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28 November 2022
2022 is drawing to a close. When we reflect on the year that has passed and the year to come, we can’t help but be grateful for the many wonderful things that make us proud to call Arizona our home. Here are 12 things (in no particular order) we love and will continue to love about Arizona for many years to come.
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No space on Grand Avenue is exempt from the presence of public art. A multicolored sidewalk on Grand Avenue and McKinley Street is shaded by trees covered in afghans, and puffballs hang from the branches. You can also find plenty of murals nearby if that doesn’t interest you. Along Grand, you’ll also find artist studios and mom-and-pop shops where workspaces and storefronts are intertwined. Visit Grand Avenue Records for records, Belhaus for coffee and local artwork, and Pueblo for new plant babies.
When it comes to Phoenix’s options for sipping, the word “bar” just doesn’t do it justice, and I’m not just talking about the typical top contenders like Bitter & Twisted or Little Rituals. So instead, if you’re looking for an elevated drink: The Rooftop at Cambria Hotel Downtown in Roosevelt Row Arts District, the 13th Floor of the historic Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Phoenix, or Lustre Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix.
There’s a theory that the longer you live in Arizona, the more sunset photos you have on your camera roll. However, even those photos cannot truly capture the beauty of the state’s natural wonders. So when we drive past the beautiful mountain views from the freeway, we still find myself oohing and aahing out our car window.
It is convenient to order online but more rewarding to visit a bookstore. When you enter a bookstore, you feel a sense of promise. Maybe I’ll find a new (or used!) book to get lost in or a nonfiction book that will educate or inspire on those shelves. My happy places are Changing Hands in Phoenix and Tempe and Bright Side Bookshop in Flagstaff. They are so welcoming and passionate about helping customers find a new treasure. Leave empty-handed; we dare you. A favorite bookstore isn’t just a place for shopping; it’s also a place for the community.
Our favorite thing about Phoenix is that you never run out of things to do. Try not to take our professional teams for granted; cheer on the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks, and Coyotes. Every type of music fan will find something to enjoy – from must-see acts at Rebel Lounge to underground acts at Valley Bar to unforgettable shows at The Van Buren.
Mother Road decommissioned in 1985, but its 359 miles of Americana continue to thrive. The vintage charm of Route 66’s roadside attractions and historic downtowns attract travelers worldwide – including those headed to the Grand Canyon. In addition, Arizona’s Route 66 towns boast limestone caverns, a meteorite impact site, a championship golf course, an observatory where Pluto was discovered, and free-roaming burros, seemingly countless trading posts and diners.
If you’re training for a 5K, or a marathon or want fresh air, the Valley is full of awesome running and walking paths. Canals, Chaparral Park in Scottsdale, around the buttes at Papago park, South Mountain, Camelback Mountain — the list goes on and on.
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There is rarely a day in Phoenix when you don’t meet someone contributing to this city’s vibrant, colorful culture. First, artist Antoinette Cauley brought a whole gallery of paintings back from Germany. Then, the Phoenix Art Museum presented a lowrider exhibition. Each day, muralists claim more blank walls. Phoenix truly wants to be beautiful – and it shows.
It’s not just where you go to buy produce. You can connect with people and hear their stories there. Discover how some vendors got their start and be endlessly amazed. Marvin Williamson built a food business to avoid wasting brisket. Angelica Urrego was able to reconnect with her culture through Arepa Babe. From two friends in an apartment, Stone Grindz Chocolate has grown to become an international brand.
In recent years, the Verde Valley has become a hot spot for Arizona wine lovers. Old Town Cottonwood is walkable, with many choices nearby. However, you’re missing out on a unique experience if you’ve never been wine-tasting in southern Arizona. Outdoor tasting areas at Flying Leap (try the sassy white blend Trio), Rune, and Los Milics offer views of mountains and rolling grasslands. Pronghorn Pizza wagon is located at Dos Cabezas WineWorks.
There are plenty of refreshing getaways in Arizona. Within a few hours, you can meditate near a vortex in Sedona, walk through the pine trees in Flagstaff, or wander among saguaro cacti in Tucson. Of course, you can always return home after a long day of exploring in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you prefer the saguaro-dotted Sonoran landscapes of Phoenix and Tucson or the vast pine forests of Flagstaff, Arizona has a scenic vista for you. Among the many exciting ways to experience the state’s natural beauty are horseback rides, hot air balloon rides that offer unparalleled views of mountains and deserts, pink Jeep tours of Sedona red rocks, and helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon.
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Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon, cactus-filled deserts, and dramatic sunsets. But beyond the obvious, the Grand Canyon State is packed with surprising history, natural oddities, and quirky records. Here are some fun Arizona facts that might just impress your friends at your next trivia night. advertisement 1. Arizona Does Not Observe Daylight Saving Time Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, which means the state stays on Mountain Standard Time all year long. The exception is the Navajo Nation, which does observe Daylight Saving Time. So you can cross into a different time zone just by
Arizona is famous for desert landscapes and natural wonders, but the state’s museums tell stories just as powerful. From ancient Indigenous cultures and Western history to modern art and musical legends, Arizona museums offer something for every kind of curiosity. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, these are ten standout museums that showcase the depth, creativity, and history of the Grand Canyon State. advertisement 1. Heard Museum Phoenix The Heard Museum is one of the most respected Native American museums in the country. Its exhibits focus on Indigenous art, culture, and history, with a strong emphasis on
When most people think of Arizona, they picture deserts, saguaros, and red rock cliffs. Fishing is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Arizona quietly offers some of the most diverse and underrated fishing in the Southwest, with everything from mountain trout streams to desert reservoirs full of bass and catfish. Whether you are a weekend angler or just looking for a new outdoor hobby, Arizona has water, fish, and year-round opportunities. advertisement What You Can Catch in Arizona Arizona’s variety of elevations creates a wide range of fishing options. In the high country, cooler waters support
When people hear “snowbirds,” they usually picture retirees escaping icy northern winters for Arizona sunshine. But the state’s true snowbirds arrive on wings, not wheels. Every winter, Arizona becomes an unexpected hotspot for migrating birds from across North America. From massive white pelicans gliding over desert lakes to honking flocks of geese touching down in farm fields, Arizona transforms into a seasonal refuge for birds seeking warmer weather, open water, and reliable food sources. And yes, you can see them without leaving the desert. advertisement Why Birds Choose Arizona for the Winter Arizona may be known for cacti and red
