Tips for Navigating Hartford County’s Premier Shopping Mall
Westfarms is regularly open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Holiday, department store and restaurant hours may vary.
Even if, like me, you have a sixth sense for shopping malls, navigating the Westfarms Mall can be a tricky proposition. Here are seven insider tips to help you conquer this retail Mecca and make the most of your shopping time.
1. Parking: Westfarms Mall offers plenty of parking, but some of the available spaces may be such a hike from an entrance that you’ll lose valuable shopping time... and energy! The Macy's (formerly Filene's) end of the mall seems to be the most difficult area in which to find available parking, particularly when Macy's is having a special sale. Even if Macy's is the store you plan to visit, you may find that you'll save time by parking at the other end of the mall and walking rather than wasting precious shopping moments driving up and down hoping for an opening. I've always had the best luck finding a parking spot under the parking deck in the back west corner of the mall near the entrance to Nordstrom's shoe department. This parking area has the added advantage of being protected from the elements, so your car will stay cooler in the summer and free of snow and ice in the winter.
2. The Least Crowded Ladies' Room: Here's a secret for women shoppers... the Ladies' Room in the Macy's Men's store is one of the most spacious and uncrowded facilities in the mall. At Westfarms, Macy's men's and home furnishings departments are located in a separate area from the rest of the anchor store. You'll find this Macy's "annex" on two floors in the center of the mall, and the Ladies' room is to the right inside the upstairs entrance from the mall, back against the wall in the young men's area. I've always found it clean, but some readers have written to report otherwise. To me, heading for the women's room in the men's store still beats waiting in line when the mall is busy.
3. The Family that Goes Together: And while we’re on the all important topic of restroom facilities, parents will be delighted to hear that Nordstrom boasts a "Family Restroom" in addition to its luxurious men’s and ladies’ rooms. All are located on the first floor against the back wall in the men’s department.
4. Dining: Westfarms doesn’t have a food court. It’s part of the mall’s calculated efforts to discourage congregating "mall rats" and to appeal to affluent shoppers. But there are still a few places to catch a quick bite to eat. My favorite is the sandwich shop, Au Bon Pain, located off the rear hallway near the Macy's end of the mall. You'll also find quick eats at Burger King, Master Wok, Sbarro, Subway and Ranch 1.
5. Rainforest Reservations: If you have time to sit down and dine at Westfarms, the Rainforest Café with its waterfalls and "wild" décor is by far the most popular spot. Rainforest Café is located on the lower level near Macy's, and you don't want to wait until you're hungry to head there, as you may find the lines to be ferocious. Call ahead to make a reservation, 860-521-2002, or stop by to make a reservation before you begin your shopping. Other sit-down dining options at Westfarms include California Pizza Kitchen, Nordstrom Café, Pizzeria Uno and Ruby Tuesday.
6. Services: With all of the shopping to be done, you may forget that there are a number of additional services you can take advantage of at the Westfarms mall that may help you to cross several things off your "to do" list with just one trip. For example, you can get your nails done, get a hair cut, have your shoes shined or repaired, get your film developed, get your eyes examined, and even do your banking at Farmington Savings Bank or Sovereign Bank.
7. The Perfect Fit: I don't know anyone in the central Connecticut area that wouldn't be delighted with a Westfarms mall-wide gift card, so if you're struggling for gift ideas or don't have time to shop, head for the customer service desk in the mall's center court. Be forewarned, though: Westfarms charges a $2.50 service fee for each mall gift card. While you're at customer service, you'll also be able to pick up complimentary shopping bags, rent a wheelchair or stroller and buy postage stamps.
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