Houston Chinatown, Houston City Guide

Houston,Texas. A shopper's paradise

It says something about a city when one of its top tourist attractions is a gigantic, glamorous mall. But really, is that so wrong? After all, this is Houston, Texas, where everything is supposed to be big. Houston's shopping destinations aren't just big in size, but they are also expansive in selection too. There isn't too much you can't find here, day or night. Whether living the luxe life at The Galleria or lingering over a good read at the Brazos Bookstore or scoring a major deal on Harwin Street, located next to Chinatown Houston , Houston truly is a shopper's paradise.

It takes a village — Not known as a pedestrian-friendly city, Houston does have slices of life that are best seen on foot. That is just one of the lures of the Village Arcade near Rice University. A magnet for soccer moms, urban fashionistas and skateboarding high schoolers, Rice Village is a mix of well-known retailers such as Gap, Express, Banana Republic and Victoria's Secret, plus funky boutiques like Hemline (713-942-2016) for women's clothing and Z Bead (713-526-2216). Street level parking is hard to find, so shoppers tend to find a spot and then roam through the outdoor center that also includes restaurants, clubs, hair salons and a spa. Both train enthusiasts and those with a nose for perfumes will find just what they are looking for at this eclectic shopping locale. Kirby Drive at West University Boulevard.

Literary lane — A trip to Karl Kilian's Brazos Bookstore in the Rice Village area is a journey to the epicenter of Houston's literary scene. This faithful independent has some of the best fiction and poetry stacks in town, not to mention a visiting author list that reads like a "who's who" of contemporary American publishing. 2421 Bissonnet St.; 713-523-0701;

While you're in the neighborhood, peruse rare and used books at Deterings Book Gallery (2311 Bissonnet St., 713-526-6974), pick up the latest whodunit at Murder by the Book (2342 Bissonnet St.; 713-524-8597; or scour leather-bound first editions at Book Collector (2347 University Blvd.; 713-661-2665).

Uptown chic — Think of The Galleria I, II, III and IV as your southwestern slice of Milan. With designer names such as Fendi, Gucci, Cartier, Armani and Versace, this haunt of haute couture has anchored an entire upscale neighborhood around its mall parking lot. Go for the window-shopping and stay for a spin on the ice rink. Located on the lower level, the Galleria rink is a popular spot for aspiring Olympians (Tara Lipinski used to practice here regularly) to showcase their latest moves. Located at Post Oak and Westheimer roads, the neighborhood is officially called Uptown, but everybody just calls it "the Galleria."

Memorial makeover — Nestled in the hub of Katy Freeway just inside Beltway 8, Memorial City Mall has been a staple in the Houston retail community since 1966. The mall has undergone a stunning transformation in the last year, swapping out such retailers as the beleaguered Montgomery Wards for the more upscale Lord & Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Z Gallerie and a new "flagship" Foleys. Other recent additions include an all-new food court, double-decker carousel and a Build-A-Bear workshop. And if that's not enough to tip the trend-o-meter, check out the Target Greatland. 900 S. Gessner Rd.; 713-464-8640.

Saddle up — There are several chain stores that sell cowboy type duds in the Houston area, but locals swear by Turner's Saddlery & Western Wear. This place in the Galleria area is the real deal, offering everything from English and western saddles to boots and buckles. Turner's also sells nice handmade silver jewelry and pottery. 2901 W. Loop South, Suite 102; 713-621-7474.

Such a deal — An outlet center is an outlet center, but a trip to the 1.3 million-square-foot Katy Mills Mall on the western edge of the city is quite an experience. "Over the top" is an understatement. Browse the racks at Off 5th, the famous Saks Fifth Avenue outlet, and dine amid saltwater aquariums and cascading waterfalls at the Rainforest Café. Adding a posh punch to its more than 170 stores is the Neiman Marcus Last Call store. A 27,000-square-foot mecca for bargain shoppers with discriminating taste, Last Call is filled with home accessories, clothing, shoes and other items from the store's regular locations, catalog and online operations. Katy Freeway and Katy-Fort Bend Road; 281-644-5000.

"Bargain Mile" — If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then a strip of discount shopping along Harwin Street in southwest Houston is one gigantic compliment. Known as the Bargain Mile to locals, Harwin Street shopping is neither fancy nor pretty, but it is the jackpot for sterling silver jewelry, faux designer fashions and handbags and perfume. Fancying up the place is the recent opening of Charming Charlie's (6959 Harwin St.; 713-579-1911;), an upscale take on the typical Harwin accessories shopping experience. Beading classes, sterling silver jewelry and the exclusive right to sell authentic Oakley and Ray-Ban glasses are making Charming Charlie's a one-stop for fashion and budget-savvy Houstonians. In addition to trend-inspired items, the stores are owned by people from around the world who have imported furniture, rugs, silk plants and accessories from their homeland. And, unlike a trip to the mall, these store owners are open to a bit of haggling, so it never hurts to ask about reduced pricing. Harwin is Houston's shopping diamond in the rough, so go comfortable, leave your big jewelry and expensive clothing at home and prepare to walk away with some excellent deals. The Harwin area is located two blocks off Hilcroft Street, about two miles west of Highway 59.

European vacation — So maybe a trip to Europe isn't in your budget this year. Don't despair. You can still get your Euro-fix at Uptown Park, an upscale, pedestrian-friendly shopping center in the shadow of the Houston Galleria. With a collection of 36 stores and boutiques, Uptown Park caters to a sophisticated clientele. If you are looking for lush bedding and unique home interiors, check out the Longoria Collection. Update your lingerie with a stop at the Top Drawer, a Houston staple for high-end undies. New additions include Todd's Place and the Runway Boutique. Both will get you out of the door in stylish clothing and accessories and into whatever hot spot is opening around town. If you work up an appetite with all that shopping and spending, Uptown Park is also a dining destination for casual meals at Cafe Express or Champps Americana.

Seafood lovers won't want to miss a meal at McCormick and Schmick's and sushi aficionados will appreciate the melt-in-your-mouth sushi and sweeping architecture at Uptown Sushi. This European village comes complete with unique music and a soothing setting. All this, and you don't even need your passport. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd.; 713-297-6283. Plus there is a myraid of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese Restaurants in Houston to try. Go visit www.chinatownconnection.com/restaurant.htm for more information.