Some people say nothing grows in the desert. But in 50 years, the population of metro Phoenix has more than quadrupled. We’re a city on the rise that is continually seeing new, exciting developments in the arts, in technology, in education and in the dining scene.

For Phoenix New Times’ Best of Phoenix 2024: Boomtown, we’re celebrating everything that’s gotten us to where we are today and looking ahead to a bright future.

Here's a comprehensive guide to what’s best in the city, from hiking trails and cocktail bars to sports stars, cannabis dispensaries, art museums and so much more.

We've got well over 400 categories to share with you, plus readers’ choice winners that highlight the businesses beloved by the people of Phoenix.

Life in Phoenix is booming, and we can’t wait to see what happens next. Come with us to experience the excitement of Best of Phoenix: Boomtown.

When you say goodbye to an icon, it deserves a memorable farewell. Barrio Café was founded by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza in 2002, and the restaurant became a cornerstone of Phoenix's food community, blending rich flavors with artistic flair. So when the restaurant shuttered in May, it was a significant moment in the history of the Valley's dining scene. The Ultimo Adios was a party and celebration of Esparza — not only for her culinary touch, but also for what she offered the Phoenix community. She was not only a fervent supporter of the Latino population, but has advocated for women, immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals with her activism. And the farewell to her and Barrio Café was marked by one important announcement: State representative Cesar Aguilar proclaimed June 2 Silvana Salcido Esparza Day. We will remember Barrio Café not only for the farewell but also as a symbol of the impact restaurants can have in a community.

One of the Valley's biggest pieces of food news came this spring when Kevin Binkley, a titan of the Phoenix fine dining world for 20 years, announced he would close his eponymous restaurant in August. In that very same announcement, Binkley shared that he'd already found a successor for the home-turned-restaurant on Osborn Road: Chef Stephen Jones. The two-time James Beard Award nominee behind the popular modern Southern restaurant The Larder & The Delta was without a space after failing to come to terms with his downtown landlord. Binkley, an 11-time James Beard Award nominee, said Jones was his first choice because "we love him, not just as a chef but as a person," he told New Times. Jones took over the space in August and launched his 10- to-12-course tasting menu in September. While it's bittersweet to see Binkley go, he's admirably passed the torch, and we cannot wait to see where Jones takes The Larder & The Delta for the eatery's next chapter.

With its central location between North Phoenix, Scottsdale and Arcadia, Piestewa Peak is not only a convenient hike to get to — it's also rewarding and breathtaking. The mountain's Summit Trail is just over a mile long to the peak, but the climb entails a steep ascent of 1,200 feet for hikers. Once there, hikers can enjoy a remarkable 360-degree view of the Phoenix metro area. And if the vertical climb on the Summit Trail isn't for you, the lesser-known Freedom Trail wraps around the base of the mountain in a 3.7-mile hike, getting you closer to the preserve's desert flora and fauna. For its accessibility, beauty and singularity, Piestewa Peak wins best overall hike.

Full disclosure: The mysterious bewigged man known as HotRock SupaJoint does draw the occasional comic strip for Phoenix New Times. But we're not giving him an award because he's a contributor. He's a contributor because he's a local legend. Besides the artwork, SupaJoint is a musician, video creator and podcaster, and most of time, it's all about weed. His podcast, "SupaShow," seems to be on a bit of a hiatus at the moment, but you can listen to years of back episodes in which SupaJoint and his co-host, Poppa Color, view and discuss listener-submitted content while "totally high af." It's plenty entertaining when you're sober, but you may want to indulge in a bit of weed yourself as you dive in. HotRock SupaJoint would approve.

The Republican lawmaker from the northwest corner of Maricopa County came to the Arizona Legislature in 2023 with a cowboy hat and disdain for anyone who didn't share his far-right views. Smith, an election denier who supported making it easier to challenge ballot initiatives and wanted to carve Maricopa County into four smaller parts, quickly carved out a legislative agenda focused on knee-capping opponents. He and his rural neighbors didn't want to keep rubbing elbows with the progressives, drag queens and abortion rights advocates that fill the politically blue streets of Phoenix. It's an orthodoxy he fine-tuned in the hallways of Turning Point Action, a part of the Valley-based right-wing political empire that aims to replicate little Austins and implant them across the country. But somewhere along the way, Smith failed to learn the finer points of cursive writing. As he prepared to run for reelection, he did what lawmakers must do — gather signatures of registered voters to get on the ballot. But Smith, who ironically sits on the House committee that oversees elections, was accused of forging 100 of the signatures. When faced with the accusations, Smith did what you'd expect from a member of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus — he tucked tail and ran, dropping his reelection bid and blaming everyone but himself.

Anyone who has stepped inside its cramped yet hallowed halls knows the true power and influence of The Rebel Lounge. But for Billboard to name it "Best Venue Under 500-Capacity" in early 2024 is an important validation of what Rebel does to truly empower the local arts and music scene. Of all of the tiny clubs dotting the U.S., it was Rebel that stands the brightest for its divey-but-welcoming aesthetic, the genre-spanning artists it hosts day in and day out and the sense of respect and awe for great art that's chiseled into Rebel's very brick and mortar. Rebel doesn't need the honors to continue delivering for the Valley, but it sure does do wonders for furthering Phoenix as a rich cultural hub that honors art and music with so much enthusiasm and passion. Hats off and horns up to the wonderful team at Rebel.

What you'll find at Hawk Salvage is anyone's guess. The Grand Avenue shop housed in an automotive garage from the 1940s has been classified as "industrial vintage," but truthfully, it's so much more. Scattered artfully around the retail space may be weird old dolls, model airplanes, vintage photos and posters, art, books and countless other things. Store owner, namesake and retired Phoenix Fire captain Greg Hawk loves to go searching for old things, and the store reflects his passions. Hawk Salvage keeps short hours — it's only open Thursday through Saturday — so we make it a point to visit on First or Third Fridays when we're already down on Grand Avenue for the artwalk.