Fun spot to eat at the Chandler Airport; can watch small planes take off and land.
Shopping mall off the 202 and 101 interchange south; lots of restaurants close by and/or attached to the mall.
Visit the above website for Downtown Chandler. There are a ton of local restaurants/activities going on in Downtown Chandler on any given day/weekend. A couple of our favorite spots: SanTan Brewery- great food (and beer- so we've been told, since neither of us drink/can drink beer), The Perch Brewery & Pub (fun for drinks/hanging out), and The Original Chop Shop for a quick bite to eat.
Downtown Gilbert offers a ton of local restaurants! There are a ton of spots to check out and a great farmer's market every Saturday morning with local artisans every other Saturday during the Fall. Some of our favorite spots include: Postino's (wine bar), Joy Ride Taco House, Snooze (an A.M. eatery), O.H.S.O., Zinburger, and Lolo's Chicken and Waffles (NOT gluten free, so Laura no longer gets to enjoy- but they are DELICIOUS!).
This local hot spot was featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. Definitely worth checking out if you have time! They grow a lot of their own food locally.
Outdoor shopping mall with lots of restaurants attached/nearby.
Zoo Lights is a Phoenix (and Koester Family) Holiday tradition; Josh loves going every year ;) They put up 1,000s of Christmas Lights all over Phoenix Zoo and it usually opens around Nov. 21st every year. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the mood for some holiday spirit!
The Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful place and usually kicks off a holiday display/event around November every year. Check out their website for details. It's always a pleasant place to visit!
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess turns into a winter wonderland every year that people travel near and far to see/partake in. If time allows- stop by and check it out! It's sure to leave you in the holiday spirit.