15. Moss Wellness Spa
At Moss Wellness Spa at the Scottsdale Waterfront, going green is about the building materials, the products, the services and the purity of the air around you. Here, products are chosen for natural and organic ingredients and their lack of preservatives. In addition, the spa’s interior was designed with a commitment to LEED standards – using non-toxic materials, reclaimed materials and an in-duct filtration system that was designed to ensure a dust-free environment.

Co-owners John Hill and Stacy Polich are staking a claim to the only green spa in Arizona, even if that means not offering some traditional spa services. A steam room, for instance, would require bleach cleaning, so they’ve foregone this service.

Moss is open by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead. Yoga and Pilates class schedules also are available online.

Info: 7135 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 240, 2nd Floor,
Scottsdale, 480-945-6772, mossspa.com


16. After Hours Gallery
What had been a single-family dirt lot for years is now a sophisticated urban gallery, creative studio and residential space, thanks to the vision of business partners Russ Haan and Mike Oleskow, who co-own After Hours Gallery on McDowell Road.

“We wanted to show the city what can and should happen Downtown,” Haan says.

The result? An art gallery that welcomes patrons for First Fridays as well as the third Friday of the month, a space that is designed to be part of the community (available for events and meetings) and a building that lets its residents work where they live – an exemplification of urban living. Never mind that it’s just blocks from the light rail line.

If you’re curious about the space and unable to visit on the first or third Fridays, make an appointment or drop by during regular business hours, and if Haan and Oleskow are there, they’ll be happy to show you around.

Info: 116 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602-710-2398, afterhoursgallery.com
 

17. Cool Digs for the Kids
If you’re looking for a children’s store unlike any other, Raph Infant & Child is it. The store exudes an industrial, edgy feel, while boasting unique product lines and a deep understanding of what children want.

“We want moms to be comfortable in our store,” says 33-year-old Patrick Burch, who runs the store with his wife, Mary, 32. “You can let kids wander and play here.”

Raph Infant & Child, which opened in December 2007, sells brands not often found in Phoenix shops, such as Knuckleheads, egg + avocado and Room Seven. Prices vary, but if you’re looking for a Jimi Hendrix jumper or a toddler’s Yellow Submarine dress, there’s nowhere better.

Info: 747 E. Thomas Road, Stes. A & B, Phoenix, 602-956-3077, shopraph.com


18. Sangria Luxe Lounge
For West-siders who want to get their groove on, here’s a reason to go beyond Glendale’s stadium district: Sangria Luxe Lounge. This modern, plush venue is a comfortable lounge with live entertainment until 10 p.m., when it transforms into a DJ-hosted nightclub. Open since September, Sangria Luxe Lounge serves up its own signature – what else? – sangrias named for Latin dances, such as the Samba Sangria, Key Limebada and Peachanga.

When you’re not on the dance floor, sip a cocktail at one of Sangria’s granite-top bars, chill on one of the posh couches, or step outside onto the patio for some fresh air.

Info: 19420 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, 623-234-4066, sangrialuxelounge.com