What to do when you stay in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area
Because my first resort review spotlights The Phoenician, I will use that as a starting point for things to do in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. As a resident of the area for fifteen years, I have some first hand experience with many of the great visitor favorites.
Although I am not a ’shop-till-you-drop’ kind of person (I’m a guy after all), I have spent time visiting great shopping malls and one of a kind shops everywhere from Lennox Square in Buckhead to the Village in La Jolla. (not to mention some incredible stores in Ginza in Tokyo). They all offer something unique that can’t be found just anywhere. For that reason, I will take a look at some local shopping meccas in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
A short drive heading east or west from The Phoenician brings those who appreciate great shopping to two very different shopping malls. Traveling west will take you to Biltmore Fashion Park. Heading east down Camelback road will lead you to Scottsdale Fashion Square, a Westcor development with 225 stores, 5 sit down restaurants and 18 food court eateries.
Fashion Square is impressive, even as nicer malls go. The mall is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, Macy’s and Dillards. (Barney’s New York coming in the Fall of ‘09) It is on three levels with the food court on the lowest level. The Dillards is the largest one in the country, while Fashion Square is the largest shopping mall in the Southwest. You get a sense that if you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere. There is a multi-level parking garage and valet parking.
If you are a fan of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Pottery Barn, Swarovski, Hugo Boss or Brooks Brothers, you will find them all here. Crowds can be a bit much during the peak tourist season, especially on weekends. On weekdays, you will usually find plenty of elbow room and even a place to sit down at the Nordstrom coffee shop.
