Recreational nirvana: This monolithic store boasts more than 120,000 square feet of sports and outdoor gear.

by Contributor

The Scene
Dick's (formerly Galyan's) almost overwhelms with its two stories of goods for just about any sport or recreational activity. Not only does the store go wide, though, it goes deep, offering numerous brands and different price points for particular items. With a popular 56-foot climbing wall and a makeshift putting green, it's also more of an experience than a store.

The Goods
From croquet sets to kayaks to running shoes, this superstore stocks a range that satisfies most sports and outdoor fanatics. You'll find top brands like Adidas, Nike, North Face and Patagonia, as well as lower-priced lines for the budget-minded. The shoe department is particularly impressive, carrying both casual weekend styles and serious athletic gear.

07/07/03

Galyans Climbing Wall

by ambrosiaqt

I am extremely impressed with Galyan's climing wall. It is a gigantic 60' high wall (largest in the SE) with 4 different levels of difficulty. It is totally free to climb, as many times as you want. They provide all the equipment (real climbing shoes & harnesses) for free too. The staff was enthusiastic about climbing and took the time to coach my child up the wall when she wanted to give up. Her face beamed a new confidence afterwards. The staff are all avid climbers themselves and took pride in their wall.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Customer Service