At Home in Gilbert: The Acero Cooley Station Blog

Find Your New Favorite Read at These Gilbert Area Bookstores

You may be familiar with the old saying, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…and the man who never reads only lives one.” In today’s day and age, it may seem like we are reading all day long- emails, text messages, Facebook statuses, etc… but when was the last time you got lost in a good book? There can be plenty of reasons as to why you haven’t been able to do much leisure reading lately, and we totally understand. But we’re here to remind you of the joy that can come from a good book! And to do that, we've compiled a list of the best bookstores in the Gilbert area, where you are sure to find a new favorite read. Barnes and Noble in San Tan Village | 2150 E Williams Field Rd #105, Gilbert, AZ 85295 We figured we would start by highlighting that Barnes and Noble , one of the largest and most well-known bookstores nationwide (selling more than 150 million books per year) is less than 10 minutes from Acero Cooley Station! And B&N has an inventory that stretches far beyond hard and paperback books; offering everything from games and toys to vinyl records, NOOK books, art supplies, planners and much more. It’s also worth noting that the San Tan Village Barnes and Noble has a cafe, too! So you can pick up a new book, grab a warm cup of coffee and start reading, all in the same place. (Photo by @Bnsantan) Half Price Books | 6339 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206 Do you know what’s better than a store full of books? A store that’s full of half priced books! Half Priced Books in Mesa proudly declares that they offer 4,886 yards of books, movies and music on their bookshelves. How they measure that, we’ll never know, but it’s still impressive! As one of the largest family-owned retailers for new and used books in America, HPB claims to not only sell “everything ever printed or recorded” but they buy it too! Committed to the community, Half Price Books recycles and donates millions of overstock books to local organizations and nonprofits every year. Maybe when asked “what’s better than a store full of books?” we should have said a store that has tons of titles, buys books, donates to local nonprofits, and hosts events throughout the month! Because those are just a few reasons Half Price Books is such a treasure in the Gilbert area. (Photo by @HalfPriceBooks) Bookmans Entertainment Exchange | 1056 S Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange is as unique as it gets. With six Arizona locations and a story that dates back 40 years, Bookmans defines itself as a media store rather than strictly a bookstore (have no fear, they still have plenty of books). Known as a hub for “entertainment exchange” whether that be books, CDs, magazines, movies, or really any other media form you can think of, the shelves of Bookmans are stocked by traded products from book and media lovers just like yourself! As for the entertainment side, Bookmans also hosts events that vary by location! So if you’re looking for an experience that’s worthy of its own paperback, be sure to stop by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange. (Photo by @BookmansMesa) The next time you’re ready to get lost in the wonder of a good book, remember these local bookstores in the Gilbert area that are ready to help you along that journey! And when you find the one, be sure to share it with us on Facebook and Instagram ! And don’t forget to keep following the blog here , because we’d like to think that we offer a pretty fun read too!

Family Ties Make These Pizzerias the Best in Gilbert

These days, pizza is much more than a birthday party snack or a late-night delivery order. Pizzas have come a long way; gluten-free crusts are now an option, alfredo sauce pizzas, vegetarian pizzas, pineapple on pizza, you name it! We love that pizza is now less frowned upon in the foodie culture, and that’s why we wanted to highlight our favorite pizza places in Gilbert. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria | 2168 E Williams Field Rd Ste 102, Gilbert, AZ 85295 Warm cheese melts on top of a golden crust, layered with sauce and perfect rounds of pepperoni as the coal-fired, brick oven at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria bakes a delicious pizza for you and your friends. This family pizzeria has been around for decades and infamously uses coal-fired brick ovens and fresh ingredients to make some of the best-tasting pizza in the Gilbert area. And let’s not forget their hand-tossed pizza dough, made in-house daily, that has helped the family business to be one of the most award-winning pizzerias in the nation! Not only are the slices next level, but the open kitchen makes for an entertaining dining experience reflective of the modern age that pizza is in. Check it out, and thank us later. (Photo by @Grimaldispizzeria) NYPD Pizza | 2743 S Market St #101, Gilbert, AZ 85296 Nope, not the New York Police Department Pizza, the next on our list of favorite Gilbert pizza places is the New York Pizza Department ! And you guessed it, they’ve got the best New York-style pizza on this side of the valley. Voted Phoenix New Times Readers Choice “Best Slice” 4 years in a row, you can taste the authentic New York flavor in every bite. Vine-ripened tomato sauce, family recipes, made-from-scratch dough, and whole milk mozzarella are just a few reasons the NYPD Pizza has been voted best slice years in a row! With East Coast roots and a passion for pizza, this family-owned and operated pizzeria embodies the true taste of New York pizza. Did we mention they have happy hour all week long and daily specials ? Yeah, that’s another reason they are one of our favorites. (Photo by @Nypd_Pizza) Barro’s Pizza | 1431 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295 Okay, so maybe we have a thing for family recipes and traditions when it comes to our preference in pizza places. But can you blame us? The Barro’s Pizza family recipe dates back to the early 1960s when Angelina Barro moved to Chicago, and her sons opened the first Barro family restaurant. This, of course, was after they learned of their mother’s secret pizza recipes. After opening locations in Chicago and Southern California, the Barro family moved to Arizona, bringing their delicious Italian pizza recipes with them (mind you, Angelina Barro was born in Sarconi, Italy). Now you know a little about this pizzeria’s history, so go taste it for yourself and see what we mean! (Photo by @Barrospizza) Family recipes, coal-fired ovens and hand-tossed, made from scratch dough… these are just a few of the many reasons the pizzerias listed above are our favorites in Gilbert. So whether you love thin crust, deep dish or anything in between, give these local spots a try and let us know if you loved them as much as we do on Facebook and Instagram ! And keep following the Acero Cooley Station blog here for more local Gilbert favorites.

Take a Trip Through History at these Gilbert Area Museums

A day at the museum is a day immersed in history. Artifacts, photos, guided tours, and fossils that remind us of everything that came before our time or got us to where we are today. It’s quite fascinating, really, and that is why we wanted to highlight some of the best museums in Gilbert and the surrounding area! Gilbert Historical Museum | 10 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296 Whether you have lived in Gilbert your entire life or are new to the area, it’s always a fun trip to the Gilbert Historical Museum ! Living in the United States, at a young age we are taught about our nation’s history, and visiting the Gilbert Historical Museum is the equivalent of taking a magnifying glass to our little piece of Arizona history and spending the day learning about it. Filled to the brim with artifacts and exhibits rich with Gilbert history, the museum itself is located in the original Gilbert Elementary School, which dates back to 1913. This community attraction is a part of history itself, and makes for a fun day of learning and exploring. (Photo by @hdsouthgilbert) Arizona Railway Museum | 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286 Founded in the early 1980s, the Arizona Railway Museum displays artifacts, mementos, railway equipment and an abundance of history pertaining to Arizona railways past and present. Boasting over 30,000 of two and three-dimensional railroad artifacts , the ARM is a knowledge bank of the earliest modes of transportation. And on February 29, 2020, the museum hosts Arizona Railway Day , where community members can visit the museum for even more unique adventure and experiences relating to rail travel and “life aboard the train.” You can even blow the horn and shout, “all aboard!” Admission is free, so be sure to check it out. Arizona Museum of National History | 53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201 The only natural history museum in the area, the Arizona Museum of Natural History was founded in 1977 and has had over 1 million visitors in the last 20 years. Over 60,000 objects, 10,000 photos, and even a three-story mountain sit inside the museum for visitors to admire and enjoy. A few of the permanent exhibitions include the Dinosaur Hall and Mountain , where sounds of prehistoric roars and marvelous fossils fill the room, along with the Southwest Cultures exhibitions , Mesoamerica and South America exhibitions and general Arizona history exhibitions . There’s so much to do and so much to see that one day doesn’t even feel like enough time, so when you decide to plan a trip, we would suggest you plan the entire day around it (and trust us, it’s worth it!). (Photo by @azmnh) A plethora of history surrounds us here in the great town of Gilbert, and what better way to appreciate our home than to learn about all that made it what it is today. So spend a day getting lost in these Gilbert area museums, and share your experiences with us on Facebook and Instagram ! While you’re at it, keep following the blog here for more Gilbert community favorites.

Just in Time for Valentine’s Day: Gilbert’s Best Florists

It’s that time of year where love floats throughout the fresh Gilbert air. And not only love, but the smell of fresh-cut roses fills the air too! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re looking for the best flower shops in Gilbert to get a blossoming arrangement for your special someone, you’re in the right place. Check out these local florists’ who have the beautiful flowers you need to impress your valentine this season! Country Blossom Florist Inc. & Boutique | 1054 N Gilbert Rd #2, Gilbert, AZ 85234 Looking to have a beautiful floral bouquet, gift basket or a dozen red roses delivered right to your valentine's home, work or office? Then look no further than Country Blossom Florist ! With local flower delivery, plush pinks , romantic reds and a rainbow of other beautiful blooms to choose from, Country Blossom Florist makes it easy to arrange a bouquet as vibrant and unique as the person receiving them. Serving the Gilbert area for over 25 years , this local flower shop is family owned and operated with floral designers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. Watson’s Flower Shop | 929 N Val Vista Dr #107, Gilbert, AZ 85234 Also family owned and operated, Watson’s Flower Shops are known throughout the valley for providing the perfect gift for any occasion. And given that Valentine’s Day is notorious for long-stemmed roses , red ribbons, chocolates and more, Watson’s makes it easy to get all the necessities for the romantic day in one place. Being a jack of all trades, Watson’s has an impressive variety of bouquet styles, ranging from boisterous lilies to sleek roses, delicate tulips and even sunflowers, along with dark chocolate truffles, cozy stuffed animals and novelty vases, making it easy to craft a beautiful arrangement and gift that your valentine will love. (Photo by @Watsonflowers) Beloved By Lily | 1490 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295 Beloved By Lily knows that fresh flowers send a message that sometimes words cannot express. This local florist treasures life’s most intimate moments and is eager to be the place where the Gilbert community can go when looking to treasure those moments as well. Offering a wide array of unique arrangements , blooms and beautiful bouquets, when you shop for flowers form Beloved By Lily you know you will get a quality product. This Gilbert florist also appreciates your personal creativity, allowing customers to create customized arrangements based on the occasion, preferred flowers, and who the blooms will be going to. Talk about thoughtful and romantic! (Photo by @belovedlilyflowers) Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, and this year there is no need to stress about where to find the most perfect bouquet of flowers! Gilbert has a handful of talented local florists who take pride in what they offer, so keep them in mind as you prepare gifts for your valentine. And when the holiday comes around, tag Acero Cooley Station on Facebook and Instagram so we can see what stunning floral arrangements you got! While you’re at it, keep following the blog here for more Gilbert area treasures.

Take a Trip Through History at these Gilbert Area Museums

A day at the museum is a day immersed in history. Artifacts, photos, guided tours, and fossils that remind us of everything that came before our time or got us to where we are today. It’s quite fascinating, really, and that is why we wanted to highlight some of the best museums in Gilbert and the surrounding area! Gilbert Historical Museum | 10 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296 Whether you have lived in Gilbert your entire life or are new to the area, it’s always a fun trip to the Gilbert Historical Museum ! Living in the United States, at a young age we are taught about our nation’s history, and visiting the Gilbert Historical Museum is the equivalent of taking a magnifying glass to our little piece of Arizona history and spending the day learning about it. Filled to the brim with artifacts and exhibits rich with Gilbert history, the museum itself is located in the original Gilbert Elementary School, which dates back to 1913. This community attraction is a part of history itself and makes for a fun day of learning and exploring. Arizona Railway Museum | 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286 Founded in the early 1980s, the Arizona Railway Museum displays artifacts, mementos, railway equipment and an abundance of history pertaining to Arizona railways past and present. Boasting over 30,000 of two and three-dimensional railroad artifacts , the ARM is a knowledge bank of the earliest modes of transportation. And on February 29, 2020, the museum hosts Arizona Railway Day , where community members can visit the museum for even more unique adventure and experiences relating to rail travel and “life aboard the train.” You can even blow the horn and shout, “all aboard!” Admission is free, so be sure to check it out. Arizona Museum of National History | 53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201 The only natural history museum in the area, the Arizona Museum of Natural History was founded in 1977 and has had over 1 million visitors in the last 20 years. Over 60,000 objects, 10,000 photos, and even a three-story mountain sit inside the museum for visitors to admire and enjoy. A few of the permanent exhibitions include the Dinosaur Hall and Mountain , where sounds of prehistoric roars and marvelous fossils fill the room, along with the Southwest Cultures exhibitions , Mesoamerica and South America exhibitions and general Arizona history exhibitions . There’s so much to do and so much to see that one day doesn’t even feel like enough time, so when you decide to plan a trip, we would suggest you plan the entire day around it (and trust us, it’s worth it!). A plethora of history surrounds us here in the great town of Gilbert, and what better way to appreciate our home than to learn about all that made it what it is today. So spend a day getting lost in these Gilbert area museums, and share your experiences with us on Facebook and Instagram ! While you’re at it, keep following the blog here for more Gilbert community favorites.

A Spin on The Classics: Best Gilbert Area Record Stores

Music feeds the soul, and that’s why we can’t ever get enough of it. In our cars, on our smartphones, while we workout, while shopping… it’s everywhere! One song can take you back in time to a special place. One chorus can make an entire arena full of thousands of people sing along in harmony. We love music and even though times have changed and we can access our favorite songs on pretty much any device, there is something special about listening to a favorite track spin on the record. Whether you’re a collector, a music junkie, or just someone who loves listening to good music from a record, here are some of our favorite record stores in the Gilbert area! Grace Records | 2200 E Williams Field Rd #112, Gilbert, AZ 85296 Less than 10 minutes from your home at Acero Cooley Station, Grace Records is a music lover’s dream come true. Not only do they offer a massive selection of vinyl, but they offer this selection at as low as $3! That’s less than the price of one vanilla latte at Starbucks. Along with oldies and unique finds, Grace Record’s also carries the harder to find records and new records too (because yes, new artists do still make records!). And if you’re someone who loves the idea of spending hours in a record store and finding your favorite jams, but you lack an actual record player, have no fear, Grace Records has turntables and speakers to get your tunes on track. Zia Records | 1302 S Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204 For how advanced we are as a society in our abilities to listen to music pretty much anywhere at any time, it is impressive to note how popular record stores still are. Zia Record Exchange has been around since the 1980s, yet continues to bring a fresh, modern perspective to the record loving community. Hosting events and contests , publishing yearly “staff picks” of favorite albums, throwing record release parties, and even offering record selections tailored to specific horoscopes (see image for “Capricorn Picks”) are just a few ways that Zia Records stands out from the rest. And while you're there, you are bound to get lost in the selection they offer given that they carry much more than just albums. Zia Records also carries DVDs/Blu-Ray, books, and even fun little accessories. It’s a reimagined record buying experience at Zia Records, and that’s one of the many reasons we love it. Asylum Records | 2976 N Alma School Rd #2, Chandler, AZ 85224 Asylum Records is the small town record shop you know and love. It has a punk-rock feel but packs a punch of variety when it comes to all that they have in stock. And although Asylum Records is on the smaller side in terms of space, it makes up for it in character, customer service, and unique finds. The walls of the store are covered from floor to ceiling with Funko figurines, framed photographs, collector albums and records, autographed memorabilia and so much more. Similar to its small-but-mighty mentality, Asylum Records recently had a visit from Margaret Kerry, aka, Tinker Bell. Like other modern retailers, this little record store keeps up with the times by hosting special events, pop-ups, and boasting a flavorful selection of merchandise. So the next time you're looking to pick up a new record or just want to experience what it's all about, give these Gilbert area record stores a try! Let us know what you find on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following the blog here for more local favorites.