True to its heritage as an early 20th century commerce center, modern day Fort Myers offers numerous places where you can surrender your currency: from flea markets and farmers markets, to mega malls and posh open-air plazas. The historic downtown area offers charming architecture and newly renovated art galleries, book stores, antique dealers, bistros, bars, and sidewalk cafes. Ortiz Flea Market is a popular stop for sight seeing and picking up everything from kitsch, to fine antiques, to fresh produce. Fleamaster's Flea Market is a local legend with over 400,000 square feet of booths. For upscale designer outlet shopping and swanky, open-air collections of Euro-style boutiques try Bell Tower Shops, Tanger Outlets, and Miromar Outlets. To acquire the ubiquitous Gap tee and Old Navy flip-flops necessary for any beach vacation, head to Edison Mall or Page Field Commons.

Bell Tower Shops
13499 U.S. 41 SouthEast, Fort Myers
(239) 489-1221
www.thebelltowershops.com

The Bell Tower's Spanish-style plaza offers shoppers a serene place to browse, thanks to extensive landscaping complete with the city's signature Palm trees and bubbling outdoor fountains. The complex also features a state-of-the-art 20-screen movie theater and a footpath that meanders through the shaded outdoor garden area. After hitting Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and William-Sonoma, weary shoppers can wrap up their sprees with a nosh at one of the mall's eight full-service restaurants.

Tanger Outlets
20350 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers
(239) 454-1974
www.tangeroutlet.com

More than 50 leading designer manufacturers including: Reebok Factory Direct, Liz Claiborne Outlet, and Corning Revere call Tanger home. One shop even boasts handmade soap using local herbs, plants, bits of shells, and sand from Fort Myers Beach.

Miromar Outlets
10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero
(239) 948-3766
www.miromaroutlets.com

Miromar's inviting open-air layout gives one the illusion of browsing in a small Mediterranean market; but don't let the design fool you - it brags over 120 top designer and great brand name manufacturers' outlets. In addition to great savings and great selection, Miromar Outlets also offers great dining, with restaurants including Luna Rossa Italian Restaurants, LaBamba Mexican Restaurant, Luna Pizza, and Key Western Grille.