After a summer spent in the air-conditioned indoors, Phoenicians are eagerly anticipating the arrival of cooler weather, which beckons us to step outside and embrace the beauty of our lovely state. As the temperatures begin to mellow, North Phoenix/Scottsdale comes alive with a renewed sense of energy and excitement. A season packed with outdoor activities and entertainment that highlights Arizona’s quintessential sunny days and clear, cool nights.
One of my personal favorites, besides the cool weather, is ‘Friday Night Lights’, aka football season. There is nothing better than Sunday Funday which includes putting on your favorite comfy sweatshirt, turning on the fire and watching a good football game with friends and family. This year, I am so excited to watch my son, Braxton, and his friends play their first season at Pinnacle High School. Go Pioneers!
While football may be a big deal in our household, there are several other activities that are perfect for exploring Phoenix and its stunning desert landscape.
Hiking Adventures:
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park or Camelback Mountain. The milder temps and golden sunlight create an amazing atmosphere for both novice and experienced hikers. My personal favorite trails include Pinnacle Peak, Gateway and Tom’s Thumb. And don’t forget your phone or camera to capture the Valley’s breathtaking panoramic views and spectacular cotton candy skies during those sunrise/sunset hours.
Farmers Markets:
As we head into peak season, farmers markets pop up throughout North Phoenix and Scottsdale, providing us with an abundance of locally grown produce, artisanal crafts, local boutiques and tasty treats. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with the community and support local businesses.
Farmers Market North Scottsdale opens on September 26th and offers two locations at Troon North and DC Ranch Village Health Club. Uptown Farmer’s Market (located at Central & Bethany Home) is another great one and runs twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, year-round.
My personal favorite: Hopping on my bike and riding over to High Street at City North and grabbing brunch after you shop around their Farmer’s Market which runs every Sunday, 10am-1pm, October- May.
Family Activities:
MacDonald’s Ranch was a definite fall season must when my kids were younger. They loved the horseback riding, petting zoo, panning for gold, lawn games and taking a hayride out to the ‘patch’ to pick out their pumpkins for carving. The pumpkin patch opens September 30th and runs through October 29th.
If you want to make a day of it, another great place to visit is Mortimer Farms in Dewey, AZ. My kids still talk about their Pumpkin Fest which also runs September 30th through October 29th. They offer loads of fun activities including barrel train rides, hayrides and a spectacular corn maze! If you haven’t been, it’s a great activity for kids of all ages. And don’t forget the Arizona State Fair located off W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. This year it runs September 22nd – October 29th and boasts an exciting lineup of attractions, concerts, games, rides, and yummy food trucks – including those fried-food favorites.
Shopping:
Another fall season must-see is Junk in the Trunk. They will be celebrating their 10th year here in the Valley, September 16-18, at Westworld in Scottsdale. It is such an incredible event that hosts over 130 curators and artisans from all over the country. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind, vintage or homemade items and local products, you won’t want to miss this one.
There are so many amazing things to see and do here in the Valley year-round, but with the cooler temperatures on the horizon, I’m looking forward to getting back to patio dining, outdoor concerts on the lawn and many evenings spent in the backyard enjoying the stars with close friends and family.
We hope you’re having a wonderful 2023 so far, especially as we begin to transition from Summer to Fall. If you’re looking to move this season, we’re here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking information about your target market, contact us at 602.900.1331. Also, don’t forget to follow us (@thekimberlylowegroup) on Instagram and Facebook for so much more.
