Welcome to PHX Stories, where we invite you to take a closer look at the nation's fifth-largest city through a series of deep dives that uncover some of the best, most-flavorful and quirkiest treasures that can only be found in Phoenix.
From curators and artisans to independently owned shops and expert recommendations, these pieces showcase how locals do Phoenix — and why we love it so much. We hope you enjoy!
Dining
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Dreamy Desert Dining
Cloth & Flame brings diners to the desert—literally—with their one-of-a-kind dinner series.
Phoenix Museum Dining
Inspired by a meal and moments of reflection at the Louvre in Paris, a local writer spotlights…
The Tamale Store
In her quest to create the perfect tamale, Martha Castillo built a family business with a cultish…
Southern Food in Phoenix
A transplanted Southerner satisfies her hankering for the tastes of home at these local joints.
Slices of Heaven
A local writer and bona fide pizza fanatic gives us the rundown of her favorite spots in Phoenix's…
Crop to Cup at Peixoto Coffee
A daughter carries on a legacy by roasting beans from the family farm in Brazil at Peixoto Coffee in…
Doc's Artisan Ice Creams
Ex-Phoenix cop shows off his softer, sweeter side by cranking out some of the city’s best frozen…
Cocktailing
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Cocktail Hour(s)
Bitter & Twisted barman Ross Simon takes writer on a tour of his favorite Central Phoenix cocktail…
Valley Metro Rail Pub Crawl
Who needs a car when a 'conveyor belt' can transport you between Central Phoenix dining and drinks?
Cobra Arcade Bar
Ariel Bracamonte’s passion project—a retro arcade bar—is a game changer for downtown Phoenix’s…
Signature Events
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First Friday Art Walk
Here's our insider information with everything you need to know ahead of the next First Friday in…
WM Phoenix Open
Here's everything you need to know to get ready for The People's Open.
Celebrate Pride In Phoenix
Find out what to expect during this two-day festival in October, including the Phoenix Pride parade…
Arts & Culture
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Mexican Rodeo
Rancho Ochoa, a rodeo arena in southwest Phoenix, treats local fans to traditional charreada.
Maker of Relics
Jewelry designer Alex Ozers forges brass and copper into wearable art that feels aged by desert…
Bootmaker David Espinoza
Local bootmaker stitches colorful, custom leatherwork in his Central Phoenix storefront.
Paolo Soleri's Cosanti
The Italian artist and architect's legacy lives on in the futuristic desert home where he sculpted…
Artist and Sculptor Kevin Caron
Phoenix sculptor forges scrap metal, railroad spikes and more into memorable works of art.
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Lucha Libre
Masked acrobats of Mexican-style wrestling give audiences a reason to cheer (or boo) on Sunday…
Retail
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Analog Phoenix: Places To Shop
In search of tangible things in a digital age, a local writer finds where to ditch screens and go…
Curious Nature
This taxidermist’s shop in Central Phoenix is the place to go for freeze-dried bats and beetle…
Independent Bookstores
At Phoenix’s indie bookshops, you can find a sense of community while losing yourself in a book (and…
Watson's Hat Shop
At his shop in the cowboy town of Cave Creek, Eric Watson crafts hats that last a lifetime.
Allred Guitars
Little shop on Grand Ave fulfills the guitar dreams of curious customers—and its meticulous…
Renaissance on 7th
Phoenix's newest restaurant row has popped up on a short stretch of North 7th Street.
Spas & Resorts
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The Wigwam Resort
A resort built on cotton has a soft spot for families, neighbors and loyal employees.
The Arizona Biltmore's Catalina Pool
Arizona Biltmore pool is where Marilyn Monroe preferred to sunbathe, and Irving Berlin first dreamed…
Sonoran Desert
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Explore This Not-So-Secret Garden
The majesty and magnitude of the Sonoran Desert — and beyond — await you at the Desert Botanical…
South Mountain Park & Preserve
Explore one of the country's largest municipal parks, and the hidden gems surrounding it.
Paddling the Salt River
A leisurely float puts river goers up close to wild mustangs, blue herons and bald eagles.
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Phoenix Summit Challenge
This multi-mountain trek inspires hikers to look beyond Phoenix’s iconic peaks for their next…
Spur Cross Wildflowers
400 species of wildflowers grow in this tiny county park, and ranger Kevin Smith knows (almost) all…
Urban Exploration
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PHX Stories: Japanese Friendship Garden
Less Din, More Zen: A Secret Garden Above I-10 Creates a Cocoon of Placidity in Downtown Phoenix.
Canal Walks
A stroll along Phoenix's historical canal system promises artful waterfalls, craft beer, homemade…
'Microhoods' of CenPho
In Midtown and Uptown, eat/drink/shop gathering places thrive where strip malls once stood.
Phoenix After Dark
Get the details on moonlight hikes, stargazing, art walks and more things to do when the sun sets.
Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
Shop for farm-fresh goods at one of the city's favorite pop-up markets.
Touring Tovrea Castle
A tour of the famous "wedding cake house" gives visitors the real scoop on this curious Phoenix…
The Warehouse District
Gritty, urban and cool, this downtown neighborhood is the next Phoenix frontier.
Editor's Picks
The Sonoran Desert
Find the best hikes and outdoor activities in our living desert.
The Best Guided Tours in Phoenix
Whether you're looking to explore art, architecture, food, or the great outdoors, you'll find…
Hit The Town(s) of Greater Phoenix
From Hip, Urban Scenes to Family-Friendly Fun, the Diverse Communities of Greater Phoenix Await
