👒 The Merch of the Town


Today's Forecast

H 88º L 63º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:09 a.m. | Sunset 6:52 p.m.

Scottsdale is dotted with local artisan spots, but Old Town is home to that one marketplace that’s a favorite among both residents and visitors.

👒 Discover local artisans at Scottsdale Merchantile Market

🚪 Escapology Scottsdale

🏠 Guess the price of the highest home in Paradise Valley

🗞️ Local Buzz: Mother-daughter artists debut “Tender Alchemy” at SMoCA

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💎Featured Gem

Discover local artisans at Scottsdale Merchantile Market

Scottsdale Merchantile Market is a premier destination for local shopping, featuring a wide variety of products crafted by Arizona artisans. Visitors can find handmade pottery, jewelry, candles, artwork, apparel, home décor, and gourmet food items, all in a family-friendly outdoor setting. The market highlights the region’s creative talent while providing a space for community engagement.

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM, Merchantile Market will partner with Sun & Sounds for a special event at the Scottsdale Civic Center. The event will feature nearly 80 local vendors offering pottery, jewelry, handmade goods, apparel, art, and food, along with live music. It provides an opportunity for attendees to explore local craftsmanship and enjoy a vibrant, community-centered experience.

The Merchantile

3965 North Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Hours: Sun 10am - 5pm | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Got a Scottsdale or Phoenix gem in mind we haven't featured? Hit reply and message us!


🎉Events

  • Crave the thrill of escape rooms and hidden clues—or just need a screen-free break? Escapology Scottsdale opened in February. From the mysterious Pirate’s Curse to the suspenseful Mansion Murder, every room is packed with immersive twists and surprises. Address: 9039 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale 85250
  • Discover dance, music, choreography, and fashion through film with works from Films.Dance. Directed by Jacob Jonas The Company, these screenings highlight cross-cultural collaborations that expand the language of movement, with tickets available only through Scottsdale Arts. Location: Virginia G. Piper Theater | Center For The Performing Arts 7380 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, 85251.
  • The Shops Gainey Village will host its first Spring Sip & Shop on March 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with shopping, tastings, live music, and sidewalk sales. Guests can enjoy bites from Mendocino Farms, and those who spend $50+ can redeem receipts for complimentary event experiences. Location: 8777 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85253 | Free Admission.
  • Celebrate spring at Musical Instrument Museum with Jazz in Bloom: A Spring Brunch in the Main Courtyard. Enjoy a seasonal buffet by chefs Paul Steele and Vanessa Bejar, with live music from Pete Pancrazi and Todd Johnson. Sunday, April 5, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. | $105.00 per person | Address: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050
  • Join Nigel at Abundant Space for a Liquid Breathwork for a Guided Relaxing Inward Journey. Release stress, restore balance, and connect with your inner self in this in-person experience. Reserve your spot to unwind and recharge. Sunday, Mar 22 from 12:30 pm to 2 pm | 13610 North Scottsdale Road#suite 11 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 | $35

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🏠House Hunch

Can you guess the price of this Paradise Valley from just a single photo?

HINT: 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 7,309 sq. ft., a contemporary marvel featured in the Wall Street Journal.

Realtors, want 9,353 more people to look at your listing? Email us at newsletter@desertrundown.com.


🗞️News & Local Buzz

🔗Scottsdale entrepreneur plans five new Potbelly Sandwich Works locations

Scottsdale entrepreneur Andrew Walker plans to bring five new Potbelly Sandwich Works locations to Scottsdale, Mesa, and nearby areas through his company, Happy Mountain Eats LLC. The first shop is set to open in 2027, with sites being finalized in high-visibility locations. Currently, Arizona has 11 Potbelly Sandwich Works locations.

🔗Kimberly Lowe joins RETSY to serve Scottsdale’s luxury market

Top Arizona agent Kimberly Lowe has joined Scottsdale brokerage RETSY, bringing $150M in closed sales and national Top 1% recognition. She will serve high-net-worth buyers in Scottsdale and Desert Ridge, leveraging RETSY’s platform and Forbes Global Properties partnership.

🔗Mother-daughter artists debut “Tender Alchemy” at SMoCA

Mother-daughter artists Beth Ames Swartz and Julianne Swartz will debut their first joint exhibition, “Tender Alchemy,” at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art on March 20. The show explores transformation and healing through painting, sculpture, and sound. Limited parking is expected, so early arrival is recommended.

🔗Residents oppose golf course redevelopment at Westin Kierland

Residents near the Westin Kierland Resort oppose plans to replace the Mesquite Golf Course with high-density housing, citing traffic, congestion, and loss of green space. Protest signs have appeared across the neighborhood as concern grows.

🔗Hiker rescued from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead amid extreme heat

A hiker was rescued Tuesday from the Brown's Ranch Trailhead in Scottsdale after reporting distress and possible heat exhaustion. Scottsdale Fire Department crews reached the individual near Alma School Parkway and Dynamite Boulevard. Officials remind hikers to stay hydrated, avoid peak heat hours, and follow safety precautions in extreme Valley temperatures.

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The Desert Rundown Team

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