Head east on Highway 40, cross the new (significantly less scary) Daniel Boone Bridge and look to the right: St. Louis Premium Outlets' 90 stores spread out like a gleaming city on a hill...er, in the valley. This was the second of two outlet malls to open in Chesterfield back in 2013, and people were skeptical of that plan, given the proliferation of dead malls. (We're looking at you, Belz Factory Outlet.) But not only is St. Louis Premium Outlets thriving — it's growing. It anchors the Blue Valley development, where construction is under way for retail giants Gander Mountain and Burlington Coat Factory, both slated to take up more than 50,000 square feet of space. And it's pretty! Cheery planters overflow with flowers, and plentiful tables and chairs with umbrellas give the concourses an almost bistro-like atmosphere. Stores such as DNKY, J. Crew, Kate Spade New York and Michael Kors give the "premium" in the outlet's name some heft, but more affordable options exist here too, including Payless ShoeSource, rue21 and Claire's. Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th is especially noteworthy: There are bags by Valentino and Badgley Mischka, Calvin Klein dresses, Coach flip-flops. Here, not only can you hold luxury in your hands — you can walk it right up to the register.
18521 Outlet Boulevard, Chesterfield, 63005. 314-399-8163 www.premiumoutlets.com/stlouis.