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Shopping
Overview of Phoenix Shopping
For the most part, shopping in the Valley means malls. They're everywhere, and they're air-conditioned, which, we're sure you'll agree, makes shopping in the desert far more enjoyable when it's 110°F (43°C) outside.
Scottsdale and the Biltmore District of Phoenix (along Camelback Rd.) are the Valley's main upscale shopping areas, with several high-end shopping centers and malls. The various distinct shopping districts of downtown Scottsdale are among the few outdoor shopping areas in the Valley and are home to hundreds of boutiques, galleries, jewelry stores, Native American crafts stores, and souvenir shops. The Western atmosphere of Old Town Scottsdale is partly real and partly a figment of the local merchants' imaginations, but nevertheless it's the most popular tourist shopping area in the Valley. With dozens of galleries in the Main Street Arts and Antiques District and the nearby Marshall Way Contemporary Arts District, it also happens to be the heart of the Valley's art market.
For locals, Scottsdale's shopping scene has been moving steadily northward. Kierland Commons and the Shops at Gainey Village are both north of Old Town Scottsdale on North Scottsdale Road.
Shopping hours are usually Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm; malls usually stay open until 9pm Monday through Saturday.
To-Die-For Chocolates-Forget Godiva. If you really want to taste what a chocolate confection can achieve in the right hands, visit Chocolates by Bernard Callebaut, Kierland Commons, 15211 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale (tel. 480/315-1002). These chocolates are filled with flavored cream and other luscious delights. Just remember to eat them before the desert heat melts them.
Antiques & Collectibles-With more than 80 antiques shops and specialty stores, downtown Glendale (northwest of downtown Phoenix) is the Valley's main antiques district. You'll find the greatest concentration of antiques stores just off Grand Avenue between 56th and 59th avenues. Five or more times a year, the Phoenix Fairgrounds Antique Market (tel. 623/587-7488 or 602/717-7337; http://www.azantiqueshow.com/), Arizona's largest collectors' show, is held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.
Art-In the Southwest, only Santa Fe is a more important art market than Scottsdale, and along the streets of Scottsdale's Main Street Arts and Antiques District and the Marshall Way Contemporary Arts District, you'll see dozens of galleries selling everything from monumental bronzes to contemporary art created from found objects. On Main Street, you'll find primarily cowboy art, both traditional and contemporary, while on North Marshall Way, you'll discover much more imaginative and daring contemporary art.
In addition to the galleries listed here, you'll usually find a huge tent full of art along Scottsdale Road in north Scottsdale. The annual Celebration of Fine Art (tel. 480/443-7695; http://www.celebrateart.com/) takes place each year between mid-January and late March. Not only will you get to see the work of 100 artists, but on any given day, you'll also find dozens of the artists at work on the premises. Admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors. Call or check the website for this year's location and hours of operation.
Books-Major chain bookstores in the area include Borders, at Biltmore Fashion Park, 2402 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix (tel. 602/957-6660), 699 S. Mill Ave., Tempe (tel. 480/921-8659), and 4555 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix (tel. 602/953-9699); and Barnes & Noble, at 10235 N. Metro Parkway E., Phoenix (tel. 602/678-0088), in Kierland Commons, N. Scottsdale Rd. and Greenway Rd., Scottsdale (tel. 480/948-8551), and 10500 N. 90th St., Scottsdale (tel. 480/391-0048).
Fashion-There are lots of great shops in malls all over the city. Favorite destinations for upscale fashions include Biltmore Fashion Park, the Borgata of Scottsdale, El Pedregal Festival Marketplace, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.