From art to nightlife and parks to shopping, Chandler is rich with a diverse assortment of places to play. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but a few of our favorites we’d love for you to discover—if you haven’t already.
AJ’s Fine Foods Patio
AJ’s is well-known as the area’s go-to gourmet grocer, but did you know it has a bistro as well with a buzzy al fresco dining scene? It’s open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and dinner Sunday, serving up grilled burgers, hot dogs, and the like, as well as daily specials—check the website for hours and menus. Options include Taco Tuesday, Made-to-Order Pasta Night on Thursdays, and elevated items such as Marinated Grilled Entrecôte Ribeye with red wine sauce or Grilled Lemongrass Salmon with basil aioli. They also offer breakfast, sandwiches, and wraps. AJsFineFoods.com
Aji Spa
Pima and Maricopa tribal elders have ensured that the Native-owned Aji Spa is culturally respectful and authentic, boasting soothing architecture, rejuvenating treatments, and peaceful areas indoors and out. Relaxing by the pool and taking in the bucolic views after a massage while sipping on sparkling wine and nibbling a salad here is one of the most luxurious experiences you can have in Chandler and in the state: The Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is the only resort in Arizona with a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for both a spa and restaurant (Kai), and Aji is the only Native American-owned spa with the honor. WildhorsePass.com
Arizona Railway Museum
You don’t have to be as crazy about trains as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory to enjoy this nonprofit-run collection of restored railway cars in Tumbleweed Park. It’s free to look at the cars, and from fall to spring, you can pay a small fee to go inside 12 cars (four new ones were recently added). A display building with smaller artifacts and a gift shop round out the experience. The next Arizona Railway Day open house is Feb. 26; visit the website for details. AZRYMuseum.org
Downtown Chandler Nightlife
Chandler has one of the most vibrant nightlife districts in the Valley for drinks, live music, and comedy. More than four dozen bars and restaurants and five breweries offer craft cocktails, local brews, and stellar wine lists. At least 10 bars have live music, from soul to rock to country—check the Downtown Chandler website for a list—with some jamming seven nights a week. For live laughs, look into ImprovMania and West Alley BBQ & Smokehouse, and for even more entertainment, there’s Chandler Center for the Arts, a dine-in movie theater, and multiple interactive art spaces. DowntownChandler.org
Eddie Basha Collection
Housed in the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery, this is one of the largest private collections of contemporary Western American and American Indian art in the world. Late supermarket founder Eddie Basha was passionate about art and amassed more than 3,500 pieces in a variety of mediums, including stunning jewelry, atmospheric paintings, breathtaking pottery, provocative sculptures, and more. Admission is free; it’s usually open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays, but call before going to ensure it’s open. EddieBashaCollection.com
Koli Equestrian Center
What good is living out West if you can’t ride horses? Koli Equestrian Center makes it happen for beginners to seasoned equestrians. and for those attending birthday parties to corporate events. Guided tours can be personalized, and safety is emphasized: Horses will only be allowed up a light trot at best on private rides. Check out the Kids Club and Adult Horsemanship 101 for a more in-depth education. KoliEquestrian.com
Lee Lee International Supermarket and Area
The intersection of Warner and Dobson roads holds an array of markets and cuisines allowing a taste of everything from hot pot to pho to banh mi. Anchoring it is the impressive Lee International Supermarket, which carries ingredients for more than 30 countries or regions, including sauces, spices, noodles, and more. The deli is huge, with delicacies such as quail eggs and a dizzying selection of tofu, and the meat and seafood department is a carnivore’s carnival. Across the street, Lee’s Sandwiches serves up Spicy Banh Mi, while various other Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants can be found on the same block. LeeLeeSupermarket.com
Phoenix Premium Outlets
Designer deals abound at this group of more than 80 upscale outlets, all situated in a pleasant al fresco shopping experience. From rugged activewear to dazzling dresses, you can find just about anything to wear, in addition to things like cosmetics, luggage, and kitchenware. Popular brands like Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, The Children’s Place Outlet, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Saks Off Fifth, and many more offer the thrill of the hunt for top quality at cut-rate prices. PremiumOutlets.com/outlet/phoenix
Sweetie’s Candy of Arizona
With 13,000 square feet of treats, if you can’t find a candy at Sweetie’s, it probably doesn’t exist anymore. Family-owned for more than 60 years, this place is a playground for anyone who has or has ever had a sweet tooth. Candy buttons, Moon Pies, and wax lips are some of the nostalgic finds; there’s also bulk, sugar-free, and Mexican candy, along with sodas and toys. SweetiesCandyAZ.com
Veteran’s Oasis Park
This urban park lives up to the name “oasis” thanks to 113 acres of recreation with all manner of flora and fauna, hiking and equestrian trails, a playground, an amphitheater, and more. It has a community fishing lake stocked from mid-September to June. Recharge basins and riparian areas make it a hub for birders—more than 153 species have been documented here, and monthly bird walks are offered. And, the self-guided Solar System Walk is another big draw for anyone interested in the cosmos. ChandlerAZ.gov