The perfectly manicured Kierland Commons (Greenway Pkwy. and Scottsdale Rd., North Scottsdale, 480/348-1577, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., noon–6 p.m. Sun.) was the first mall in the Valley to kick off the “urban village” concept, updating the idea of small-town Main Street. Park streetside and stroll the complex’s sidewalks, small gardens, and water fountains, where you’ll see children playing on warm afternoons.
Restaurants, bars, and big-name chains like J. Crew, Juicy Couture, and French Connection set up shop on the ground floor, while residents live upstairs in steel-and-glass condos. Pop into Hemingway’s Cigar Boutique for a quality stogie or Bacchus Wine Made Simple, which specializes in small boutique wines from around the world. Local boutiques like Jennifer Croll and glam-rock 42 Saint are fun stops at this oh-so-North Scottsdale outdoor pedestrian mall.