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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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A recent WalletHub study has ranked Arizona as one of the least charitable states in the U.S., placing it 49th in overall charitable behavior. The study, which examined 17 factors, including volunteer rates, donations, and the number of food banks per capita, revealed Arizona’s low charitable standing. While the state ranked poorly, neighboring states like Utah and Colorado performed much better, securing spots in the top 10. Although Arizona lags behind, the U.S. as a whole remains one of the most charitable nations globally, with American donors contributing nearly $560 billion to charity in 2023, according to the World Giving
A recent study from WalletHub named this small city the best small city in Arizona, and it may not be one you might expect. While many of the Grand Canyon State’s charming small cities—such as Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome are beloved for their picturesque views and inviting downtown areas, this study focused on key factors like affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Despite Arizona’s small cities not making it to the top 10 in the U.S., Queen Creek emerged as the best small city in Arizona, according to the WalletHub study. Why Queen Creek is
Phoenix homeowners now have the chance to transform their yards and contribute to water conservation efforts through the Residential Grass Removal Program. With this initiative, Phoenix pays eligible homeowners $2 for every square foot of grass they remove, helping them switch to more sustainable desert landscaping. advertisement Why Desert Landscaping? In the arid climate of Phoenix, water conservation is crucial. Lawns, which require significant amounts of water, are a major contributor to household water usage. By replacing grass with desert-friendly, drought-resistant plants, homeowners can reduce water consumption by up to 85% compared to maintaining a grass lawn. Not only does
Research indicates that the likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia can be influenced by where individuals live. Insights from Researchers Dr. Julie Bynum, the lead researcher from the University of Michigan, stated that “the percentage of individuals over 65 diagnosed in Arizona is low compared to the national average.” She has dedicated years to examining the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia across the United States. Bynum further noted that “regardless of demographic factors such as race or age, where one lives plays a crucial role in their likelihood of receiving a diagnosis.” advertisement Contrasts in Diagnosis
