brimming with style and energy! With Dave along to capture our spree on video (and carry the shopping bags), Michelle and I made our first stop at Kierland Commons. This open-air center is perfect for soaking up the sun as you browse offerings that range from national stars like Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand Jeans and Z Gallerie to local gems like Lather and The French Bee. You’ll also find great dining options like Tommy Bahama’s and Zinc Bistro. Tip: After a full day of shopping, Lather’s Lavender & Eucalyptus Foot Crème is the perfect pick-me-up!

another retail hotspot, Scottsdale Quarter. Upscale, eclectic and charming are all great words to describe this fabulous mix of retail, dining and entertainment. Michelle picked up some stylish poolside couture at Beach Bunny Swimwear and I scored a great new yoga outfit at lululemon Athletica. The Quarter also is home to the Valley’s first iPic Theater where you can sink into a plush seat, grab a blanket and order a chef-prepared meal (complete with wine!) to enjoy during your show.

Southwest’s largest shopping destination, Scottsdale Fashion Square. Home to Arizona’s first Barneys New York, Fashion Square will tempt you with all the top brands you love – kate spade, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Nordstrom, MAC, H&M and so many more. After a full morning of shopping, Dave needed serious refueling, so we passed up the tempting pastries and headed straight for Marcella’s Italian Kitchen (just one of the center’s many great dining options) for fresh pasta and their famous braised veal meatballs.

Scottsdale Trolley and headed from Fashion Square to the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau visitor center. The walls of the center are stocked with hundreds of brochures detailing things to see and do in the city. If you’re at a loss for where to start, just consult one of the Scottsdale CVB’s fabulous concierges. These helpful professionals know the city inside and out and are quick to offer up ideas and recommendations.

nearby Old Town Scottsdale. Custom jewelry, Native American art and colorful Mexican imports are just some of the treasures you’ll find along the district’s quaint streets. But, since we were planning a visit to the Rusty Spur this trip (check out the Nightlife video!), we moseyed right over to Saba’s Western Wear for a new set of duds. Cowboy hat? Check. Comfy leather boots? Check. Snazzy snap-button shirt for Dave? Check. Now we’re ready to hit the Spur’s dance floor in style.

claim a table on Olive & Ivy’s spacious patio on the Scottsdale Waterfront. We started with some antipasti, flatbreads and a round of signature cocktails (my favorite is the Poison Ivy, a refreshing blend of gin, blackberries, Limoncello, fresh basil and lemonade), then decided to stay right through dinner and enjoy the sunset views. It was the perfect way to end the day!