Published: Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Updated: Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Shopping centers

A partial list of shopping centers in the area.

@BR LabelRed:BRADENTON

DeSoto Square mall: 303 U.S. 301 Blvd. W. 747-5868

With more than 100 stores including Macy’s, J.C. Penney, and Sears — the mall offers a little bit of everything from clothing and music to sportswear and home decor. Take a break at the food court to enjoy one of about a dozen restaurants.

Red Barn Flea Market & Plaza: 1707 First St. E. (where U.S. 41 and 301 meet at 17th Avenue) 747-3794, (800) 274-3532

More than 600 booths fill the market, selling an assortment of jewelry, original artwork, sea-themed knick-knacks, used books, clothing and every type of fruit and vegetable you could imagine at its outdoor farmers market. The market also has a food court.

Village of the Arts: South of Ninth Avenue West; north of 17th Avenue West, between Ninth and 14th streets

The village boasts original, one-of-a-kind art work from dozens of galleries, plus a bookstore and two restaurants. The art community features a monthly art walk on the first weekend of each month where galleries show off their wares — designer quilts, furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, photography, pottery and more.

Mixon Fruit Farms, Inc.: 2712 26th Ave. E. 748-5829, (800) 608-2525

Mixon’s offers citrus fruit shipping, tours of its citrus groves on a tram-type vehicle and the Justin Matthews Wildlife Preserve, along with gardens and a wedding gazebo. Also at the attraction is a restaurant called Mixon’s Deli Window along with delectables like homemade fudge, orange swirl soft-serve, Mixon Select wines, salad dressing, sauces, marinades, jellies, marmalades and fresh-squeezed juices.

@BR LabelRed:LAKEWOOD RANCH

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch: Lakewood Main St. 907-9243

Featuring more than 30 unique shops and restaurants, Main Street offers shoppers a unique experience complete with stores such as Chico’s and a farmers market from mid-November to mid-April. Just opened is Good Earth Natural Foods organic market, Katy Rose Oilery, Big Olaf Ice Cream.

Main Street also offers an assortment of entertainment such as Music on Main every first Friday of the month and the latest films at the new Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.

At Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and State Road 70, there is a Publix Supermarket accompanied by several stores, such as Monkey Paws Ice Cream & Coffee House, Knot Awl Beads jewelry and bead store and a Smoothie King.

The Shoppes at University Center: University Parkway and Cooper Creek Boulevard at I-75 359-8303

With approximately 45 stores, it features a Lee Roy Selmon’s Restaurant, BJ’s Wholesale, Total Wine and many one-of-a-kind shops. A new, 26,000-square-foot Marshalls department store recently opened and a new, 116-room Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel is nearing completion.

University Park Center: 5375 University Pkwy. 359-8303

Kohl’s department store is new in this shopping center by Benderson Development. Located on a 29-acre site near University Park Country Club, the center with about 223,000 square feet of space also includes The Fresh Market, a national grocery chain that specializes in natural and organic foods and an M&I Bank. Also new there is Peltz Shoes Famous Brands, Elaine’s Bridal Boutique, Eyeglass Works, and Massage Heights.