Scottsdale Downtown has changed in so many ways since I was a little one growing up in Arizona. However, like everything else much has stayed the same.
I have a childhood full of memories visiting my grandparents over school breaks. My grandmother would dress me up in Shirley Temple dresses, itchy white tights and patent leather shoes and we would spend a day in what then was simply named Old Town Scottsdale. Now there is Old Town, Downtown, SouthBridge, WaterFront, Arts District, the 5th Avenue Shops and the Shops on Stetson.
My uncle co-owned L. Larson Jewelers near Brown. After a visit to see Uncle Len, we would walk to lunch at a nearby deli or the Back Stage Bistro located above what I think is now Orange Table. Next we would window shop as the old folks caught up on family gossip and end with a treat at The Sugar Bowl. Today, although the deli and Back Stage Bistro are gone and my Uncle has long since retired there is no love lost. They have been replaced with a new generation of exceptional restaurants, seasonal events and galleries to explore. I’m sure many of the same Kachinas are still in the windows near the shops on Brown, but a little something old is good for nostalgia.
My very favorite constant about this part of Scottsdale is that is has remained accessible in both price and opportunities to get around for locals and visitors of all ages. When the weather is lovely, (as it is now) you can easily spend a day walking with a friend (or grandparents) shopping boutiques and enjoying a meal one of many fantastic patio restaurants.
On the Saturdays, it is a pleasure to shop the Old Town Farmers Market, grab some takeaway from the local food trucks and enjoy the outstanding park at the Civic Center Mall.
A night on the town is enjoyable when you can take a quick cab ride or park your car once and enjoy wine or cocktails at one location, dinner at another and nightlife entertainment somewhere .
I am proud to have Downtown Scottsdale as supporting Sponsor of Local Lily .
You can read previous posts about some of my favorite things all around Scottsdale HERE.
