Like it or not, downtown Phoenix isn't all that happening after dark. Sure, there's Amsterdam, Seamus McCaffrey's, Lost Leaf, Fate and a pool party nearly every night at the Hotel San Carlos, but it isn't enough.
Let's change directions.
Instead of complaining about what's NOT here, let's talk about what's here. Let's discuss what makes downtown unique, what's makes downtown fun and what makes downtown worth moving to: the people.
If you live, work, hang out or simply loiter in or near downtown, shoot me an email and tell me about why you do what you do. What makes being here better than a trip to Scottsdale? Why is it worth it to trek here from Tempe? What do you do that you think we should all know about? What personalities (no limits here) make every trip down here different?
Let's get this rolling!
Posted in: Downtown Phoenix Resources
There are several things that make downtown great. My favorite is the Phoenix Art Museum. It is simply a treasure. I highly recommend visiting because it has so much inside, all interesting and all educational for any age. The museum architecture and grounds have a relaxed community vibe. The exhibits are varied but do not overwhelm you and the docents are knowledgeable and very friendly. PAM is also constantly putting on special events and activities, including lectures, films, workshops, and discussions. These events are generally free or available at a low cost and are a nice extra touch to an already attractive place.
There is so much to take in while at the museum, and I will have to visit again to see more of it, as the exhibits are constantly changing...
First Fridays is a great opportunity for viewing the museum collection, and having fun as well. I was able to enjoy live bands, the Edward Weston photography exhibit on display, and the new fashion exhibit dedicated to the Jumpsuit.
Hey Y'all. I am a transplant (5 years oldin PHX years). Where I am from is unimportant; I now belong to Phoenix, or it belongs to me. Well, i wish it belonged to me.
In any case my journey cross country ended in North Phoenix. I cried night after night. I didnt like the suburbs, the lack of anything unique. I could not and cannot see the beauty in the psuedo-desert landscape (the real desert being wiped out for a front yard full of rock and maybe a non-native tree). There was no diversity, unless you count the white people bitching about the "mexicans"; (you know: the same mexicans who were repairing their roof in 115 degree heat). I can say this because I am white, and I know the game.
The strip malls full of the same stores, catering to those resistant to change or trying anything new.
The day my feelings changed was the same day I took a trip downtown (September 2005).
I loved it; "it" being the antithesis of suburbia. The clusters of mexican-american storefronts. The neighborhoods with no zoning mixing the nice houses with the apartments with the mansions with the trailer parks. Each block is unique onto itself.
The public transportation system the took me directly to many places: A museum that rivaled the Chicago institute of Art. The most beautiful library I have ever stepped foot inside. The different races with the different clothes making virtually anyone feel welcome. Nobody look at me like a "outsider" ( a fear of mine ever since a trip to NYC). The vedors outside of the courthouse smiling and giving directions, they were NOT rushed.
I was in love. I still am, and my dream is about to become a reality. I just bid on a house in the 19th avenue/Camelback area.
Hey Y'all. I am a transplant (5 years oldin PHX years). Where I am from is unimportant; I now belong to Phoenix, or it belongs to me. Well, i wish it belonged to me.
In any case my journey cross country ended in North Phoenix. I cried night after night. I didnt like the suburbs, the lack of anything unique. I could not and cannot see the beauty in the psuedo-desert landscape (the real desert being wiped out for a front yard full of rock and maybe a non-native tree). There was no diversity, unless you count the white people bitching about the "mexicans"; (you know: the same mexicans who were repairing their roof in 115 degree heat). I can say this because I am white, and I know the game.
The strip malls full of the same stores, catering to those resistant to change or trying anything new.
The day my feelings changed was the same day I took a trip downtown (September 2005).
I loved it; "it" being the antithesis of suburbia. The clusters of mexican-american storefronts. The neighborhoods with no zoning mixing the nice houses with the apartments with the mansions with the trailer parks. Each block is unique onto itself.
The public transportation system the took me directly to many places: A museum that rivaled the Chicago institute of Art. The most beautiful library I have ever stepped foot inside. The different races with the different clothes making virtually anyone feel welcome. Nobody look at me like a "outsider" ( a fear of mine ever since a trip to NYC). The vedors outside of the courthouse smiling and giving directions, they were NOT rushed.
I was in love. I still am, and my dream is about to become a reality. I just bid on a house in the 19th avenue/Camelback area.
I enjoy downtown Phoenix for a few reasons. The unique blend of people you come in contact with, the variety of bars/nightspots and most of all the high five'n ladies!
When the weather is decent, I bike to Steele Park and back. Viva la library too--Burton Barr rocks. The Clarendon Hotel for drinks! That's my immediate 'hood and I love it.
There is usually something going on at Conspire, which is located at 5th St and Garfield. Monday nights is Game Night to start the week. Tuesday is Anarchist Library night with every other one being a free writing workshop. Wednesday is Craft Night where we all work on some kind of project. Or you can just come hang out, have a coffee and look around..
sweet. it sounds good. right up my alley
I started a list but think this works better.
A great night in downtown Phoenix in the summer is Carlys or Taco Juarez or Matador for food, Lost Leaf or Fate or Bikini for drinks, Fair Trade or Paisley for coffee(never touch the stuff after 5 pm)and music at Modified Arts or Lost Leaf.
When I get inspired to travel farther for food it's Coach and Willies or the recent find Brickhouse (maybe lunch not dinner?)
Phoenix Art Museum on Tuesdays has movies lectures and classical music concerts.
And if we want to talk more mid-town the best swim drink and food together are at The Clarendon.
What do you want to do becomes the question, not that there's nothing to do. And really everything can be found in an area easy to bike, even in summer!
Except last night. Sheesh it was warm.