Suzanne B.

Americopy

I went to Americopy after another copy center told me they couldn't do what I wanted done. I went to the desk at Americopy, and they didn't even question it, just accepted the job and did it perfectly. The employees are skilled and well-trained, as well as friendly and helpful. If you need a job done in a hurry, big or small, I recommend checking them out. Sure beats doing it all at home, both timewise and moneywise.

The Oak Store

If you're into oak furniture, The Oak Store is definitely the place for you. My parents have purchased a number of furniture pieces here over the years, and they have all been high-quality solid oak. They have been in business for many years and are friendly and helpful. Their prices aren't the cheapest, but if you just want solid oak furniture and are willing to pay more for it then this is the place to go.

The Hat Club

I've never seen so many hats in one places as in The Hat Club. This store has very friendly and helpful employees, and they were quick to help my husband find the exact hat he was looking for. If you can't find what you want in the store, they can also special order. They will measure your head and find the hat exactly suited to you. For sports fans out there, they also have an excellent supply and variety of Suns hats, as well as other sports teams in the valley.

Mailboxes & More

I used to go to Mailboxes & More for all of my shipping needs because it was much closer than the local post office. One day, however, I arrived to ship a package and was directed by a sign that the shop was now located inside the next-door pool supply store. Apparently they knocked down the wall to expand the pool store and now Mailboxes and More is simply a desk at the side of the store. They could not ship my package, as the girl working there said they can only accept pre-posted mail and sell 1st class stamps. No more of the normal services that a mailbox store ought to offer. If you just need to drop off a letter, this will do, but otherwise save yourself the trouble of walking through the smell of chlorine and go somewhere else.

Best Trophies & Awards

Best Trophies & Awards truly is the best trophy shop I've used in the area. I have has used them for a number of engraved plaques and trophies, and they provide nice work at a reasonable cost. They are also generally able to get the work done in good time. If you need something really special or just a small trophy for a the pinewood derby, I suggest giving them a try.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is located on the upper floor of the Superstition Springs mall. It is a small pet shop, but they have some very cute animals within. They mostly have cats and dogs (including puppies in the front window), but I have also seen a few birds, ferrets, rodents, and other animals. They have a variety of pet care products, including a few pet Halloween costumes in October. Overall a nice little shop, but a big pricey. Definitely a nice place to take the kids if they're getting tired of the mall, though. It's by far my toddler's favorite store there.

PROS: Fun store, cute animals
CONS: Pricey

Pat's Cyclery

Pat's Cyclery has operated in Mesa for years and years. As such, the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. This is certainly a bike shop with integrity. If you're into any form of cycling, Pat's Cyclery merits a visit and stands a strong chance of becoming your favorite bike shop. Reasonable prices, and the quality is high.

Hilton-Phoenix East Mesa

While this hotel is starting to get a little rundown, it is still a nice place to stay for a relatively good price. The beds are comfortable, and the cleaning services are good. The parking lot is somewhat small but still adequate as far as I have seen (not sure what it would be like if the hotel were completely full). It is close to the freeway for easy access in and out. Overall, it's a fine place to stay for a satisfactory price.

East Valley Tribune

The East Valley Tribune has nice sports coverage, including in-depth high school sports coverage of the East Valley. It has a reputation of having slightly more of a conservative slant than the Republic. It also has a nice website at eastvalleytribune.com that you can read up at if you don't receive the physical newspaper. It has more in-depth coverage of the East Valley issues and events than the small Mesa Tribune insert included in the Arizona Republic.

Arizona Republic

The Arizona Republic is the largest newspaper in circulation in Arizona. It has an insert called the Mesa Tribune for Mesa residents. It has the best sports coverage of any of the local newspapers, especially if you're a Suns fan. It has a reputation of having a more liberal slant than the Tribune. Adequately serves Arizona as a print news source. Also has a nice website at azcentral.com.