Shopping rules in Sharon, a city in Mercer County, 75 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Sharon is home to the world's largest shoe store, two family-owned candy stores, historical bed and breakfasts, a one-of-a-kind Christmas store and the original Quaker Steak & Lube.
If the shoe fits, buy it
Reyers is the world's largest shoe store. If they don't have your size, then, you most likely won't find it anywhere else, unless, of course you have your footwear custom-made somewhere. This store, in a former Giant Eagle, encompasses 36,000 square feet and has more than 100,000 pairs of shoes in its inventory. Reyers fits women sizes 4 through 14, from AAAA to EE, men's sizes 6 through 22 available in AA through EEEEEE and a wide range of children's shoes. Reyers has been in business since 1886. Reyers also carries handbags and jewelry. Reyers offers shoes from 300 famous brand names. Details: 724-981-2200 or www.reyers.com .
Time to shop
Just a short distance from Reyers is the Winner, the self-proclaimed world's largest off-price fashion store. The store, with more than 75,000 square feet, has three floors of shopping and offers designer fashions, accessories and collectibles. Find everything from sportswear to bridal dresses to cruise wear, which is available year round. You can save up to 70 percent off suggested retail price every day and up to 90 percent off clearance items. Profits are donated to various charities. There's also a lounge with a television, popcorn machine, newspapers and a refrigerator filled with drinks, including beer, for those waiting on shoppers. Details: 800-344-2672 or www.thewinneroutlet.com .
Destination food
All that shopping really works up an appetite so how about wings⢠There's no better place than the original Quaker Steak & Lube. The Lube opened in 1974, and began as a make-your-own-steak place in an old garage. There's still a 1936 Chevy hanging from the ceiling that was inside the original garage.
Choose from a variety of sauces, including atomic -- which requires you sign a waiver because it is so hot. There are 35 locations. The Lube is open 365 days a year. Besides the wings, there are plenty of sandwiches, appetizers, steaks and salads to choose from. Details: 724-981-9464 or www.quakersteakandlube.com .
Relax
Take a few hours to relax. Call ahead to book side-by-side massages at the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa. There are six treatment rooms to indulge yourself in a world of luxury and elegance. The spa menu includes massage, facials and body wraps.
The Buhl Mansion, listed on the National Historical Registry, has been one of the Top 10 most romantic inns across the country. Details: 724-346-3046 or www.buhlmansion.com .
Go for the goodies
Make a trip to Daffin's Chocolate Kingdom, not far from Buhl Mansion. Daffin's is one of two family-owned candy companies in the Sharon area. Philadelphia Candies is the other.
Daffin's chocolate kingdom includes a giant sculptured rabbit made of more than 700 pounds of chocolate, a 400-pound chocolate turtle and a storybook castle. Daffin's and Philadelphia offer tours. It's best to call ahead for reservations. Daffin's factory is in the adjacent city of Farrell, while Philadelphia's factory is attached to its Hermitage store. Daffin's was started in 1903 while Philadelphia has been serving tasty chocolates since 1919.
Details: Daffin's Candies, 724-342-2892 or 877-323-3465 or www.daffins.com . Philadelphia Candies, 724-981-6341 or www.phillyc.com .
Stop at Kraynak's in nearby Hermitage, but still on State Street, and see Santa's Christmasland which is open through Dec. 24. See more than 85 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each with a different theme. Toyland, which is 12,000 square feet, is open year round and has a wide selection of games and toys. See "Sesame Street" characters, Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer and the Grinch. This place also has any ornament you could ever want, plants and other unique gifts. Details: 724-347-4511 or www.kraynaks.com .
Dining
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Stonewall's Tavern inside Tara, a country inn that was inspired by the movie "Gone With the Wind." There are actual artifacts from the film inside one of the display rooms. Tara, a sister property to Buhl Mansion, is north of Hermitage in the Shenango Lake community of Clark.
Try a libation called Scarlett O'Hara with traditional chilled shrimp cocktail or fried zucchini cakes. Dinners include prime rib, lamb loin chops, pan-seared black and blue scallops and five-cheese ravioli. Finish off with Magnificent Midnight Layer Cake or Cr?e Caramel. Details: 800-782-2803 or www.tara-inn.com .
