Austin’s newest upscale mall, The Domain (11400 Burnet Rd., 512/834-2900), is considered a godsend by those in search of big-city shopping options, and a threat by those intimidated by big cities. The Domain includes more than 60 stores in a sprawling indoor/outdoor configuration in the rapidly growing northern reaches of the city.

There’s no denying this shopping center brings a slice of Dallas to Central Texas, but despite the protests of the NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) crowd, it has yet to infect Austin with a serious case of City Slickeritis.

Appropriately enough, the Domain is anchored by Dallas-born Neiman Marcus known for its quality merchandise and name-brand products—especially women’s shoes—with knowledgeable and helpful customer service.

Less upscale and certainly less Texan is Barney’s Co-op, a New York-based enterprise offering affordable quality men’s and women’s clothing in a distinctive atmosphere.

Since Austin is a computer-savvy town, one of the Domain’s most popular establishments is the Apple Store, a mecca for gadget geeks and computer connoisseurs who appreciate the latest Apple innovations, and most importantly, have a place to try them personally and gush over them with fellow Mac users.