150 GOODS & SERVICES SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2025.C0M | BEST OF PHOENIX 2025 about a bouquet and a tasty beverage at the same time? Sister companies Rowan Tree Flowers and Jasmine Jo Coffee Shop have made it easier than ever to brighten some- one’s day: a flower shop and a coffee shop in one. And when it comes to flowers, Rowan Tree might have the sweet, unique assort- ment of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding bouquet, a small “just because” bundle or something beautiful for your special someone, Rowan Tree offers beautiful hand- made bundles with same-day delivery throughout the Valley (as long as you place your order before noon). Or head into one of their brick-and-mortar shops to sip a latte while you peruse fresh blooms. e e e B E S T P L A C E T O F I X Y O U R B I K E RUSTY SPOKE 1110 GRAND AVE. RUSTYSPOKE.ORG Getting your bike repaired is a pain in the ass. For riders dealing with tough terrain, constant use or even theft, a solid, reliable bike shop is a must. This nonprofit commu- nity bicycle collective along Grand Avenue in central Phoenix is run by expert volunteers. Rusty Spoke works with downtown riders to replace broken parts with at-cost replace- ments or assist in adjustments for a smoother ride. This isn’t the type of place where you drop off your bike and come back an hour later with it fixed. Nope, you’re gonna learn something. It’s a do-it-yourself environment that allows riders to learn from local experts how to work on their bikes, allowing many to customize their rides. Plus, its location along historic Grand Avenue has well-defined bike lanes, making it easy to get to and from. e e e B E S T P E T S U P P L I E S NOBLE BEAST 1055 E. CAMELBACK ROAD 602-265-4223 NOBLEBEASTPETS.COM Our animal companions need much more from their human roomies than just kisses and “ooh, big stretch.” From food to poop bags and everything in between, this Central Phoenix store has it all. With a focus on healthy food, two rooms are loaded with dining options that accommodate your pets’ needs, from appealing to their taste buds to addressing health issues. Toys and care prod- ucts like shampoos and vitamins are in the mix, too. What’s refreshing here is the thoughtful staff who answer questions that help you find just what you — and your pet — want. They don’t make any question seem silly and take the time to give customers equal attention. Two paws up for this Valley shop. B E S T P E T G R O O M I N G BARK & PURR 4334 W. THUNDERBIRD ROAD, GLENDALE 602-504-3929 AZBARKANDPURR.COM Nestled in a west-side strip mall, Bark & Purr is a mom-and-pop grooming business that welcomes both cats and dogs of any age. The kind and compassionate staff, who specialize in attending to pets who can’t be served at other groomers, are the type of people who are great at putting clients — both the animals and their humans — at ease. Though walk-ins are available, they’re limited, and you’ll get the best service by calling in advance so the Bark & Purr folks can get a full sense of your pet’s situation and needs. You’ll have peace of mind when you drop your baby off at Bark & Purr — just skip the black clothing, or you’ll come out looking like a yeti. e e e B E S T A Q U A R I U M S T O R E KONA REEF 12301 W. BELL ROAD, SUITE A107, SURPRISE 623-398-8954 AND OTHER VALLEY LOCATIONS KONAREEFAZ.COM We’re not saying that Kona Reef is better than an aquarium. After all, Kona doesn’t have penguins or otters or a gift shop full of T-shirts and coffee. But it does have a really cool assortment of beautiful fish, other sea creatures, and plants, and they’re all free to look at in tanks you can stand right next to. Of course, if you’re more than just a looky- loo, Kona’s three Valley locations have every- thing you need to stock a home aquarium, from the tanks to the fish food and yes, even some of those cheesy-but-fun pirate decor items. Prices for the fish are clearly displayed, and while the employees don’t hover, they’re ready to jump into helpful action when you’ve got a question or are ready to make a purchase. B E S T S T O R E F O R B I R D E R S WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED 2136 E. BASELINE ROAD, #2, MESA 480-507-2473 MESA.WBU.COM 7001 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, SCOTTSDALE 480-306-5153 SCOTTSDALE.WBU.COM Birdwatching, known as birding among enthusiasts, is experiencing a moment. Formerly considered a pastime for retirees and fodder for snarky memes, it’s gaining steam among all demographics, thanks to high-profile birders such as Christian Cooper and Amy Tan and attention in popular culture (see: “The Residence”). Wild Birds Unlimited, with stores in Mesa and Scottsdale, offers educational resources and a community for birders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Knowledgeable and friendly staff can set you up with appro- priate and high-quality birdseed and feeders chosen for the local population. They’ll share tips on attracting birds to your yard (including specific breeds, like the adorable and colorful peach-faced lovebirds, which are often a “gateway” bird into the hobby) and keep you apprised of any avian illnesses and how to avoid spreading them. The Mesa location hosts events such as watercolor painting and educational talks (for example, how to identify the differences between various hawk species). The website offers visitors a locally produced podcast as well as links to various resources, including local birding spots. e e e B E S T R U N N I N G S T O R E RUNNER’S DEN 6505 N. 16TH ST. 602-277-4333 THERUNNERSDEN.COM There’s willpower, and then there’s running every week in Phoenix, rain or shine. (Who are we kidding here? It’s just shine.) If you need a pack of all-weather maniacs to help you get your miles in during the summer, or when it’s actually medically advisable to do so, you should show up at Runner’s Den a few minutes before 6 any Wednesday evening and loosen up those hammies. The store will offer you drinks and snacks and a community of similar-minded lunatics to go ripping around the neighborhood and then collapse for endorphine-spiked fellowship, possibly over hot dogs. In a sport that prizes consistency and form above all else, the nearly 50 years that Runner’s Den has been outfitting Phoenician joggers and sprinters and trail-runners is medal-worthy. The phys- ical store is far from the biggest space, if that’s what you’re into, but you will find everything you need — clothes, nutrition, recovery tools, pet gear and of course a wall of shoes (which you can return within 30 days if they turn out not to fit). The folks who work here will help you find the best pair for your gait and your goals and then they’ll make sure you know which road races are ahead on the calendar. Peer pressure rarely manifests so healthfully. e e e B E S T O U T D O O R S S T O R E AZ HIKING SHACK 3244 E. THOMAS ROAD 602-944-7723 HIKINGSHACK.COM Tucked in the back of this refreshingly human-scale store — where you browse under drop ceilings that more resemble a classroom than, say, an REI — is a dark, claustrophobic maze built to save lives. An enduring point of pride at AZ Hiking Shack is that it serves the most technical of outdoors folks, offering classes as well as gear. Search-and-rescue pros (the sort who work for utility companies, say) get schooling here in a homebuilt tunnel struc- ture where they wriggle through pipes while wearing gear and lugging a 200-pound dummy, to simulate rescues in confined spaces. Of course, you don’t need to know any of that when you drop by for a new hiking pack or climbing gear or a high-reso- lution topo map of some obscure cranny of Arizona. Or if you swing by to peep their collection of vintage climbing gear, orga- nized by era and country of origin, like a mini mountaineering museum. Or if you’re renting last-minute gear for a trip: stoves, sleeping pads, ice axes, wetsuits and so on. Ultimately, you don’t need to know how to retrieve an unconscious person from inside the ductwork of a dam, and lucky you for that. But you’ll feel better on your way out to Picacho Peak or Lost Dutchman knowing the folks who outfitted you also prepare people for much tougher trips. e e e B E S T B O N E S CURIOUS NATURE 4346 N. SEVENTH AVE. 602-314-4346 CURIOUSNATURESHOP.COM This shop, located in the Melrose District, reminds you that it’s OK to play with dead things. And by “play with,” we mean “appre- ciate,” and Curious Nature is here to help you do that. This science- and history-oriented destination has a variety of natural treasures for you to peruse or purchase for your collec- tion. There are taxidermied animals and specimens preserved in acrylic or mounted and framed, and yes, skulls and bones, too, all ethically sourced and professionally cleaned. In addition to things formerly alive, the store has an array of intriguing treasures, from jewelry and botanicals to health and beauty items. And if you want to learn some of the processes they practice, a schedule of classes like entomology and taxidermy will show you the ropes. B E S T P A P E R G O O D S HAZEL & VIOLET LETTERPRESS 1301 GRAND AVE., #2B 480-544-2162 HAZELANDVIOLET.COM This quaint shop along the historic Grand Avenue is a must-see for any lover of statio- nery and printmaking. The walls are covered with prints from local artists and colorful posters for past Phoenix concerts, music festivals and events. In addition to freshly printed notebooks, birthday cards, coasters and greeting cards, shoppers can create their own custom prints and stationery through
