Where the Locals Go
Kristin’s Favorite Things
One of the things my kids and I really look forward to is spending time with friends. Once school starts, finding that time is a little more difficult. A great way to incorporate friends and school is with our favorite book club! Bright World Book Club is a multi-week program that allows kids to get together to find new great reads, and form new friendships!
Bright World Book Club is located near Arcadia. Please give us a shout if you’d like to know more about it for YOUR kiddos!
Park Scottsdale
New to Park Scottsdale? You’ve gotta check these places out!
Sips & Eats
RENEGADE COFFEE - This gem sits on the corner of McDonald and Granite Reef. Drive-thru, patio & dog friendly! Great coffee drinks, smoothies, and sandwiches!
CASELLA’S DELI - An institution. If you live here, you’ve gotta eat here! Casella’s has been a favorite for over 40 years! Stop in for a hoagie or a sub (chicken salad if you want to sound like a local). Don’t forget your money! Cash only here.
CHIZONA - Chicago natives welcome! This joint dishes up pizza just like you remember it!
Shopping & Entertainment:
THE WHITE DOVE - A thrift shop like no other. The ‘Dove’ supports Hospice of the Valley, which is cool, but just as cool are the vintage finds in this local treasure!
HILTON VILLAGE - Hilton Village boasts a handful of unique shopping sites. A few of our favorites are Resale Revolution & TBC for some terrific consignment treasures, and the Linen Tree & Charmed Avenue for cute gifts!
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale has it all! Here are a few we think are worth mentioning!
Sips & Eats
Cartel coffee lab - Excellent drip coffee made with care! This cozy coffee shop is a great place to find a table & people watch, or grab your joe to-go and wander amongst the boutiques and art shops on 5th Ave.
oregano’s Pizza Bistro - Smack-dab in the heart of the entertainment district, this place usually has a well-worth-it wait. Try the spicy Pablo Picasso salad or the wings with a custom blend of Medium and Italian Gold sauce. Whatever you do, save room for the Pizza Cookie.
VERITE LOUNGE - This indoor/outdoor rooftop terrace bar is in the lobby of Harkins Theatre at Fashion Square. A great respite from hours of shopping, with an incredible view! The bar is open even if you’re not sticking around for a movie.
Handlebar J - A little piece of the Old West. Handlebar J is a great place to rustle up a cold brew and get on the dance floor for some country-western dancing. Get yourself a pair of cowboy boots and kick up your heels!
Shopping & Entertainment:
Scottsdale fashion square - How can we not mention this? Truly an experience in luxury with something for everyone!
sphinx date ranch - New to Arizona? Friends and family out of state? For over 65 years, this is the place to go for all kinds of Arizona treats! Not all Arizona palms are date palms, but you’ll know them when you see them! In the meantime, check this place out for gifts, or to stuff your freezer with ‘Nature’s Candy’.
North Scottsdale
so many places, so little time
Sips & Eats
Tom’s Thumb Gas Station - We loved this place event before Guy Fieri skid his Camaro to a stop for some grub! Yes, it is a gas station, and you can fill ‘er up. But oh, it’s so much more. Find a table for a sit-down meal, grab your grub to-go, or spend a moment to shop. But just get there! And you gotta try the pulled-pork sandwich.
Shopping & Entertainment:
THE Arabian Horse Show - Since 1955, this show is held in February each year at West World. It’s a beautiful time to impress your out-of-town guests with these majestic creatures.
Barret-Jackson auto auction - Every January, car aficionados gather to be awed by metal and machinery; like Steve McQueen’s ‘Bullitt’ Mustang (fetching $3.74M), to the original Bat Mobile (selling price $4.62M), and to rub shoulders with those that bid on them, like Jay Leno, Muhammad Ali, and Alice Cooper. Worth putting on your calendar!
McCormick Ranch
Indian Bend to Shea, there’s a ton of fun in Mccormick ranch!
Sips & Eats
Luci’s at the grove - We love the vibe at Luci’s. Open early, it’s a great place for a morning juice. Come back in the evening and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio. Unique gifts can be found throughout the marketplace, to a wander is in order!
the vig - Just because it’s tucked in the back of ‘the Ranch’ doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the visit. This funky neighborhood joint boasts great cocktails & dishes, with a very cool vibe.
Pomo Pizza - This Neapolitan pizza place rivals the best in Arizona (we’re looking at you, Chris Bianco!) A seat at the bar inside allows prime seating to watch the pizzaioli.
Shopping & Entertainment:
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - This fun for everyone park sits on 30 acres of land, donated to the City of Scottsdale in 1967, with the stipulation that it be used as a park for all to enjoy. And enjoy we do! There are playgrounds for little kids, medium kids, and big kids! A carousel, a pavilion for concerts and parties, and the coup de grâce, a 5/12 scale steam locomotive that rides the perimeter of the park daily!