of the Southwest's true natives—Navajo weavers, sand painters, and silversmiths; Hopi weavers and kachina-doll carvers; Pima and Tohono O'odham (Papago) basket makers and potters; and many more. Inspired by the region's rich cultural traditions, contemporary artists have flourished here, making Phoenix—and particularly Scottsdale, a city with more art galleries than gas stations—one of the Southwest's largest art centers alongside Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Today's shoppers find the best of the old and the new—all presented with Southwestern style. Upscale stores, one-of-a-kind shops, and outlet malls sell the latest fashions, cowboy collectibles, handwoven rugs, traditional Mexican folk art, and contemporary turquoise jewelry.

Most of the Valley's power shopping is concentrated in central Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, and the Kierland area in North Scottsdale, but auctions and antiques shops cluster in odd places—and as treasure hunters know, you've always got to keep your eyes open.