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Favorites, Fun & FoodWe wanted to have a resource on our website that would point you to some of the best attractions and essentials in our part of town, great entertainment around the Valley, and some must-see stuff in our state. But, we also wanted it to have some Stone Creek flavor. So, in addition to listing some of the retail in our area, we also compiled a list of staff favorites. Let us know if this is useful to you. Listed on this page: Essentials in Shopping in Attractions ( Restaurants & Treats (
Essentials in Details (from their web site): State-of-the-art emergency department, excellent pediatric department, inpatient and outpatient surgery, critical care unit, cardiac care unit, diagnostic imaging Directions: Phone: 623-879-6100 Sprouts Farmers Market – organic & natural foods Whose favorite: Pastor Why they likes it: Christian likes that the meat department has natural beef for good prices, and you can get items that regular grocery stores don't carry like olive oil based margarine and Kefir. Angela likes the selection of vegetarian items. They both like the produce, which is priced well for good produce. Directions: Safeway – grocery store Whose favorite: Lola & her husband, JohnWhy they like it: Great service, good prices, store is merchandised well, and friendly employees Details: Full grocery store, health & beauty, drug, etc. Directions:
Walmart Supercenter - discount groceries and department store Directions: 1825 W. Bell Rd., or at Happy Valley Town Center (see below)
Costco - big box store Details: Get discounts by buying in bulk - electronics, housewares, some sporting goods, and groceries. Also, photo processing, food court, and tires. Directions: Two nearby stores. 2450 E. Beardsley Rd. - 101 Freeway & Cave Creek. 19001 N. 27th Ave - 27th Ave. & 1/2 mile south of 101 Freeway.
L.A. Fitness Details: The Moon Valley club was remodeled to be their signature club in 2011, with cardio equipment, free weights, machine weights, a variety of aerobics classes, and personal training. Directions: Greenway Pkwy. & 2nd St.
Details: If you need a preschool for your kids, you should look into our
Pharmacies:
Directions: Walgreens - 19th Avenue and Union Hills Drive (southeast corner) and CVS - 7th Street and Union Hills (southwest corner). Shopping in Desert Ridge Marketplace Whose favorite: Christian & his family Why they like it: Outdoor live music on the weekends. A fun splash pad for the kids, with seating, palm trees, and right by ice cream, coffee, and food. Some anchor stores: Target Greatland, Kohl’s, Office Max, Ross, Jo-Ann’s, Old Navy, PETsMART Some specialty stores: Barbeques Galore, Relax The Back, Barnes & Noble books, and many clothing and novelty shops for teens and the young at heart Some of the 28 restaurants: Islands Burgers, California Pizza Kitchen, Macaroni Grill, Cafe Zupas, Sweet Tomatoes buffet, Sandbar Mexican food, In-n-Out Burgers Some attractions: AMC Theaters, splash pad, huge fireplace, rock climbing wall, special event entertainment on the outdoor stage Directions: Just north of the 101 on Happy Details: Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Old Navy clothing, Sports Chalet, TJ Maxx discount clothing, Tilly’s clothing, Cost Plus World Market, Pier 1 Imports, Barnes & Noble Book Sellers, Staples office supplies, Petco, Dick's Sporting Goods, Harkin's Theaters, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank. Some restaurants: Red Robin (listed here as a favorite), Applebee’s, Friday’s, P.F. Changs, Olive Garden, and several small restaurants. Directions: Happy Valley Rd. & I-17, southeast plaza Details: Target, PETsMART, AMC 30 Theaters (listed here as a favorite), Ross Dress For Less, Hi Health, Bath & Body Works, Michaels Crafts, Radio Shack electronics, As You Wish self-paint pottery, Game Stop, and many more small specialty shops, M&I Bank. Restaurants: Claim Jumper, Chili’s, Macaroni Grill, Fired Pie, George & Son chinese food, and more. Directions: I-17, exit Outlets at Anthem Details: 90 name brand outlet stores, all kinds of wares Directions: I-17 north, exit Sportsman’s Warehouse – outdoor outfitters Whose favorite: C Why they like it: It’s an outdoorsman’s playground, and they have decent prices. Details: Camping, hunting, archery, and fishing gear. Directions: Cabela’s - outdoor outfitters Whose favorite: Lola’s family, especially her husband, John; Christian likes to take his sons there to see the exhibits Why they like it: They have everything for outdoorsmen, 160,000 sq. feet. They have a restaurant where you can get food like, elk, boson, wild boar, and ostrich sandwiches. They have giant aquarriums with Arizona fish, and several lifesize animal displays in realistic habitats - animals of North America, game animals, African animals. Details: Camping, hunting, archery, and fishing gear. As well as a wildlife museum and restaurant. They have taxe Directions: Cycle Gear
Whose favorite: Men of Stone Creek
Why they like it: Motorcycle parts at good prices, and good people
Directions: 13220 N. Cave Creek Road, between Greenway and Thunderbird
Whose favorite: LeAnna’s husband, Darren
Why he likes it: It has obscure books and is for the book connoisseur and enthusiast who doesn’t mind digging for treasures
Directions:
Tuesday Morning - home store Whose favorite: LeAnna Why she likes it: Good variety and great prices. She says it’s like Big Lots for the interior designer. Details: Beautiful things for the home, from kitchen items to outdoor accessories, and everything in between Directions: Brass Armadillo – antiques & unique items Whose favorite: LeAnna and her husband, Darren Why they like it: Great selection of “stuff” for the whole family. It takes a while to see it all, so it’s a great Saturday excursion. Directions: I-17 & Cactus. Take I-17 to Cactus, go west. Go right on
Attractions in the Whose favorite: Lola’s family Why they like it: Details: It’s the largest movie complexes in Directions: I-17 and 101, in the southwest plaza. Exit the 101 at Phone: 602-956-4262 Whose favorite: Christian’s wife and sons Why they like it: Great place to take kids and picnic Details: Directions: I-17 north, exit Whose favorite: Christian’s wife, Angie Details: There is a pretty nice public pool. Multiple tennis courts and affordable tennis lessons. Directions: 1104 E. Grovers (Grovers is half way between Union Hills & Bell Rd.) Phone: 602-534-2500 Foothills Aquatic Center - swimming & mini waterpark Whose favorite: Christian's family Why they like it: It's way less expensive than one of the big water parks, and it's great for our young kids. Details: Open during the summer. It has a shallow pool for toddlers and young kids with a water play center and small slide. There are two larger slides for older kids. There is a lazy river, an olympic size pool, and two diving boards. Directions: 5600 W. Union Hills Dr. (just 1 mile south of the Loop 101 freeway) Phone: 623-930-4600
Whose favorite: Angela and her husband, Doug Why she likes it: A great visitors center, free guided hikes. It's right in the middle of town and there are a number of trails. Details: Moderate difficulty. Full hike is about an hour. Can take dogs. Can mountain bike there as well. Directions: Why: 360 degree view of the Valley Details: Moderate hike. Can hike for one to two hours. Directions: 12th Street & Coral Gables is the trailhead.
Shaw Butte - hike Whose favorite: Angela's husband, Doug Details: Moderate hike. Can be done in one two two hours. Directions: Central, just south of Thunderbird. Frisbee golf course at Buffalo Ridge Park Whose favorite: Christian Why: It's interesting because of the terrain. There are tons of tree and bush obstacles. You go up the mountainside and down the mountain side. Details: It's in the desert, so go with good footwear, water, and be alert. The course starts just north of the ramadas at the park. It is all dessert terrain, winding through the desert and even up and down the mountain. There are some cement tee boxes. Read the signs to find the next tee box. There are 18 holes/baskets. Keep a good eye on your fribees. Directions: Just north of Union Hills on the east side of 16th Street Wet 'n' Wild – water park Whose favorite: Lola’s family Why they like it: Great place to cool off and hang out with the family in the summer Details: Usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Wave pool, lazy river, water slides, kid pool, small arcade, picnic benches Directions: 4243 W. Phone: 623-581-8446 Ben Avery Shooting Facility Details: They have ranges for hand guns and rifles, a clay target center, and archery range Directions: Take I-17 to Phone: 623-582-8313 Ride to Cave Creek – motorcycle ride
Details: Cave Creek Road going northeast from North Phoenix is a favorite motorcycle ride of many riders who don’t want to leave the Valley to get a ride. There aren’t many stop lights, it’s fairly rural, and there are good views of the mountains to the northeast. There are many restaurants in Cave Creek that riders enjoy visiting. Harolds Cave Creek Corral is a favorite place to eat.
Directions: Harolds is at 6895 E. Cave Creek Road. Cave Creek Road itself runs at an angle, so you’ll find Cave Creek Road crossing Bell Road at about 2300 East, and you’ll find Cave Creek Road crossing under the 101 Freeway at about 2400 East.
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
Details: This research center sends visitors on a short trial that leads to rocks covered with thousands of well-defined petroglyphs. An interpretive center helps explain their meanigs and origins.
Directions: 3177 W. Deer Valley Rd.
Phone: 623-582-8007
Date night sit-&-talk spots -Paradise Bakery, Market Bistro, Desert Ridge Marriott
Whose favorite: Christian and his wife, Angie
Why: Just like places with a good environment, where we can get a beverage and some privacy, to spend time together and talk
Details: At Paradise Bakery and Market Bistro you can get a quiet table or booth, refillable drinks, and food if you want. At the Marriott you can sit outside when the weather is nice, maybe by the fire in winter, or indoors in the comfortable grand-lobby, and order a beverage or food.
Directions: Paradise Bakery - Bell Rd. & 5th St, south side of Bell. Market Bistro - Thunderbird Rd. & 8th St., south side of Thunderbird. Desert Ridge Marriott - Deer Valley Rd., just east of Tatum Blvd.
Attractions in the Valley: Encanto Park & Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Details: Encanto Park is a historic Phoenix landmark that has been updated with an amusement park
Directions: 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., near downtown Phoenix
Phone: 602-254-1200
Phoenix Zoo & Zoo Lights
Whose favorite: Christian’s wife and young sons, Lola’s whole family.
Why they like it: The boys really like the monkey encounter and sting ray petting. The ladies likes Zoo Lights. Lola’s family likes to go for walks there in the cooler months, and they like Zoo Lights. The new splash pad is great.
Details: All year round they have animals on display, shows, and food. From late November to early January they decorate the zoo in Christmas lights and lighted animal shapes
Directions: 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., in Tempe
Phone: 602-273-1341
Castles & Coasters – amusement park
Whose favorite: Lola’s family
Why they like it: It’s just fun. Best mini-golf and at a good price. Cool small amusement park.
Details: Roller coaster, rides, huge arcade, miniature golf. They do birthday parties too.
Directions: 9445 Metro Pkwy. East. I-17 & Dunlap Peoria exit.
Phone: 602-997-7575
Laser Quest – laser tag
Whose favorite: Lola’s daughter, Rebekah
Why she likes it: It’s fun
Directions: 3335 W. Peoria Ave.
Cracker Jax – amusement park
Whose favorite: Lola’s daughter, Rebekah.
Why they like it: There are just a lot of fun things. It's a fun place to go with a group.
Details: Arcade, bumper boats, indie cars, mini-golf, batting cages, sand volleyball courts, 2-story golf driving range
Directions: On the east side of Scottsdale Road, ¼ mile south of Bell Road
English Rose Tea Room
Whose favorite: LeAnna
Why she likes it: The atmosphere is calming and it’s a place where you can get away from the business of life
Details: This is a quaint little restaurant/shop to eat lunch or have afternoon tea
Directions: 201 Easy St. #103, in Carefree. From the North Valley, take the 101 east to Scottsdale Road, and go north on Scottsdale Road, all the way to the town of Carefree. Easy Street is located just south of Cave Creek Road.
Phone: 480-488-4812
Piestewa Peak – hike
Whose favorite: LeAnna’s husband, Darren
Why they like it: There is a wonderful panoramic view of the Valley, and the parking isn’t as bad as some other Valley hiking spots
Directions: 51 freeway south to Lincoln, go east on Lincoln. Shortly after getting onto Lincoln you will see signs. Take a left at the light where the sign is directing you to Piestewa Peak.
Lake Pleasant – boating, watersports, fishing, picnicking, camping, scuba diving, hiking
Details: This is the closest lake to North Phoenix. Lake Pleasant is a large lake (10,000 acres). You can rent boats or take a cruise out of the marina.
Directions: Take I-17 to Carefree Highway. Go west on Carefree Hwy., go about 15 miles. You will run into Lake Pleasant Road, turn right, go about 2 miles. For your first visit to Lake Pleasant you will probably want to start at the marina, so turn right on Pleasant Harbor Road, which will take you into the marina.
Carefree Fine Art Festival
Whose favorite: Angela and her husband, Doug
Why they like it: They like walking around and looking at all the different art and having lunch. They get good decoration ideas for their hom.
Details: It takes place a couple times a year. Art from artists from around the country, food, etc.
Directions: Take Cave Creek Road north out of Phoenix. It is north of Carefree Highway. Watch for the signs.
KidsBowlFree.com
Whose favorite: Christian and his kids
Why they like it: Kids can bowl two games, every day, for FREE, through the summer, at a local bowling alley
Details: On the website, you find a local, participating, bowling center, sign up, and they send you coupons for every day of the summer. You can also sign up adults for a fee to also receive two games of bowling every day. Usually goes June to August.
Attractions in Westfork Trail in Sedona – hike Whose favorite: Christian and his wife, Angie Why they like it: It is a beautiful hike through the woods, with several stream crossings. Details: It’s described as moderate, but is actually pretty easy for the first half hour in. You just need a little balance for the stream crossings on stone tops. Can hike for a couple hours if you wish. Apparently it is very popular on weekends. There is a $7 parking fee. Directions: Take I-17 north. Exit and take AZ-179 into Sedona. In Sedona you will intersect 89A. Take a right on 89A. Go approximately 9 miles on 89A. It is the West Fork Trail you are looking for. There is a parking lot on the left side of 89A. Details: The fall foliage and the Indian “shelf caves”, which you can walk into, are cool. Easy hike but with some elevation changes. There is a nature center and about a two mile loop trail into the canyon and back. Directions: I-40 east of Whose favorite: Many of the staff love this place Why they like it: The falls are one of the most beautiful things you will see in Details: The Directions: It’s a few hours northwest of Phone number: 928-448-2121 for info, 928-448-2141 for camping reservations Whose favorite: Christian and his wife, Angie Why they like it: It’s incredibly close to Details: It is located on the Phone: 928-779-1951 Whose favorite: Christian and his wife, Angie Why they like it: They have a great amount of terrain, considering you’re skiing in Details: It is located in the Phone: 928-735-7669 Out of Whose favorite: Christian's family
Why they like it: The tiger show is amazing. The snake show is pretty cool. It’s a nice outing with the family. The giraffe’s give good kisses.
Phone: 298-567-2840 Whose favorite: Lola’s family Why they like it: It’s a zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden all in one. Great day trip. Details: Desert animals, plants, and historical presentations Directions: Phone: 520-883-2702
Kartchner Caverns Details: Caves with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, two main rooms connected by a 2.5 mile tunnel. Directions: Just off I-10 at Benson, about 2.5 hours south of Phoenix Phone: 520-586-2283, call ahead for reservations Restaurants & Treats in Islands Restaurant – burgers & chicken Whose favorite: Christian Why they like it: Great chicken and burgers. Details: Interesting burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads, and soup. Directions: Desert Ridge Marketplace at Tatum and the 101 (listed on this page) and on Red Robin restaurant – burgers & chicken
Whose favorite: Christian and his wife, Angie
Why they like it: Awesome burgers, all you can eat steak fries, huge variety, good prices, great service, and fast sit-down. Christian’s favorite is the BBQ burger. David’s favorite is the Royal Robin burger.
Directions: Southeast plaza at I-17 and Happy Valley Rd. (Happy Valley is about 3-4 miles north of the 101 freeway)
Whose favorite: Pretty much the whole staff loves eating here Why they like it: The food is delicious, you get your food fast, and it’s nice sit-down with no waiters Directions: Hana Sushi – Japanese food & sushi Whose favorite: LeAnna Why she likes it: The sushi is good and reasonably priced, no matter when you go, and they have great lunch specials Directions: Just east of Streets of N Whose favorite: LeAnna Why she likes it: The pizza is awesome, atmosphere is great, relaxing, friendly, and they have sports on the TV Directions: Whose favorite: Lola's whole family Why they like it: Because gelato tastes better than ice cream, and they are open until Details: They have all kinds of gelato flavors, gelato cakes, gelato shakes Directions:
Chino Bandido
Whose favorite: Most of the staff
Why they like it: You can get Chinese and Mexican food combinations. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri.
Directions: Northwest corner of 19th Avenue and Greenway.
Restaurants & Treats in the Valley: Whose favorite: Lola and her husband, John
Why they like it: It is a nice place for an intimate dinner, as well as for the family. Great food.
Details: Pasta, meat, and seafood Greek-Italian style. It is a sophisticated place. Apparently a classic place for closing business deals. Entrées average $15-$20.
Directions:
Carlos O’Briens – Mexican food Whose favorite: Lola’s whole family Why they like it: Good food, large portions, great salsa Directions: 1133 E. Northern Ave. Ajo Al’s – Mexican food Whose favorite: Why he likes it: I love Mexican food and theirs is rich. I especially like the Pollo Fundito and the Pizza Nortena, which is basically the Pollo Fundito flattened into a pizza, and it feeds three people for like $13. Directions: 70th Street & Shea in Scottsdale, 16th Street north of Camelback in central Phoenix, and 7458 W. Bell Road Bandera Whose favorite: Why he likes it: This is one of my favorite restaurants on the planet. They serve beef ribs, which are hard to find, and they absolutely melt in your mouth. And their sour cream mashed potatoes are fantastic. My favorite meal is not listed on the menu; it is the Cluck & Moo, which is a rotisserie chicken breast and three beef ribs, with sour cream mashed potatoes, and corn bread. Details: Rotisserie chicken, beef dishes, lamb, and seafood. Large portions. Entrees are priced at about $12-$18. Plan to wait in line. Directions: Cerreta Candy Co. Whose favorite: Lola Why she likes it: Great chocolate and they do candy tours during the week (maybe this should be under Attractions too) Details: They have chocolate and candy for sale. It is a local company. Directions:
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