Western-inspired fashion, also known as cowboy chic, has officially entered the mainstream fashion chat, at least according to recent runways, social media and Beyoncé. Given that, plus Scottsdale being the bachelorette party headquarters of the West, it makes perfect sense why design-your-own hat bars are popping up like desert wildflowers. Here are five hat bars in Scottsdale and throughout the Valley. Turquoise Candy Hat Bar Situated in Old Town Scottsdale, this colorful shop is popular with bachelorette parties and large groups. Customers here work with a hat stylist, preparing their ..read more

Tempura batter and wheat-based soy sauce can pose a challenge for gluten-free sushi lovers. Thankfully, there are several Valley sushi restaurants that specialize in catering to the gluten-free community. Check out nine favorites for gluten-free sushi in Phoenix. Sandfish Sushi & WhiskeySandfish Sushi & Whiskey Phoenix This sleek new sushi restaurant in Central Phoenix has an expansive dedicated menu with nine naturally gluten-free Maki rolls. There are also plenty of options that can be altered to meet dietary needs, such as The Experiment signature roll, which contains snow crab ..read more

With more than one billion participants annually, Earth Day (coming up on April 22) is the largest civic observance worldwide, according to EarthDay.org. From hiking and biking to making flower crowns and drinking wine, check out these nine Earth Day events in Arizona. April 13: Pick up trash and make a flower crown Phoenix Contribute to environmental conservation and foster creativity with Mountain View Community Garden’s Every Day is Earth Day event. From 9 to 10 a.m., participants will pick up litter in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, then create flower crowns using garden-gro ..read more

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona). Written by Ali Dugaw  Springtime is undeniably the best time to experience the great outdoors, live music, wine festivals and cultural events in the Valley. Check out these nine spring festivals in Arizona. March 23: Desert Sol Jam Music Festival Scottsdale Desert Sol Jam Music Festival at Scottsdale Civic Center will feature food, drinks and seven bands with Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers headlining. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The JoyBus, a local nonprofit that delivers meals to homebound ..read more

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona). Written by Ali Dugaw  The NCAA men’s basketball season will crown a champion at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium on Monday, April 8, and there will be no shortage of local spots to catch the games leading up to the championship. Here’s an all-you-need-to-know guide on where to watch March Madness in Arizona, which begins Tuesday, March 19. Backyard at Desert Ridge Catch the tournament at this new 8,000-sq.-ft. indoor/outdoor restaurant in Desert Ridge Marketplace. Backyard boasts four 18-ft. LED ..read more

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona). Written by Ali Dugaw  Nothing quite captures the essence of summertime as effectively as a classic barbecue, featuring succulent chicken, golden corn and juicy watermelon. The seasonal menu at True Food Kitchen reimagines these nostalgic favorites with new dishes that combine many of summer’s most bountiful flavors in peak season.   Among the new appetizers on the True Food Kitchen summer menu is the street corn flatbread, inspired by elote, a traditional Mexican street food wit ..read more

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona). Written by Ali Dugaw  A love for tea isn’t required to enjoy a tea party at Drink Me! Tea Room in Tempe but an appreciation for gluten-free and plant-based treats is a must. The allergy-friendly tea room promises a safe experience for both those with Celiac disease and vegans. The owner’s personal food allergies served as the driving force behind the creation of this unique space, where anyone with dietary needs can enjoy the delights of an afternoon tea–worry-free. Guests who join the Tempe h ..read more

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona). Written by Ali Dugaw  Italian food lovers in North Scottsdale have a new bistro in the neighborhood. Sugo Bistro occupies the ground floor in SOHO Scottsdale, a live-and-work loft community just north of WestWorld. The Italian scratch kitchen, created by Arizona chef Robert Conneway, opened at the end of April in Scottsdale. Sugo means “sauce” in Italian, and the menu features a variety of handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and bruschetta boards. Because authenticity is important to Chef Conneway, n ..read more

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona). Written by Ali Dugaw  Indulging in a blissful day by the pool is a quintessential summer pleasure. Yet, for individuals with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, the mere glimpse of poolside menus can evoke disappointment, as they are often dominated by gluten-laden finger foods like crispy chicken fingers and juicy hamburgers.  Luckily, the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas are havens of exquisite resorts embracing diverse dietary needs. Be it an out-of-town adventure or a refreshing local e ..read more

(This article was originally written for and published by Fabulous Arizona). Written by Ali Dugaw  If you’ve been to Old Town Scottsdale lately, chances are you’ve probably spotted a group of women walking in wigs and boas – or maybe sparkly cowboy hats and boots. They were more than likely en route to Wine Girl Scottsdale. Scottsdale has become one of the top bachelorette party destinations in the United States, and Wine Girl is a must-do on the celebratory agenda. Outside the white-and-pink-hued bar, a big chalkboard lists the name of every bride visiting that day. I ..read more