It’s the weekend and you’re ready to cut loose. Or maybe it’s only Wednesday. But no matter which day of the week it is, the Valley offers a wide variety of places to unwind. Classic bars, dance clubs, breweries, sports bars, pubs and award-winning restaurants and lounges make up an eclectic list of hot spots for nighttime fun. If you’re in the mood for some blues, there’s no better place The Rhythm Room, which offers live music from some of the Valley’s favorite performers seven days a week. When the sun goes down, Scottsdale sizzles with dance clubs, wine bars and lounges. Catch the fun atmosphere at Firehouse for drinks and dancing. Cheer on the hometown team within spitting distance of the ballpark at Majerle’s in Downtown Phoenix, or go retro at CityNorth’s Blue Martini, where you can choose from more than 40 different martinis, including Three Chocolates, The Perfect Pear and Key Lime Pie. Get your giddy-up on at Westgate’s Saddle Ranch, where you can ride the bull while you listen to rock ’n’ roll. And just off Union Hills Road and Loop 101 in north Glendale, check out O2 Lounge, with varied programming that, on weekends, includes live entertainment.

We know it’s hot outside, so comfort food during this time of year in the Valley usually means something cool and refreshing. Salads, burgers and barbecue anything, alongside a sweet tea or a cold beer are what you’re looking for. Check out the summer menu at Chelsea’s Kitchen, where garden-fresh staples star in dishes like Farmer’s Market Vegetables and Crispy Chicken & Spinach Salad. Hula’s Modern Tiki is keeping it cool, island-style, while Scottsdale’s Renegade Canteen serves up a mean ceviche. Margaritaville in Glendale offers up a license to chill, as well as its iconic cheeseburger in paradise and icy — you guessed it — margaritas. Several new ice cream shops are churning out some artisan offerings like salted butter caramel and basil lime sorbet, as well as the old stand-bys vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan and strawberry. And for a super cool treat, check out the gelato pies in flavors like cantaloupe, Nutella or Meyer lemon from Grateful Spoon Gelato in Phoenix.

Chances are, you won’t want to hit the ground runnin’ during a Valley summer, but don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to keep your cool while you get your game on. It may be called the “Valley of the Sun,” but several scenic lakes offer refreshing getaways that don’t take hours of driving. A chain of lakes dominates the eastern region of the Valley, where you can water-ski, jet-ski, camp, fish and picnic. The largest of these, Roosevelt Lake, boasts more than 112 miles of shoreline with serene coves and plenty of opportunities for all sorts of water sports. In the northwest Valley, the cool, clear water of Lake Pleasant provides the perfect spot for sailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing and fishing. Big Surf, Wet ’n’ Wild and Golfland Sunsplash, as well as many resort water parks, let you surf, slide and splash away hot days. If water isn’t your thing, check out indoor activities, such as Scottsdale’s AZ on the Rocks, Arizona’s largest indoor rock-climbing gym. And you can always chill out at Polar Ice, skating rinks with locations in Chandler, Gilbert and Peoria.

In recent years, the Phoenix metropolitan area has gained status as a world-class shopping destination. Throughout the Valley, a diversity of shopping venues is made up of hip, hometown boutiques that coexist with iconic department stores such as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys. Hand-crafted products and vintage finds inhabit fun and funky shops and galleries, while the latest trends in fashion and home décor fill the racks and shelves of popular chains. The Valley is also dotted with boutique malls. There’s Glendale on the west side, where the Village at Arrowhead offers open-air shopping that features several boutiques juxtaposed with recognized retailers. In mid-Scottsdale, enjoy the Old World charm of an Italian village at The Borgata of Scottsdale, while the Shops at Norterra, in the northern end of the Valley, offers a fun, small-town Main Street experience for fashionistas. In Phoenix, along the curve of 7th Avenue, the Melrose District showcases a variety of vintage goods venues, while nearby Biltmore Fashion Park offers a classic shopping experience, no matter whether you’re looking for the latest techno-gadget or a Brooks Brothers tie.

It’s that time again: time to take full advantage of this poolside nightclub. Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club is ideal any time of day or night because it’s the only non-resort bar and club that has a pool. Happy hour, multiple summer events and ever-flowing drinks make this “cool spot” the place to be during our hot, hot summer nights. Tasty Mexican favorites are available late night, and Happy Hour is noon to 8:00p Monday through Friday with 2-for-1 drinks, half-price appetizers and party drinks.

Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club
4341 N 75th St., Scottsdale
480-949-8454
spanishflyscottsdale.com

Italian: Bianco Style

Chris Bianco opened his Italian Restaurant at the beginning of this year to high expectations. Reviews have not been so hot, so Bianco has had a change of heart. Robbie Tutlewski will take the helm from Claudio Urciuoli. Urciuoli and Bianco simply had creative differences but are reported to be in good stead. The new menu will be simple, Italian-American dishes that Bianco had envisioned from day one. Creations include fresh-made pasta dishes and Italian American faves.

Italian Restaurant
4743 N. 20th St., Phoenix
602-368-3273
pizzeriabianco.com

Home on the Range

Ranch House Grille has re-opened in Arcadia. Known for its breakfasts, this traditional ranch-hand-inspired roadhouse serves up steak, eggs and other favorites. Chicken-fried steak is the house specialty and it is unforgettable. All dishes are made fresh from scratch. Biscuits, gravies and burgers, “Oh, my.” Situated in an Arizona ranch-style mini retail center, it offers the experience of a great meal enjoyed at a picnic table on the patio.

Ranch House Grille
5618 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix
480-946-1290
ranchhousegrille.com

Hangover Cure

Another concept by the people that introduced Jimmy Woo’s, Spanish Fly and Stingray Sushi is Big B’s Hangover. Not guaranteed to cure that hangover, the new Old Town Scottsdale spot will satisfy that lunchtime craving for a cheese steak sandwich, Chicago Dog or classic slider. It’s open daily for lunch and late night till 1:00a Monday through Wednesday and 3:00a the rest of the week; foodies will make this a frequent stop after a night of clubbing.

Big B’s Hangover
7158 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
480-970-1030
bigbshangover.com

Make it a Habit

This 40-year-old California institution stretched into Arizona a year ago and will soon open its fourth location locally. Known for tasty, char-grilled burgers made with the freshest ingredients, Habit Burger’s salads, grilled chicken or steak sandwiches, sweet potato fries and creamy milkshakes are equally habit-forming.

Habit Burger
960 N. 54th St., Chandler
480-705-0306
745 E. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-265-1815
1817 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe
480-456-8912
habitburger.com

Swedish Dishes

Not a name likely to be forgotten, Beaver Choice is a Scandinavian cookery that serves up some memorable dishes. The Chicken Schnitzel Cordon Bleu was named a top Valley dish in 2010 and has put this unique and unassuming place on the map. It is about the food for sure. Décor is like going to a kiddie park in Grandma’s dining room, but one taste of their Polish/Swedish/Canadian creations makes that impression completely inconsequential.

Beaver Choice
1743 E. Broadway, Tempe
480-921-3137
beaverchoice.com

Sports & Rec Heaven

In mid May, the Uptown Alley will open in Surprise. This is a sports fan mecca where 40 bowling lanes, 80 video and prize games and a two-story laser tag attraction will excite. The full-service casual dining restaurant, Red Embers Bar & Grill, offers BBQ, gourmet pizzas and pasta, burgers and sandwiches that will refresh. Live music and an ultra lounge will also be a part of this entertainment zone.

Uptown Alley
13525 N. Litchfield Rd., Surprise
623-975-7529
uptownalleysurprise.com

Have Meaning

New to the Southwest, Make Meaning is a creative and fun destination for family and friends that just opened in Scottsdale Quarter. More than 50 activities, ranging from making soaps, candles and jewelry to painting ceramics, designing glassware, decorating cakes and more. This award-winning Manhattan creation debuted here in March. Top-notch customer service and expertise will make creations turn into masterpieces. Private events and parties are also available.

Make Meaning
15279 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-845-0000
makemeaning.com

Girly Galore

This one-stop shopping place for girls of all ages was created by a mom for moms. Girly Girlz is all about girly things, tea parties, “posh” princess parties and more.  Each of the stores is a boutique with accessories, crafts and other girly gifts for parties, showers, birthdays and other occasions or just to excite the girl in you. Makeup, dress-up clothing and other fun gifts will pamper the princess at home with bath products, glitzy jewelry and accessories.

Girly Girlz
15425 N Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale
480-998-4832
3426 E. Baseline, Mesa
480-503-4832
girly-girlz.com