When I checked out Southpoint, I had no idea what I was in for. They closed down the other mall in Durham (that the businesses surrounding it depend on) for this. Another fabricated place to spend money. There are stores on streets in Europe, but guess what? They aren't in the middle of nowhere - they're downtown. Which is how our downtowns used to be. I admit, however, SAS IS A MALL. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's disgustingly trendy (Pottery Barn for kids? Dear God.). And the restaurants are all amazing. To be expected. But instead of driving all the way out there to pretend you are strolling through some actual street, support your local businesses. They live with us, CEOs don't. They give back to the community, big corporations don't. They make our city a more diverse, fun place to shop and eat, and not a cookiecutter town.
Pros: choices, great food
Cons: closes too early, too far out, not locally owned
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