Scouted Home Stores Based in the West, Midwest, and Southwest You Should Know About

Originally published by The Scout Guide on February 25, 2022.

When it comes to creating a home that is beautiful, functional, and uniquely you, having a local home store stocked with carefully selected finds—and staffed with in-the-know people offering exceptional in-person customer service—can be a key difference-maker. For those who might be seeking an interiors refresh (or a complete redo), we asked The Scout Guide editors across the country to recommend their favorite home stores in their areas. Whether you’re looking for a key piece of furniture, a statement-making accessory, or a simple candle to serve as your new signature scent, these local retailers are ready to bring interest and personality to your abode through their thoughtfully curated offerings. Discover more here.

THE COLLECTOR’S HOUSE

Photography courtesy of The Collector’s House.

STORE: The Collector’s House
LOCATION: Scottsdale, Arizona
WHAT THEY CARRY: The Collector’s House is a classically designed modern lifestyle and interior design boutique with items that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Inspiration is abounds at The Collector’s House’s recently expanded retail and trade showroom with pieces from sought-after furniture designers like Alfonso Marina and Verellen,” says The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale editor Sasha Clements. “This well curated lifestyle and interiors boutique is a destination for the distinguished designer and sophisticated homeowner.”

CORNELIA PARK

Photography courtesy of Cornelia Park.

STORE: Cornelia Park
LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona
WHAT THEY CARRY: Cornelia Park is the largest independent retailer of MacKenzie-Child products and offers an inspiring selection of colorful and eclectic home accessories and furniture.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Owner Anne Park and the Cornelia Park team are known for their outstanding product knowledge,” says The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale editor Sasha Clements. “Customers can expect to work with a well-trained member of the team either via phone or in-person at their store at the Biltmore Fashion Square.”

URBANA

Photography courtesy of urbAna.

STORE: urbAna
LOCATION: Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona
WHAT THEY CARRY: urbAna is an elegant home goods store offering luxury gifts, artisan decor items, party goods and decorations, and designer furnishings.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Owners Ana and Brian Wells proudly carry many local Phoenix artists, designers, and creators at both of their two locations in the Valley,” says The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale editor Sasha Clements. “The store is a true must-visit.”

VALERIEANNE

Photography courtesy of Valerieanne of Scottsdale.

STORE: Valerieanne of Scottsdale
LOCATION: Scottsdale, Arizona
WHAT THEY CARRY: This chic shop features luxury linens, stylish bedding, tabletop, bathroom accessories, and beautiful gifts for your home.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Owner Greg Harper procures unique and vintage furniture and exquisite accessories, the finest bedding and linens, luxurious towels and bathroom accessories, tabletop items, rugs, pillows, and textiles that all give distinct personality to the special spaces in a home,” says The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale editor Sasha Clements.

8 Scouted Cities That Are Perfect for a Warm-Weather Winter Getaway

Originally published by The Scout Guide on February 23, 2022.

If lingering chilly temperatures and unpredictable weather have you itching for a warm-weather escape, we have just the antidote: a trip to one of our vacation-ready scouted cities. Whether your getaway goals include relaxing by the water, dining al fresco, enjoying a world-class cultural experience, or doing some casual window shopping, these locations have you covered. Read on to discover Phoenix & Scottsdale and head here to learn about 7 other fabulous destinations.

PHOENIX & SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

Photography by Unsplash.

For an otherworldly escape, a trip to the awe-inspiring Sonoran Desert and the bustling desert towns of Scottsdale and Phoenix, is just the thing to chase away the winter blues. Sasha Clements, editor of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale, notes that with iconic landscapes under picture-perfect skies, luxury resorts, stellar shopping, chef-driven restaurants, and endless exciting activities and attractions, there’s much to explore and appreciate. Adding to the area’s allure, “Creating, enjoying, and supporting the arts is a way of life here,” she says. “And with a vibe unlike anywhere else in the world, the creative spirit of the West is alive and well, and there’s room here for imagination to wander and dreams to flourish.” 

To plan your Phoenix and Scottsdale winter getaway, check out the Phoenix & Scottsdale Shopping Guide and the Phoenix & Scottsdale Dine Like a Local Guide. And for more recommendations on what to do, see, and experience in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, follow The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale on Instagram and visit The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale website, where you can browse or order the latest volume of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. 

60 Fun & Functional Presents Perfect For Filling Stockings

Originally posted by The Scout Guide on December 7, 2021.

As the saying goes, “Good things come in small packages.” When gifting, this absolutely holds true, and as you’ll see below, there are a variety of small-but-mighty options to be found at local businesses near you, from useful items to personalized presents and more. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful little gift for a friend or something to put in a stocking that will surprise and delight, this list of finds from scouted small businesses is sure to inspire, and you can discover more local businesses to support while doing your holiday shopping in The Scout Guide Directory.

PHOENIX + SCOTTSDALE FINDS

CXC BRACELET B0079 – GOLD // Available for purchase online from Cornelia Park in Phoenix, Arizona.

PINCH PROVISIONS TECH KIT // Available for purchase online from The Paper Place in Scottsdale, Arizona.

CBD REPAIR MASK // Available for purchase online from UrbAna in Phoenix, Arizona.

View more selections here…

30 Delightful Gifts for Little Ones

Originally published by The Scout Guide on November 17, 2021.

The younger set has the potential to be the most fun section of the gift list to tackle. However, due to what can feel like endless options, shopping for children can also seem overwhelmingly challenging. For inspiration, we present a selection of gifts from businesses scouted by our editors across the country. From adorable rompers to the stylish outerwear, inspired toys to enlightening books, read on for fantastic locally sourced finds for all the little ones in your life, and discover more local businesses to support while doing your holiday shopping in The Scout Guide Directory.

PHOENIX + SCOTTSDALE FINDS

POP FIDGET WRISTBAND // Available from Garage Boutique in Scottsdale, Arizona. To purchase: 480.556.6900

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BOOK // Available for purchase online from Cornelia Park in Phoenix, Arizona.

FOREST TABLE AND CHAIRS // Available for purchase online from Urbana in Scottsdale, Arizona.

View more gift ideas here…