Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Less than 90 minutes from Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, savvy shoppers can find the same branded merchandise at up to 65 percent off, thanks to this 220-strong ultra-luxe outlet hub. Skip the Gap and Banana Republic that are in every off-price mall and linger instead at luxe rarities like Gucci, Pucci, and Christian Dior.

Insider Tip: From Manhattan, hop the express bus service from Port Authority in Midtown ($42 round-trip; www.grayline.com).