They may be geeks. They may be non-conformists. They’re definitely champions for practically anything alternative.

Most people stumble upon the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery while walking through the Pavilions shopping center off of the Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale. It is a surprise to find a gallery in that location, between Hobby Lobby and Sports Authority. But visitors are pleasantly surprised by the variety of art on display and the gift items for sale.

It’s no secret that Arizona wineries are making waves in the wine world, but you don’t need to be a sommelier or have a rock star’s budget to enjoy the state’s wine experience.

When my neighbor suggested we go one afternoon to the store at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, I imagined a makeshift space filled with crocheted afghans and God’s eyes made of yarn and popsicle sticks.

Whether you counted box cars on cross-country road trips, placed pennies on rails for trains to flatten, or simply ran a miniature locomotive around your Christmas tree, many of us can’t help but feel some vestigial fondness for trains.

Escape to the Red Rocks, where hiking, dining, cooler weather and pet-friendly things to do will give even your furry friends a little relief from the heat.

Tempe’s Stephen Marc was in a shop for rare and used books outside Cambridge, Md., when serendipity smiled on him yet again.

Learn to surf — sort of — at Rhodes Aquatic Center in Mesa.

When summer grows long and our ideas for amusement short, we love options like Chandler Center for the Arts’ free summer concert series.

With summer temperatures sizzling right now, many of us like to get away to the high country for a day or two. Prescott is my favorite place to cool off, and, being a foodie, I enjoy finding places where I can try out different ingredients or purchase kitchen stuff.