If you’ve finally decided that it’s time for a well-deserved weekend getaway, now’s the best time to do it. With our hectic work schedules, it’s often impossible to get time off, so that is why most people opt to travel within their states or to visit a nearby city.
Arizona a.k.a. The Valley of Sun attracts thousands of tourists per year and it’s a great location to recharge your batteries and treat yourself to something new.
As spring is on the way, we have the perfect excuse to renew our wardrobes and freshen up our style. From malls to stores, this southwestern state has a lot to offer and you’ll surely find something that fits your taste and budget.
However, if it’s your first time visiting the state, you might get overwhelmed by all the recommendations online. That’s why we’ve selected a few must-see spots that you should include in your travel itinerary. To find out the places we picked out for you, keep reading.
Kierland Commons
This unique shopping mall will definitely be worth your time and it’s home to some of the most well-known brands such as Michael Kors, Coach, Aveda, etc.
That means you won’t be leaving empty-handed as you’ll be able to find all sorts of high-quality goods in their numerous boutiques. The best part of this mall is that it’s located outdoors, so you won’t have to spend hours strolling through stuffy halls.
Instead, you’ll get to enjoy some fresh air and sun. Once you’ve finished your shopping mission, we recommend that you try some of the mall’s restaurants and indulge in a delicious meal.
Restaurants such as Zinc Bistro, Tocaya Organica, and Shake Shack are famous for their professional service and versatile menu and are the perfect place to catch your breath before you’re ready to move on.
Tempe Marketplace
Tempe Marketplace is another open-air shopping mall that boasts more than 100 different shops. It’s the favorite spot of locals who come here to enjoy the mall’s restaurants and bars or to attend some of the Marketplace’s famous events.
You can come here with your family or friends and spend some quality free time together, even if you’re not planning on doing any shopping (even though it is highly recommended).
If you’re on a budget, then this is the perfect destination for you as this shopping mall has a lot of low-priced boutiques. Also, before you visit, make sure to check out their events calendar to see whether there’s an event that interests you.
Desert Palms Power Center
When talking about Phoenix, it’s impossible to recommend only one place as there are shops on each corner.
Customers looking to renew their watch collection can check out Phoenix jewelry stores, whereas those in search of renowned clothing brands can browse some of the city’s numerous boutiques.
However, we do recommend that you visit the Desert Palms Power Center, as this shopping mall houses a large range of different shops where you can buy anything—from accessories to electronics.
Plus, there are several restaurants where you can take a breather after a long day.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
If you’re into a different kind of shopping, you can’t miss out on the Queen Creek Olive Mill. The place is actually a family-owned farm and it’s the only one of its kind in Arizona.
The mill has more than 7000 olive trees and you can take a tour around the farm where you’ll not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but you’ll also get to taste different kinds of olives, including olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
It’s a great place to spend the day with your family and learn everything there is about how to tell good olive oil from the low-quality one. A visit to the Mill is not only a shopping experience, but you’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot about the importance and benefits of natural products.
The bottom line
Hopefully, it’ll be easier for you to plan your trip after reading our list of suggested places. Whichever place you choose, you won’t make a mistake as each location offers something different for the visitor.