Short trips for serious holiday shopping and saving

By Kathy Dean

During the year-end holidays, shopping becomes much more than a pastime or the simple laying in of necessities for home and family. For many people, this is the time to hunt for killer deals on everything from tools and clothing to diamond jewelry and luxury cars. The sales frenzy begins with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and it continues through New Year’s Day weekend.

Atlanta area residents enjoy the benefits of some nearby retail outlets, where highend labels are available at discounted prices throughout the year. The outlets make a perfect day trip. There are upscale shops for browsing—and saving on—name brand merchandise and a variety of restaurants for relaxing and recharging.

Several outlets offer senior discounts on specific days at participating stores, as well as special deals for military families. Visit the websites to get details and to keep up on the latest information, such as special deals and extended holiday hours.

Tanger Outlets

North: 800 Steven B. Tanger Boulevard, Commerce, GA 30529

South: 1000 Tanger Drive, Locust Grove, GA 30248

There are two Tanger Outlets in the Atlanta area. At each, shoppers can visit over 60 retailers; about 20 of the shops include shoes, either exclusively or among other high-end items.

The Commerce Tanger Outlet is roughly 70 miles from Atlanta, north on I-85. Its directory lists Book Warehouse, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Coach, Gap Factory, Levi’s Outlet, Kirkland’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Timberland Factory Store, Toys R Us Express and Wilsons Leather among many others.

There’s not much in the way of dining in Commerce, but experienced

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta

915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188

Atlanta’s newest and closest outlet shopping center, the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, is a mere 30 miles north of the city on I-575. Bargains can be found at the 100 name brand designer shops, such as Bose, Banana Republic Factory Store, Chico’s Outlet, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Famous Footwear Outlet, Jos. A. Bank Factory Store, Kay Jewelers Outlet, The Limited Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Talbots Outlet, VanHeusen and White House Black Market. Stop by the Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet & Ice Cream or the Great American Cookie Factory to savor a sweet treat. Or settle in for a delicious meal at full-service restaurants like Johnny Rockets and Taqueria Tsunami. Information: theoutletshoppesatatlanta.com.

Sugarloaf Mills

5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 day-trippers schedule in a 30-minute drive to Athens.

The college town is a dining paradise that features one-ofa-kind eateries that range from quirky Southern cafes and gastropubs to authentic ethnic restaurants.

The Locust Grove Tanger Outlet is about 40 miles south of Atlanta on I-75. Shops there include College Collectibles, Corningware Corell & More, Jared Vault, Lane Bryant Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Olive in a Bottle, Papaya Clothing and Sanibel Sunglass Company. Hungry shoppers can fill up at Denny’s, HoneyBaked Ham & Café and Maui Wowie. Information: tangeroutlet.com.

North Georgia

Premium Outlets

800 Highway 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30524

With 140 outlet stores, North Georgia Premium Outlets is the second largest collection of outlet mall shopping centers. It’s situated 50 miles north of Atlanta on US 19, just northwest of Lake Lanier. There are exceptional brands at extraordinary savings of 25 to 65 percent every day. The many retailers include Bass Factory Outlet, Disney Outlet, Eddie Bauer Outlet, J. Crew Factory, Nine West Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Williams Sonoma Outlet and Zales Outlet. Information: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/north-georgia.

More than 180 stores are set in Sugarloaf Mills, Georgia’s largest outlet mall and the only indoor outlet mall in the state, located less than 40 miles north of Atlanta on I-85. The list of shops is impressive, with Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Burlington Coat Factory, Carter’s, Forever 21, GUESS, Hot Topic, Kenneth Cole, LEGO Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Old Navy Outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH and Samsonite among them. Take a break from shopping at one of the 20-plus eateries, and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to find out about the surprising family entertainment choices there. Some of the most popular are the AMC Theater, Dave & Buster’s, Mystery Room and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Information: simon.com/mall/sugarloaf-mills.

Calhoun Premium Outlets

455 Belwood Road, Calhoun, GA 30701

Just 60 miles north of Atlanta, straight up I-75, Calhoun Premium Outlets is home to 50 stores, like Ann Taylor Factory Store, Coach, Direct Tools Factory Outlet, Loft Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy Outlet and Tommy Hilfiger. While it may not be very large, it’s definitely worth the trek. Information: premiumoutlets.com.