For most vacationers, a little retail therapy is part of the overall holiday experience. And with a border between Canada and the United States stretching more than 6,400 kilometres, there’s bound to be back-and-forth traffic for weekend shopping getaways. Several US border destinations have stepped up to the plate, with shopping packages and experiences designed to appeal to Canadian travellers.
New York
Waterloo Premium Outlets and the Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside in Rochester have teamed up to offer a VIP shopping experience that’s available through December 31, 2011. The shopping package includes overnight accommodation, two coupons for free drinks at Legends Bar, a $25 gift card to be used at any of the 100 stores at Waterloo Premium Outlets, VIP Shopping Pass for even more deals, breakfast for two and free parking. Packages start at $159.Details: www.premiumoutlets.com/waterloo. Not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Not valid for groups. Must be reserved at least two days in advance.
Offer link: www.radisson.com/rochesterny_riverside
Start off a two-night stay with a gift bag full of goodies and a $25 gift card from Eastview Mall, located three kilometres from the 1820 Springdale Farm Bed & Breakfast in Victor, where there’s an incredible selection of upscale stores including Lord & Taylor, Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine, Coldwater Creek, Sephora, Apple. This getaway also includes a $50 gift certificate to one of two Victor eateries, as well as gourmet breakfast. Packages start at $320 for two adults for a two-night stay. Offer valid through December 31, 2011.
Details: www.eastviewmall.com
Offer link: www.springdalefarmbb.com
Wine tours and shopping are both on offer with the Girls Getaway Weekend at the Hampton Inn & Suites in upper New York state’s beautiful Finger Lakes Region (with more than 100 local wineries). The package includes a one-bedroom suite with two double beds, a $50 gift card to Eastview Mall (located close to the hotel), Waterloo Premium Outlets or other local retailer, $50 spa/salon credit at Beau Monde Salon & Spa, and a bottle of wine. A full, hot breakfast buffet is included daily. Packages start at $259, plus tax for one night and are available from December 1.
Offer link: www.rochestersuites.hamptoninn.com
Washington
The luxurious River Rock Inn bed and breakfast has teamed up with Seattle Premium Outlets to offer a package tailored to shoppers. Packages (starting at $219 per night) include a one-night stay in a suite, welcome basket, VIP coupon book with a $25 per night centre-wide gift card to Seattle Premium Outlets. A hot breakfast each morning and complimentary snack and beverage bar provide fuel to go.Details: www.riverrockinnbnb.com
Massachusetts
Shopping packages at the Chambery Inn and Lee Premium Outlets in Lenox in the scenic Berkshires of Western Massachusetts feature 60 designer and brand name stores including Banana Republic Factory Store, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Lacoste and Talbots with savings of 25 to 65 per cent every day. The three-day, two-night package includes accommodation in a luxurious Schoolhouse Suite, a goody bag including store coupons from Lee Premium Outlets, continental in-room breakfast daily, and a $25 gift certificate to the Cakewalk Bakery and Cafe. Package is available through to May 31, 2012 and requires a two-night stay.Details: www.premiumoutlets.com/lee
Offer link: www.chamberyinn.com
Ames Hotel in Boston has teamed up with the 170 designer stores at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets to offer a Shop ‘Til You Drop package, with rates beginning at $220. The deal includes roundtrip coach transportation from Ames to Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (about 60 kilometres south of Boston), one VIP Coupon Book worth hundreds of dollars in added savings, and a $25 gift card to any of the Wrentham Village shops. This special is valid through March 10, 2012.
Details: www.premiumoutlets.com/wrentham
Offer link: www.morganshotelgroup.com