Summertime means many things to people, but for me, it reminds me of my teenage years when I used to shop with my family at the mall.

There seemed to be something always happening at a mall or shopping center, so I found myself there more times than not. Also, I had more free time during the summer months, so I got to spend more time there than when school was in session.

Even though I’ve been to shopping centers and malls across the state of Arizona, many of my old favorites closed or are not in good shape. When thinking about my favorite shopping malls and centers for this post, I decided to narrow down the shopping centers featured in this post to ones that are still currently open and active for shopping. I’ll focus on my old favorite shopping centers in a different post.

Superstition Springs Center

(Formerly Superstition Springs Mall)

Superstition Springs Center (Or Mall, as I and many others call it) opened in 1990. It is located off the US 60 on Power Road in Mesa, Arizona. Since it’s opening, the area has changed dramatically, but, unlike the Fiesta Mall that used to be located down the road from it, it has become a shopping center that adapted to the changing economy and needs of it’s shoppers. Today, there are still well known American mall store chains open, but there are also small business stores there as well. It seems like whenever a major chain store closes it’s location in the mall, it is replaced either with another chain store that move to a larger store location or a small business moves in it’s place.

Beyond this, the mall has adapted itself to become a center of gathering. Every Thursday there is children’s club which brings in many little ones to play, sing, and dance. During certain times of the year, there are concerts on Saturdays in the amphitheater, which has existed since its opening but was remodeled in the 2000’s. And finally, every fall, there are also haunted houses located in the parking lot of one of the closed anchor stores. There has also been a carnival held in one of these parking lots! This is why it is one of my favorite stores in the state of Arizona. It is a center of gathering for the community with things to do and see any time of the year.

 

Candler Fashion Square

Candler Fashion Square was built and opened when I was a teenager. Today, it is still a favorite place to shop. Over the years, stores have opened and closed there, but it still remains as place I enjoy shopping at.

 

Scottsdale Fashion Square

Scottsdale Fashion Square is the most luxurious place to shop on this list. Still, I enjoy it. I need to admit, I do feel intimidated by it before I walk inside! I like to dress more casually than I feel I should to walk into the mall. Yet, with all kinds of luxury stores, such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Dior, it is an enjoyable window shopping experience.

 

San Tan Village

San Tan Village opened when I was in my 20’s, but I still enjoyed shopping there. Today, my feelings towards it haven’t changed. The only problem with it is the traffic! If the area didn’t have so much traffic, I would shop there more.

 

Arizona Mills Mall

Arizona Mills Mall is a fun place to shop at as child and as an adult. Over the years, the mall has transitioned into more of an outlet mall. Still, I enjoy shopping there. Especially with friends that bring their children along! The Legoland Discovery Center is located in the mall. So is the Rainforest Cafe and an aquarium. Also, Arizona Mills Mall is the home of a two story IMAX theater screen.

 

Well, that’s all for now! Thank you for reading!