Americana at Brand – Glendale, California

Hmmm, I guess it’s shopping day here at USA Travel Guide.

Though by no means new, one of the fastest growing trends in modern retail is the proliferation of the Lifestyle Center, that is, outdoor malls, generally upscale, that place an equal focus to guest amenities and mixed-used development as to the actual retail experience. Think of it as an outdoor galleria, complete with the high-end shops, the sit-down restaurants, the plush public spaces and the guest entertainment venues such as ice skating rinks or sports facilities.

There’s a lot to be said for them, too: they’re convenient for quick in-and-out visits, they’re attractive, they add prestige to their market, they’re less expensive to build and climate control, and the savings the vendors enjoy from that last point should trickle down to the consumer. Of course, during a hot Texas July the idea of building anything that requires being outside seems criminally insane, but that point aside we’re rather fond of these so-called Lifestyle Centers.

One of 2008’s many new players in the field is Americana at Brand in LA-suburb Glendale, California. Opened around the first of May, Americana at Brand is certainly one of the most visually appealing centers to date. Rife with statues, water features, lush park grounds and storefronts of varied yet cohesive architectural styles, the center captures the ethno-suburban diversity of Glendale beautifully.

At the same time, it’s just a great mall. Stores run the gamut from upscale clothing like XXI and Armani to kitchen gadgetorium Sur La Table. A wide selection of restaurants offers everything from quick bites to picnic pleasantries to gourmands’ delights. The Cheesecake Factory is always good for entrees the size of a Scottish terrier, and don’t miss your chance to eat at Pinkberry, a regional frozen dessert restaurant they may one day join our Eat Up! segment.

Learn more about Americana at Brand.

For Glendale hotels, it has to be the Hilton Los Angeles North / Glendale, which is more commonly referred to simply as the Hilton Glendale. They’ve got a shuttle to Burbank airport, are located less than three miles from Americana and have an incredible steakhouse on-site (Porter’s Steak House).

Photo used under GNU Free Documentation License

Related Posts

No related posts.