Shopping is a delight for everyone, especially the kids. Somehow, no matter how gloomy the weather or how unhappy we may feel temporarily, a stroll down "main street" or a walk around the mall can be more uplifting than a doctor's prescription (and probably a lot less expensive today). The best thing is that Orange County isn't like Fifth Avenue or the Miracle Mile or Rodeo Drive—pricewise. It offers lots of national stores and brands, to be sure, but also more regional products that reflect the unique character and diversity and economy of the towns here and the greater North Carolina area.