Shoppe Talk : Alternatives to Mega-Malls Dot the County and Let Christmas Buyers Avoid Crush Hour

Folks in Orange County love to gripe about how their shopping opportunities have been “malled” to commercial death with uber centers such as South Coast Plaza or monotonous strips found at every turn.

But the holiday gift-buying marathon doesn’t have to mean a rush to stores, complete with endurance tests for standing in long lines or finding a parking space--both of which can trigger behavior that’s not exactly in accord with the season.

In the hearts of several cities around the county are centers lined with shops and restaurants that actually encourage such revolutionary acts as walking leisurely outdoors, getting creative--even treating oneself.

So get a start on holiday shopping and pamper yourself at the same time.

For those of you thinking this all sounds quaint, but such a detour can’t possibly fit into your hectic schedules, consider this: Is that quickie trip to the mall really that quick?