In between the high-octane theme parks of Orlando and the seashores of Fort Myers sits a residing monument to Nineties mall tradition. Eagle Ridge Mall is positioned within the Polk County city of Lake Wales, and stepping by way of its doorways appears like touring again to a time when shiny colours reigned supreme and the meals court docket was the final word hangout spot. Eagle Ridge Mall opened to buyers in 1996, and its aesthetics have remained completely preserved, providing guests an genuine slice of ’90s nostalgia.
At its peak, Eagle Ridge Mall was one of the common locations to hang around in japanese Polk County, however through the years, the mall has suffered the identical destiny as numerous others throughout the nation (many customers choose the persuade of on-line procuring over making a visit to the mall). Anchor tenants have since moved out, and Eagle Ridge Mall is now thought of a “dead mall” — a shopping mall experiencing a extreme decline in shopper visitors and shops. While this mall could have handed its prime as a viable procuring vacation spot, it stays a captivating place to go to, providing a glimpse into what malls seemed like again within the day.
Eagle Ridge Mall is a spot the place the ’90s by no means died
The mall aesthetic within the Nineties was outlined by large indoor crops, jazzy music, and skylights. While malls throughout the nation have launched into redesigns to seem extra trendy — or have been torn down utterly — Eagle Ridge Mall nonetheless clings to its ’90s vibe. The corridors are lit with bursts of daylight streaming in from above, and even the purple outside signal on the mall’s entrance entrance stays unchanged from its ’90s heyday. The centerpiece of the mall is a big carousel within the mall’s meals court docket, full with lights and music that proceed to thrill youngsters and adults alike.
However, Eagle Ridge Mall has began to reshape itself into extra of a neighborhood hub than a standard procuring heart. There’s a Minions Playground, a bowling alley, and a Regal movie show that lures in locals. The meals court docket now homes quite a lot of native eating places, from Gyro Plus to Solorzano’s Pizzeria. Classic mall staples from the ’90s, equivalent to Claire’s and Spencer’s Gifts, stay, however now they’re joined by unbiased eating places, providers, and even church buildings that give Eagle Ridge Mall a definite native character. If you need to expertise a contemporary Florida procuring heart, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay in Naples is an open-air mall with water views. If you are concerned about deserted malls, plan a street journey to see among the greatest within the nation.