As part of the LA and OC Junior Circles, I found that we also got a great response from evenings out at places like "Howl at the Moon" (a piano bar) and game nights. We also did High Tea once, which got a fantastic turnout, but was a little tough to plan for that big a group.
I love the idea of doing an outlet shopping trip! I'm going to suggest that at our next JC meeting. Speaking of which, its this Sunday at my place and a LOT of women have RSVPed. This means I have to scrub down my apartment--but I don't mind!