PhoenixTraveller.info

Phoenix City Guide

admin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:27:36 +0000

If American cities are humans of different ages and styles, then New York, Boston and Chicago are the older, established types, while Phoenix is the up-and-coming 20-something just out of school and growing fast.

It’s hard to believe, but in 1950, the city of Phoenix was only 17.1 square miles and only had a population of 106,000. Today, the land of triple-digit temperatures is a sprawling 515 square miles and a population of 1.5 million. So, in 57 years, Phoenix has grown by about 1.4 million. The Phoenix metro area (counting all the suburbs) is just over 4 million strong. Simply amazing.

A large portion of home owners (Snowbirds) flock to Phoenix as a winter home. As the mercury begins to rise they pack up and head home before the 120 degree summers kick in.

So whether you’re looking for a great golf course or an escape from cold temperatures, Phoenix is a marvelous place because it’s a big city, but a young city that is dynamic and full of energy.

While in Phoenix, why not try a morning flight over the desert in a hot air balloon.

Brass Armadillo

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:17:06 +0000

You never know what treasures may lurk around the corner as you wander the aisles of this gargantuan antique mall. Rows of glass-encased cabinets, packed with the glories of yesteryear, fill the 40,000-square-foot structure.

From cute collectibles like a 1940s Batman cookie jar to old saddles and Grandma’s antique rocker, you will find unique gifts for people of all ages and tastes. More than 600 dealers show their wares in this exciting emporium. Plan to spend a lot of time; this place has more great stuff than your grandmother’s attic.

Metrocenter Mall

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:15:49 +0000

Featuring over 200 retailers and food establishments, this facility was built in the 70s and completely remodeled in the 90s. Beautiful marble floors stretch throughout while overhead skylights bring in Arizona’s sunshine. The mall is located just off Interstate-17 in north-central Phoenix.

Take the Peoria Avenue exit west. Highlights are Macy’s, Dillard’s, Robinsons-May and Sears. Diverse dining choices will satisfy your hunger in the food court. Take a break from your shopping to enjoy the fabulous water fountains on the lower level.

My Sister’s Closet

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:14:27 +0000

Choose from high-fashion designers like Escada, Chanel, Calvin Klein and Nicole Miller as they become available. Select from quality suits, dresses, blouses, accessories and even shoes at a fraction of the original sales price.

This upscale resale business will be delighted to assist you with your clothing needs. All items are seasonal and in top condition for your satisfaction.

Paradise Valley Mall

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:12:41 +0000

This beautiful facility features over 200 retailers within a completely enclosed mall. Located centrally in Paradise Valley, this is a shopper’s delight. Major anchors are Macy’s Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and Robinsons-May. Many upscale specialty retail shops show their wares here.

Whether you are in the market for unique candles, fashion clothing or the perfect shoes, this mall should be a perfect “fit”. Visit the food court for diverse choices while you shop. Grab a slice of pizza, a burger or Middle Eastern gyros to satisfy your cravings.

COFCO Chinese Cultural Center

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:11:21 +0000

Distinctive Asian shops and cuisine are surrounded by a traditional Chinese garden. Visit the upscale Asian supermarket for fresh fish daily. Gardens surrounding the area feature ponds and replicas of statuary and pagodas from cities in China.

Restaurants like the Sampan Seafood Restaurant offer a variety of carefully prepared Asian cuisine. These gardens are located just south of Interstate-10 and 44th street, directly across from the Marriott Residence Inn downtown location.

Durant’s Fine Food

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:09:14 +0000

Enter Durant’s through the kitchen from humble parking lot entrance. The red carpet’s for you. The decor at Durant’s is dark woods with red walls. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. There is no dress code at Durant’s, but I wouldn’t go in shorts. Business casual is appropriate. It’s a little too loud to be romantic, but ask for a corner table if two of you want to be alone. Durant’s prides itself on it extensive wine list. Reservations are highly recommended at Durant’s.

Durant’s is not a chain - it’s a one-of-a-kind dining establishment serving lunch and dinner. Durant’s is an icon. Opened in 1950, there’s quite a unique history here, and the stories may or may not be true. You can be certain, though, that many a celebrity has eaten here, and many decisions about the City of Phoenix and the State of Arizona were probably made over one of Durant’s porterhouse steaks, a glass of bourbon, and a fine cigar.

Daphne’s Greek Cafe

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:06:11 +0000

Daphne’s Greek Cafe offers a nice alternate to typical casual dining. No paper or plastic plates here; food is served on china with real utensils (even though the drink cups are paper). The concept at Daphne’s Greek Cafe is that you order up front at the cashier, pay for your food, and then sit down and wait for a “Guest Service Expeditor” to bring it to you. They provide more service than your typical buffet, but less service than a full-serve restaurant.

Daphne’s Greek Cafe offers vegetarian menu items.Daphne’s Greek Cafe is a privately held company and does not have any franchised locations. Started in California, it has been expanding since its inception in 1991. The Arizona locations are the first ones outside of California.

Bistro at Kokopelli Winery

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:02:50 +0000

The Kokopelli Bistro is small and it sits inside the Kokopelli Winery’s retail store. Kokopelli Bistro is open 7 days per week, and there’s wine tasting daily. The Bistro in Chandler is open for dinner Fri -Sat, Scottsdale Mon - Sat. Weekend dinners at Kokopelli Bistro are Cool Jazz Dinners, with live music. The menu is limited. In the afternoon, they serve a ‘nosh’ where people can go and enjoy wine tasting with cheeses, olives, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, bread and dipping oil.

If you are a burger and fries sort of person, you probably won’t enjoy the Bistro at Kokopelli Winery, but if you are interested in a change of pace, or you have guests from out of town, this is a good lunch choice.

Buca di Beppo

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:59:35 +0000

Buca di Beppo, which literally translates to “Joe’s basement” in Italian, employs apparent legions of gushing wait people who frolic about attempting to inspire equal levels of glee and frivolity among their customers. The concept here is family style. And you’d better have a large family because they do feed you.

here’s much to like about Buca di Beppo, even if the ever-present level of energy is a bit much for your sesnsibilities. Families will like this place because it is utterly without pretense. And adults? Well, from the tongue-in-cheek pictures on the walls of the men’s room to the Pope’s table where 12-20 of your closest friends can be found yelling, “Mangia, mangia,” the place is a blast. But ultimately, it’s the food that makes it work.