A few weeks ago I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona for a Japanese street fair. It’s been years since I visited (specifically when I was 5 yrs old searching for arrowheads in the summer of 96’) so it was nice to make my way back to the desert. No collecting rocks this time around but I had my fair share of taking in the sights, eating great food, and exploring the new downtown Phoenix. I’ve listed a few of the highlights down below for your AZ bucket list.

When we arrived in Phoenix the weather was cold, overcast, and damp for the most part. It had been snowing in the desert (a rarity in Arizona) and the landscape was unrecognizable. We only caught a glimpse of snow covered cactus but it was a truly breathtaking sight.

Stock Photos from Anton Foltin/Shutterstock — *Stock Photos* *from Anton Foltin/Shutterstock*

Hotels

The Renaissance Hotel:

There’s nothing I love more than a perfectly situated hotel near several shops, sights, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Located in downtown Phoenix, The Renaissance Hotel offers great service, beautiful decor with modern fixtures, and most importantly 2 complimentary drinks a night with your stay. The food at the Dust Cutter Bar downstairs was kind of a hit and miss but everything else was top notch during my stay.

The Saguaro Scottsdale:

My mom and I rented a car for the day and drove to Scottsdale for a few hours to walk around the area. We didn’t stay at this hotel during our visit but it was right next door to SMoCA so I had to take a look. Located in downtown Scottsdale, this colorful hotel is hard to miss! I loved walking through all the different lobby areas, taking pics of the neon decor, cool fixtures, and murals painted throughout the hotel. I wish I had brought my swimsuit because the pool areas were easy to access and provided a picture perfect scene, minus the 50 degree weather outside.

Food & Restaurants

Matt’s Big Breakfast:

I first saw Matt’s Big Breakfast in an episode of Diners Drive-ins and Dives and boy did Guy Fieri steer me right! The old location featured in the show is now closed but its bigger, better, self has popped up right next door and holds three times as many people as the first place. I suggest coming here on a weekday to avoid the long brunch lines.

After taking my seat I ordered The Waffle which comes with sweet cream butter, real maple syrup and two slices of thick-cut bacon. HELLO FLAVOR TOWN! Everything was savory and delicious. I’d recommend getting one of the omelets too!

Sugarbowl:

This charming bubble gum pink restaurant in downtown Scottsdale is as cute as a basket full of kittens! Originally opened on New Year’s Eve 1958, this ice-cream parlor hasn’t changed much since it first opened. Step back in time and enjoy the pink booths, soda fountain, and old school games in the back room. The treats were truly delicious here, especially the vanilla ice cream which was so creamy and flavorful. We ordered a classic Rootbeer Float and the Raspberry Camel Back Soda (highly recommend) for our desserts.

Pizzeria Bianco:

Named one of the America’s best pizza places, I knew I had to come in and review it for myself. The most delightful surprise was the Pizza Margherita taking a backseat to the white pizza featuring less ingredients and managing to rock my world. Pizza lovers rejoice because the Rosso pizza with Red Onion, Parmigiano Reggiano, Rosemary and AZ Pistachios is pure perfection! I always thought heaping piles of melted cheese and sauce made the pizza but my mind has been altered, elevated, and changed for the better because of how good and simple this pie was. Not to say the Margherita with Fennel Sausage wasn’t good, it was great, but the Rossa was the star of the show in the pizza show down.

Phoenix Public Market:

I absolutely love visiting farmer markets in other cities, seeing what the locals have to offer and picking out a few of my favorites items to snack on and take back home to family and friends. A decent sized market located in downtown Phoenix showcasing the best of local food vendors, jewelry makers, fresh produce and more. Check out the Open Air Market which is open Saturdays (May-Sep): 8 am to Noon Saturdays (Oct-Apr): 8 am to 1 pm.

My stand out booth was Persian bakery vendor, Saffron Jak, who was handing out samples of fresh made Barbari bread (Iranian flatbread) with the most savory jams. I took home a few of these large flatbreads with the tomato and blueberry spread to kick off my morning.

The Churchill:

Located right next door to Matt’s Big Breakfast, this trendy container mall has a few specialty shops, food vendors, bars, and an area where you can play some cornhole bean-bag toss with your friends. A cool local hangout to grab a drink and relax while you look for your next destination.

I came back here on Sunday evening to check out The Pobrecito bar which offers $5 Bloody Marys all day Sat-Sun. Check out the full menu down below for other Happy Hour specials.

Fun & Entertainment

Talking Stick Arena:

With no plans in sight on a Saturday night, my mom and I stayed in looking for things to do around the area. Luckily we came across a comedy show featuring funny man Gabriel Iglesias, who was performing on his “Beyond the Fluffy Tour” in Phoenix that night. We grabbed last min tickets for $50 a pop and headed over to the arena to get some laughs.

The Talking Stick Arena was as big as the Staples Center in LA. It was the largest crowd on his entire tour and around 11,000 people came out to see him preform. My mom and I had a blast watching his comedic routine and hearing all about his crazy life stories. I can’t recommend seeing him enough or just go on YouTube to catch some of his content for yourself!

Crescent Ballroom:

I love exploring nightlife in other cities so I bought tickets to an event called “Dance Yourself Clean” at the Crescent Ballroom for some Friday night fun. The venue was cute, trendy, and offered a good amount of dance floor for getting groovy. I loved dancing to the indie pop hits playing all night long and the exceptionally cheap strong drinks offered up at the bar.

Arizona Matsuri Festival:

A cosplayers dream, the Matsuri Festival takes place at the end of February in downtown Phoenix and lasts Sat-Sun. There are lots of Japanese food booths, anime memorabilia, cultural entertainment, and shops to browse through. My brother was especially happy with his anime poster purchases!

Japanese Friendship Garden:

Perfect for a nice Spring day, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers beautiful views and a koi pond full of dozens of hungry fishes. General admission is $7 and grants you access to the full garden. I highly recommend purchasing some of the fish food at the front so you can participate in the feeding frenzy.

Art Museums

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art:

I wasn’t sure what to except when visiting the SMoCA but I’m glad I went because they were playing several art films during my visit. The exhibitions change every few months so you never know what you’ll run into but give it a chance because you might find something worth while.

I especially loved the courtyard area with it’s funky spinning chairs and the colored light panels from James Carpenter’s glass scrim wall. A great place to sit down and relax before heading over to the Sugarbowl or the Saguaro Scottsdale next door.

Phoenix Art Museum:

Art museums are a must for me so I try to visit as many as I can handle. The Phoenix Art Museum was a bit on the smaller side but offered a nice variety of older and more modern art works. I especially loved the dozens of black butterflies created by artist Carlos Amorales and the Yayoi Kumsama lights exhibition.

I throughly enjoyed my weekend getaway to Arizona and staying in downtown Phoenix. Everything was easy to walk to and there were lots of cool events going on the weekend we were there which made it all the more worth while. I didn’t do everything I wanted because the weather was too cold and rainy for a hike but I’ll climb up Camelback Mountain someday. Overall, I enjoyed a laid back weekend getting inspired, feeling zen, and eating well!