This Miami area mall was just voted best in the country. Here's why it's No. 1
Aventura Mall fans already know it's the best mall in the United States. Now the sprawling shopping center has national recognition, too.
The Northeast Miami-Dade mall, a city unto itself with plenty of offerings and surrounding traffic jams, plays big. There's a big slide, an Apple Store, an Italian food hall and market.
Now it also has a big ranking: Best Mall in America, as voted in the new USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.
'Being named the best mall in the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards reflects our continued commitment to curating exceptional experiences,' said Jackie Soffer, chairman and CEO of Turnberry, the majority owner of Aventura Mall.
'From welcoming Florida's first Eataly to bringing the most coveted fashion and lifestyle brands, and supporting culture through our museum-quality art collection, we're proud to offer a premier destination that continues to evolve. We thank our loyal guests for their continued support and for making this achievement possible,' Soffer said in a statement to the Miami Herald.
Eataly isn't the only first-in-Florida to open at sprawling Aventura Mall. Other brands trying Florida firsts in the last year include recent arrivals like Massimo Dutti wardrobe store, the fashion boutique Cinq à Sept, Dolce Vita footwear and Kim Kardashian's Skims store.
MORE: How 'Florida firsts' are defining Aventura Mall. Here are some of the newcomers
Twenty malls across the country were nominated for consideration by a panel of 'USA Today experts' in the fields of travel and lifestyle, according to the publication. The public was then given a chance to vote among the nominees. The only other Florida mall to contend was the Mall at Millenia in Orlando but it fell short of the Top 10.
Sorry Dadeland, Aventura's also ever-growing Kendall-area rival that recently opened the first Dick's House of Sport in South Florida.
MORE: Why is Aventura Mall both loved and loathed? It comes down to more than shopping
Top 10 best U.S. malls
So why is Aventura ranked above the others. 'As the largest mall in the state of Florida, Aventura Mall has more than 300 retail shops, experiences, and dining options, and boasts a museum-worthy art collection,' opines the USA Today 10 Best editors.
Here are the 10 best malls in the nation, according to USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.
▪ 1. Aventura Mall, Florida.
▪ 2. Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota.
▪ 3. Galleria Dallas, Texas.
▪ 4. The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York City.
▪ 5. King of Prussia Mall, Pennsylvania.
▪ 6. Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arizona.
▪ 7. American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
▪ 8. Grapevine Mills, Texas.
▪ 9. Tysons Corner Center, Virginia.
▪ 10. Brookfield Place, New York City.
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