Once upon a time, Lakewood had a traditional mall with department stores galore surrounded by strip malls to boot. Perhaps it was the collapse of the economy, but one day it was no more, save for the strip malls in the surrounding area. Now, however, the Lakewood Towne Center, which still homes the surrounding strip malls, has rebuilt and flourished with a collection of added strip malls and big chain restaurants such as Applebee's, Carl's Jr. and Red Robin. Lakewood residents can grocery shop, grab a nibble, hit up the movie theater and sneak in some retail therapy all in one spot. There are dozens of specialty shops and more to be found. Here are just a few:

[Bookworms]

While some big chain book stores have bit the dust, Barnes and Noble's Bookstore has maintained its presence. The place is filled wall to wall with pages upon pages, from biographies to fiction. Kids, tweens and grown-up lovers of the written word can find popular and hard-to-find titles, magazines, gifts and more. Bonus: Starbucks lies within for those looking to sip a cup of the roasted bean while shopping or reading. Yet another bonus, and likely a large part of its success, B&N has a Nook display for those who have transitioned to digital pages. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, 5711 Main St. SW, Lakewood, 253.983.0852

[Thrift Seekers]

For those not in the know, Tuesday Morning is a lot like Michaels and Ross but rolled into one. Inside you'll find housewares, home décor, seasonal scores and gifts galore at stellar prices. It's upscale inventory at close-out prices. The inventory is ever-changing but a good place to seek out a deal that will leave the home looking snazzy. 6030 Main St. SW, Suite A, Lakewood, 253.581.8577

[Mealtime Medalist]
Breakfast Champions of the 2012 Weekly Volcano Tournament of  Breakfast, Moonrise Cafe is a natural choice  for breakfast and lunch in Lakewood. Serving up traditional favorites like housemade gravy, burgers, sandwiches and salads with housemade dressings, Moonrise serves it up using quality ingredients with outstanding service. It's not "fast" food; it's great food. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 6020 Main St. SW, Lakewood, 253.983.9999

[Margaritaville]
Long-standing Lakewood Towne Center resident La Palma serves up Mexican food faves. On the menu are margaritas, nachos, chips and salsa, enchiladas, the whole works. It has fast, friendly service and fulfills refried bean hankerings on the fly. 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday-Thursday, until 11 p.m. Friday, 5701 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW, Lakewood, 253.582.8349

[Indecisive Eaters]
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue is self-professed Asian-American fusion with an island flair. With big plates and lots of flavor, L & L serves up Kahlua pork, burgers and chicken katsu all under the same roof. 10417 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood, 253.588.8296


Grubbin' Go-Tos: Starbucks, Panda Express, Five Guys Burgers, Herfy's, Panera Bread, Old Country Buffet
Shop til you Drop: Old Navy, Marshall's, Target, Ross