Meet The Editor

Sarah Mendenhall editor of The Scottsdale Living
Photo Credit: Jenna Karwoski Portrait

Hey there! I’m thrilled to be your guide to the best of Scottsdale!

As editor and co-founder of The Scottsdale Living, my goal is simple: to make it easy for you to discover Scottsdale’s top restaurants, experiences, and local businesses—all in one place. After moving around the country with my family (6 states in 8 years!), I know just how hard it can be to quickly find everything local. That’s why I partnered with John Doering to create a comprehensive platform covering everything from planning Scottsdale bachelorette weekends and tracking down local schools to finding serene spas, adrenaline-packed adventures, and hidden gems.

Our guides offer it all—from boozy brunch spots and spring training tips to festivals and day-trip road adventures that explore Arizona’s stunning landscapes and culture. And our Weekly Weekender and Monthly Edition newsletters keep you in the loop with must-see events and insider tips, delivered right to your inbox.

Whether you’re a local searching for the best handyman or a visitor wanting to make the most of your time, you can easily find it all on The Scottsdale Living. Dive in, discover something new, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a spot we should feature!

Ready to experience the best of Scottsdale? Check out my top picks below and start planning your next adventure.

Editor's Picks on The Scottsdale Living

Favorite Restaurants

Ling & Louie's
hash kitchen on the scottsdale living
Hash Kitchen
Snooze A.M. Eatery
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Schmooze Scottsdale
Schmooze
Zinque
Picazzo's Italian Kitchen
True Food
North Italia
Los Sombreros
Grimaldi's
Rita's Cantina & Bar
Ocean 44 Seafood & Steak Restaurant Scottsdale from The Scottsdale Living
Ocean 44
the goose scottsdale
The Goose
osho brewery on the scottsdale living
OHSO Paradis Valley
Steak 44
Buck & Rider
Los Taquitos
Tottie's Asian Fusion 2

Favorite Spas

Fun Places To Take The Kids

Top Scottsdale Hotels

Favorite Local Shops

Best Shopping Malls

Favorite Arizona Road Trips

sedona escape on the scottsdale living
Sedona
lake powell adventure from the scottsdale living
Lake Powell & Antelope Canyon
jerome adventure from the scottsdale living
Jerome
williams arizona weekend escape on the scottsdale living
Williams & Grand Canyon
prescott adventure from the scottsdale living
Prescott

Best Hikes

  • Camelback Mountain (both trails)
  • Gateway Trailhead – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
  • Piestewa Peak – Phoenix Mountain Preserve 

Top Guides & Articles

ultimate guide to brunch in Scottsdale from the Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale Brunch Guide
Where to stay around Scottsdale
Scottsdale Staycations
The best happy hours in Scottsdale from The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale's Best Happy Hour
scottsdale's best coffee shops on the Scottsdale living
Scottsdale's Best Coffee Shops
scottsdale speakeasies on the scottsdale living
Speakeasy Bars
Guide to planning the best bachelorette in Scottsdale
Bachelorette Party Guide
Scottsdale Outdoor Fun Guide on The Scottsdale Living
Outdoor Fun Guide
scottsdale western nightlife and bars on the scottsdale living
Western Nightlife
scottsdale's best football bars on TheScottsdaleLiving.com
Scottsdale's Best Football Bars
Scottsdale Golf Guide on The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale Golf Guide
Scottsdale's Best Restaurants by cuisine on The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale's Best Restaurants
scottsdale family fun guide on the scottsdale living
Family Fun Guide
Scottsdale's Best Dive Bars on The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale's Best Dive Bars
old town scottsdale happy hour on the scottsdale living
Old Town Happy Hour
Scottsdale's Best Indoor Fun, Fun places to go in Scottsdale on The Scottsdale Living
Indoor Fun Guide
best restaurants near scottsdale quarter kierland area
Scottsdale Quarter Restaurants
scottsdale's best fall festivals & seasonal events on TheScottsdaleLiving.com
Fall Festivals
summer family fun guide on the Scottsdale living
Summer Family Fun
Scottsdale hiking guide on The Scottsdale Living
Hiking Guide
scottsdale spa guide on the scottsdale living
Scottsdale Spa Guide
bars with games in Scottsdale on the scottsdale living
Bars With Games
resale shopping in scottsdale on the scottsdale living - consignment, vintage, thrift shops
Consignment Shopping
Scottsdale's Best Wine Tastings on The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale's Best Wine Tastings
Places To Go for fun in Scottsdale on The Scottsdale Living
Fun Places To Go
north scottsdale brunch
North Scottsdale Brunch
scottsdale's best restaurant patios on The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale's Best Restaurant Patios
Scottsdale Kids - Guide to living in Scottsdale with kids from The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale Kids
Scottsdale's guide to everything home related
Home Life Guide
Scottsdale birthday party guide from The Scottsdale Living
Birthday Parties
scottsdale pet life guide on the scottsdale living
Pet Life Guide
Scottsdale's Best Facials from The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale's Best Facials
Scottsdale Back to School Guide on The Scottsdale Living
Back To School Guide