Galleria shopping mall

In a city that abounds with style and Fortune 500 companies, it's no surprise that shopping is a major sport around Houston, with the posh Galleria shopping mall (5085 Westheimer Rd. - just off the I-610 Loop, 713-622-0663) leading the way. Wander this immense retail center on the west side of the city - a few miles west of Montrose on Westheimer Road - and you'll always see plenty of "family", checking out the many high-end shops and trendy restaurants, such as the Daily Grill, Gigi's Asian Bistro, Grille 5115 by Ruggles, and Ninfa's Mexican Cafe. Also nearby is the seminal Houston restaurant, Cafe Annie. Among the retail highlights, check out Bvlgari, Cartier, Ferragamo, Kate Spade, Tumi, Bottega Veneta, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Etoile Perfumery, L'Occitane, Origins, MOVADO, Tiffany, Fendi, Abercrombie & Fitch, Barneys New York, A/X Armani Exchange, Lucky Brand, True Religion, Gucci, Oakley, Urban Outfitters, Jimmy Choo, Apple, Aveda, Betsey Johnson, Club Monaco, J. Jill, MaxMara, Zara, Versace, Jessica McClintock...you get the idea? There are also two upscale hotels on-site, the Westin Galleria and the Westin Oaks.