Why Visit Old Orchard Mall Shopping Center?
Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, IL is a mega complex which combines high-end stores, restaurants and incredible cafes. A youthful vibe encompasses each corner, making it a must see for die hard shoppers. Old Orchard Mall is one of the few outdoor centers which offer attractions for the entire family. The mall has been serving Chicago area suburban residence since 1956 and is easily accessible from the Edens Expressway. With such great history, it’s no wonder so many people love strolling through its must see shops.
Here are 5 great reasons to go check this shopping extravaganza:
1. Awesome Stores
Getting professional eyelash extensions has never been easier than stopping by Chicago Lashes during your outing at “Old Orchard Mall”. We are just a quick walk through the parking lot behind Bloomingdales. Our beauty salon is literally two minutes away on 9933 Lawler Ave. If you want fashionable women’s clothing, make sure to peruse Forever 21 along the way. The affordably priced trendy outfits will match those beautiful long eyelashes. Zara shoes are one of several top quality footwear stores at this majestic mall. Whether you need high heels, winter boots or comfortable summer sandals, Old Orchard Mall Skokie has it all.
Finish Line carries athletic apparel, as well as great running shoes. Is buying makeup on the agenda? Lush Cosmetics is a unique cosmetic store featuring way cool vegan products. Stroll down a ways to check out Sephora Beauty Services next to Clark’s Bostonian shoes. Remember, semi-permanent eyelashes extensions are just a short distance from Macy’s and Nordstrom shops. Where else to show off your new pretty eyes than world famous Lord & Taylor department store? Our staff has spent many hours window shopping their incredible sales.
2. Terrific Restaurants
You definitely won’t go hungry after your salon appointment. At Old Orchard restaurants, grabbing a bite to eat is a cinch. There are over 20 awesome dining facilities to satisfy your palette. Cheese Cake Factory is an absolute family favorite because the eatery serves up scrumptious mouth watering dishes. Maggiano’s restaurant cooks some of the top authentic Italian pasta in the Skokie area. The large portions will please your tummy. Sea food lovers who desire healthy options flock to Roka Akor Sushi. We suggest the sashimi.
Skokie, Old Orchard Mall is lunch heaven. Johnny Rockets burgers are pure mouth watering joys. Wash them down with a cold malted shake. Just be careful not to get any ice cream on your new lashes. Epic Burger also creates juicy burgers using all natural beef. Old Orchard has remarkable sandwich shops too. Try the Wreck at Potbelly’s. Down the way, awaits Uncle Julio’s Mexican cuisine. A cold margarita is a refreshing way to end the day.
Want something cheesy? California Pizza Kitchen or Blaze Pizza cooks delightful slices-sure to please any aficionado. Oh, we should mention that Old Orchard Mall is a favorite among those with a sweet tooth. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels will definitely be a huge hit with the kids. Feel free to have the little ones bring a snack while having your false eyelashes done at Chicago Lashes. More sweet treats include Cinnabon, Godiva Chocolate, TCBY Yogurt, plus Mrs. Fields Cookies. Although we admittedly couldn’t fit every eating place into this blog post, the mall certainly has spectacular variety.
There are way too many phenomenal Old Orchard Mall restaurants to name here.
3. Best Cafes
Feed that caffeine craving at one of many mall cafes. Prior to your eye lash extensions appointment, grab a hot Joe at Starbucks, open nightly until 10pm. Nordstrom Café equally has superb drinks. On Macy’s main level, you will discover Seattle’s Best Gourmet Coffee. Delicious tea shops within Old Orchard Mall ensure alternatives to traditional cafes. To name just a few, Teavana has over 100 lose leaf variety teas that are hard to find. Down the way, Adagio Teas boasts a 1,100 square feet shop with countless flavorful blends.
4. Overall Shopping Experience
The two biggest outdoor shopping centers around Chicago are as follows: Westfield Old Orchard Mall and West suburban Oakbrook Mall. Since Old Orchard is situated in the diverse Village of Skokie, IL, you are likely to meet really interesting people while seeing the shops. Having said this, travelers from O’Hare International Airport will likely find the Skokie vicinity a nice alternative to downtown Chicago. Big name hotels like Double Tree and Hampton Inn are steps away. And, the center’s valet parking is the surest way to feel like royalty.
What makes Old Orchard Mall special is its exceptionally vibrant feel. On warm summer days, there is nothing like taking a saunter though this shopping mall’s music filled decadent walkways. Children can be seen happily playing on life sized chess boards near magical waterfalls. Clothing outlets sprinkle the sidewalks, ranging from moderately priced to affordable. Local merchants frequently host art fairs around this Skokie Mall throughout the year. Regal Gardens Movie Theater is a posh cinema to catch the latest flick. Being here will just put you in a really happy mood. Along with being upscale, the shopping venue has delights for all ages.
5. Interesting History
Many visitors assume Old Orchard Shopping Center was named after an old time vegetable farm. According to historical records, this really wasn’t the case. Interestingly enough, details about how Old Orchard Mall got its name are somewhat hazy. Rumor has it that Stanley Field used to refer to the once baron area as Mr. Orchard.
In recent decades, the mall was purchased from Australian based Westfield Group. Throughout past years, Old Orchard Mall completely renovated the entire facility to keep pace with nearby North Brook Court and Schaumburg’s enormous Woodfield Mall. Still, sightseers will marvel at this structures open air concept. Shoppers experience a west coast thrill since Midwestern malls are rarely exposed to nature.
Native residences know the North Shore is where the action is. Since Old Orchard stores are near such distinct towns as Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook and Morton Grove, everyone can enjoy.
Traveling to Old Orchard is pretty simple, no how you do it. CTA drops off in front of Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Pace Busses do the same. The mall is located at 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL 60077. Google apps can help you plan a route. Old Orchard Mall hours varies, so make sure to peek at the official website. Depending on the season, some stores close at different times. During Christmas, the mall comes alive with stunning lights.
Why is Old Orchard a Good Alternative to Shopping Downtown?
Unquestionably, there is nothing wrong with the shops along the city’s magnificent mile. Generally speaking, Michigan Avenue stores comparatively showcase similar products. On the other hand, Old Orchard has an exclusive ambiance unlike umpteen mundane malls. It’s almost as if you’re taking an excursion to a giddy enchanted land, far away from the crowded urban streets 20 miles away. To put it differently, there is a Disneyland like aura about the entire shopping center.
Furthermore, a little known factoid is Old Orchard ranks as the third largest Illinois Mall when factoring total square feet. Center stage, stands an architectural concept known as the cube. The giant transparent box has 20 foot glass walls, giving it a simple and futuristic perception. The space is used as a casual lounging area, or for retailers to display variant products. Consequently, the big square makes for an ideal meeting point.
Shopping Tip: Want to go avoid big crowds? Aim your mall trip on weekday before 5pm. Weekends can get busy.
Using the Mall Map
Strategically placed throughout each mall section are well lit directories. Each shopping category is visibly divided so that you can quickly locate a desired vendor. Unlike some malls that have digital directions, the Old Orchard Map is user friendly. Each Old Orchard mall map displays some of the following: men’s apparel, women’s apparel, kids, jewelry, food, health and beauty. The guide featured above is broken down into 18 selective categories, including play areas. Parents will appreciate the kiddies train, complete with caboose. We wish we could fit every store onto this post.
We hope these reasons to spend an afternoon shopping Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, IL convinces you to pay a visit.
