanese and Mexican fare to pizza and cheesesteaks.

CEDAR PARK. Stylish Lakeline Mall is certain to keep your credit cards busy, thanks to its 150-plus stores. Within the complex, which offers convenience to folks in northwest Austin, are anchors like Macy's, JCPenney, Sears and Dillard's. They're good complements to places like Bombay Company, Victoria's Secret, T.J. Maxx, a host of jewelers, Old Navy, American Eagle Outfitters, Charlotte Russe and Frederick's of Hollywood. A nine-screen theater, plenty of dining options, and proximity to other, nearby strip malls are additional perks.

NORTH AUSTIN. Carved from a former park and from land previously owned by the nearby IBM campus, this upscale, open-air shopping center caters to the affluent. Featuring residential, office and retail aspects, The Domain seeks to be a community within itself. As such, it includes everything from a gourmet grocery store to Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Tiffany & Co., Burberry and Lacoste. Representative restaurants include Kona Grill, California Pizza Kitchen and Starbucks. Steak and seafood restaurants are in the works. The striking property also boasts sculpture, fountains and lovely landscaping.