Shop till you drop at these fantastic Valley shopping destinations.
This story is from our special edition IN AZ 2024 issue. Read the full issue online here for more inside intel on where to stay, dine and everything in between IN AZ this season and all year round.
Biltmore Fashion Park
This outdoor shopping center is located in the historic Phoenix neighborhood of Arcadia off 24th St. and Camelback. Adjacent to the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, this luxury mall has a variety of shopping and dining options. After a staycation in Arcadia, stop into Breakfast Club for boozy brunch. Enjoy fine dining at Seasons 52, The Capital Grille or Obon Bisutoro Sushi or savor more laid-back options, such as POMO Pizza, True Food Kitchen, Zinburger or Blanco Cocina + Cantina. Shop for lifestyle goodies at stores including Williams-Sonoma, Ralph Lauren, Arhaus and Pottery Barn. Treat yourself to beauty services at Groom Room Barbershop, Forever Flawless skin care and Citrine Natural Beauty Bar or get a workout in at the on-site Life Time Fitness. With both a Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, Biltmore Fashion Park has everything you need. www.shopbiltmore.com
Kierland Commons & Scottsdale Quarter
These two outdoor malls are located across from one another off Scottsdale Road with over 150 shops and restaurants combined. Both Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter are perfect for date nights or visiting with the whole family. Scottsdale Quarter has a play fountain for kiddos and live music on Saturday evenings. Take the kids to see a movie at Landmark Theaters above the courtyard or go across the street to Kierland Commons for romantic wining and dining. The area is ripe with fun activities, such as custom candle making at Candle Chemistry, mixing your perfect lipstick shade at Lip Lab, hitting up Paper Source for crafting classes and materials, making a special bracelet at Pandora, getting a piercing at Rowan, tasting liquid nitrogen ice cream at Creamistry, getting a blowout at Drybar or hitting up Puttshack for high-tech minigolf.
The area is also home to some of the best new restaurants in Scottsdale, including etta, Arboleda, Dominick’s Steakhouse, Postino, North Italia, Greene House and Mastro’s Ocean Club. Grab a more casual bite at Shake Shack, The Buzz Eatery, JoJo’s ShakeBAR or Pressed. Both Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter host a variety of events throughout the year, such as kids’ activities, holiday parties, live music and the Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival. www.kierlandcommons.com, www.scottsdalequarter.com
Melrose District
The Melrose District is a lively area in Midtown Phoenix that is home to plenty of vintage shops, LGBTQ+ bars, excellent restaurants and quirky boutiques. This stretch of road along 7th Ave. between Indian School and Camelback Roads is also known for its vibrant murals and rainbow crosswalk and is host to almost a dozen vintage shops from clothing and furniture to records and more. For good eats, check out Belly, Fry Bread House, Joe’s Diner, Short Leash Hot Dogs and Valentine next to Modern Manor vintage furniture shop. Visit Copper Star Coffee or Window Coffee Bar for a refreshing cup of jo, or Thunderbird Lounge and Bar 1912 for cocktails. Make a full day of it by going to HTC Studio for a piercing, Majestic Earth or Bohemian Goods for your metaphysical needs, Lotions & Potions for custom body care and Curious Nature for assorted oddities and taxidermy goods. Melrose is also home to several different markets and events, like the Melrose Street Fair in March and the monthly Melrose Vintage Market. www.visitphoenix.com
Old Town Scottsdale 5th Ave. Shops
Located near Scottsdale Fashion Square, Old Town Scottsdale offers a relaxed shopping experience, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and hotels. Explore local boutiques, art galleries and cafes. Don’t miss the Scottsdale Farmers Market on Saturdays, featuring 100-plus vendors, or the annual Parada De Sol in February with live music and Western festivities drawing 30,000 attendees. Rent electric scooters for a day of exploration, stopping by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for photos and modern art. Wander through Old Town’s numerous art galleries, admire the iconic LOVE sculpture at Scottsdale Civic Center and enjoy a picnic on the grass. Experience history at the historic Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor (established in 1958) and stroll along the Scottsdale Waterfront for events, sculptures and additional shopping opportunities. For a perfect date night, follow the canal path and treat yourself to goodies from Sprinkles Cupcakes, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams or Cartel Coffee. As night falls, discover bars and clubs, such as Geisha A Go Go, AZ 88, El Hefe, Bottled Blonde, Riot House, Cake Nightclub, The District and Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails. Consider a party bike or bar tour with friends.
Enjoy day drinking at Maya Dayclub or WET Deck at the W Scottsdale Hotel. It’s no wonder Scottsdale is a vacation hotspot! www.experiencescottsdale.com
Park West Peoria
Park West is a lifestyle center conveniently located at Loop 101 & Northern Ave. Known as the West Side’s Happy Place, Park West offers an upscale mix of dining, shopping and services. Neighboring businesses include Desert Diamond Casino, Tanger Outlets and the Westgate Entertainment District where sports fans can watch the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium or the Coyotes at Desert Diamond Arena. Park West is a one-and-done stop for all your needs. Visit Massage Envy, Ideal Image, Tan Republic, The Joint Chiropractic, Hello Sugar, Face Foundrié and StretchLab to be taken care of from head to toe. Afterward, indulge in retail therapy at shops including Athleta, Victoria’s Secret, Jules & JC, Sebastian Aiden, Rolling Rack or the newly opened LOFT. Build a charm bracelet at Brighton or make a custom scented candle at Candle Chemistry. Then, visit See’s Candies before seeing a flick at Harkins Theatres. Finally, finish your shopping day with a nice dinner at the Sicilian Butcher, The Vig or Yama Sushi. Top it all off on a sweet note with a scoop of your favorite flavor at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. www.shopparkwest.com
Scottsdale Fashion Square
The newly remodeled Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest shopping center in Arizona, occupying almost two million square feet of retail space. Scottsdale Fashion Square features more than 240 shops and restaurants, with six anchor retailers (including Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom) and the widest selection of luxury stores in the state, spanning notable brands such as Balenciaga, Bottega Venetta, Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Rolex, Saint Laurent and Versace. The recently remodeled south wing extends the shopping center’s luxury experience and makes space for five new restaurants, including the highly anticipated Élephante, and other culinary offerings that will complement the existing array of fine dining options such as Francine, Nobu, Ocean 44, Toca Madera, Zinque and more. www.fashionsquare.com
