Great Escape: The Ecstasy of a Purchase

Ask 10 women how to spend the perfect afternoon and eight of them will mention a shopping trip. So Great Escape would be remiss if it didn’t point our local moms in the direction of one of the East Bay’s most beloved shopping areas, Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek.

Not only is this an outdoor mall with beautiful fountains and flora, it is also home to 95 specialty shops and restaurants. Anchored by Nordstrom on one end and Macy’s on the other, it boasts brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Arden B, BCBG Max Azria, Betsey Johnson, Burberry, True Religion and Kate Spade. Sephora is a wonderland of makeup and perfumes, while Crate & Barrel and Sur la Table feature chic housewares.

Maybe this free "make-under" at Bare Escentuals will speak to you. For those who still haven't tried its award-winning foundation, which it calls  “fanfreakintastic,” there is an open invitation to come in to the Bare Escentuals boutique and receive a free make-under. Free samples of the foundation are being given out while supplies last. Book your make-under at 925-949-1004.

When you are done with your retail therapy fix, drop in to one of the Plaza’s many restaurants or shops, from Yogurt Park and Starbucks to P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and California Pizza Kitchen.

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek,
925-939-7600. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.;
Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and
Sunday, 11 a.m. -6 p.m.

Have a great escape you are willing to share with our readers? Add it to the comments section and we will give you a shout-out in the next Great Escape.