Prime Outlets Lee

Tax Free Outlet Shopping in the Berkshires

Heading out to the Prime Outlets Lee is near the top of my 'Things to do in Massachusetts in Winter' list.

While it is pleasant to walk from store to store in the warmer weather via the outdoor entrances, going to the outlet stores is a nice respite to the cabin-fever type feeling a local or visitor might get in the winter months. I know I definitely fall into this category.

Summers, and the great weather it brings, in the city of Boston and other cities across the state of Massachusetts welcome many tourists and sight-seers looking for things to do and places to see. While this is great for the Massachusetts tourism industry, the traffic can build up pretty quickly.

Although Boston and the eastern half of Massachusetts are one of my favorite places to visit regarding cultural, historical, and nightlife type attractions, my clothing and shopping needs can be satisfied at the tax free outlets in Lee.

I don't mind the drive at all either, it's right off exit 2 on I-90 and I always love viewing the Berkshire mountains along the way. A fun day trip with hardly any traffic on the way there...a big plus for me.

One thing I will say though is make sure you get there early on in the day, especially if it's a weekend. There are plenty of parking spots but they do tend to fill up quickly and it then becomes a matter of circling the lot until someone pulls out ala Black Friday at your local mall.

After finding a parking space, I'll head to one of the stores that catches my eye or find a map with all the store locations; these are located all over the place, some on boxes outside, in the stores or in the main cafeteria/ eating area.

The cafeteria's selection of food resembles that of a mall food court with the seating arrangements about the same. Again with the 'rush hour' periods, like weekends at noon, my advice would be to eat early on or wait for the period in between lunch and dinner.

If you're with a friend and decide to eat at noon on a weekend like we did, have one person sit at the table while the other goes to get the food. Otherwise you'll have the tray with food in hand while scouting around for a place to sit. Not fun!

Like any other place offering great discounts and a broad selection of stores, people will find them. Follow the simple tips above and you'll have a great time!

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Places to Shop at Prime Outlets Lee

The main reason I like to go to the Prime Outlets Lee, other than it's relatively remote location and the easy drive to get there, is the store selection and designer brands, clothing prices and abundance of discounts and deals.

With a total of over 60 designer outlet stores, savings can go up to 65%. While maps are readily available, you may want to plan and prioritize your stay at the Prime Outlets Lee before going there. The following is a list of stores in alphabetical order:

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If you are truly looking for things to do in Massachusetts during the winter months or any time of the year, Prime Outlets Lee is definitely a place not to be missed. There are visitors from all over New England who travel here on weekend day trips, making it one of the area's premier shopping destinations and a great place to bring the whole family.

While you're in the area, you may also want to check out my list of the best places to ski in Massachusetts, as some of the state's best resorts are right in the area.

Directions from all points east and west:

Take exit 2 off I-90 and keep left at the end of the exit ramp. Take a left onto Rt. 20 and the entrance to the Prime Outlets Lee will be on your left up ahead.

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