Discovering the Sun-Soaked Charm and Urban Adventure of Phoenix, Arizona
By Fiona Tapp
More than 22 million people visit metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, each year and with good reason. This modern and vibrant city has everything urbanites could dream of with all the vast southwestern desert just minutes away. Phoenix offers both sprawling wilderness and all the excitement of downtown city hubbub in one must see destination.
These are the top 8 great reasons to visit Phoenix Arizona.
1. All The Sunshine
Phoenix is officially the sunniest metropolis in America with 85% of its daylight hours being basked in beautiful sunlight. You can find a cool spot to enjoy the rays like the pool at FOUND:RE hotel, order a cocktail and just relax.
2. Food Trucks
Phoenix boasts some of the best and most inventive food trucks in the country. Grab a doughy salty bite from Mustache Pretzels, a raspberry Nutella waffle from Waffle Love or try some tropical fusion from Island Loco.
3. Cacti
Everyone knows the desserts of the southwest are the natural habitat for a huge variety of cacti, but it’s only when you stand underneath one of these saguaro giants that you realize how magnificent they are! Snap one in flower and you can keep up with this summer’s cactus trend all over your IG feed.
4. RoRo
Roosevelt Row otherwise known as RoRo is an art district in downtown Phoenix that celebrates outdoor murals, graffiti, and is home to creators and makers galore. They hold First Friday art walks on the first Friday of the month where galleries open their doors and welcome visitors.
5. Hiking The Sonoran Desert
Greater Phoenix is in the Sonoran desert which is one of the wettest and greenest desserts in North America. Hiking the 36 miles of wild trails is one of the best ways to see the area, and maybe a few Arizona wildlife natives as well!
6. Farm Fresh
Phoenix and the surrounding cities of Mesa and Gilbert have a thriving agritourism industry. You can learn all about the process of pressing Olive oil at Queen Creek Olive Mill, pick up a couple of bottles to take home with you, the chili infused oil is amazing. Then head on over to Schnepf farms where you can pick your own produce depending on the season and take part in dinner in the orchard events.
7. Beer
Follow the beer trail to sample a new crop of micro breweries opening in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Top picks include The Beer Research Institute in nearby Mesa, which serves its mini beers in brass knuckles! Brian Helton’s namesake Helton brewery continues to dominate the scene, with 20 years of brewing experience to his name he knows how to craft a pint, but new breweries are popping up all the time.
8. The Chance To Cheer
Pack your jersey because Phoenix is such a fun place to catch a sporting event. Especially as it holds the rare title of being one of only a handful of US cities with franchises in all four major professional sports leagues, including Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL) and the Arizona Coyotes (NHL).
For more information: Phoenix, AZ
