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by MADELYN MILLER

Some people will drive four hours to the San Marcos/ New Braunfels outlet malls. But I've discovered an even better outlet mall that doesn't take any longer to get to!

Imagine a colonial style village set in the hills. With cobblestone streets and quaint lamp sets marking the way. And then imagine that all the stores offer 30% to 90% off. At outlets like Barney's, Anne Klein, Nike, The Body Shop, Ellen Tracy, Calvin Klein, Dansk, J. Crew, Mikasa, and St. John.

Woodbury Commons is a very uncommon mall. It has the first and only outlet for stores like Barney's and The Body Shop. And although it is located 60 miles north of New York City, you can more than save your airfare at one outlet. For example, $300 Tahari dresses were marked down to $69.99. Buy two and you save $460 ! The Tahari salespeople said that two Texan women come up regularly.

The best bargain I spotted was at the Adrienne Vittadini outlet. A bronze leather skirt, originally $390 was marked down to $75. And then there was an additional 50% off! At $37.50, I had to have it. Unfortunately, it was a size 10. And I am not.

You can save the most money at Barney's and St. John's. These stores were deeply discounted throughout, at least 50%. Many Barney items were 2/3 off. A fellow shopper bought several designer pins regularly $38 for $12. Not everything was a big bargain. At I.B. Diffusion I found a knit jacket at 1/3 off that I bought a month ago at Dillard's for 2/3 off. And an Adrienne Vittadini dress I bought 18 months ago at Foley's was still only 30% off at the Vittadini Outlet.

The most disappointing discount was at the Cole-Haan shoe outlet. The prices on several pairs I checked weren't even 20% off retail.

At most of the outlets, I found the general trend of putting the best bargains and additional markdowns at the back of the store. So I would suggest going to the rear of each and then walking forward if you are a serious discount shopper. There are 135 stores in the center, which is easy to get to from Manhattan. Take exit 16 of the New York State Thruway (I-87). Or there are regularly scheduled Grayline busses from Manhattan at 8:15 or 10:15.

Make a day of it and you could consider it the most relaxing shopping day you've ever spent (or saved). The stores feel spacious and upscale, rather than the crowded racks you find in some discount stores. As you stroll along the wide promenades, you can stop at the park benches and cozy deck chairs nestled along the way. Stop for snacks at the food court or enjoy a gourmet meal at the nearby Thayer Hotel. If you'd like to stay overnight, consider the Holiday Inn Holidome in Kingston (914) 338-0400.

While you are there, you can enjoy a Rip Van Winkle Hudson River Cruise. And visit West Point Military Academy. If you are willing to go the extra mile for great values in a charming setting, Woodbury Commons should be your next shopping destination. And the money you save should more than pay for the trip.

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