When tourists imagine shopping in New England, quaint antique stores and country stores may come to mind. But if retail therapy is in your radar, nothing beats the mall. Having to compete with online shopping, malls have been stepping up their game to bring out the shopaholic in you and uncovering sales for every member of the family can bring out the joy of shopping. So for you power shoppers, bargain hunters and browsers, be sure to check out some of the best shopping malls in Connecticut.

Danbury Fair Mall
7 Backus Ave.
Danbury, CT
(203) 743-3247
www.danburyfairmall.com

Hours: Mon to Sat- 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Danbury Fair Mall can easily be argued as the best mall in Connecticut. With two levels and 180 stores, the mall has a broad range of stores that span all price points, from low-end discount and bargain stores to high-end boutiques and brand name labels. The Apple Store always attracts customers along with Bare Escentuals, Build-A-Bear Workshop and Elite Farmers Market. While this is a great shopping experience for grown-ups, Danbury Fair Mall is the most fun for children. The mall features a carousel, play area, children’s rides and a bungee jumping cord. In recent years, a carnival has set up rides in the parking lot, and the event has come to be known as the “Danbury Town Fair.”

Westfarms
500 Westfarms Mall
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 561-3024
www.shopwestfarms.com

Hours: Mon to Sat- 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Battling it out with the Danbury Fair Mall for best mall in Connecticut would be Westfarms Mall in Farmington. With 2 levels and 154 stores, the temptation of Westfarms is too strong to deny. Teavana, Sephora, the Apple Store, Nordstrom, Restoration Hardware and high-end stores such as Cole Haan will make everyone a happy shopper. The layout of the mall is easy to navigate and although there isn’t a food court, there are quick dining options spread throughout. But once you find the California Pizza Kitchen or the Rainforest Café, you’ll find this the perfect place to spend a rainy day.

Westfield Connecticut Post Mall
1201 Boston Post Road
Milford, CT 06460
(203) 878-6837
www.westfield.com

Hours:  Mon to Sat- 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Opened in 1960, the Westfield Connecticut Post Mall in Milford offers 195 stores, a large food court, and an ample amount of parking. Shoppers will enjoy stores such as Above Us, Delia’s, Diva Kidz and the Deb Shop along with mall staples such as JC Penney, Macy’s, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Kids can take a break in the indoor playspace where they can have fun climbing and playing and parents will appreciate the cleanliness and availability of a family lounge where they can freshen up. Catch a flick at the Imax theater and enjoy family fun days on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month near the play space. When you’ve tired yourself out from shopping, you can grab a bite at the Black Bear Saloon, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cajun Café & Grill, Chipotle Mexican Grill and more.

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Westfield Trumbull
5065 Main St.
Trumbull, CT 06611
www.westfield.com

Hours: Mon to Sat- 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Westfield Mall in Trumbull recently underwent a renovation and now boasts 179 stores, a new dining terrace, ample parking and plenty of shopping. Kids will be begging to stop at Build-A-Bear Workshop while stores such as Swarovski and Sephora will tempt every die-hard shopper along with staples such as Macy’s, JC Penny, and Lord & Taylor. Although the layout isn’t as easy to navigate as Milford, shoppers will enjoy Teavana, Panera Bread, Ruby Tuesday and Johnny Rockets. Westfield also offers LA Fitness, a 45,000 sq. ft. sports club with a basketball and racquetball court, a lap pool, and two bike studios, proving that you don’t have to drive to Danbury or Farmington to fill your shopping needs.

Stamford Town Center
100 Greyrock Place
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 324-0935
www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com

Hours: Mon to Sat- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Stamford Town Center offers a mix of high end shops for those who don’t feel like venturing into New York City. Shop away at Williams-Sonoma, Brookstone, H&M and J. Crew. Although the food court is small, shoppers can opt for The Capital Grille, Mitchell’s Fish Market, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Kona Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, or Cosi. Shoppers have to pay for parking Monday to Friday and Saturdays until 5 p.m., but you can take a break in the round pit in the center of the mall that offers a stage-style seating area. You can also catch a flick at the movie theatre right next door.

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Lori Calabrese is an independent writing and editing professional from Connecticut. After obtaining a bachelors degree in Communications from St. Johns University in Queens, New York, Lori worked in television for Lifetime, and the New York Mets. She later went on to become a managing producer at World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. where she wrote scripts for TV shows and DVDs and traveled extensively for ten years. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.