Granted, Lynnwood is not the first place that comes to mind for a superb shopping experience. But Alderwood Mall easily surpasses its peers on both the Eastside and Seattle. Fashioned in a strikingly similar manner to the open-air plazas prevalent in Southern California, Alderwood boasts 1.5 million square feet of retail space, a 16-screen multiplex, and plenty of both high- and low-end stores and restaurants. Parking is surprisingly easy to find, so after you blow an entire afternoon (and paycheck) at the mall, you can easily carry your purchases back to the car before you come to your senses and realize you went overboard. ERIKA HOBART 3000 184th St. S.W., 425-771-1121, alderwoodmall.com