SHOPPING MALLS: WHY GO TO THE MALL?
Sometimes you just need a little change of scenery — and the mall is the perfect spot. Especially during New England’s cold or rainy days, it’s a warm, bright place full of energy that can lift your spirits.
There’s also something about shopping in person that never gets old. You can actually touch fabrics, test scents, and try things on, which makes it more fun and social than scrolling online. And let’s not forget the food — from a quick coffee to a sit-down meal, most malls have great dining options now (think Legal Sea Foods, Cheesecake Factory, and more).
Many malls also go beyond shopping with movie theaters, pop-up events, and play areas, making them easy one-stop spots for families or friends to enjoy. Even if you don’t plan to buy much, it’s still a great way to get out, meet up, and soak in some seasonal cheer, especially around the holidays, when the lights, decorations, and music make everything feel festive and full of possibility. Great to spark some gift ideas and get you in the holiday spirit! We’re in.
Ho Ho Ho...lets go spend our dough🎄🎁
COPLEY IS DEVON’S FAVORITE: BOSTON:
An upscale shopping destination in the heart of Back Bay, Copley Place features luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., and Jimmy Choo, all under one elegant glass atrium. Connected to the Prudential Center by a skybridge, it’s also home to excellent restaurants and hotels, making it ideal for a full day in the city.
She also loves the nearby Oak room in the Copley Plaza Hotel. Devon promises, “It’s perfect for hot cocoa and taking in the Christmas Spirit..” We agree!
A FEW Picks at The Copley Mall:
Sorellina
Sophisticated and modern Italian-Mediterranean, Sorellina offers elegant dishes like lobster gnocchi and refined décor that makes it ideal for a special evening out. Why go: Upscale ambiance, excellent for celebrating or a date night.
Tip: Reserve early, dress smartly, and it’s worth exploring the wine list.
Legal Sea Foods (Copley Place location)
A Boston classic for fresh seafood, Legal Sea Foods at Copley is convenient, reliable, and still delivers quality—think New England clam chowder, oysters, lobster.
Why go: Great for guests or if you want a recognizable brand with trusted fare.
Tip: If you have kids, ask for the family-friendly table earlier in the evening.
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
This is more laid-back but still stylish: a farm-to-table American brasserie, craft cocktails, and a lively setting make it great for a fun outing with friends.
Why go: Great mix of good food + good scene without being overly formal.
Tip: Consider sitting at the bar if you just want a casual drink + appetizer.
Parm
A more casual but high-quality option: hearty Italian comfort food made from scratch, perfect for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
If Why go: Delicious, less formal, friendly for groups or when you want to take it easy.
Tip: Ideal after shopping — you won’t feel overly dressed up.
Burlington Mall (Burlington)
This suburban favorite offers a great mix of high-end and popular retailers, everything from Nordstrom and Apple to Lululemon and Sephora. It’s bright, spacious, and has an impressive food scene with both quick bites and sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Fogo de Chão, plus the open-air Village at Burlington Mall just outside for even more shops and dining. They have a deluxe Barnes & Noble across the street and even our favorite Asian fusion restaurant, Karma.
Natick Mall (Natick)
The largest mall in New England, Natick Mall combines stylish luxury with family-friendly fun. You’ll find Louis Vuitton, Zara, Apple, and Macy’s, along with a wide range of eateries and seasonal events. It’s a go-to for serious shoppers and window-shoppers alike.
Northshore Mall (Peabody)
Located on the North Shore, this mall blends convenience and comfort. Anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s, it offers a pleasant shopping experience with a mix of fashion, lifestyle, and dining options — from casual cafes to full-service restaurants. From teens to luxury brands with wide open spacious walkways with plenty of parking.
All these malls boast a great Santa🎅🤶🧑🎄
Legacy Place: Legacy Place (Dedham, MA)
Legacy Place is a lifestyle center — think open-air, modern, walkable — located in Dedham just off Route 128/I-95.
It’s pretty big: around 675,000 sq ft of shopping, dining, entertainment.
Key tenants:
Whole Foods Market (grocery)
L.L. Bean (outdoor/lifestyle)
Apple store
Urban Outfitters
Entertainment: There’s a Showcase Cinema de Lux (luxury movie theater) with reserved seating, premium projection (XPlus Laser), dining in theater, and cocktails. Showcase Cinemas
Dining: Lots of restaurant options — French bistro (Aquitaine), Legal C Bar, Yard House, and more.
Vibe & Mission: The developers (WS Development) designed it to feel like a “Main Street” — not just retail, but also a place to hang out, take a class, or meet friends. WS Development
Accessibility:
Free parking (garage + surface) Legacy Place
Public transit access via MBTA (Commuter Rail Franklin Line, Bus #34E) Legacy Place
Community & Nature: Legacy Place is pet-friendly. Nearby is Wigwam Pond, a 23-acre lake with a kayak trail — a lovely spot for nature lovers. Legacy Place
Events: The center is active year-round with community events, seasonal programming and pop ups!
MarketStreet Lynnfield:
Rather than being a run-of-the-mill mall, MarketStreet Lynnfield is designed like a neighborhood Main Street. It combines shops, restaurants, office space, and residential units in a walkable, open-air layout.
Green Spaces & Community Feel: At its heart is a “town green” — a central lawn area used for community events in the warmer months and even ice skating when it’s winter.
Scale & Accessibility: The center spans about 680,000 sq ft with excellent visibility and access from I-95/Route 128.
Major national and lifestyle brands: Apple, lululemon, J.Crew, Nike, Sephora, Pottery Barn, Warby Parker, Faherty, Bluemercury, and more.
Newer additions as of 2025: brands like ALO (wellness lifestyle), Rowan (hypoallergenic jewelry and piercing), and Union Square Donuts are coming or have opened. Lynnfield Weekly News
Dining & Entertainment
Restaurants range from Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse to Legal C Bar, Yard House, Temazcal Tequila Cantina, and Panera, among others.
Whole Foods is anchored on the property — great for grocery runs or grabbing a meal.
King’s Dining & Entertainment gives it a fun, social element for games, bowling, or hanging out with friends. Residential & Office Components
There are luxury apartments on-site, making it a true live-work-play community.
It also includes office space, making it attractive for people working locally or remotely.
Community Hub: Because of its design around green space and plazas, it’s not just for shopping — people come to relax, attend events, and enjoy the ambiance.
Modern Meets Pedestrian-Friendly: You get trendy retailers and high-quality dining without feeling like you're in a sterile mall — it’s more like a downtown village.
Year-Round Activity: From summer events on the green to winter skating, there’s always something happening.
Convenient Access: Right off the highway, plenty of shops, and good options for dining, so it’s easy to spend a few hours there.