Home is the place where you live, work, build relationships and grow your family. Clients want to know where they are going to gather, mix and mingle. Believe it or not, more than the kitchen, the number of bedrooms, and square footage, a home search begins with the search for a certain lifestyle. Being locals ourselves, the Bruske Team prides itself in being experts on our town. We love sharing with you all the places that make our home the best place to be. We invite you to explore what makes living in The Valley of the Sun such a pleasure.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of culinary delights here in the valley. Some of the hottest chefs and newest trends are located in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. For fine dining in Scottsdale, look no further than Ocean 44, offering world-class seafood in a vibrant contemporary atmosphere. Ocean 44’s menu is built around chef-sourced, highest-grade sustainable seafood from around the world and is enhanced by interesting appetizers and unique side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu. The dining room features a lively bar but also maintains quiet nooks and intimate dining rooms, all while offering an airy coastal vibe. This dining experience is, second to none, an unforgettable outing.
Also located in the luxury wing of the Scottsdale Fashion Square, you will find Nobu. Renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa brings culinary distinction and carefully crafted classics that have gained critical acclaim for over two decades. We love the perfectly prepared Black Cod, Yellowtail Jalapeno, and New Style Sashimi all enjoyed beneath a 15-foot skylight. We also enjoy the wide selection of premium sake that pairs perfectly with the cuisine, and be sure to ask for the off-menu chef specials. It’s hard to miss if you are looking for a truly satisfying dining experience.
Our final recommendation will take you on a culinary adventure through the regions of Italy. Located in Scottsdale, Fat Ox features Chef Matt Carter’s modern interpretations of traditional dishes and flavors. You will enjoy pasta made in-house daily, slow-roasted meats, wild fish, and seafood, all with a creative twist. We also recommend trying their family-style menu for larger parties. Be ready to expand on your comfort zone and jump into this culinary experience.
Where to Shop
Out for a day of shopping? You can find just about anything on your list and all the amazing extras you just can’t pass up at the unique and locally sourced boutiques in our areas. Check out our favorite stops.
We have the perfect place for any gift- birthday, anniversary, hostess, get well, and even children, look no further than Urbana/ Arcadia Toys. Urbana is all about sharing local love, featuring talented artists and creators from our neighborhoods. Connected to Urbana is Arcadia Toys, which features carefully collected stem toys and lovies, some of the most clever and squeezable gifts for your littlest loves. Visit these shops at 5027 N. 44th St in Phoenix and discover an elegant home store with unique decor, party goods, designer furnishings, and luxury gifts.
While in Arcadia you should also visit Metier Pharmacy at 3601 E Indian School Rd. Voted best of the Valley four years in a row, Metier Pharmacy is a retro-modern pharmacy in the heart of Arcadia. It’s the perfect blend of pharmacy, apothecary, and boutique. The boutique offers home, bath, and body products that are all-natural and of the highest quality. Metier Pharmacy features products from local, independent businesses, and everything they have to offer would make a great gift or treat for yourself.
On your way home or as you head to a festive dinner party, don’t forget to stop at Arcadia Premium for a fine selection of over 100 wines and about 300 craft beers. Located at 56th Street and Thomas, Arcadia Premium is your local corner store and also offers some charcuterie items, cocktail mixers, and locally produced goodies. If you are running short on time, they also offer the convenience of delivery. Keep them in mind for your next party as well, and they can deliver the beer and wine, great selections, and service you can trust!
If you are looking for a great vintage/antique store, look no further than The Art of Rust. Located at Indian School and 28th St, The Art of Rust is known for their huge selection of vintage-inspired doors and windows. If you are looking to add an industrial, steampunk vibe to your home or garden, this place is perfect for you. We are always amazed by the truly unique treasures we discover here and the amazing prices. They even offer a discount for cash. Hours can vary, so be sure to check the website and then go hunt for treasure!
Willows Fine Goods and Design is a true local treasure. Specializing in the creation of a beautiful lifestyle for their customers, their team has over 150 years of combined experience in design and luxury home furnishing. Their showroom offers their customers an elegant but casual atmosphere to select the furnishings and details that will make their house a home. You will also find fine clothing, jewelry, art, bedding, and amazing accessories for your tabletop. Willows emits an elegant French feeling with a casual, shabby chic flair, be prepared to be wow-ed!
Just for Fun
One of the best parts of living in The Valley of the Sun is there is always an event taking place. Whether you prefer a food fair, art festival, farmers market, live music, or family event, you could fill your calendar with local events. The Holiday season is not an exception. Starting soon, you will have the opportunity to experience some of the best events the Phoenix/Scottsdale Area has to offer.
The Desert Botanical Gardens is a must-visit year-round, showcasing thousands of species of cacti, trees, and flowers from all around the world. A trip to the gardens not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of the desert but also care for and learn about it. One of their most fantastic events of the year is Noches de las Luminarias. Luminaries and twinkling holiday lights line the garden’s trails for a majestic night that includes music and entertainment.
The Phoenix Zoo also goes big during the holidays with Zoo Lights. We highly recommend this event for families with little ones. Zoo Lights improves each year as the Phoenix Zoo adds more lights and exhibits to amplify the magic of the holidays. You can count on a Santa Experience, a light show including a 50-foot LED tree, delicious treats, and more! This year, you can also experience Dinosaurs in the Desert, an amazing prehistoric experience. This event runs from November 23- January 15th, so there is plenty of time to experience the magic of Zoo Lights
Scottsdale is home to two of the hottest holiday events in town. Christmas at the Princess and Scottsdazzle promises to have you feeling the joy of the season. Scottsdazzle takes place in Old Town Scottsdale and offers over 45 events that sparkle and shine. You can enjoy shopping and dining surrounded by extravagant decorations and a festive atmosphere. Check the events calendar online so you can plan to meet Santa, sing carols as the tree is lit, and experience a live nativity. Up in North Scottsdale, at the Fairmont Princess Resort the Christmas spirit is alive. Christmas at the Princess offers 65 acres of Christmas magic, 6.5 million lights, and many experiences for the whole family. We highly recommend the outdoor ice rink complete with fire pits and igloos and don’t forget to visit Santa in an intimate experience your kids will never forget. If you really want to wow your family, book an overnight stay and take advantage of amazing packages and VIP specials the resort has to offer.
Go Enjoy!
From our families to yours, we wish you all the best experiences in the Valley of the Sun year-round and especially during the holidays. The Bruske Team would be honored to give you a tour of the areas that make our home the best place to live.