Eat, Shop and Be Merry!
On any group adventure, there's bound to be shopping involved, whether it's for mementos, gifts, or a special item that can't be bought at home. And, with every trip, there will be planned meals to make sure everyone stays fueled up. But sometimes it's not the destination itself that takes the spotlight, it's the shopping, cuisine, and libations that are the raison d'être!
Here, we're covering a few hot spots across the U.S. that have what groups are seeking—for those who like thrill of finding a bargain or are in the market for luxury goods, as well as those who crave a delicious meal and craft beverages that will remain a memory on their palate long after they've arrived home.
National Harbor, Maryland is a distinct location in that it not only satisfies all of the above, but it's also close to Washington, DC, which absolutely begs a side trip to see the many landmarks and museums. And, it's home to Tanger Outlets, well known for its upscale shops with discounted prices. There are 80-plus stores featuring some of the most sought-after brand names—all in an appealing, open-air setting. It's hard to call out specific shops, when there's truly something for everyone, from apparel to home goods, plus footwear, accessories, and beauty products.
Tanger Outlets National Harbor encourages group organizers to book their visit in advance at tourism.tanger.com/busgroups to take advantage of the perks, which include reserved parking, special retailer discounts, and general assistance with planning a visit.
On the dining and drinking side, there are more than 40 restaurants in the picturesque National Harbor district, from fast casual to formal. Our friends at nationalharbor.com gave us the scoop on some favorites that are especially ideal for groups, several of which offer buyouts. On Waterfront Street alone, you'll find Bond45, the only location outside of Manhattan; Succotash, featuring James Beard Award-winning Chef Edward Lee's fusion of Southern and Korean flavors; Walrus Oyster & Ale House, which will reopen soon after extensive renovations; and Silver Diner, a classic, yet upscale diner with an array of farm-fresh items on the menu. Flight Deck, which is located near the Capital Wheel, and Bobby McKey's Dueling Piano Bar are also popular group spots in the area.
Right next to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada is Miracle Mile Shops. This massive, 1.2 mile, 475,000-square-foot retail center has a whopping 170 tenants, with not only specialty shops and group-friendly restaurants, but also three live entertainment venues, so guests can take in a little extra during their visit. Standout stores include ALDO, Foot Locker, GUESS, H&M, JD Sports, lululemon, QUAY, Sephora, Steve Madden, Victoria's Secret, and many more to suit any interest.
Miracle Mile has a number of restaurants that accommodate groups, with Rosa Mexicano, Nacho Daddy, Gen Korean BBQ, and Cabo Wabo Cantina topping the list. There's even a Garrett Popcorn to fulfill your sweet and salty craving. For adult beverages, check out Blue Moon Bar for some of the best craft beers in town, or Fat Tuesday for their world-famous daiquiri. In addition, there's a Miracle Eats Food Court in the works, with offerings that will range from burgers and pizza to seafood and vegan fare. Find everything at miraclemileshopslv.com.
If you wanted to extend your retail therapy and culinary exploration extravaganza, you could point your motorcoach toward Los Angeles (just over four hours away—not that far!) and indulge in The Grove—an outdoor plaza that attracts tourists and residents alike for its high-end options. Or, you could just make it your primary destination. It'd be easy to spend more than a day there, with so many draws.
Of particular interest is The Glass Box Pop-Up Shop, the property's rotating pop-up space that has housed numerous unique brands. The Grove has a diverse selection of designer boutiques, as well, such as Coach, David Yurman, Gucci, Nordstrom, and Michael Kors—to name a few. Look for home goods and athletic retailers, too, with Byredo, Diptyque, Arhaus, and Le Labo covering the former, and Alo Yoga and Nike in the latter category. Further details, especially with regard to parking, property accessibility, and concierge programs, can be found at thegrovela.com/services.
Dining and sipping highlights at The Grove are aplenty! There's Alma for modern, authentic Mexican food; American Beauty, a classic steakhouse with mouth-watering dishes; Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill for a taste of Japan; and Sogno Toscano, which has Italian flair on the menu and both a wine bar and espresso bar. And, all kinds of interesting beverages can be found at MacGuffins® Bar, La Piazza, The Fountain Bar, and % Arabica.
The Galleria Houston has no problem attracting shoppers! This Texas shopping center—the largest in the state and fourth largest nationally—welcomes more than 30 million visitors a year. Amid the jaw-dropping 2.4 million-square-foot complex, there are 400 stores and restaurants. Anchors include Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Macy's. And, just a few of the many high-fashion go-tos are Louis Vuitton, Gucci, FENDI, McQueen, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Valentino, and Saint Laurent. Not that posh? They have an exceptional selection of standbys, too, from Aldo to Fossil to Ralph Lauren to Zara.
At the Galleria, groups have more than 60 specialty eateries to choose from, no matter what they're in the mood for. Try Nobu, Fig & Olive, and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House for fine dining, or Blanco Tacos & Tequila, Sult'an Pepper, Poke Fresh, or Raising Cane's for more casual. True foodies won't want to miss the opportunity to experience Musaafer, which offers authentic Indian cuisine with an avant-garde presentation, as well as a curated wine list and Indian-inspired cocktails. Find a directory at simon.com/mall/the-galleria.
Chicago's The Magnificent Mile is another must for groups on the hunt for world-class shopping, dining, and imbibing. It boasts 20 million visitors a year—and with good reason. Fashion boutiques, shopping plazas, adjacent luxury districts, and the iconic Water Tower Place mall are just a sample of what's in store for groups. Stop in the Visitor Center first, located at 875 North Michigan Avenue, to get oriented, plan your route, and decide where to eat.
In addition to shopping, The Mag Mile has a vibrant culinary scene, with 275-plus restaurants—making it difficult to name names. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe & Oyster Bar, The Gage Irish Pub, NoMI, Lao Sze Chuan, and Eataly, however, come to mind. Get the full list at themagnificentmile.com.
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the May/Jun '25 issue of Groups Today.
Want articles like this one sent directly to your inbox? Subscribe to our weekly eNews here.
