Victoria Gardens

Shopping malls have really evolved over the years. Shops and boutiques
that at first lined streets were cleverly gathered together under one roof,
calling it a "mall", and it was good. With the natural progression of man,
malls eventually got higher and higher. Then the outlet malls became the
all the rage, everyone in search of a good bargain. Then the "mall" took a
strange turn, taking it outdoors again. Now living spaces are being
incorporated into the newest designs, giving residents no real reason to
have to drive anymore. There has been quite the hype about Victoria
Gardens. The name brought to my mind visions of Eden. What's in a name
anyway? Seems things have gone full circle with Victoria Gardens creating
a miniature city of shopping, much like it was before the word "mall" was
ever invented. In getting back to the way things were in the "good old
days" they've added a bit of nostalgia. Murals depicting scenes from "back
then" fill otherwise empty walls while vintage signs hang occasionally above
shops. The Choo Choo Monga Express is another reminder of the past.
Little ones find delight riding through the square on this trackless train for a
$2 fee. Though the narrow streets enable cars to drop off passengers or pull
over for the valet, the rest of them nuzzle close in parking structures.
Surrounding this concourse is a multitude of condos which, when filled,
should bring Victoria Gardens a staggering amount of business. Victoria
Gardens Cultural Center, opening in 2006, will give those appreciative of the
performing arts an opportunity to enjoy a stage show or view their library.
There are over 100 stores at Victoria Gardens and include JC Penny,
Ambercrombie & Fitch, Macy's, William Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Victoria's
Secret. Restaurants are listed below:

Ben & Jerry's

California Chicken Roasters

California Pizza Kitchen

Cold Stone Creamery

Corner Bakery Cafe

Great Khan's

Hot Dog On A Stick

Jamba Juice

Johnny Rockets

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

King's Fish House

Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que