Shopping: The #1 Activity for Vacationers

When you tally up the dollars, the top activity for travelers to Wisconsin Dells is shopping. The community has done a fine job of creating some very distinct shopping experiences -- there's the downtown shopping district with its wonderfully quaint shops; a brand new outlet center on the scenic outskirts of town just brimming with brand names; and, in between, there are specialty shops and souvenir boutiques that you'll only find in Wisconsin Dells.

Those who stroll downtown are bound to indulge in sweet treats, like fudge, saltwater taffy and gourmet caramel apples. To wear off the calories, shoppers can go in one of two directions -- spend a few hours on a walking tour of the gift shops, antique stores, art galleries and apparel boutiques that line the main street, or take a leisurely walk along the Dells RiverWalk that leads you to the Upper Dells boat landing and its cadre of shops.

Next on the shopping agenda is to head to the southwest outskirts of town where, just last year, the Tanger Outlet Center opened, and you'll be surrounded by famous brand name stores, more than 60 in all. The sheer variety gives visitors plenty of reasons to stay out of their swimsuits for a few hours.

The "in between" shops -- those that are neither downtown nor in the outlet center but are visible as you tool through the area -- offer a nice selection of authentic Native American jewelry, cranberry-colored glass, sweet-smelling soaps, chenille bedspreads, and more. All in all, the in-betweens provide excellent retail therapy as well.

It's time to get out your pens and pencils and start making your shopping list.