Today’s traveler expects vacation rental properties to have all the conveniences of home. Many travelers are looking for the ultimate escape and seek homes with resort amenities or features above and beyond their own living accommodations.

Homes stocked with quality items make guests feel pampered and contribute to a better overall experience. No surprise that great experiences lead to better reviews and yield more bookings. Amenities and the guest experience can turn the one time visitor into a repeat guest.

The goal is to create spaces that make guests feel like they never want to leave. Arizona Vacation Home Rentals (AVHR) provides owners with this spreadsheet New Home Inventory List to help you estimate your start up costs. What follows in this blog is essential information along with the rationale for our recommendations.

 

 

Important Policies

• Pet Policy – We do not allow pets inside our homes. Many owners and guests are allergic to them and having a pet in the home can cause damage and extra cleaning.
• Smoking Policy – Absolutely zero smoking is allowed inside or outside of our homes.
• Summertime Thermostats:
  • We send guests emails with summer time thermostat expectations.
  • We ask owners NOT to put locks on their thermostats.
  • We ask owners with remote access not to touch the thermostat when home is occupied with guests. Guests experience different levels of temperature comfort and we want them to be comfortable both day and night.

 

Doing Our Share

• AVHR installs a camera on the front of your home’s garage facing the street:
  • These cameras have audio capability turned off for guest privacy.
  • Cameras help us keep your home and guests safe and assist with ensuring the home isn’t over occupancy limits.
  • We are unable to provide owners access to these cameras.
  • We ask that owners who have security cameras on homes remove them.
  • If owners have cameras to monitor landscaping, pool and pest services, we ask that these be mounted near our camera on the front of the garage. Audio capabilities should be turned off.
  • We strongly urge Ring doorbells be removed. The feedback from past guests is that Ring doorbells make them feel as if they are being spied on.
• Highchairs and Pack ’N Plays are available for guests to reserve for an additional charge. We will deliver and pick them up from your home after the guests check out.
• As part of our service we supply and restock the following:
  • Dish soap, laundry soap, hand soap
  • Toilet paper, paper towels

 

 

Less Pricey Shopping with Quality in Mind

• Our favorite affordable furniture store is American Furniture Warehouse.
• Costco has high quality items for good prices. We recommend purchasing as many of your furnishings (towels, sheets, kitchen items) as possible from Costco.

 

Home Smart Technology

It goes without saying that travelers expect the best home smart technology in their vacation homes whether they are traveling for pleasure or their destination is work-related:

• We recommend high speed internet so guests can log into their personal streaming accounts for watching TV and more.
• Larger homes should have internet extenders to allow access on pool decks.
• Cable TV service is not necessary. Guests can stream their personal apps on smart TVs.
• Choose Smart TVs with a variety of apps and high speed internet options. Samsung is our favorite because they have all the streaming apps, are easy for guests to use and connect to the home’s wifi.
• Many travelers have TVs in their bedrooms at home and expect TVs in the bedrooms of their vacation homes.
• When multiple or large families rent a home together, bedroom TVs offer a quiet place to escape the crowd and view a favorite show.
• Bedroom TVs should be at least 50 inches in size.
• Great room TVs should be at least 65 inches; a sound bar is helpful for homes with movie/theater rooms.
• We do not recommend you subscribe to a streaming service for your home. We will provide an account for guests who do not know how to stream.

 

 

Kitchens for Cooking and Eating

Well stocked kitchens are a perk to staying at a vacation home instead of a hotel. Guests may want to prepare home cooked meals and expect the usual staples to be supplied:

• Double the guest count for dishes and silverware. If your home sleeps 10, purchase 20 counts of plates, cups, bowls, spoons and so on.
• Melamine dinnerware and acrylic drink ware is recommended to have on hand for outdoor/poolside eating and drinking.
• Select by Calphalon pots and pans hold up longer than teflon.
• Providing only silicone spatulas and utensils prevents scratching and damage to cookware.
• We think it is prudent to have both Keurig and drip coffee machines since guests may strongly prefer one over the other.
• Homes for large families often need extra refrigerator space. For homes with only one kitchen fridge we recommend a beverage fridge for the garage or laundry room, or a weather friendly one for the backyard.

 

 

Good Night, Sleep Tight Bedrooms

Everyone deserves to sleep comfortably while on vacation or working away from home. Owners should consider furnishing each bedroom to function as a mini-hotel room:

• Because many people have king beds in their bedrooms at home, our first choice is king beds for ALL bedrooms that have enough floor space. King beds in multiple or all bedrooms reduces arguments over sleeping arrangements and who gets the “primary suite.”
• Queen beds are not usually recommended. Guests have never complained about a bed being too big for a bedroom but we do get comments about not enough king beds.
• In some homes we recommend 2 king beds with a nightstand between them which increases occupancy and allows us to increase the pricing of the home. Please talk to someone at AVHR before purchasing 2 kings beds for a bedroom.
• If a king bed does not fit, the next best option is two XL twin beds.
• Cozy and premium bedding enhances everyone’s sleep. We recommend hotel style comforters that are easy to wash and protectors to keep pillows and mattresses fresh and long-lasting. Avoid cheap, ill-fitted bed sheets as guests notice and comment in home reviews about preferring luxurious bed linens. Kirkland Signature sheets at Costco are a good choice.
• Provide extra blankets that are the same size as beds. Store these in clear sweater or blanket bags on closet shelves in the bedrooms. Our cleaning staff will know blankets need washed if they are out of storage bags or closets.
• Supply one set of sheets per bed. Choose white which can be bleached or a neutral color. Guests will typically use any and all extra sets of sheets so please no more than one or two extra sheet sets in your home. Too many linens to wash makes it challenging to turn homes in a timely manner.
• Area rugs are recommended for bedrooms without carpet. Keep in mind that rugs (and carpets) will need to be cleaned when dirty or replaced when stained or worn.
• Guests want to unpack their luggage and move into their vacation rental home: a luggage rack is recommended for each bedroom.
• Bedrooms should have closets and dressers. We recommend a hanging closet organizer for bedrooms that are don’t have space for a dresser.
• Bedrooms without closet space should have an armoire or wardrobe for guests to hang clothes.

 

 

Fresh and Clean: Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms

Bathrooms and bedrooms tend to be the rooms that leave lasting impressions on guests. Guests respond well to bathrooms that are updated so this may be money well spent:

• Tan, grey or white towels are the best choice of colors for towels. You need two towels per guest. If your home sleeps 10 you will need 20 bath towels, 20 hand towels and 20 wash cloths.
• Charisma 100% hygrocotton towels from Costco are perfect. Walmart has a cheaper towel option (standard bath towels are about $5); however, the price reflects the quality and they will likely need to be replaced more frequently.
• Pool towels should be the same number as the maximum occupancy in your home and a separate color or pattern to avoid confusion with bath towels.
• Towels should not be stored under sinks as problems may occur; place them in linen closets or bedrooms
• Clear, plastic soap dispensers ensure the cleaning crew sees when they need to be refilled. The metal kind tend to corrode.
• Step stools for hand washing and toothbrushing are advised to discourage children from standing on and breaking commode seats.
• We highly recommend adding a commercial grade washer and dryer to your home. The washer should have a quick wash feature to facilitate flipping your home quickly when necessary.
• An iron and ironing board are a must; a steamer is even better.
• No bleach products – we will remove them from your home if we find them as guests tend to bleach the wrong things. This will help protect your towels and bedding from being ruined.

 

 

The Outdoor Oasis

Many guests comment in home reviews how much they enjoy the outdoor spaces at their vacation home. Lay a foundation for memory making with an amenity rich outdoor setting that includes comfortable furnishings and activities for guests of all ages:

• We recommend adding a hot tub to your property if you do not have one. Even with a heated pool, the weather can be too cool for swimming in the winter. Hot tubs are high on the list of searched amenities and add value to guests’ experiences. We find chlorine works best for hot tubs.
• Patio furniture should include a dining table and chair set with enough seating for the guest occupancy number.
  • Extra chairs that are light, comfortable and can be easily moved to and from the pool area are also needed. Home Depot has inexpensive choices: non-metal is preferred as metal gets hot in the sun although wicker tends to break down in the sun over time.
  • Several small outdoor end tables are a nice touch and add to guests’ comfort.
  • Umbrellas are needed for pool decks and patios. Unfortunately, umbrellas wear out. Expect to replace them every 1 – 2 years.
  • Sturdy umbrella stands are a must! The wind picks up quickly during monsoon season and can knock the umbrellas and stands into the pools. Choose stands that are at least 30 lbs; heavier and with wheels are even better.
• We highly recommend adding pool heat to your pool. Electric is preferred because although it takes longer to reach the desired temperature, it costs far less to maintain the temp goal.
  • Electric heat costs roughly $7-10/day; gas heat can be as much as $25/day in cold months.
  • We charge guests for daily pool heat; therefore, the cost of adding a heater will pay for itself in 2 – 3 years.
  • We turn pool heaters on in October and run them full time until May. The exception to this is if we have a vacancy gap longer than a week or two. The actual cost to heat a pool from the ambient temperature of 55°- 60° up to 85° is more than if we leave the pool heat on all the time.
  • We suggest pool covers for pools that have electric heat pumps.
• We recommend leaving pool pumps on 24/7; this ensures the pool stays heated and clean.
• You will need to set up weekly pool service with a pool maintenance company. The service needs to be available for weekend service calls.
• For liability reasons we do not supply pool toys or life jackets. If owners or former guests leave these items for incoming guests to use we advise guests they are to use at their own risk.
• Outdoor toys such as corn hole add exciting choices for guests. Expect all toys to get wet and wear out over time. Wood products should be avoided.
• Bikes are recommended for each home. We suggest four mountain bikes: two men’s and two women’s. AVHR can refer you to our bike service for regular maintenance.
• Landscaping services should be set up for twice each month.
• A monthly pest service is recommended with a repeat, no cost, same-day call out as needed.

 

 

The Final Touch

• We ask that owners provide a key package that includes 4 sets of each key to the home: door, mailbox and community pool. We will label the keys.
• Guests respond well to updated homes. This may seem small but we recommend changing any brass hardware: door knobs, pulls, handles, and hinges as these age a home.
• And finally, your vacation rental should meet high standards of comfort, convenience and cleanliness. These significantly impact impressions and reviews. Guests may have suggestions that are helpful and we will keep you apprised of these. Over time AVHR will help you review the quality of your vacation rental property and recommend upgrades and improvements when needed.

 

Save money and support local business by booking directly through

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals

Phone/Text: 480.626.4072

 

 

Our guests’ safety and security is our number one priority. We also want our owners to feel comfortable with how we safeguard their investments and protect guests. While most short term renters treat our homes as they do their own, there is the occasional guest who violates our NO party, event or large group policy. A party can be devastating: neighbors are annoyed, the police are called and HOAs impose owner fines or pass covenants that restrict short term rentals within the community. Damage from a party can be extensive: insurance and other claims rarely cover all expenses.

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals is taking steps to improve the overall guest, neighbor and owner experience by increasing the smart technology at our homes. The installed devices add another layer of protection and ultimately reduce incidents which result in rental violations, unwarranted damage to property and annoyed neighbors.

 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are familiar technology that protect guests and homes. In some houses the alarms are wired to the home’s electrical circuit and connected to the other detectors in the home. When any unit detects smoke or carbon monoxide, the alarm activates a sound simultaneously throughout the home. Should the home lose electricity they default to battery power.

Some homes utilize battery powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The units function individually, detecting dangerous smoke or carbon monoxide levels and emitting an alarm to notify the people in the home. Many of our vacation homes have both electrically wired and battery powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

 

Security Cameras

Guest privacy is critical and installing camera and surveillance devices inside of vacation homes is illegal. Exterior cameras are legal; however, disclosure of any cameras on a property is required by many online travel agencies such as Airbnb and VRBO.

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals has added cameras to the exteriors of many of our homes. The cameras face the street and provide a clear view of the entire driveway both day and night. The audio capability of the cameras is off: we do not record conversations or sounds. The cameras are monitored to ensure guests are not having parties or groups larger than authorized in the rental agreement. They enhance guest safety by catching break-ins and and identifying suspicious activities. In case of incidents, the cameras have playback capabilities which protect guests against unwarranted claims by an HOA and other conflicts of interest.

 

Remote Locks

Remote locks have been added to improve security and facilitate both keyless and contactless entry into our vacation homes. The locks are integrated with our reservation system: guests will receive a unique code that allows entry for the duration of their reservation. Problems with lost keys, duplication of keys or guests being locked out are avoided. The codes are modified remotely between guests to give future guests peace of mind in knowing the home is secure.

 

NoiseAware

To keep neighbors happy and prevent incidents we have added NoiseAware to our homes. Two or three of these small units have been placed both inside and out at all of our homes. NoiseAware does not detect or record any sounds or conversations. Instead, the units measure noise levels in decibels and, based on preset noise levels, alert guests when there is excessive noise at a home. If guests do not respond and reduce the noise Arizona Vacation Home Rentals is notified. NoiseAware is another use of technology to guard against unfair accusations by HOAs or neighbors.

 

The Bottom Line

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals wants to deliver an optimal experience for our guests and owners. We know travelers rely on technology to plan and book time away with the expectation that travel agencies stay current on best practices. With our new smart home tech solutions travelers can be reassured the vacation property they choose for relaxing or working is safe and secure. Owners’ confidence and peace of mind will grow knowing we have upped our tech game to protect their investments and guests.

 

 

Save money and support local business by booking directly through

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals

Phone/Text: 480.626.4072

 

The smallest bird you’ll observe zipping around or hovering within gardens and parks in the Sonoran Desert is the hummingbird. Southeastern Arizona hosts more than a dozen species of hummers as year round residents, seasonal visitors or accidental tourists during migration. Their wing speed of 80 beats or more per second is remarkable which, along with their flapping tail feathers, accounts for the buzzing noise you may hear as they flit between nectar supplies. Nests are crafted of lichens intertwined with spider webs and well camouflaged. Broods are usually 2 eggs, occasionally 3.

Don’t be fooled by the size of these tiny, fairy like birds sporting iridescent colors and pointed bills. At feeders and darting among tube shaped flowers they are territorial and warrior-like, defending food sources, nests and potential mates with their dagger like beaks. Scrappy and relentless, they are capable of flying up, down, backward and sideways. Many species are also proficient at flying thousands of miles along migration routes between Alaska and Mexico or Central America.

 

Hummingbirds You’ll See in the Greater Phoenix Area

There are 7 hummingbird species commonly viewed in the greater Phoenix area:

• Allen’s
• Anna’s
• Black-chinned
• Broad-tailed
• Calliope
• Costa’s
• Rufous

I will tempt you with interesting and fun trivia about each of these plus suggest local habitats where you are likely to find the species. For more detailed descriptions, photos of both male and females and additional fascinating facts, consult a bird guide or websites that feature hummingbirds and their characteristics.

 

Allen’s Hummingbird breeds along the Pacific coast and is typically viewed in our area only when migrating between western California and Mexico in the spring and fall. They are small, chunky birds measuring about 3.5 inches or 9 cm long and sport shades of copper, orange and green. Males have a distinct red-orange throat and emit a bee-like buzz with their wings. In addition to drinking flower nectar, these hummers flycatch or pluck insects from plants with their straight bills.

 

 

Once common to the Phoenix area in winter only, Anna’s Hummingbird has increased both visiting and breeding numbers in Arizona in early spring and late fall, making it one of the hummingbird species you are most likely to see in the Phoenix area. Partial to desert scrub and riparian woodlands, this hummer is also a frequent guest in residential gardens and especially those with exotic plants. Whereas many hummingbirds are vocally silent, these males are unique in their ability to make sounds that are musical in nature. Highly territorial, the males also do elaborate aerial dives ending in tail-produced popping sounds to deter intruders such as other birds and people. Anna’s Hummingbird is one of the larger hummers in the Phoenix area yet is considered a medium-sized, slightly stocky hummer. Grey-green in color, males are distinguished by an iridescent red-pink head and throat.

 

 

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer native to Arizona, arriving in March or April and departing in October to spend winter in Mexico. They are highly adaptable and common in middle and lower elevations choosing habitats of deciduous woodlands, canyons, meadows, orchards or cities with flowering trees and shrubs. Similar to the Allen’s Hummingbird in length, they are more slender with an almost straight black bill. Males have a dark throat edged in purple; female throats are pale. Both males and females have muted green back feathers and dull grey chests. They are often spotted on high tree snags when they aren’t zipping erratically between nectar sources. They are frequent visitors to feeding stations throughout the greater Phoenix area. Males use aerial display flights which include 70-100 feet pendular dives to attract females or defend their territories.

 

 

Another native to Arizona is the Broad-tailed Hummingbird which typically arrives in late spring and returns to Mexico at the end of September. Breeding habitats include higher elevations on the fringe of pinyon-juniper, oak, pine and evergreen  forests. Males make audible metallic chirps with their wings as they dart between blossoms and perform rapid aerial dives. Adorned with noticeable iridescent green on dorsal parts and white chests, their tails flash white tips when in flight. Females and young hummers have green spots on their throats; males sport a magenta-red throat patch. Considered to be a medium size hummer, they have slender bodies and big heads (relative to other hummingbird species).

 

 

The smallest of the hummingbirds in our area and in the United States is the Calliope Hummingbird with its relatively short tails, wings and bills. Displaying metallic green on their heads and upper parts, both males and females have white or buff breasts. Males are easy to distinguish because they have long streaks of purple-magenta feathers down their necks and perform impressive 100 foot, U shaped aerial dives during courtship. These birds may be tiny but are fierce during the breeding season and have been observed pursuing much larger birds in defense of their nests and mates. They spend winters in Mexico but travel through Arizona in the spring enroute to their breeding grounds along the Pacific coast. Similar to the Allen Hummingbird, the Calliope sips nectar from plants and is a flycatcher of insects.

 

 

The Costa’s Hummingbird chooses desert and sage scrub or chaparral as a preferred habitat and drinks nectar from different desert plants such as ocotillo and chuparosa. Their breeding season falls mainly between late winter and spring and to avoid Arizona’s hot summers they then migrate to the coast of California. The female is the nest builder and chooses shrubs, small trees and occasionally a cactus or yucca for the nest site. These are small, compact hummers with a short tail and stooped presentation when perched. Males feature a remarkable purple-amethyst gorget atop their heads and along their necks that conveys a mustached appearance. Both males and females have green backs and white underparts. Known to be more reticent than other hummers, they are likely to visit your feeding stations if you have more than one nectar source available.

 

 

Last but never least is the bold and territorial Rufous Hummingbird, a common visitor to Arizona hummingbird feeders during their long migrations between Alaska and Mexico. In areas where there are nectar rich flowers and feeders they may stay for a week or two to rest and bulk up for their arduous travels. Unfortunately, Rufous Hummingbirds may discourage other hummers from visiting your feeders as they are naturally greedy and will chase competitors away. Males are orange-brown in color; females are green-orange. They choose desert scrubs, mountain meadows and other locations with flowers and feeders for their migratory habitats.

 

Feeding Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds require a significant amount of nectar to maintain their high metabolic rates. You can attract resident and transient hummers to sip in your presence by hanging specialized feeders filled with nectar and planting native tubular flowers in yards and parks. Red seems to be a favorite flower color although my hummers also frequent pink, yellow and purple blossoms. Native Arizona plants such as trumpet creeper, lupine, salvias, penstemon, Columbine and bee balms are a source of rich and natural food for hummers. Hummers also consume and feed insects to their young so avoid using insecticides in your yard. Nearby branches or perches for resting between drinks add an inviting touch.

Safe and appealing nectar is easily made by stirring 1 cup of white (not raw) sugar into 4 cups of water and boiling for a minute or two. Please do not add food coloring or dyes which are harmful to hummingbirds and not necessary. Leftover nectar should be stored in your refrigerator. Change the nectar before it gets cloudy and toxic to hummers. Feeders will get moldy relative to the humidity and ambient temps and should be cleaned with mild soapy water, rinsed thoroughly and refilled as needed.

 

Places to See Hummingbirds in the Phoenix Area

• Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix
• Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert
• Hummingbird Habitat at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler
• Rio Salada Audubon Center in Phoenix

 

 

See Hummingbirds at Arizona Vacation Home Rentals’ Properties

Diamond Spirit Ranch

 

Gold Canyon Retreat

 

Gold Canyon Trails

 

Red Bird Nest

 

The Castle Resort

 

 

Save money and support local business by booking directly through

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals

Phone/Text: 480.626.4072

 

*Photo credits: © Gilbert S Grant

By providing links to other sites, AVHR does not guarantee, approve, or endorse information or products available on these sites.

 

Mesa is the place to be if you’re looking for adventures and activities for the whole family. Check out the Mesa Parks Spring 2023 Activity Guide, Jump In, for classes, activities and special events:  https://www.mesaparks.com/sports-programs/activity-guide.

 

Registration is required for some activities and classes. Most are open to both residents and visitors.

 

Need a comfortable place to stay? Arizona Vacation Home Rentals has a variety of family friendly homes in the greater Phoenix area which includes Mesa.

 

 

Save money and support local business by booking directly through 

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals

Phone/Text:  480.626.4072

 

Black-tailed Jackrabbit

 

Jackrabbits are Not Rabbits

That flash of tall, black or white tipped ears you see racing and leaping in the desert may be called a jackrabbit but it’s not a rabbit, it’s a hare. Hares and rabbits are different: hares are usually bigger than rabbits; they have longer hind legs and ears; they prefer living in open areas; and their young are born covered in fur with eyes wide open. Also, mother hares do not build nests and the babies can run as soon as they are born.

 

Sonoran Desert Jackrabbits

The antelope and black-tailed jackrabbits are desert dwelling hares that live in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. The antelope jackrabbit is the larger hare, weighing as much as 10 pounds. Its distinctly tall ears are edged in white and it has a patch of white fur on both flanks. When the antelope hare darts from a predator, the white on the flanks flash, resembling the flash of the pronghorn antelope.

The smaller black-tailed jack weighs about 5-8 pounds. It is more commonly spotted in the Sonoran Desert than the antelope jack, however, its range does not extend into the southern parts of this desert. This brownish jackrabbit features black-tipped ears and tail. Usually found in open flat areas, the male and female are similar in markings although the females are often slightly larger than the males.

To conserve energy, both hares are mostly nocturnal, resting in the shade during the day and moving about to feed at night. They often rest and forage in small groups. Jacks are herbivores and consume grasses, mesquite leaves, beans, clover and cacti. Technically, they do not consume surface water; instead, they obtain water in the plants they eat. They rely on their eyes and ears for protection and often stand on their back legs and stretch upward to view predators. Antelope jacks will sometimes freeze when they spot a predator but if necessary can run 30 plus mph and leap 15 feet in the air to escape. Black-tailed jacks rarely freeze; they prefer zigzagging to escape predation.

 

Finding Jackrabbits

If you want to see a jackrabbit, where could you go? Why the desert, of course. You may need binoculars because jackrabbits are elusive and difficult to spot despite their large populations. Below are parks with hiking and biking trails where you are likely to spot either or both of our charming hares.

 

• Apache Wash Trailhead    (Phoenix)
• Boyce Thompson Arboretum   (Superior)
• Desert Arroyo Park   (Mesa)
• Lost Dutchman State Park   (Base of Superstition Mountains)
• Saguaro National Park   (Tucson)
• Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument   (Ajo)
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve   (North Phoenix)
• South Mountain Park/Preserve   (Phoenix)
• Superstition Mountains   (surrounding Phoenix)
• Usery Mountain Regional Park   (Mesa)
• Veteran’s Oasis   (Chandler)

 

Black-tailed Jackrabbits at Veteran’s Oasis

 

 

Save money and support local business by booking directly through

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals

Phone/Text:  480.626.4072

 

 

Video and photo credits: © Gilbert S Grant

By providing links to other sites, AVHR does not guarantee, approve, or endorse information or products available on these sites.

 

 

Shopping as a Favorite Pastime

An Arizona vacation is on your minds. She loves the golf course; he adores shopping. She packs her clubs and golf skirts. He packs walking shoes and not much else because he plans to fill his suitcase with Arizona treasures.

Everyone will be happy because the greater Phoenix area is famous for its private and public golf courses (see Calling ALL Golfers!). It’s also a paradise for the avid shopper!

 

Unique Shopping Venues

For starters, try these distinctly different markets:

• Mesa Market Place Swap Meet is a year-round Saturday and Sunday shopping extravaganza with a smorgasbord of merchandise to browse and buy. Parking and admission are free and there is live music and food on site so you can make a day (or weekend) of it. The 1550 plus merchants are a popular destination for locals and visitors alike so come early and of course bring a vehicle with extensive storage space. If you’re not a mall shopper you may enjoy this unique experience.

 

 

• Old Town Scottsdale, in the heart of the Scottsdale’s historic downtown, offers the best of Southwestern art, jewelry, fashion and collectable trinkets. The 5^thAvenue Shopping District is designed with the pedestrian shopper in mind and features exclusive bling and objet d’art. For those who prefer one stop shopping for their high-end designer merchandise, a visit to the premiere Scottsdale Fashion Square should satisfy all of your upscale shopping needs.

 

 

• Tempe Marketplace is a favorite outdoor shopping center with over 100 shops and restaurants to choose from. Famous for its aesthetic appeal and creative design, the market includes water features, fireplaces, engaging art displays and gathering spaces to enjoy live entertainment. Parking is plentiful and shopping opportunities include the familiar anchor stores as well as smaller stores with more local flavor and treasures.

 

 

• Desert Ridge Marketplace in northern Phoenix is a shopping experience with an intense element of intrigue for those searching for exclusive designs, chef prepared meals and engaging entertainment. Familiar anchor stores amidst quaint curio shops will delight the shopper seeking excitingly unique and outdoor ambiance.

 

For Those Who Prefer Malls

Room for more in your suitcase? These more traditional malls might get the job done:

• Arizona Mills   (Tempe)
• Biltmore Fashion Park   (Phoenix)
• Gilbert Gateway Town Center   (Gilbert)
• Mesa Grand   (Mesa)
• Mesa Riverview   (Mesa)
• SanTan Village   (Gilbert)
• Superstition Springs Center   (Mesa)
• Uptown Plaza (Phoenix)

 

 

Save money and support local business by booking directly through

Arizona Vacation Home Rentals

Phone/Text: 480.626.4072