Art & Culture Focus
Officially opened in 1992, the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery of Western American and Native American Art features over 1,500 pieces of art in a vast array of mediums including oil paintings, watercolors, wood-turned bowls, basketry, pottery, Kachinas and jewelry and is the perfect way to start your day. Make your way to Historic Downtown Chandler and the story of Chandler and Central Arizona comes to life at the Chandler Museum with artifacts, photographs and reconstructed period rooms. A few highlights include a replica of a tent house used by early settlers, artifacts of prehistoric southwestern Native Americans, and a replica of Chandler's first store, Morrison's General Store.
Grab lunch in Historic Downtown Chandler at any one of the fabulous restaurants in downtown Chandler. The square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Dr. Alexander J. Chandler, the founding father for the City of Chandler was a visionary during his time and was inspired by the City Beautiful Movement. The design followed the founding principles of the movement, which centered on the beautification and development of an urban area with the city’s core as a public park with surrounding retail buildings designed to create beauty and harmony. Eclectic art galleries, trendy boutiques, tasty restaurants and the historic Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort surround Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the City’s original town square.
Today, Historic Downtown Chandler has become a unique dining mecca offering unique eateries such as the Bistro at Kokopelli Winery, an Arizona micro-winery and café, InPockets - a European deli and bakery, 98 South Restaurant and Wine Bar, La Stalla Cucina Rustica Restaurant, Brunchie’s, El Zocalo Mexican Grille, Sushi Eye in Motion…featuring Arizona’s only automated sushi belt, Ubran Tea Loft and so many more. Boutique shops include such places as Di Sciacca Company featuring museum quality, original mouth blown glassware and the Blue Peacock, a unique gift and home accessory shop. This is a great place to spend an afternoon, wandering through the shops, breaking for a delicious lunch, and perhaps spend some time relaxing in the park. Historic Downtown Chandler is also home to a monthly ArtWalk held the first Wednesday of each month, a year round farmer’s market held Thursday afternoons as well as many events such as the annual Jazz Festival each spring.
In the evening, make your way to Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse and see how the west was won with an Arizona shoot-out followed by a trip to the local saloon!
A shopper's Paradise
Chandler is an exciting shopping destination with unique boutiques and the East Valley's most upscale shopping district featuring nationally known department stores at Chandler Fashion Center. When you combine the mall with the shopping areas of Casa Paloma, Chandler Pavilions, the Falls at Ocotillo and Historic Downtown Chandler— it is easy to see why so many refer to Chandler as a shopper’s paradise that will please even the most discerning tastes.
Chandler Fashion Center is a premier regional mall offering a new concept in shopping experiences. The mall is anchored by Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Macy’s and Sears, and highlights The Village, an outdoor pavilion with a variety of restaurants, Harkins 20-plex Theater and SRP Centennial Waters, an interactive display of music, light and sound. Some of the other 180+ shops and eateries include Eddie Bauer Home, Pottery Barn Kids, Coach, Arden B, Harry & David, The Apple Store, Sephora, and Cheesecake Factory. Chandler Fashion Center also offers unique services such as personal shopping services and valet parking.
Chandler Pavilions and Casa Paloma have a decidedly upscale feel, and offer unique shopping, dining and recreation. Here you can find year-round ice-skating at Desert Schools Coyote Center, state-of-the art technology at Showcase Entertainment, and spectacular kitchen furnishings and cooking lessons at Sur la Table. Trendsetters will find the latest fashions at Talbots, White House/Black Market, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic and the nation’s only stand alone Philosophy retail store. Don’t forget to save time to enjoy a meal at any one of their many restaurants, including Tomaso’s, Bucca di Beppo, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, Fleming’s, Roy’s and My Big Fat Greek Restaurant - just to mention a few to help you re-charge your soul! Casa Paloma also offers shoppers special events throughout the year including their Saturday market, which is typically held October through mid May. Chandler Pavilions/Casa Paloma.
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