(Re)discovering Scottsdale | Returning to My Hometown as a Mom

0

welcomebackHello Scottsdale Moms! I can’t believe I am one now too! I grew up here in Scottsdale but craved the city life so I am just moving back here with my husband and two little boys after living in Chicago for over 10 years.

I recently connected with SMB editor Sarah through a mutual friend and she asked me to share my perspective as a once-local moving home again as a mom. I thought I’d share a little about my experience of moving back here and some of my new (and old) local favorites.

Returning to the same area:

My husband and I originally thought about renting in Fountain Hills or Cave Creek but ended up finding a cute house about 5 blocks from where I grew up just east of Scottsdale Fashion Square. It has been a lot of fun living in this area now as an adult and a mom. I have already started taking my boys to some of my old favorites like the Scottsdale Public Library at the Civic Center (the children’s section is AMAZING!!!).

Discovering new places:

In addition to my old faves, it is fun checking out new places that have come to the area like Buzzberry. It is a great coffee shop with wonderful staff + drive thru. The place is funky and kid-friendly! The Bike Emporium is a bike shop with a post office inside. So neat! The staff at both are so helpful and knowledgeable. Sprouts (the one at Miller and Camelback) is such a pleasant place to shop! I have become a regular at all of these places.

Great weather for outdoor exercise:

My husband bought me a Schwinn Cruiser for Christmas and I have been venturing out in the neighborhood. I am hoping to get a bike trailer for the boys so I can ride even more. I have also been jogging around Chaparral Lake with my little one in a stroller and stopping at the exercise stations along the way (no pull ups accomplished yet!). I realize the nice weather won’t last so I am looking forward to swimming in the hotter months!

Lots of Chicagoans here:

So far over half of the people we have met here are from Chicago or a surrounding suburb. It has been mindboggling! My husband is from Libertyville and he has really enjoyed making all of these connections in the short time he has been here. Our new favorite pizza place is Barro’s at Pavilions. It is filled with Chicago photos and has a great kids play area! Also, the family that runs the Scottsdale Street Fair (great food trucks!) at Pavillions on Sundays is from there too.

Being a yoga student and teacher in Arizona:

I have been teaching yoga for almost 9 years in Chicago so I am definitely looking forward to discovering studios and teaching opportunities out here! I took my first class at Yogalution (amazing teacher and cool location!) and I am hoping that by the time you read this that I have taken the Saturday morning family class with my little ones at the Spirit of Yoga Studio in Tempe.

I still have a lot more exploring to do especially as we decide on where to settle down and buy a house. I look forward to sharing with you again in the future and would love to hear about your local favorites in the comments!

* * * * *

kerrybio1 Kerry Sweeney Burki recently moved back to Scottsdale with her husband, two little boys, and two cats. She loves teaching yoga to every age and supports handmade artists as the editor of the Handmade Success blog. She is excited to get involved in her new community and explore everything Arizona has to offer. She is a huge fan of vintage, learning new vegetarian recipes and cuddling with her boys. Learn more about her at www.kerryburki.com. She also shares yoga tips, free printables, handmade finds and family photos on her blog. Follow her on Twitter too: @kerryburki