For years, hundreds of transgender children and their families had been making life-saving trips to Phoenix Children’s Hospital to receive gender-affirming care in the form of hormones and puberty blockers. But after an unenforceable and likely unconstitutional executive order by President Donald Trump, the hospital decided to abandon those patients, leaving them in a state of limbo. PCH was the largest provider of gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the Valley. That changed dramatically in late January when Trump said the administration would yank funding for any entity that supports trans kids under 19 years old. Fearful that they’d lose federal funding, PCH decided to pull the rug out from under trans kids and their families. Even after a judge temporarily blocked the order, care didn’t restart, and families have grappled with new decisions about moving out of state — or even the country.

The irony of Urbanh Café’s location merely adds to its charm. Across the street, you’ll find the spindly, stingy sandwiches of California banh mi titan Lee’s Sandwiches. But just a punt return touchdown away, on the other side of Warner Road, this tiny storefront shop — mostly carryout, with just a couple of tables — slings some of the best banh mi in town. There’s nothing fancy here, just good eats, including the usual suspects like Vietnamese charcuterie, grilled pork and chicken, sausage or fried eggs, all slipped into crackling French baguettes with a smear of pâté, a dash of Maggi and pickled vegetables with cilantro and jalapeño. The difference is in quality ingredients, careful assembly and a bread-to-filling ratio that doesn’t feel like a bait and switch.

In a city that keeps getting further from its Old West roots, Buffalo Chip Saloon up in Cave Creek is still an authentic Southwestern watering hole after more than 70 years. Whiskey and beers flow freely seven nights a week, especially during the live bull-riding sessions at the outdoor rodeo arena on Wednesdays and Fridays. You, as a civilian, probably shouldn’t try to ride the real bulls, but you can try your hand at staying on the Chip’s mechanical version, which is just one of the bar’s entertaining features. The event calendar includes music by the house band, Pick o’ the Litter, and free dance lessons. The Chip’s sprawling compound boasts fire pits, lawn games, an outside stage area, and even a small church on the premises if you feel like your Saturday night fun warrants some Sunday morning repentance. (It’s also a Green Bay Packers bar, for you cheeseheads.) Pretty much every honky-tonk has tall beers and twangy tunes, but Buffalo Chip has an authenticity a lively atmosphere that makes the trip to Cave Creek worth the drive.

There wasn’t much time for live music in 2020 before the world up and changed. Livestreamed shows are a satisfying distraction, but they can’t capture the visceral quality — the power, really — of seeing a genuine live concert. Unless, of course, we’re talking about Las Calakas. This cumbia fusion band somehow managed to re-create the excitement of their raucous live shows despite the limitations of technology. It’s not just that the streams ignited the same fires as an actual concert (an urge to shimmy, the tendency to hoot and holler, etc.) — they displayed the band’s dynamic in high-res detail as they whipped out fiery fusion jams in real time. Las Calakas’ streams are a reminder of live music’s power to help people lose themselves in the creative ether. More than anything, they kept hope alive for what might come next for a post-quarantine world: a night out at the show, dancing and vibing with a few dozen close strangers.

Fate Brewing opened in Scottsdale in 2012, but there was an issue: There already was a similarly named brewery in Colorado. So, in 2016, Scottsdale’s Fate Brewing Company had to reopen as McFate Brewing, a nod to founder Steve McFate. Eventually, a second Scottsdale location opened. But actual fate intervened. The Boulder, Colorado-based FATE Brewing Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018, and McFate jumped on the chance to reclaim the original name. McFate Brewing Company was rebranded as Fate Brewing Company just in time for the opening of its third location and beer garden, this time in Tempe. The new name couldn’t feel more appropriate.

Phoenix has a storied history of DIY venues that rose and fell: Iron Lady, The Manor, Wall Street, ICYC, and many, many more. Sometimes they go into hibernation, throwing open their doors every once in a while for a special show. Most of them just disappear; part of the whole point of having a temporary autonomous zone is that they’re, well, temporary. Rarest of all is the DIY spot that goes legit. The Lunchbox (LBX) started as one of those well-kept secrets — the kind of place where you needed to know somebody who knew the address to find it. Fast-forward a few years later, and now it has shows every week, a website, even an active social-media presence. What hasn’t changed about LBX, though, is its knack for booking obscure, edgy, and interesting acts. Whether it’s the avant-classical metal of Wrekmeister Harmonies, or weird singer-songwriters like Circuit des Yeux, LBX hosts some of the most forward-thinking and uncompromising artists working in the underground.

Former revenge-porn operator Craig Brittain — a conspiracy theorist and fringe Arizona Senate candidate — has experienced many low points. There was the time when he was forced to settle with the Federal Trade Commission after operating a website that extorted women in exchange for deleting nude photos of them posted online. Then there was his unsuccessful 2018 bid for Senator Jeff Flake’s seat, when Brittain failed to obtain the required number of signatures to get on the ballot. (“This is a rigged sham and cannot even be considered an election at this point,” Brittain told Phoenix New Times in a text message.) But perhaps the greatest blow to Brittain was when his favorite social network, Twitter, deleted his account (for the second time) in March. Twitter is often criticized for a hands-off approach when it comes to bigots and trolls, but it seems like the network has had enough of Brittain. Shortly before Twitter deep-sixed his account, Brittain was tweeting vile conspiracy theories about the teenage survivors of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Good riddance, Craig.

It’s a downtown dream, and what’s more, a stroll through Phoenix’s Encanto-Palmcroft neighborhood is totally free. One of our best-known (and higher-priced) historic neighborhoods, this one is no old-timey tract. Made up entirely of custom homes dating back to the late 1920s, this collection of Tudors, Craftsman bungalows, and transitional ranches wraps itself around 222-acre Encanto Park, and is chockablock with rose gardens, tidy lawns, and some of the best examples of long-ago architecture styles. Winding streets are well-tended by the city and locals alike, and are jammed every two years by the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Home Tour and Street Fair, which allows lucky ticketholders the chance to peek inside some of this historic neighborhood’s better examples. The next one will be held March 24, 2019, and tickets are already on sale.

Playboy Manbaby is one of the most popular bands in Phoenix for good reason. The group makes punk rock with a trumpet, but don’t call it ska. The horn is just icing on the cake that is the manic energy of Playboy Manbaby. Onstage, frontman Robbie Pfeffer transforms into a screaming, flailing madman, shouting songs about selling out and giving your boss the middle finger. His onstage persona channels rock stars and Pentecostal preachers equally, and not many bands get roomfuls of people as engaged in punk rock call-and-response like PBMB. The result is often the most entertaining show in town.

A lot has changed in the 10 years since Andrew Jackson Jihad formed. Downtown Phoenix has a radically different look, and the music scene certainly has matured. As for the group, Andrew Jackson Jihad has grown from an acoustic folk-punk duo to a full-fledged rock band, and this year, the band released its fifth full-length album, Christmas Island. Undoubtedly the slickest-sounding album in AJJ’s catalog, the album is worlds apart, sonically, from the low-fi aesthetic of 2007’s People Who Eat People Are the Luckiest People in the World.

But Christmas Island retains the piercing lyrics and buoyant sound that has defined Andrew Jackson’s Jihad musical identity. The group still proudly represents Phoenix, but its appeal extends well beyond the Valley — Andrew Jackson Jihad’s IAMA session on Reddit attracted more than 1,200 comments, and on YouTube, their albums have garnered hundreds of thousands of listens. With sharp lyrics like “It’s harder to define love / I’ve gotta drink more if I wanna catch a buzz / The older I get, the more articulate I am at whining,” it’s easy to understand why.

ROAR’s 2010 EP, I Can’t Handle Change, is perfectly self-contained not just as music but as music-writing; it’s frustratingly hard to avoid cliché autopilot when talking about it. It sounds like nothing so much as an earnest reimagining of Phil Spector’s hermetic maximalism, and — voilà — Phil Spector is on the cover. The careful melodies and harmonies gradually draw your attention, until — just in time — a barbershop quartet materializes for the a cappella “Baby-bride Rag.” It feels labored over in a way that generates comparisons to Brian Wilson at his anxious, unpleasable best, and — of course — the title track reaches its climax in a rousing chorus of “Nothing I do is ever good enough!” Add in 2012’s follow-up EP, I’m Not Here to Make Friends, and it’s a little easier to say original things, if only because fewer people have heard it — recent live performances have pointed up their spirit-animal connection to Ronnie Spector with dresses and long wigs. The full-length album, which everyone will hear, is a work in progress. A few times a week, lately, on ROAR’s Tumblr, a fan will ask about it, and frontman/lead-Spector Owen Evans will apologize for the delays. We haven’t heard the material; if we had to guess, it’s almost certainly good enough already. But we’ll wait.

The members of Cowboys N Hell are modest, above all things: When we asked them who the best tribute band in town was, earlier this year, they suggested the White Zombie aficionados in Grindhouse, on the grounds that they “get every titty in the house shaking, every time they play.” We didn’t do the titty math for Cowboys N Hell, but the logic is pretty simple: Phoenix loves metal, Dimebag Darrell isn’t around to play these Pantera songs anymore, and the members of Cowboys N Hell are. Like Beatlemania, they aren’t competing with the genuine article — they’re giving people who won’t have a chance to see the real thing access to a suitably raucous facsimile, one that re-creates an atmosphere instead of just reverse-engineering the relevant studio recordings.

Climate change will mean routine, human-killing temperatures of 130 and higher during the summer. All water sources will dry up, sparking extreme conservation efforts. Farming will become impossible. Wildfires will transform the state’s forests and highlands into the ashen landscape depicted in The Road. Welcome to the vision of worrywarts like Will deBuys, author of a March piece on slate.com titled “Phoenix May Not Survive Climate Change,” and Andrew Ross, who wrote the 2011 book Bird on Fire: Lessons from the World’s Least Sustainable City.

But allow us to retort: Truth is, reports of Phoenix’s impending demise are premature. State officials expect the population of the Phoenix area to nearly double by 2050 — to about 6 million. And no one should die of thirst: Phoenix and its suburbs have a multifaceted water supply more robust than any other major Southwest city. Sure, we’ll have problems in the future. But it’s the height of pessimism to claim that everyone will flee to perceived greener pastures rather than cope with the challenges. Don’t you believe it.

The walls of downtown and Central Phoenix have been springing to life over the past few years, thanks to local artists looking to define this community through public art. Three specific areas of CenPho have become the home to a majority of these large-scale wall masterpieces: 16th Street, Roosevelt Row, and Grand Avenue. And there is no better way to take in this massive public museum than by bike. The three areas can be cycled on an easy, flat 10-mile circuit beginning and ending at Barrio Café on 16th Street, home to the Calle 16 Mural Project. With stops at The Hive, Roosevelt Row (be sure to check the alleys!), Phoenix Public Market, and Grand Avenue and Fillmore Street, Phoenix’s finest mural artists are on display, with works by Lalo Cota, DOSE, Joerael Elliott, Jenny Ignaszewski, Rose Johnson, El Mac, and Luster Kaboom. Each of the murals speaks to, for, and about Phoenix in a unique, insightful, reflective, and provocative way, and seeing them by bike gives cyclists a chance to really stop and appreciate them as more than just wall decorations, because, after all, this art belongs to all of us.

Bears of Manitou has drawn plenty of fans around Phoenix for its indie-folk tunes, but its members have managed to attract attention beyond that, staging the kind of interesting marketing stunts that get fans involved and laughing. A few days after the debut of Call-In Oates, a phone service that allowed fans to dial an 800-number and play some lo-fi selections from the oeuvre of blue-eyed soulsters Hall and Oates, the Tempe-based band quickly seized the fever, launching their own toll-free call-in line and even offering fans a chance to order customized songs through their Facebook pages. Any band can Tweet into the World Wide Black Hole — but bands like Bears of Manitou make the social marketing feel, well, social.

Next time you’re driving down Interstate 10 in Phoenix — approaching the Deck Park Tunnel — take a quick look at the center median. Did you notice anything odd, like a fenced-off passageway slicing right through the middle of the larger tunnel? That, friends, is Phoenix’s infamous Papago Intermodal Transfer Station — a.k.a. an underground bus station that was started in 1990 but never actually completed.

According to Valley Metro light-rail director Wolfe Grote, who was involved with the planning of the I-10 tunnel back when he worked for the City of Phoenix’s public transportation department, the bus station was designed to serve the needs of the then-red-hot midtown Phoenix area. (One developer was even proposing building a 114-story skyscraper in the area, which would have been the tallest in the world at the time.)

“The thought was to include an express bus station into the plans for the new tunnel that would allow passengers to exit underground and then ride a combination of elevators and escalators up to the park level,” Grote says.

Unfortunately, despite spending more than $9 million to build the bones of the structure, the city was never able to secure the $20 million-plus in federal funds it would have taken to complete the project.

Meanwhile, the flood of new developments in midtown failed to materialize, and Valley Metro started delivering workers directly into downtown Phoenix via a new system of express buses. And maybe the last best chance to build out the station fizzled in 2008, when the planned light-rail extension to the west was routed through the Arizona State Capitol area a few miles south, rather than running through the I-10 tunnel.

So for now, this monumental concrete cavern remains a road to nowhere.To see a slideshow of the abandoned bus station, visit www.phoenixnewtimes.com/best of2011.

Scott Blackwell is almost a dead ringer for Tom Petty — from his lanky frame and stringy blond locks to his hangdog countenance and penchant for top hats. The similarities extend past outward appearances, as the 47-year-old Phoenician can not only strum his Telecaster just like Petty, but can also sing “Free Fallin'” and “You Don’t Know How It Feels” in an equally folksy fashion. This musical mimicry has paid off well, as he and the other members of Petty tribute act Breakdown have landed regular gigs at Skye. They aren’t the only faux superstars taking the stage at the Peoria performance venue and supper club, as it hosts tribute and cover bands aplenty. The sincerest form of flattery is on display almost every weekend inside the posh Platinum Room, with artists aping the moves and music of some of the world’s most famous rock and pop acts, ranging from ABBA to Zeppelin. You can catch copycat crooner Todd Luxton doing his best Elvis impersonation on some Fridays, followed by a spectacular send-up of David Bowie the next night. Or maybe partake in back-to-back gigs from Denver’s Under a Blood Red Sky (U2, duh) and Take It to the Limit (The Eagles). Long live mock ‘n’ roll, baby.

Okay, so the timing was bad: The Medic Droid broke up a week after we put them on our cover. But, we’ve gotta hand it to this MySpace success story. They broke up in style, starting with onstage spats and continuing through an exchange of online barbs. This electro-pop act (imagine if Perez Hilton had a band) was poised for serious success, having completed its first national tour and slated to play king-making indie fest South by Southwest. Instead, they flamed out quickly and beautifully, all in the public eye. If we have to have a band break up while an issue featuring them on the front cover is barely off newsstands, we’re glad it could happen in such a gloriously entertaining way.

Charlie Brand works the self-deprecating-artist shtick better than any other musician we’ve met. Where most artists may brag about touring with marquee-level acts or getting their faces on TV, the soft-spoken guitarist/vocalist for indie quirk-poppers Miniature Tigers tends to shrug off their numerous successes. So we estimate that Brand’s been shrugging a lot over the past 12 months, as he and bandmate Rick Schaier have been on a major roll since last fall. After having the infectiously catchy songs as “Cannibal Queen” and “Dino Damage” broadcast on taste-making SoCal college station KCRW, the Mini T’s (who are signed to Sony-funded indie label Modern Art Records) performed to packed houses at October’s CMJ Music Marathon in New York. Earlier this year, they were chosen by Ben Folds to accompany him on an East Coast tour, and they followed that up with an appearance at South by Southwest and by winning an online contest that got their videos played on MTVu. We’re betting that if you’re a frustrated musician in an unsigned Valley band, chances are you hate Brand even more than he detests himself.

Running is one of the most physically exhausting activities one can engage in: Your feet are punished, muscles taxed, and electrolytes drained. Usually after a jog or a sprint, it’s recommended that one replenishes one’s burdened body by drinking ample amounts of liquids. If you’re the average sort of runner, that means many thirsty gulps of water or sports drinks like Gatorade. But for members of the Valley’s chapter of the Hash House Harriers, the fluid-replacement regimen consists of imbibing beverages with plenty of hops and barley. Self-described as a “drinking club with a running problem,” the HHH holds numerous noncompetitive runs each month, where participants maneuver along haphazard four- to six-mile paths through both rural and urban environments created from chalk or flour. These events feature frequent pit stops along the way, where chugging contests, “beer checks,” or other drinking distractions ensue in order to emphasize fun and equalize things between the more casual runners and those who’re hoping to compete in the Boston Marathon (as some HHH members have done). It brings new meaning to the phrase “beer run.”

The latest craze among Valley bars and clubs these days isn’t some overpriced fruity martini or even playing host to the hottest DJs around. Nope, it’s Rock Band nights, where patrons test their mettle at the ultra-hot video game (which involves groups of three or four playing simulated instruments and singing in time to chart-busting songs like Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” or Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive”) for fun and the admiration of their fellow drunks. None of the trend-following nightspots offers the chance to perform like an actual rock star the way Sandbar does. Every Wednesday night, at the Peoria location, this beach-themed bar encourage groups to turn out dressed in their finest rock ‘n’ roll wear and engage in vampish, Steven Tyler-style onstage antics. Bar credit is awarded to the combo that gets the highest score each week. And if there are 30 or more bands competing during the event, the best-dressed act nabs $300 in cash. Groupies are optional, however.

A lot of dishes are award-worthy at Cork, the south Chandler eatery opened by co-owners Robert Morris (sommelier), his wife Danielle Morris (pastry chef), and Brian Peterson (executive chef) earlier this year. But we think the banana cream pie says it all. What you might visualize when you order it is nothing like what you actually get. Instead of a simple slice of traditional pie, you get an edible work of art, with the chocolate-painted plate as a canvas. Brûléed banana slices and a roasted baby plantain accompany the “pie,” whose tasty round Oreo crust supports a pale cylinder of delicate banana cream. On top, there’s an ethereal cloud of brûléed homemade marshmallow. All together, this is one of the most memorable desserts we’ve had in a long time, and definitely a fitting way to wrap up a dinner that might include creative dishes such as seared foie gras with banana bread, or ostrich crudo with limoncello, heirloom tomato, and tortellini.

TDO rocks on the contemporary tip, with an original sound that blends folk, rock, jazz, and pop — sometimes in a single song. The band’s latest (and only) studio album, East Meets West, displays the Phoenix trio’s ability to merge smart acoustic arrangements with unbridled jams, but it’s Ten Dollar Outfit’s two live albums — Live at The Clubhouse and Live at Chandler Center — that really show off the band’s musical dexterity. Like the Grateful Dead, Ten Dollar Outfit takes its studio recordings and stretches them into epic, extemporaneous odysseys in a live setting. Given that frontman Brian Chartrand names Steely Dan as one of his biggest influences, it’s no surprise that these jams are often keyboard-heavy and lean in a progressive-rock direction. In the studio, TDO is solid, but the live show is where the trio really comes unhinged and rocks it. And in an era when studio wizardry often masks musical ineptitude, being able to say your group is a “live band” is quite an accomplishment.

This charming park in the historic Encanto-Palmcroft neighborhood is hands-down the loveliest in the city, and there’s a simple reason why: trees. Unlike Steele Indian School Park, Encanto doesn’t look like it was cheated by the landscaping department. Far from it. Even on the hottest day, the tall palms around Encanto Lake seem to draw a breeze just by virtue of their balmy presence. With the 7.5-acre lake snaking around a host of great picnic spots and recreation areas, this looks like something Walt Disney would design for one of his theme parks. Instead, it’s right here in Phoenix, and it’s utterly free. Watch out, though, for the Enchanted Island Amusement Park — your kids are going to beg you for a train ride or a turn on the carousel, and while the prices are far from Disney’s, you will pay for the pleasure.

If you happen to miss the Free Street Band’s sidewalk performances outside Carly’s Bistro at Second Street and Roosevelt during First Friday in downtown Phoenix, don’t worry. You can also catch the marching musical group at the corner of Garfield and Third Street, or McKinley and Fourth, or even… Well, you get the point. Like local rockers the MadCaPs, the pipe-and-drum trio stays on the move during the monthly art walk (except they’re on foot instead of the back of a pickup truck), bringing their wailing brand of music to the masses. Led by abstract painter and bass drummer Joe Axton, this kilt-clad quintet of aging hippies also includes a bagpiper, snare drummer, bodrhán player, and bass player who perform such standards as “Scotland the Brave” or anti-war favorites like John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” all over the Evans-Churchill neighborhood. Unlike the MadCaPs, who always seemed to be getting tailed by the cops, we’re betting the fuzz won’t bother with these guys. Just try to catch them — The Free Street Band doesn’t even have a MySpace page. Leave word at collins.fowler@cox.net.

City anglers can get their daily fix of aquatic sport during year-round urban fishing at Red Mountain Park. The eight-acre oasis features two fishing docks and waters stocked every two weeks from September through July with hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, carp, white amur, and tilapia. The 17-foot-deep lake is also stockpiled with rainbow trout during the winter months and channel catfish in the spring and fall. If the fish aren’t biting, explore the 1,146-acre park featuring four basketball courts, walking trails, volleyball courts, soccer fields, shade-providing ramadas, or the adjacent Red Mountain Multigenerational Center. A class U Urban Fishing License costs $16, or a one-day pass costs $12.50, and the park is open from dusk to dawn. Go fish.

If urban life has taught us anything, it’s that no savvy entrepreneur tears down a perfectly good sign. Remove that mammoth mid-century marquee from your frontage, and big government comes a-knockin’ with updated display guidelines. Besides, have you seen what new signs cost? So we enjoy the doughnuts of Vinchell’s and Wishill’s, and we play “spot the former wig store” on East Thomas Road. Not everyone’s as stylish as My Florist. Mr. Tile is in a class by itself. Some frugal person with a steady hand has painted “Mr. Tile” on the front of the store (four times), on the wall facing Grand Avenue (three times), on the sign atop the tall post outside (twice on each side), and on the small sign at the parking lot entrance (another three-fer). Then there’s the sign by the sidewalk, which features, along with the ubiquitous red “Mr. Tile,” a five-foot-high truck tire embedded in concrete. Must make you feel like Hamlet’s uncle.

Downtown’s stretch of Grand Avenue has seen a lot of changes in the past few years, most notably the number of galleries and performance spaces that keep popping up in once-dilapidated shops and warehouses. All this development is a good thing, one from which even hard rockers have benefited. The folks at PHiX, once a motorcycle repair shop that’s been transformed into an art gallery/music venue, make sure to book a variety of musical talent including hardcore, metal and punk bands. Acts like Endless Nightmare, and I Am Columbine have rocked out on the black, pressed-wood stage constructed by Lee Berger, owner of the vociferous den. People of all ages congregate in this rockin’ complex to aggressively ram into each other and jump up and down to the callous rhythms. We must warn you: If you’re not sure exactly how hard you’re willing to rock, prep yourself with earplugs and maybe some kneepads hidden under your jeans.

Just to the east of Tempe Town Lake, beyond a small rubber dam, a spectacular wetland is sprouting willows, cottonwoods and sycamores — the mainstay of Southwest riparian areas. Effluent from Mesa’s wastewater treatment plant flowing into the arid Salt River bed is being impounded by the Town Lake’s east dam and fueling the fabulous resurgence of streamside life.

Drivers and passengers can catch glimpses of the emerging habitat from the sweeping ramps at the interchange of highways 101 and 202. The swath of greenery fuels the imagination of “what if” we restored the Salt River to even a fraction of its glorious past.

Among the birds assembling in the area are Great Egrets, which 100 years ago were close to extinction. Now the emblem of the National Audubon Society, the return of the graceful bird is a positive sign that, given a little money, water and time left alone, nature will provide all that is needed for wildlife to return to the Salt River Valley.

Just to the east of Tempe Town Lake, beyond a small rubber dam, a spectacular wetland is sprouting willows, cottonwoods and sycamores — the mainstay of Southwest riparian areas. Effluent from Mesa’s wastewater treatment plant flowing into the arid Salt River bed is being impounded by the Town Lake’s east dam and fueling the fabulous resurgence of streamside life.

Drivers and passengers can catch glimpses of the emerging habitat from the sweeping ramps at the interchange of highways 101 and 202. The swath of greenery fuels the imagination of “what if” we restored the Salt River to even a fraction of its glorious past.

Among the birds assembling in the area are Great Egrets, which 100 years ago were close to extinction. Now the emblem of the National Audubon Society, the return of the graceful bird is a positive sign that, given a little money, water and time left alone, nature will provide all that is needed for wildlife to return to the Salt River Valley.

It easily could have wound up as just another 75 acres of concrete jungle, but instead the old Phoenix Indian School grounds now include a 2.5-acre lake and a neighborhood park with a playground and volleyball courts. The 1,500-seat amphitheater housed the city’s summer concert series this year, including free steel drum and Brazilian jazz performances, and even a performance by our favorite local jazz musician, Margo Reed. An entry garden is marked by walls made of old sidewalk from the original Indian School, and throughout the park you’ll find tributes to Native American culture. This project was more than a decade in the making, with heated negotiation from City Hall all the way up to the U.S. Congress. For a change, our leaders did the right thing. Thanks.

It easily could have wound up as just another 75 acres of concrete jungle, but instead the old Phoenix Indian School grounds now include a 2.5-acre lake and a neighborhood park with a playground and volleyball courts. The 1,500-seat amphitheater housed the city’s summer concert series this year, including free steel drum and Brazilian jazz performances, and even a performance by our favorite local jazz musician, Margo Reed. An entry garden is marked by walls made of old sidewalk from the original Indian School, and throughout the park you’ll find tributes to Native American culture. This project was more than a decade in the making, with heated negotiation from City Hall all the way up to the U.S. Congress. For a change, our leaders did the right thing. Thanks.

Ban Chan is hardly new. Irene Woo’s “country homestyle” Korean restaurant in Mesa has been around for a decade, and Woo has owned and operated Korean restaurants since the 1970s. But a refreshed menu emerging from the pandemic coupled with a sudden burst of influencer interest have turned 2024 into a banner year for the East Valley stalwart. Ban Chan was always good, but Woo’s cozy little joint has found a deliciously comfortable groove as its grandma-style Korean fare finds a new generation of fans. Ban Chan’s strengths lie in soups and stews such as kal guk su, thick flour noodles in a clam and seafood broth; or maeun galbi tang, a complex, spicy broth loaded with beef ribs. Large-format hot pots like Woo’s outstanding pork belly and kimchi are great for a crowd, while the influence of her time in Hawaii is felt in dishes such as her excellent, tender meat jun. What’s more, her namesake banchan is top-notch — unfussy, simple and full of flavor.

In a dingy strip mall in central Tempe you’ll find Danelle Plaza, which some DIY heads have dubbed the city’s “last cool place.” It garnered that unofficial label thanks to the efforts of a homespun, wacky collective of artists who — led by Rob Moore, under the banner of the Danelle Project — revitalized the mostly abandoned lot and its buildings near Yucca Tap Room. Since 2016, it’s been filled with weird, eccentric art and hosted exhibitions and events that have made it a cornerstone of the Valley’s arts community. Notably, both masters and beginners come together on its unique playground to control the space. That environment was consciously fostered by the Danelle Project, which relinquished control of the plaza to a nonprofit called the Tempe Art and Music Coalition as the developers planned to bring major changes to the lot, including adding housing units. But as the baton is passed, Danelle’s legacy of making space for all artistic visions and keeping the space community-focused will live on.

Carbon-based lifeforms of metro Phoenix, beware: The robots are here and they’re multiplying. Since 2019, they’ve increasingly crept into Valley life. Autonomous janitors at QuikTrip stores mop up spills. Amazon drones drop off impulse buys into West Valley yards, or the occasional pool. Cat-faced waiter droids schlep plates at local restaurants. And Waymo robotaxis haul our drunk asses home from the bar. At the IDEA Tempe Campus awaits your best chance for a meet-cute with robots, assuming you behave. The 18-acre property near Tempe Town Lake is patrolled by a squad of Dax robots, 3-foot-tall black-and-white security droids that roll about on tank-like treads. (Picture a robotic love child of Pixar’s WALL-E and EVE.) Spot one during business hours or while strolling a lakeside path and you might get a head tilt or see their digital googly eyes become hearts. Trespass after dark and the flirty vibes ends fast, resulting in a no-nonsense warning. The Dax robots went viral earlier this year thanks to Tempe’s Adam Pioth, who filmed himself hanging out with the droids and blowing marijuana smoke in their faces. The clips racked up 9 million Instagram views before Pioth was banned for trespassing. Still, he can count himself lucky. Unlike ED-209 from “RoboCop,” these security bots didn’t respond with deadly force. Yet.

Get ready for a meat overload when you visit Sizzle Korean BBQ. Sizzle isn’t an all-you-can-eat joint, but the combos and platters certainly provide plenty of delicious bites. At the three locations of this local mini-chain, each table comes equipped with a circular grill in the center. After you place your order, your server will cook the raw cuts until tender and crisp. The meats here are noticeably higher quality than what you’ll find at many KBBQ spots; thin slices of brisket and flavorful marinated short ribs are some of our favorites. Meats can be ordered independently or as part of the beef or pork combo. Break up the protein with a bite of kimchi or pickled radish, as a rainbow of banchan come with each meat. The combos come with kimchi stew or soybean stew to round out the experience, and don’t forget to add one of the fresh fruit-filled cocktails to your order for a delicious, interactive night out.

While Stone Korean Tofu House is one of the newer spots to join the cadre of excellent, longstanding Korean food staples in the Valley, it has quickly established its expertise. The first location opened in Mesa’s Asian District in 2020, followed by a second spot in the far East Valley in 2022. The restaurant is known for its namesake tofu, which is made fresh in-house and added to its bubbling soups. Served in black clay pots, the simmering liquid scorches and delights. Servers deliver each bowl with a raw egg, which customers are instructed to crack directly into the soup and swirl around until it cooks through, absorbing some of the bright orange broth. Other soup ingredients can include pork dumplings, mussels, clams, ham, sausage, mushrooms and more. There are also multiple preparations of tangy, savory beef bulgogi, bibimbap bowls and plenty of banchan to go around.

“Grand” is an apt descriptor for this resort’s water park, which features a giant wave pool, eight-story waterslides, a hot tub that fits 25 people, outdoor showers and a 950-foot lazy river for cruising. A float around the river reveals stages, bars and cabanas (oh, my). The seven-acre oasis in south Phoenix was named one of the top 10 water parks in the U.S. by The Travel Channel for its family-friendliness and variety of attractions. Water park access is included for guests, but day passes (around $65) are available and a popular commodity. All the pools are heated, so guests can enjoy the water park year-round.

With two East Valley locations, Peixoto’s oft-busy coffee shops offer a real farm-to-cup experience. Julia Peixoto Peters, who co-owns the shop with her husband, Jeff, was born and raised on a coffee farm in Brazil. In 2015, the couple quit their corporate jobs to import and roast coffee from that same family farm, eliminating the middlemen that take a portion of profits from farmers and sellers. Besides what you can order in a cup, Peixoto sells whole-bean and ground coffee from its farms and from partners in Ethiopia and Colombia. The delicious, bold flavors of the coffee, skilled and friendly baristas, and the ethical supply chain all make Peixoto worthy of the top roaster crown. Soon, a new store in sowntown Phoenix will open in collaboration with celebrated Phoenix pastry maker Chacónne Pâtisserie.

Diana Vreeland, deliver us from tacky fast fashion made of plastic and sweatshop tears. Sometimes, it seems like trendy garbage is everywhere in stores and online these days. Thank goodness for local shops like Vida Moulin, whose offerings are stylish without being slaves to trends and are made well without an exorbitant price tag. The store, which moved from 16th and Bethany Home roads to uptown retail complex The Frederick in 2021 (Vida Moulin owner Chantell Nighswonger also owns The Frederick with her husband), is inspired by and stocked with California boho chic fashion. Translation? Pieces that are comfortable, casual and relaxed, such as cotton cashmere T-shirts and gingham maxi dresses. It’s why we stop by regularly to see what Vida Moulin’s got for our closet.

Nestled in the back of an unassuming strip mall in Ahwatukee Foothills is a frugal fashionista’s dream. The bright, inviting boutique carries name-brand resale and consignment women’s clothes and accessories for bargain prices. You might spot Anthropologie, Halston or Trina Turk dresses, or you can pick up cute Athleta, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, J. Crew and Lululemon workout and casual wear for a fraction of what you’d spend at the mall. Dozens of designer bags in all sizes and colors (classic Coach to Louis Vuitton) make it easy to find that perfect evening clutch, everyday purse or backpack without feeling guilty. You can even nab Tiffany jewelry and high-end sunglasses that don’t cost a car payment. Owner Ana Piña hand-selects every piece and she has an eye for style and a mission to carry a wide range of sizes. Follow her fun social media accounts and pop in for “sip and shops” with wine and sales. Best of all: Everything is clean and in excellent condition, and there’s no weird “thrift store” smell.

For those used to cooking their own dinner at Korean barbecue restaurants, Sizzle flips the script a bit. Here, the servers place slices of meat on the grill, flip when necessary, cut and serve, all right in the center of your table. For those a little unsure how long to sear each style of meat, the help is welcome. Pick individual cuts or one of the combos from the menu which include multiple varieties of either beef or pork plus a side of kimchi or soybean stew. All of the meals come with banchan, small plates of pickled veggies and toppings to enjoy with bites of meat. Sizzle offers an experience that is upscale yet fun, interactive yet intimate. The high-quality cuts of meat paired with noodle dishes and creative cocktails make the Old Town and Desert Ridge restaurants a standout for Korean barbecue in the Valley.

Fresh fish is the name of the game at Shimogamo, a sushi counter and upscale restaurant tucked into the corner of an unassuming Chandler strip mall. The family behind the restaurant moved to Arizona from Japan in 1994. Determined to share the true flavors of their homeland, they opened Shimogamo in 2003. Founders Sanae and Yoshio Otomo have since passed the torch to their daughter, Mika, and her husband, Tokyo-trained chef Daisuke Itagaki. The duo recently expanded the concept with a new location in Gilbert, but we’re partial to the original, modern yet cozy sushi counter in Chandler. For the freshest catch, check the specials board to see what these talented sushi chefs are slicing up daily.

The folks behind The Nile Theater in downtown Mesa are nothing if not prolific. They already operate one of the best concert halls in the East Valley, a badass complementary venue downstairs called The Underground and a quaint coffee shop. Now, they’ve expanded into music retail. Last year, they opened Nile Records, a spin-off shop within The Greenbelt building up the street selling vinyl, tapes, CDs, books and apparel. What the small store, which recently moved to a slightly larger space next door, lacks in size, it makes up for with a curated selection of new and used music in the rock, country, indie, punk and hip-hop variety. Then there’s its coolest aspect that sets it apart from other vinyl emporiums: When artists and bands play Nile Theater or The Underground, the store has their tour merch and music available for anyone who couldn’t make it out. Co-owner Michelle Donovan says that operating a small record shop with merch from recent shows was something they had wanted to do for years. “We’ve been collecting merch from the bands that came through,” she says. “So we’ll have their stuff on hand in case fans miss out. It’s like their second chance.”

When the award-winning Mexican craft brewery opened the doors to its first American taproom in Chandler, it was a full-circle moment for its founders. Buqui Bichi Brewing was launched in Hermosillo, Sonora, in 2016 by Ramon and Luis Osuna, two brothers whose love of craft beer began in the United States. They’ve since built a following and five taprooms around Mexico. But they’ve always had their sights on the U.S. and showcasing their craft brews, including the crushable Kolsch-style ale Banquetera or Talenga, a warm, roasty coffee stout. Between 2023 and 2024, the team opened taprooms in downtown Phoenix and Chandler. The spaces are upbeat and energetic, hosting DJs and decorated with neon lights featuring their beer labels. In addition to Sonoran-brewed beers, Buqui Bichi’s brewpubs offer a full bar and food, including crisp sopes piled with tender al pastor, avocado mousse, onion and cilantro.

Time seems to have left Mi Patio alone. And when it comes to the fun, kitschy decor and margarita prices, that’s just fine by us. Located on the corner of Seventh Avenue and Thomas Road, this old-school Mexican restaurant hasn’t changed a whole lot since it opened in 1984. Wooden parrots hang from the ceiling, there seem to be Christmas decorations up all year long, and the booths and counter stools are always filled with regulars. The margaritas, as the banner hung outside proudly advertises, are $4.19. These cheap sips pair perfectly with a giant pile of nachos or a cheesy enchilada plate with rice, beans and all the fixings.

In the middle of The Rolling Stones’ epic May 7 concert at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, frontman Mick Jagger made a surprising announcement: “We’re gonna go out to Valley Bar after, OK? So you can join us there.” Fans looked at each other in surprise. Surely, the world’s greatest living rock band didn’t just tell tens of thousands of people where they’d be after the show. But a number of people at the show (including us) decided that, if there was the slightest chance Jagger wasn’t kidding, they had to be there. That Tuesday evening, Valley Bar was filled with Stones fans, some of whom were visiting the underground watering hole for the first time. As the clock neared 2 a.m., we acknowledged what we already knew in our hearts: Of course, the band wasn’t coming. But Jagger’s comment did two things. It gave us a reason to extend a unforgettable evening of music. And it gave one of our favorite bars a packed house on a typically slow night. We’re not mad about it.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs owned the Republican legislature in 2023, vetoing some 150 bills sent her way by the mini-majority Republicans boast in both chambers. You would think that losing the governor’s race, the U.S. Senate race, the state Attorney General’s race and the Secretary of State’s race in 2022 to Democrats would send AZ Tuskers a serious message about moderation. But Republicans, at least of the legislative variety, only march in one direction — over the cliff. Hobbs got to wield her veto stamp like some maniac on crystal meth, breaking the record for the most vetoes in a legislative session previously held by Janet Napolitano, who had 58 vetoes in 2005. As a result, all of the Republicans’ wingnut ideas about banning drag shows, suppressing the vote and punishing the homeless for being homeless ended up in the square file once they hit the ninth floor. Now if Hobbs can flip the legislature blue, the GOP’s long reign of legislative insanity may finally be at an end. And we’ll have to start worrying about lefty legislative kookiness for a change.

If Grand Canyon University thought it could discreetly shutter the Periwinkle Mobile Home Park, if it thought that the Periwinkle residents, many of whom had lived there for years, if not decades, would go quietly, then it was proved very wrong this year. To the tentacular, ever-expanding so-called Christian university, this scrap of land on Colter Street in west Phoenix was merely a real estate venture. But to 46 families, the humble park was home. And when GCU gave them all eviction notices, those families organized, banding together not just with each other but with other mobile home park residents across the Valley in similar circumstances. At Periwinkle, a leader emerged: Alondra Ruiz Vazquez, a grandmother who ran a local soccer club and lived in Periwinkle with her husband for years. Ruiz had never organized a protest. But with the support of longtime community organizers in Phoenix, she was soon chanting into bullhorns, speaking at city council meetings, and heading up a movement with her neighbors. Yet despite her efforts, despite the community rallying around her, despite teary pledges from lawmakers to do something about the displacement, GCU got what it wanted. In May, the park was closed, fracturing a community and forcing residents out of their homes. It was, in a sense, inevitable. The Periwinkle residents were up against a Goliath with flashy lawyers and the city in its pocket. Yet the impossibility of their struggle never made them hesitate. They knew their fight was a righteous one. And there’s no question that the impacts of the Periwinkle protests — the way these families forced the powerful to witness the human toll of our housing crisis — will reverberate on.

Say what you will, but Meta’s push of their little virtual world (dubbed the “Metaverse,” because creativity is dead) sparked a movement. No one may want to spend their days in that bland digital snoozefest, but virtual reality is clearly experiencing a resurgence in popular culture. Luckily, we can explore it for all it’s worth at Nerds and Geeks VR Lounge. Whether you want to drive race cars, go skiing or experience the nightmare of the “zombie cage,” N&G is about accessibility and engagement. (That’s why you can snag an hour of play for $25.99 — a deal for VR-centric entertainment.) More than that, it’s about forming a community around this technology and using it to unite longtime gamers seeking that next level and everyone else who is jumping on the bandwagon. That’s why N&G’s whole vibe is less “cold digital dystopia” and more “sick personal gaming basement.” Ultimately, it’s about using VR not as some newfangled fad, but what gaming has always represented: the great equalizer around meaningful fun. The tech may have changed, and the graphics are a big improvement, but VR brings folks together, and N&G is a mighty hub for that in the heart of Mesa.

Sure, it’s not as swanky as Scottsdale Fashion Square, but this outdoor outlet mall on the Gila River Indian Community has a set of charms all its own. First, it’s a mecca for deep discounts on name brands like Hurley, Marc Jacobs and True Religion. The Saks OFF Fifth alone is worth the trip for picking up everything from high-end jeans to superior swimwear to discount Havaianas flip-flops. Also, the mall’s handbag and sneaker game is strong, thanks to devoted shops for Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Adidas, Converse, Nike and Puma. If you’re a hiker, you’ll want to hit the Columbia Factory Store. Everyday wear is a deal with steep sales at places like Banana Republic Factory, Gap Factory, Old Navy Outlet and more, and if you wear makeup, many department store brands can be found for far less at the Cosmetics Company Store. Pretty much, you can find just about anything you need for less than in other malls and have money left over to hit the nearby Wild Horse Pass Casino on your way out.

Grace Perry has a knack for opening must-visit destinations around Phoenix. The former singer of the metal band Landmine Marathon owns Gracie’s Tax Bar, a hip downtown watering hole, and more recently, she debuted Peaches, a self-described “intimate wellness boutique.” Looking more top-shelf than trashy, Peaches carries items like a pair of leather wrist cuffs in millennial pink, “Support Your Local Sex Shop” T-shirts, sleek high-end vibrators, massage oil candles and way more. The comfortable atmosphere and titillating merchandise make for fun browsing during a night out at the Pemberton nightlife hub, but if you don’t feel like carrying that bottle of lube around on a Saturday night, you can get what you want off Peaches’ online store.

The Mesa supermarket and housewares store has everything you need for a Korean barbecue and more. The national chain store sells rice cookers ranging from basic models to top-of-the-line appliances and everything in between; portable barbecue grills are also within reach in the same aisle. Then, the diversity of barbecue meats is sold in bundles or individual portions, with pork belly or sirloin cuts ready to marinate with premade sauces imported from Korea, China, the Philippines, Vietnam and other Asian countries. The market also a wide range of seafood, some of which is flown in directly from the Fulton Fish Market, near where H Mart was founded in New York city in 1982. A Korean barbecue is not complete without banchan (side dishes), and banchan — kimchi, stir-fried fish cake, spicy squid and much more — is abundant and sold in to-go containers. Finish off your feast with unique desserts or a fruity, potent bottle of soju.

In between the car payment expense of the $250 omakase and the all-you-can-eat chumbuckets, there’s a band of neighborhood sushi joints that targets the intersection of quality and affordability. In Phoenix, the former is harder to come by than the latter. But Sushi Nakano is not only among the best sushi joints in town, it’s also the undisputed champion of sushi bang for your buck. For just a few dollars more than the average sushi joint, Leo Nakano offers a short menu of simple nigiri and rolls that are a quantum leap beyond his contemporaries. The texture of Nakano’s rice is sublime, perfectly seasoned with the requisite balance of sour, salty and sweet. His fish is carefully sourced and expertly prepared, and his rolls — though tipping a cap to popular Americanized sushi standards — are lighter and more restrained than the usual schlocky mayo maki. Specials are always sharp, and if you really want to do a blowout meal, his omakase is an object lesson in preparing sushi creatively while still honoring its integrity.

The best art has a way of changing our perspective, helping us to notice things we haven’t really seen before or think in new ways about the world around us. Dale Chihuly’s orbs, spires, baskets, and other glass forms exhibited at Taliesin West and the Desert Botanical Garden did just that, drawing attention to both the built and natural environments in metro Phoenix, where the pace of daily life can keep us from seeing the rich complexities of color, pattern, and texture in the urban desert. Chihuly’s installations amid desert plants, renowned architecture, and water features were a powerful reminder of the role art plays in creating and sustaining vibrant communities and healthy ecosystems, and provided a window into new ways of seeing the desert environment too often taken for granted. Through these outdoor artworks, people who might never have explored these cultural gems discovered their rich tapestries of design, and those who already frequented these sites experienced a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.

Scottsdale Public Art transformed the banks of a portion of the Arizona Canal between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard into a light-filled interactive experience to rival any and all of the immersive indoor exhibitions that hit the city during the past year, giving people a chance to explore creations by local to international artists in an unconventional setting without having to pay a dime for the experience. From bundles of multicolored square lights positioned like bunches of flowers growing out of the ground to a light-shifting waterfall made with material that looked like fancy vacuum tubing, featured light-based artworks inspired playful conversations and a beautiful sense of community. At one space, people could walk under a giant arc. At another, they could open a door that revealed a changing selection of light-infused imagery. Taken together, these artworks powered the imagination of people young and old, reinforcing the ways that art can bring people together during even the most divisive of times.

Variety is the spice of life, it’s been said, although some people are skeptical when they’re pondering outdoor time in Arizona, where you could be forgiven for thinking it’s all cactus or housing tracts as far as the eye can see. The Arizona Canal Trail stands out because it comprises nearly 40 miles of varied terrain where you’ll encounter not only nature, but also suburban neighborhoods, commercial enclaves, and parks. We’re smitten with the smattering of bridges and tunnels that make for a fun change of pace now and then, and also with the way this trail connects us to places in the city we don’t get to experience in our everyday routines. We’re keen on moving between dirt, rocks, and pavement, because adapting is one of our superpowers. People riding the trail are pretty low-key unless you’re completely ignorant of cycling etiquette. Take your camera along, because you never know when you’ll be surprised by an unanticipated photo op.

The sports world always loves a good comeback story. Just ask fans of Phoenix Rising Football Club, as their favorite team might be in the midst of one at the moment. After spending the past few years as perennial contenders in the United Soccer League, the local pro soccer team went off a cliff this season, losing a majority of their games and going from heroes to zeroes. (It’s par for the course with local sports franchises these days.) After a front office shakeup, including promoting former assistant coach Juan Guerra to team manager, the Rising reversed their fortunes and got back into the playoff hunt. The team’s rabid fanbase couldn’t have been more ecstatic. They already turn out in droves to the Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Chandler, packing the bleachers while adorned in face paint, waving red and black flags, and cheering on their squad. In certain sections, you’ll see huge fan groups such as the Banditos and the Red Fury getting even rowdier, creating a cacophony with musical instruments and leading chants as their enthusiasm grows to a fever pitch. It helps heighten the experience and makes games, even the losing ones, fun to attend.

It’s hard to believe, but the hot new amateur sporting trend is pickleball. It appeals to all ages, and at any given tennis court, you’ll likely see players pinging the ball across the net. Pickleball Kingdom recognized the demand for everything pickleball and built a facility dedicated to the friendly sport. With 16 courts, it’s the largest pickleball facility in the nation, and the good news is you can play year-round — the facilities are indoor, so heat or wind aren’t a worry. In between games, you can unwind with beer, wine, and snacks. The facility is built like a gym, so memberships are available, and there’s an online app to reserve your court. Lessons are available (there’s even a free Pickleball 101 session), you can rent equipment, and if you don’t want to become a member, you can just pay a minimal drop-in fee to play. The venue is open for corporate events and birthday parties too. Pickleball Kingdom makes it easy to jump on the bandwagon of this growing sports phenomenon.

At the beginning of February, Eric and Lauren Dahl, the former owners of The Lost Leaf, made an announcement: The beloved bar and music venue would be shutting its doors in just six weeks. The pandemic — plus a rent hike — had left the couple with few choices but to let go of their longtime business. The news was a shock to the arts community. The Lost Leaf, which lives in a charming abode on Fifth Street in Roosevelt Row, is a longtime staple in the arts scene — hosting a neverending lineup of free shows, selling local brews, and giving funk bands and experimental DJs an audience and a stage. The reaction was swift. At one February show, a DJ led the crowd in a chant of “Save the Leaf.” The slogan was graffitied and hashtagged for weeks — until, at last, in a truly cinematic save, local developer David Cameron announced he would buy the venue and keep its doors open. So far, The Lost Leaf has retained its familiar, quirky character, and a consistent slate of stellar artists.

Even in the age of online shopping, we still love a good day at the mall. Chandler Fashion Center has something for everyone. The lineup of 180-plus retailers includes Apple, Tilly’s, lululemon, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Urban Outfitters, to namedrop a few. The 20-screen Harkins Theatres multiplex is excellent for friends and date nights, and the Crayola Experience Studio, Joystick Arcade, and splash pad are lit for the younger folks. And once shoppers get winded, they can grab a bite and quench their thirst at a myriad of spots in the food court and throughout the area, including Hop Social Tavern, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, and P.F. Chang’s. To wrap up the day or night, The Cheesecake Factory and the Starbucks inside Barnes & Noble offer dessert and coffee.

After a massive yellow mural reading “Black Lives Matter” was painted on a prominent street in Washington, D.C., Gizette Knight hoped to install a street mural with that same theme in downtown Phoenix. When she couldn’t get city approval, Knight did what activists do best: She found another way to make the message heard. Knight coordinated a Black Lives Matter mural project that included numerous Black History Matters murals painted by various artists around Phoenix. The murals, hosted by places like The Nash and Carly’s Bistro in Roosevelt Row, featured the faces of renowned Black changemakers like Shirley Chisholm, Huey P. Newton, and Harriet Tubman — as well as some who aren’t as well known. Best of all, the project included a billboard along Grand Avenue, assuring that the Black History Matters message would be widely seen in our urban landscape.

“Pool bar” might conjure memories of sugar-bomb frozen daiquiris or clubby bottle service that only oil barons can afford. Lylo changes the formula, introducing casual Japanese-leaning food alongside flawless original cocktails. These come from the mind of Ross Simon, the “cocktailian” behind Bitter & Twisted and Little Rituals. They spotlight rum (mostly), and they are bomb. Two rums are blended into soft-serve ice cream for the deeply nostalgic Dole Whip. Another two rums lace the pineapple and lime juice to make a complex, supremely refreshing rocks drink. And an artful, three-berry frozen daiquiri will banish even the saddest resort daiquiri memories.

Part informal breakfast spot with lighter plates, part bakery, part coffeehouse where you can eternally linger eating snacks and enjoying a slow caffeine drip, Ollie Vaughn’s punches way above its weight when it comes to morning eating. The croissant creations, like an egg sandwich and a croissant pudding, simply don’t miss. The breakfast sandwich with meat changes all the time and tends to feature banger after banger, like a buttermilk biscuit with ham, eggs, and pimento; or another biscuit sammy with Schreiner’s sausage, green chiles, and eggs. Some of the best baked goods here are classics. Don’t sleep on the workaday strawberry muffin with ample powdered sugar. At Ollie Vaughn’s, the tea selection is just wide enough, and the coffee list covers all the essential bases admirably. 

A surefire way to banish all memories of sticky Americanized Chinese food is to step into this Tempe stalwart and embrace the depth of Sunny and Lulu Zhao’s northeastern Chinese menu. To begin, don’t overlook the drinks. Why settle for water when you can sip plum juice or fresh papaya milk? At Chou’s, noodles and clay pots are just the iceberg’s small tip. The main event is the world of dumplings, most famously pan-fried meat pies whose doughy sheaths give way to hot ground beef. Dumplings contain squash and egg, pork and pickled vegetables. You can go with classic potstickers or tuck into steamed mackerel enrobed in dough. Chou’s has the kind of menu that you could order from 10 times and still have 20 more things to try.

Owned by Mahfam Moeeni-Alacron and her husband, Cristobal Alacron, Mingle + Graze was a dream many years in the making. At the shop, which opened in early 2019 in charming downtown Chandler, Moeeni-Alacron uses her expertise to select just the right cheeses for her store and clientele. She also educates people about new flavors. You can build your own cheese board and sample their new cheeses while you’re there. (The pecorino is definitely worth a try.) It only takes a few visits before you become part of the Mingle + Graze community; the owners will know you by name after the first time, and once you’re a regular, the staff will start working on your food as soon as you step into the shop. This is the best place for cheese in town, but cheese is by no means the only offering at Mingle + Graze. The menu is peppered with creative nods to her Persian and his Chilean heritage in the form of sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale is more than 30 times the size of New York’s Central Park. It’s the largest urban preserve in the United States, and it certainly feels that way when hiking — whether you approach from Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, the Fountain Hills side, or from the far north. Within its roughly 120 miles of trails, there are so many unforgettable sights and experiences: the wind rushing and whistling at Windgate Pass, the dramatic stony face of Tom’s Thumb, the way the rocks can abruptly change from slate-blue to Martian-red. Sometimes, you even see people on horseback. Always, it’s a much-needed escape from the right angles and digital screens of life in the city.

Of all the roads we love to cruise, few offer as much date-night potential as a drive down Central Avenue, specifically between Northern Avenue and the downtown area. It’s the perfect road for a carefree jaunt if you have few actual plans and the time to watch the city transform from quaint, mostly suburban vibes to a modern urban oasis. When plans change, Central offers plenty to do, from dinner and drinks to cultural sites, music venues, art museums and galleries, shopping, and more. It’s just as much about accessibility as entertainment, and this drive condenses everything that is quintessentially Phoenix into an efficient, 11-mile ride. Central is where our many neighborhoods and interests and values all come together. This drive is about defining what makes this city so wonderful and unique — and part of that is how we’ve collectively built up this wonderful thing to stand the test of time. If that’s not romantic, then what is?

When you feel like taking a chance on the slots or game tables, the casino at Talking Stick Resort & Casino is the perfect destination to either boost your bank account or empty your wallet. It’s got a new-Vegas chic to it, feeling as much like a nightclub as a gambling palace. But if you want to do more than get into risk-based fun, that’s no problem. There are a number of great places to grab a meal, from the acclaimed Orange Sky to the seafood-focused Ocean Trail to a pretty solid buffet. There’s a spa where you can be properly pampered, along with a golf course and pools where a private cabana can be your oasis. And there are live entertainment choices aplenty: Its stages have featured comedians like JB Smoove and musical acts like Cheap Trick, The Psychedelic Furs, and the very casino-appropriate Air Supply.

A Spotify user data report came out earlier this year that stated that of all the major cities of the world, Phoenix buys the most CDs. We don’t buy many these days ourselves, but when we do, we get them at local entertainment chain Zia Records. Zia locations still have a large selection of new and used discs. The used CDs in particular are super-affordable, and you can often pick up some hard-to-find gems, like titles by local bands and rare imports. Of course, once you’ve made your CD selection, there are countless other things to browse at Zia, too, such as records, toys, books, video games, and clothing.

Billionaire Mike Bloomberg and his presidential ambitions burst into Arizona and other states late last year, and by early 2020, he had become a force to be reckoned with — mainly by other presidential and down-ticket candidates, who discovered his near-infinite well of campaign cash was a vacuum sucking up a lot of local talent. By March, he had spent $5 million and hired 50 staffers in Arizona, far more than any other candidate. As New Times reported, these employees made out like bandits: free MacBooks and iPhones to use on the job, plus a $6,000-per-month salary. Before the pandemic, that meant more hotel rooms booked, more restaurant food, and more coffee shop drinks swilled — the former NYC mayor was like a mini-economic boom unto himself. Yet Arizona still got short-changed: That $5 million was just 1 percent of what he spent on his campaign to dethrone Trump in total. And after spending half a billion dollars of his own money, Bloomberg won a Super Tuesday primary race only in American Samoa, then dropped out in early May.

The landscape in downtown Phoenix is dotted with murals by Laura Spalding Best, an artist whose work often brings surreal, mirage-like imagery to utility poles and other ubiquitous objects in the urban desert. This year, Best added a new twist to her oeuvre with a field mural in Tempe, which was created using more than 200 decommissioned traffic signs. The artist painted each sign using colors inspired by the way the sky shifts throughout the day, then installed them on the north bank of Tempe Town Lake, where plants grew up around them to reinforce the interplay of natural and manufactured environments. The piece gave passersby a chance to have an accidental encounter with art, creating a sense of wonder that’s sometimes lost when seeking out art in more traditional settings.

It’s the unexpected moments that bring joy to encounters with art, whether you’re into classic paintings by Renaissance masters or street art by contemporary creatives who use the urban landscape as their canvas. Often, you’ll find tall wooden panels propped against the building that’s home to Snood City Neon on Grand Avenue, along with several artists working side by side to paint the panels with their own distinct designs. The works in progress attract vendors to the area; you can often find food carts and people selling jewelry nearby. The live painting brings an unexpected twist to First and Third Fridays, giving people making the gallery rounds a chance to see and talk with local artists as they’re working and share in the communal vibe their painting creates.

Phoenix really shows off its creative side during Phoenix Festival of the Arts, a multiday event typically held in December at the urban park that’s named for Phoenix’s first female mayor. The free, dog-friendly event brings live music to the park and gives visitors plenty of other things to explore — including an eclectic lineup of booths where they can get to know the artists and organizations responsible for our city’s cultural landscape. Families can participate in lawn games and other activities, there are food trucks and a beer-and-wine garden, and everyone gets the chance to paint a community mural. Phoenix Festival of the Arts is big enough to have something for everyone, but small enough to make this metropolis feel cozy.

It’s all about making memories at urbAna. The boutique, owned by Ana and Brian Wells, was inspired by Brian’s grandmother’s written accounts of all the parties she’d once thrown. Some of the selection of home decor here channels such vintage vibes, and other items on offer have more of a modern flair. Either way, build-it-yourself furniture is not part of the equation at urbAna. This is where you go for the finer things that also have character: a brass bar cart, a laddered bookshelf, a cactus silk pillow, and a beach towel with a big, beautiful saguaro on it. The type of items, in other words, you’ll be glad to pass down to your own grandkids one day.

It’s almost like time doesn’t exist outside Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café, which has changed very little since Elizabeth White opened the place in 1964. Over the last half-century, this family-owned eatery has served Southern comfort and soul food to notable people like the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley, former heavyweight boxer Earnie Shavers, and the Godfather of Soul himself, the late James Brown. Substantial portions of meals like meatloaf, pork chops, and fried chicken with steaming sides of collard greens, buttery corn on the cob, and rich mac and cheese are filling crowd-pleasers, and the cornbread is so deliciously sticky and studded with whole kernels of sweet corn that the cafe sometimes runs out. Desserts like peach cobbler, sweet potato pies, and banana pudding can push people over the gastric edge — but are well worth feeling stuffed.

A bevy of Korean barbecue options have cropped up in the Valley in the past few years. Some are sleek and fancy. Others are low-key. Manna, which has another location in San Diego, falls more in the latter camp. Its food comes all-you-can-eat for $25 at dinner and $18 at lunch. Meals begin with an armada of banchan and then shift to the gas grill plate, where you cook galbi and diaphanous brisket slices yourself. You can go as hard as you want: veal intestine, baby octopus, or pork chops. Your tong and scissor hands will get a workout. At meal’s end — after somehow making space for a mochi — you’ll see that Manna can hang with any Korean barbecue joint in town.

The cowboy mythos may be antiquated, but folks ’round here still blaze plenty of trails. In the last decade or so, Andy Warpigs has cut a swath through this city, shining bright as a folk-punk hero who uplifts listeners with each new trip to the stage or studio. Warpigs champions punk-ish values of individuality and justice, acting as a beacon for an entire community of artists trying to make their own brand of weirdness take flight. What drives his devotion to sound and city alike is a genuine love of music and an earnest belief that great tunes can unite a village, burn out all the evil, and make a place that’s more free and fun than previously imagined. Even if such transformations never fully take hold, Warpigs’ dedication to Phoenix keeps us all on our toes and perpetually honest with what we’re putting in. He’s not just some noble figurehead or stoic figure on horseback, and he doesn’t demand change so much as show us something in ourselves to work toward. He’s the guy with the guitar singing about a dark and twisted world, hoping we’ll scream along for just a couple of bars.

CJ Jacobson of Paper Foxes told Phoenix New Times last year that Popular Confessions, the title of the band’s debut album, was a term he coined to “explain the mass depression that nearly everyone seems to be experiencing in 2019.” The record made the melancholy melt away more than any other Valley release, which is why we’re still listening in 2020, when we’re unable to go out and dance with the “death disco” group. And folks outside Arizona are starting to take notice. Paper Foxes was recently named the best unsigned band in the state by Alternative Press. Here’s hoping they’ll get the chance to show off for the residents of other states soon.

Public officials never admit to anything, even when they get caught. Journalists, by contrast, are in it for the story. Writers may produce a book, like David Carr’s Night of the Gun. TV reporter Bryan West of Channel 12 (KPNX-TV) decided to take up writing after serving nine days in jail for extreme DUI and failing to obey police commands. The burst of literary prowess for the reporter, who typically covers morning practice by high school bands, debuted on social media, naturally. In the 3,200-word essay, West apologizes for his actions and describes how he lived a double life as a hardcore alcoholic for “too many years,” often drinking until he blacked out. He relates how his drunk and reckless driving led to his arrest that fateful night in August 2018. Yeah, we heard he left out some key details. But the deeply personal mea culpa on Facebook, set to public, was well received by USA Today‘s editor and hundreds of other journalists and well-wishers. West still hasn’t returned to his on-air job at Channel 12. With luck, he’s pursuing a less self-destructive lifestyle.

Phoenicians wait all year for the chance to don flannel shirts for just a few days of chilly weather, defined as anything below 70 degrees. On New Year’s Eve, fabulous flanneled folk descend on Roosevelt Row for an evening filled with live music and art, culinary fare, and a host of creative activities that help to cultivate the community spirit that continues long after flannel and boots get replaced by tank tops and flip-flops. This year’s event will take place near Second and Roosevelt streets, where neighbors, tourists, and the hipster crowd unite amid the city’s exciting cultural and culinary landscape, launching each other into another year of urban adventures.

Phoenix is a modern, urban city, so it’s special when you can find small reminders of our Western heritage. One of those is Saba’s Western Wear Store in downtown Chandler. There’s been a Saba’s in that area since 1927, when customers still rode up to the store on horses. Today, the store serves locals and tourists alike, selling everything from shirts and hats to belt buckles, bolo ties, and Arizona souvenirs. There’s a huge selection of functional and fashion boots for men, women, and children. Saba’s offers well-known brands like Wrangler, Frye, Minnetonka, and Stetson. We recommend you stop in to experience a remnant of the Old West.

There are dive bars, and then there’s the Palo Verde in Tempe. A place where obnoxious graffiti covers both restrooms, the default aroma is a hybrid of body odor and old cigarettes, and filth is caked on every surface like stucco on a tract home. Frankly, we wouldn’t change a single thing about the Dirty Verde. It’s a scrappy little shithole (and we say that with love) that’s been a go-to spot for slumming for several decades now. The drinks are cheap and sometimes amusingly named (like the “Hammjob,” for instance), hard-rock shows and fun DJ nights happen frequently, and its mix of neighborhood regulars and the young and hip equals nonstop people-watching. Plus, flushing the men’s room toilet involves tugging on a Rube Goldberg-like setup consisting of pulleys, bandanas, and a dog leash. The PV might be skeevy, but she’s always a good time.

The building that now houses The Rebel Lounge has been a vital piece of Phoenix’s punk and metal scene since 1979 — that’s 40 years of building a community based on blunt-force, pissed-off music. Then known as the Mason Jar, this small club ushered in a wave of punk and metal bands that not only inspired a whole network of alternative subgenres, but helped forge an entire lifestyle. In 2015, the Mason Jar was taken over by Psyko Steve Presents and renamed The Rebel Lounge. Subsequently, this change in power has only enriched the venue’s reputation of being a hub and inherent champion of a scene that reaches far beyond just heavy music. Remember: Punk is a lifestyle. There are few places in the Phoenix area that have established themselves as a heavy-music safe house the way The Rebel Lounge has — and even fewer with such an impressive monthly calendar.

It’s presumptuous for any band to open a boutique shop selling their merchandise a stone’s throw from their hometown, but most bands aren’t as bold as The Maine. The store, which opened in January to coincide with their 8123 Festival, isn’t just another revenue stream for the quintet. It’s an exciting way for the indie group to interact with their dedicated fanbase. The Tempe band use the space to test their ideas that most musicians on major labels can’t even try, like a listening party for their seventh album, You Are OK. Even if you aren’t a fan of the local pop-rock group, seeing the record’s uplifting title plastered on T-shirts, notebooks, and all over the walls is affirming for your soul.

It’s hard to miss Antro on weekend nights, considering the Glendale dance club’s name is spelled out in enormous, glowing blue letters adorning its exterior. Things get even more colorful inside, thanks to an enormous LED wall, dozens of colored spotlights, and various glow toys that crowds wave around while getting their dance on. It lights up the teeming mass of humanity that comes to Antro every weekend to move and groove — and the music that patrons are dancing to depends on the particular evening. Thursday and Friday nights, the club serves up salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggaeton, as well as the occasional live banda ensemble during the La Casa de Los Latinos party. On Saturdays, however, the soundtrack includes a mix of hip-hop, EDM, and Latin tracks. No matter the night, you can always find a crowd waiting outside Antro for the chance to dance, as well as score various drink specials, which will get anyone into the mood to shake their culos.

The newest location of this Korean supermarket is a foodie paradise. Located in the Dobson Plaza in Mesa, the newly expanded Asiana Market boasts an extensive selection of Korean prepared foods (including grab-and-go bulgogi lunch boxes, kimchi, and all manner of packaged banchan), a large seafood department, and a food court that’s a worthy destination all on its own. The market is easy to navigate, thanks to wide, well-organized aisles stocked with specialty food items from across Asia. Come hungry: The food court is home to a location of Paik’s Noodles, a popular Chinese-Korean chain noodle shop, along with metro Phoenix’s first location of Tous Les Jours, a popular French-Asian bakery cafe chain.

F. Scott Fitzgerald can take that “There are no second acts in American life” malarkey and stuff it. When the venerable, long-running all-ages DIY institution The Trunk Space closed its doors on Grand Avenue in 2016, it didn’t stay dead for long. After a few months of pop-up shows put on by the venue’s dedicated team of volunteers, The Trunk Space found a second life as part of Grace Lutheran Church on Third Street. The gumball machine and photobooth are gone, but The Trunk Space’s spirit of booking iconoclastic acts and being a place for young bands to find their voices remains. Since reopening at Grace Lutheran, Trunk Space has hosted underground legends like Lydia Lunch, packed anniversary shows by hometown heroes AJJ, film noir musicals, and marathon show events like Endless Bummer and the Indie 500 (where the space hosts back-to-back performances until 500 songs are played). And while some things change, other things remain the same: The discount comic boxes may be gone, but Luster Kaboom’s iconic monster nerd mural followed owner Steph Carrico and her merry band of supporters to their new home.

Opening a dance joint is a risky venture, even in a nightlife-friendly party zone like Mill Avenue. Clubgoers are fickle, tastes and trends are constantly changing, and the competition is always out to eat you alive. Despite these odds, Aura Nightclub has managed to thrive, probably because it’s got a lot going for it. The 9,500-square-foot spot, which opened in April, has an excellent pedigree, as owner Narender Raju also runs popular local venue The Pressroom. And just like he transformed a shady downtown Phoenix warehouse venue into the aforementioned concert spot, he renovated and revamped the decrepit two-story space on Mill that formerly housed School of Rock into a high-tech nightlife playground. The main room boasts a 5,000-square-foot dance floor, 14 VIP tables, several 4K high-def screens, intelligent lighting, and a state-of-the-art sound system. There’s also a huge stage that hosts DJs and bands brought in by general manager and talent booker Cahleb Branch, a veteran of the local hip-hop scene. An adjacent lounge area contains even more seating, a chill vibe, and enormous windows overlooking the hustle and bustle of Mill that allow you to kick back and check out the line of folks clamoring to get in.

Raquel Willand was born to sing. If her participation at this year’s Phoenix Rock Lottery wasn’t proof enough of her talents, do a Google search, and chances are you’ll come across her old SoundCloud page. Even on those old tracks, she showed tremendous promise as a vocalist. Fast-forward to 2015, when Willand answered Jared Wood’s Craigslist ad looking for bandmates. Since then, the Phoenix quartet went through several name and stylistic changes before settling on the bluesy rock elegance of Panic Baby. The single “Don’t (Lie to Me)” brings out the passion of Willand’s vocals, which will serve the band well as they prepare to release more music this year.

Sixty years of newspapering under the moniker Scottsdale Progress came to a screeching halt 10 years ago when, in October 2008, the parent company of the local East Valley Tribune announced devastating changes to the local journalism scene. Besides laying off half the staff, the Trib dropped coverage of Scottsdale and Tempe, though it had carried the banner of the old Scottsdale Progress and Tempe Daily News. In a surprise announcement this year, Steve Strickbine of Times Media Group, the new publisher and owner of the East Valley Tribune, said he planned to bring back the Scottsdale Progress, with new editions hitting the racks starting on September 16. Now, will the new Progress be like the one where Pulitzer Prize winners Ryan Gabrielson and Paul Giblin worked in the mid-2000s? No, at least not at first. Instead of a daily newspaper, it’ll be a weekly freebie on Sunday. Strickbine as yet has been focused on selling ads and keeping his newspaper-acquisition operation alive, with editorial that hasn’t tried to set the world on fire. Still, if anyone tells you that print’s dead, show them a copy of the resurrected Scottsdale Progress.

We’re on a vinyl budget, but we don’t have the patience to slog through piles of ruined records at local thrift stores. Revolver Records, on the other hand, offers us the chance to expand our music collection — and our musical knowledge — for pennies on the dollar. Box after box of $1 LPs line the shop, and we recently came away with nice copies of old wax by Glen Campbell, Patty Duke, Nellie Lutcher, and the Ink Spots. Revolver’s downtown location also offers a fine (and fair-priced) selection of artists from the ’40s through just last year. Counter help will look up a record, or even play it for you, if you ask real nice. Talk about a bang for your buck.

Born in 1997, Bar Bianco came out of a need to occupy would-be Pizzeria Bianco diners during Disneyland-level wait times. They managed to do it all these years with beer and wine alone, but recently, staff stepped in to make the bar a destination in its own right, with updated snacks and a cocktail program that would change with the seasons and reflect Chris Bianco’s knack for sourcing the state’s best produce. Cider is made from Willcox wine country apples, spritzers from fresh hibiscus, Bloody Marys from Bianco-brand tomatoes. Cocktails are sweetened with nutty orgeat syrup made from Arizona pistachios — and the list goes on. 

The small Central America country of Belize has a culinary canon that reflects the influence of ancient, rustic Mayan foods, modern Mexican street fare, and trade-town-style Caribbean dishes tinged with Spanish and African touches. The staple dish of Belize, a hearty plate of coconut rice and beans served with a tangy, black pepper-heavy potato salad, fried sweet plantains, and rich, stewed chicken, is a good representation of the country’s food culture. In Chandler, you can get your first taste of the real deal at Elvira’s, which opened this year. Simple and homey, their star dish has nothing spicy or exotic about it. The rice and beans are topped with shredded coconut and laced with black pepper. The plantains prove to be a lovely, sweet counterpart to the subtle chicken, and the potato salad is perhaps the most flavorful element on the plate, with the potatoes and boiled egg dancing in a creamy, slightly sweet and tangy dressing along with chopped onions and small beans. Their stewed chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender, with a rich broth that begs to be poured over the rice along with a hearty dash of Marie Sharp’s Habanero Pepper Sauce. On the weekends, the owners, Luis and Elvira, offer specials like Belize-style tamales and whole grilled fish, that are “pure Belizean.” As the first restaurant of its kind in the Valley, it is a welcome addition.

Upon approaching Lee Lee, you’d be forgiven the mistake of identifying it as a Chinese market. After all, they call themselves an “Oriental market,” and just inside the door there is an entire section dedicated to Buddha statues and tables upon which to keep said statues. But a walk through the aisles reveals that it is so much more. Lee Lee circles the globe. There is an entire row dedicated to the shrimp pastes, lemon grasses, and pickled vegetables of Thailand. Middle Eastern ingredients strangely share an aisle with imports from the Netherlands; nevertheless, you’ll find everything from zaatar to Persian sugar candy stuffed on the shelves. Walk down India’s row and you’ll taste the curry leaves and masala blends, whose fragrance cannot be contained by their flimsy plastic packaging. Continue to the back of the store to peruse a vast selection of Japanese beers and sake. And in the produce aisle, feast your eyes on Sri Lankan banana flowers, the infamous durian fruits, and Filipino plantains. This is an international market in the truest sense, with something for everyone.

No record shop in town does it quite like Zia Record Exchange. That’s partly because nobody rivals the sheer square footage the local chain’s shops cover, and also because pretty much every record store in town was founded by somebody who used to work at Zia. Hard to compete with the big kahuna. Really though, Zia carries everything from silly gag gifts and stocking stuffers to Criterion Collection films, and a bananas array of preowned items like action figures, musical instruments, and gaming gear. But the store really shines when it comes to vinyl. Where else can you ogle a Beatles butcher cover, spend hours digging through crates of dollar records, and pick up the latest DJ Khaled LP? Nowhere but Zia.

Janet Echelman, an internationally renowned sculptor, took the title for her monumental 145-foot aerial sculpture from poet Ralph Waldo Emerson’s reference to the patience evident in nature. Installed in downtown Phoenix in 2009, the sculpture draws one’s gaze up toward the sky, creating shadows that mirror the complexities of urban life. During a time of fast-paced development, Echelman’s sculpture prompts reflection on the fact that patience can be a virtue or a vice in the world of urban planning. With its shifting light patterns and nighttime colors that change depending on the season, it’s a visual reminder that cities and communities are in constant flux. But the sculpture is also a beacon, drawing people from surrounding areas to converge in a common space, where the interplay of diverse ideas mirrors the sculpture’s own delicate web.

We can’t name a downtown music venue that has inspired so much change — and so quickly — as Crescent Ballroom. Since Stateside Presents founder Charlie Levy opened the spot in 2011, the Valley’s music scene hasn’t been the same. A constant hub of activity, the 550-capacity club hosts live music every night, serves up burritos and cocktails, and just happens to be a great place to catch a concert, whether an up-and-coming local band is releasing a fresh record or your indie faves are rolling through town. A place where there’s always something to do? We didn’t have that before Crescent, and we’re so thankful Levy and company carved out such a space.

The overriding rule in Scottsdale’s nightlife district is to go as all-out and over-the-top as possible, as evidenced by the bright lights, enormous dance floors, and blaring soundtracks. So it’s remarkable when a place like Ellure Lounge comes along and trumps the competition with its subtlety, style, and sophistication. The Stetson Drive lounge and dance club, which opened in January, offers a posh atmosphere featuring leather and suede seating, mahogany floors, candlelit tables, and walls adorned with crushed velvet. A floor-to-ceiling waterfall greets patrons near the front door, and a color-changing LED wall behind the bar offers tasteful mood lighting. Ellure’s seasonal drink menu features martinis and other high-end cocktails made with desert botanicals and locally sourced ingredients. And the DJs behind the mixers tend to spin more house music, funk, and rock instead of the latest club bangers. There’s even a private entrance in the back for VIPs and big spenders eager to avoid the crowds. Put simply, there’s a definite allure to Ellure.

Founded by local pool businessman Thomas Lopez, Slope Records has an old-school punk sensibility. You won’t find modern indie rock or electronic pop — it’s strictly raw, aggressive punk. Lopez grew up here, in west Phoenix, and his love of punk flourished here. The label is home to some modern bands, including scuzzy rockers Scorpion Vs. Tarantula, the garage gospel of The Christian Family, and the post-skate punk of The Father Figures, but it’s big into the classic punk game, issuing records by Phoenix hardcore legend Exterminators, The Mighty Sphincter, and The Feederz, whose WWHD: What Would Hitler Do channels Trump-era paranoia via vintage punk rage.

Sky Lounge has been a go-to spot for the Latin crowd — or anyone else interested in shaking their groove thang — since the ’90s. And, quite frankly, the vibe at the two-story downtown Phoenix discoteca hasn’t changed much over the years. Sky Lounge still serves up a mix of sultry Latin sounds, cheap drinks, and an abundance of eye candy on both of its floors every weekend. And the clientele that frequent the place is still of the young and sexy variety, including chicas in form-fitting clubwear and the cabrones who admire them. You can find them on Sky Lounge’s dance floors or huddled in its VIP booths during the club’s popular Latin Ladies Saturdays party, which features a soundtrack of reggaeton, cumbia, and hip-hop, as well as live music from local orchestra Banda la Xplosiva. There’s even a hot dog cart outside, in case you and your novio or novia have worked up an appetite while dancing and drinking.

We read Goop religiously and indulge occasionally in hippy-dippy endeavors. But the world of herbs and essential oils? It can be intimidating AF. Lucky for aspiring know-it-alls who aren’t sure where to start, that’s not the case at Desert Sage Herbs. The suburban shop has dealt in teas, herbs, spices, and oils since 1999. It’s run by mother-daughter team Vicki Greener and Brittney Sounart, an aromatherapy specialist and clinical herbalist. Housed in a fittingly chill, homey storefront, it’s our favorite spot to buy sage for burning and shamelessly ask newbie questions about the 300-plus herbs and spices Desert Sage stocks.

Korean cooking is finally beginning to flourish in metro Phoenix, but if you’re craving a first-rate bulgogi dinner, the place to go is still Café Ga Hyang. This small, quirky west side restaurant makes very good bulgogi indeed, the thinly sliced beef marinated and grilled to a delicious garlicky crisp. The selection of banchan, the small dishes of kimichi, the marinated vegetables, and other delights that appear at the beginning of a Korean meal are excellent, and you probably shouldn’t leave without trying the red-chili-laced chewy fish cakes and rice cake tubes. The bibimbap, however, is the thing to get when you only have room for one thing; the popular entree is served in a large bowl heaped with sauteed vegetables and slices of beef that you can customize with mixed-in rice and hot sauce. And when you’re craving something beyond these ultra-popular and stalwart Korean dishes, the menu is deep enough to hold your interest for many late-night meals to come.

Mexican-style seafood is surprisingly abundant in Phoenix. We don’t let a little thing like living in the middle of the Sonoran Desert stop us from enjoying platters of ostiones (oysters), citrus-sluiced ceviche, or fiery plates of shrimp soaking in lime-scented aguachile sauce. You’ll find all these dishes, and much more, at Mariscos El Cochorit, a west-side mariscos joint where the banda music blares out of the speakers and enormous platters of Sonoran- and Sinaloan-style seafood stream out of the kitchen. The thing to get on a hot day, when you want to pretend you’re on vacation but couldn’t make it to the beach, is the coco con campechana, a hollowed-out coconut brimming with a refreshing, tomato-based cold seafood soup of whole shrimp, octopus, and calamari. And the camarones cucaracha may not sound very appetizing, but the plate of sizzling shrimp dripping in garlic butter is pretty great.

Established in 2013, Phoenix-based label Moone Records has quickly solidified itself as the premier representation of Phoenix’s indie pop underground. Cassette, vinyl, CD, and digital releases by country-rock super group Little Bobby Jr. and the Horsey House Band & Friends (featuring members of ROAR and Cherie Cherie)  and indie R&B-inspired outfit Pro Teens demonstrate the label’s design aesthetic — clean, minimalist packaging — and speak to the genre-bending approach which seems to guide each entry in its catalog. The label wears its Phoenix pride on its sleeve, hosting shows around town and shining a light on little-seen corners of the art scene here, as well as committing to community-based activism (see the trenchant HB 2440 commentary offered on the label’s Facebook page). 

This place is a vegan’s dream come true. Some of the handcrafted and locally sourced goodies in the case at 24 Carrots Natural Café and Urban Juicery are examples of raw food done right (not heated over 115 degrees), and others are gluten-free. The dining room has an array of old farm tables and charming mismatched chairs with a reading nook full of books and a bakery case filled with mouth-watering vegan goodies tempting your taste buds while you place your order at the counter. 24 Carrots creates flavorful fare and an expansive selection of juice and smoothie blends. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. weekdays and 2 p.m. on weekends. Located in Tempe in the same plaza as Changing Hands Bookstore, the watermelon pizza — each slice drizzled with jalapeño nectar, toasted pistachios, basil, and a kiss of salt — is our favorite snack before browsing the books.

Readers Choice: Pita Jungle

It’s confusing, we know, but you’ll actually find the best cupcakes in town at a cookie store — Urban Cookies, to be exact. This name situation so confounded TV producers that in 2011, when Urban Cookies baker Brady Breese competed on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars (and by the way, he won), he did so with the business name of OllieCake. But really, what’s in a name as long as we can have our cupcake and eat it, too — which is just what you can do at Urban Cookies on Seventh Street. You’ll find classics like vanilla and chocolate, but the flavor variety is far wider and more satisfying than just that — orange olive oil and rosewater, anyone. The flavors are always changing, so stop in to see (and taste) what this award-winning bake team is up to.

Our pick for Best Iced Coffee is a newcomer to the metro Phoenix coffee scene — and we can’t wait to see where its maker takes us from here. Despite being open for less than a year, Peixoto Coffee has managed to bring delightful innovations to the table. Owner Julia Peixoto Peters imports coffee grown on her father’s farm in Brazil, which her husband, Jeff Peters, then roasts in-house. Cold brew has become boringly ubiquitous, but Peixoto’s iced coffee is — for lack of a better word — thrilling. Ground beans are steeped in cold water until the mixture is heavily concentrated. The concentrate is then diluted to a more drinkable — but still full-bodied — cold-brewed coffee. What happens next is what sets Peixoto’s iced coffee apart: It stores its cold brew in nitrous kegs and feeds it through a tap system (yup, just like beer). The resultant cup — served with or without ice in a chilled pint glass — has a silky texture, smooth, malty body, and beautiful cascading visual effect.

The other day we heard the Peppermint Rainbow singing “Will You Be Staying After Sunday?” on an oldies station, and we suddenly remembered we had to have it. Now! Rather than hitting the Internet or bothering to scour iTunes for an MP3 of this kind of vinyl obscurity, we jumped in the car and headed over to Record Revival. The shop had two copies, natch. We bought the mono version and, while we were at it, scored a dead-mint copy of J.D. Souther’s Black Rose, a couple of different discs by the Butterfield Blues Band, and a sealed copy of the Wind in the Willows LP on Capitol. After burning through an hour talking arcane vinyl trivia with various staff members (and making plans to come back to rummage through that nice, clean bin full of 180-gram “new” vinyl), we ran home to play our groovy new old records — and to think about how happy we are to have another good, solid vinyl shop in town.

Readers Choice: Zia Record Exchange

Downtown Phoenix’s warehouse district is well on its way to an urban revival, thanks to forward-thinking art galleries, ad agencies, and developers who don’t shy away from the shadier parts of town. Among this parade of industrial pioneers is our new favorite place for private events, The Croft. Inside this seemingly unsuspecting building, longtime event planners and venue owners Mark and Angela Karp of Angelic Grove have taken their staging skills to the next level by creating an event space that does cozy as well as it does corporate. Exposed brick walls, concrete floors, suspended chandeliers, and wrought iron gates from a retired bank building are just a few of the fixtures that give this rehabbed building the romantic touch. With an outdoor patio, ceremony room, reception hall, and their own private office space, The Croft is taking events both big and small and making them the talk of the town.

Scottsdale’s Livewire is a spectacular place. As Tempe lost numerous music venues and bars in 2014, Scottsdale gained Livewire. The club is in the heart of Old Town, where live entertainment usually means a top-shelf DJ or a cover band. But Livewire is different. The 11,000-square-foot club boasts a top-notch stage and brings in high-quality touring bands, a rarity for Scottsdale’s entertainment district. Everything about the club screams class that doesn’t take itself too seriously. There are pictures of famous musicians on the walls, sure, but the frames are digital, meaning that they change and occasionally display video throughout the night. The bars (there are multiple, as the venue is two stories) are sleek and beautiful. And then there’s the crowning jewel of the venue: A giant wooden eagle, with a wingspan that must be 25 feet long, towers above the stage, wings spread valiantly to each side. Instead of feathers, there are guitars and speakers. Could a piece of art be more rock ‘n’ roll?

Sure, there are plenty of times when any old Korean barbecue place will do. But when we get a hankering for top-quality banchan and sizzling bowls of bibimbap, there’s only one place that truly satisfies. That’s Cafe Ga Hyang. Stop in for lunch and you’ll find a quiet little West Valley dining spot where your semi-private booth will be festooned with little dishes of spicy kimchee, pickled potatoes, and other starters. Then it will be followed by entrées such as kalbi beef and bubbling bowls of tofu soup.

If you’re lucky, charming co-owner Sun Johnson will be your server and double as a guide through the menu if you’re unfamiliar with the cuisine. At night, the restaurant gets a more energetic vibe, with karaoke and drinks flowing until 2 a.m. Even better, the kitchen stays open just as late, so you can get get your jap chae fix long after most Valley restaurants have closed up shop.

Korean cuisine hasn’t really taken root in Phoenix yet, but what our Valley does have is Chodang, and that’s definitely good enough for us. Located just north of downtown Chandler, chances are you’ve driven by this spot a few times and never even noticed it. Well, it’s time to stop in and be blown away. From the tender, flavorful dry-rubbed BBQ spare ribs to the sizzling bowls of bibimbap, you’ll find all the classics accompanied, of course, by small plates of pickled and fermented side dishes called banchan. The real must-try dish at Chodang is the bright red bowl of soft tofu soup, to which you can add seafood, beef, pork, kimchi, and more. More importantly, the egg added tableside perfectly poaches in the bubbling broth, and if that doesn’t sell you on Chodang, we don’t know what will.

The best record stores have something beyond albums in their bins. The music playing on the speakers, the posters and albums chosen to decorate the walls, the person behind the counter — when you enter a great record store, the sum is greater than the parts, and it’s immediately apparent. Whatever that impossible-to-define ambiance is, Revolver Records’ downtown Phoenix location has it. You walk in and you know you’re among friends, musical and otherwise. You can flip through the racks and find rarities from musicians you’d forgotten you loved, strike up a conversation with the employees and get a non-judgmental recommendation to help expand your music tastes, or stop by on First Friday to hear a local band or two. Do any of it and you’ll get an idea why Revolver is consistently the best of Phoenix.

You’ve come a long way, Phoenix. Except when it comes to that urban mainstay, the magazine rack. A few spots around town have a decent selection, but, really, this is one of the few Best of Phoenix categories that punts. Unless you find yourself at Bookmans. Technically speaking, Bookmans’ magazine rack isn’t legit: These are not new magazines. They are used, as is the lion’s share of the merchandise at this mini-chain. But on many occasions, we’ve scored the latest issues of The New Yorker or Vogue (at a big discount!), and there are always a few periodicals with titles we don’t recognize, which makes for fun browsing. You’re on notice, Phoenix: We want a giant, legit, indie magazine rack. We just wish someone else did, too, or rather, a whole bunch of someones, because we know how expensive that kind of endeavor is. For now, you’ll find us at Bookmans.

A dead giveaway you’ve spotted a shirt by Hello Apparel? Well, a lot of them have “hello” in a loopy cursive font emblazoned across the chest. Those T-shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts are manufactured in Arizona by Sam Means’ Hello Merch, which works with touring bands to create quality merchandise. But you don’t have to be musically inclined to partake. A sense of humor and an appreciation for design will do just fine. A few of the brand’s non-name-related designs read “I’m so tired” (with a children’s top that counters “I’m not tired”) and “I’m So Broke.” At $24 a pop, you might be the former, but you can’t blame the shirt for the latter.

It was another banner year for Phoenix’s premier comics convention. Phoenix Comicon hit a new record number of attendees. The grand total? That’d be 77,818. Yup, nearly 80,000 people turned up at the ‘con’s 2014 edition. We’d say a large part of that is thanks to the event’s superb people-watching, a boatload of celebrity appearances, and the chance to connect with fellow geeks. A few of our favorite costumes spotted were a Benedict Cumberbatch-style Sherlock Holmes, Strongbad, and Dark Helmet. But just as entertaining were the many nerd-centric celebs in attendance — including John Barrowman of Doctor Who and Arrow fame, the cast of the 1960s Batman TV show (Julie Newmar!), and Chris Claremont, who’s responsible for some of the most iconic X-Men storylines of all time. We’ll stop geeking out now.

When Bill “Wallace” Thompson, creator and co-star of Arizona’s favorite madcap children’s program The Wallace and Ladmo Show, passed away in July 2014, Facebook and Twitter feeds across the city were flooded with a familiar tune, “Ho Ho Ha Ha Hee Hee Ha Ha,” the show’s theme. It was penned by Mike Condello, who was responsible for much of the show’s iconic music. Under Condello’s watchful eye from 1962 to 1972, the show incorporated Beatles spoofs by fictional acts like Hubb Kapp and the Wheels and Commodore Condello’s Salt River Navy Band, alongside Condello originals. Condello was busy with his own songs, too. His 1968 album Phase 1 features Phoenix’s finest psychedelic pop moments, melding fuzzy guitars to Condello’s sighing schoolboy vocals. The album was re-issued by the folks at hip label Sundazed this year, offering a chance for fans to own a shining nugget of Sonoran pop. Like Thompson and Ladimir “Ladmo” Kwiatkowski (who passed away in 1994), Condello left too soon. The songwriter lost a long battle with severe depression in 1995. Though a treasure unknown by many outside a circle of record collectors and psychedelic enthusiasts, Condello’s songs still ring in the heads of Phoenix children of all ages.  

Don’t let the location fool you — tucked in the corner of an unassuming strip mall in North Phoenix lies Joe’s Grotto, a bar and music venue that hosts some of the best rock and metal shows in the Valley. The place has a killer stage (lights included!) and a screaming sound system capable of doing justice to everyone from your friendly local alternative band to the distorted chaos of a touring death metal band. Two nights a week, you’ll find open mics on the smaller of the venue’s two stages, where amateurs get a chance to strut their stuff and perhaps be broadcast live on KWSS 93.9 FM. And the owner, Joe Grotto (yes, that’s his real name), is always ready with a grin and easy conversation. What more could you want in a rock club?

You, the reader, have spoken. Thousands of you voted in our Readers Poll and chose your favorite places to eat, drink, dance, hike, shop, and generally recreate. Here it is, Phoenix, your choices in the 2014 Best of Phoenix Readers Poll. Let the discussions begin:

MEGALOPOLITAN LIFE

Best Urban Legend | Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

Best Arts Festival | First Friday

Best Music Festival | McDowell Mountain Music Fest

Best Culinary Festival | Scottsdale Culinary Festival

Best Beer Festival | Oktoberfest (Tempe)

Best Casino | Talking Stick Resort

Best Independent Movie Theater | Harkins Camelview 5

Best Luxury Movie Theater | AMC Esplanade

Best Place to Be Seen |Crescent Ballroom

Best Art Gallery | Phoenix Art Museum

Best First Friday Hangout | Angels Trumpet Ale House

Best Graffiti Artist | Dumperfoo

Best Mural | Angels Trumpet Ale House

Best Phoenician to Follow on Instagram | Moon Mermaid

Best Phoenician to Follow on Twitter | Rustlers Rooste

Best Politician | Kyrsten Sinema

Best TV Newscaster | Lin Sue Cooney

Best News Radio Station | KTAR 92.3 FM

Best Spoken-Word Series | AZ Storytellers

Best Library | Burton Barr

FUN & GAMES

Best Hiking Trail | Camelback Mountain

Best Rock Climbing Gym | AZ on the Rocks

Best Go-Karts | K-1 Speed

Best Hotel Pool | The Clarendon Hotel

Best Water Park |Wet ‘n’ Wild

Best Golf Course | The Phoenician

GOODS & SERVICES

Best Coffee House | Lux

Best Coffee Roaster | Cartel Coffee Lab

Best Farmers Market | Downtown Phoenix Public Market

Best Place to Buy Wine | Total Wine

Best Liquor Store | Total Wine

Best Head Shop | Sky High Smoke Shop

Best Medical Marijuana Edibles | Giving Tree

Best Medical Marijuana Concentrates | Giving Tree

Best Customer Perks at a Medical Marijuana Dispensary | Giving Tree

Best Nursery | Moon Valley Nursery | Best Spa | Camelback Inn

Best Record Store for CDs | Zia Record Exchange

Best Record Store for Vinyl | Zia Record Exchange

Best Boutique | Frances

Best Place to Buy Vintage Clothing | Buffalo Exchange

Best Place to Buy High-End Antiques | Brass Armadillo

Best Place to Buy Antiques on a Budget | Brass Armadillo

Best Art Supply Store | Arizona Art Supply

Best Shopping on Mill Avenue | Hippie Gypsy

Best Shopping on Roosevelt Row | MADE

Best Shopping on Grand Avenue | 11th Monkey

Best Mall | Scottsdale Fashion Square

Best Bookstore | Changing Hands

Best Comic Book Shop | Gotham City Comics

Best Used Bookstore | Bookmans

LA VIDA

Best Upscale Mexican Restaurant | Barrio Cafe

Best Neighborhood Mexican Restaurant | Valle Luna

Best Burrito | Carolina’s

Best Tacos | Valle Luna

Best Tortillas | Carolina’s

Best Salsa | Valle Luna

Best Latin Club | Karamba

Best Margarita | Z’Tejas

FOOD

Best Chef | Silvana Salcido Esparza (Barrio Cafe)

Best Food Truck | Short Leash Hot Dogs

Best Place to Take a Foodie | Quiessence

Best Place to Take a Scenester | Crescent Ballroom

Best Place to Take an Out-of-Towner | The Farm at South Mountain

Best Authentic Arizona Restaurant | Los Dos Molinos

Best Downtown Lunch | Phoenix Public Market Cafe

Best Sunday Brunch | The Vig

Best Seafood | The Salt Cellar

Best BBQ | Honey Bear’s BBQ

Best Steak House | Durant’s

Best French Restaurant | Vincent on Camelback

Best Vietnamese Restaurant | Pho Thanh

Best Thai Restaurant | Thai Basil

Best Japanese Restaurant | RA Sushi

Best Chinese Restaurant | P.F. Chang’s

Best Indian Restaurant | Tandoori Times

Best Mediterranean Restaurant | Pita Jungle

Best Jewish Deli | Chompie’s

Best German Restaurant | Haus Murphy’s

Best Italian Restaurant | Oregano’s

Best Italian Deli | DeFalco’s Italian Eatery

Best Gourmet Pizza | Pizzeria Bianco

Best Pizza Slice | NYPD Pizza

Best Wings | Long Wong’s

Best Grilled Cheese| 2 Fat Guys Food Truck

Best Hot Dog | Ted’s Hot Dogs

Best Hamburger | Smashburger

Best Sushi | RA Sushi

Best Crepes | Crepe Bar

Best Vegetarian Restaurant | Pita Jungle

Best Vegan Restaurant | Green

Best Gluten-Free Bakery | Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe

Best Bakery | Chompie’s

Best Cupcake | Sprinkles

Best Candy Store | See’s

Best Ice Cream | Cold Stone Creamery

Best Place for a First Date | Postino

Best Restaurant for Kids | Sweet Tomatoes

Best Place to Dine with Your Dog | O.H.S.O.

Best View | Camelback Mountain

Best Patio Dining | The Vig

Best Place to Eat at the Bar| Valle Luna

Best Hangover Breakfast | Matt’s Big Breakfast

NIGHTLIFE

Best Place for a Twilight Drink | Hanny’s

Best Happy Hour | The Vig

Best Local Beer | Four Peaks’ Kiltlifter

Best Seasonal Beer | Four Peaks’ Pumpkin Porter

Best Brewery | Four Peaks

Best Wine Bar | Postino

Best Sangria | La Grande Orange

Best Bloody Mary | The Vig

Best Old School Cocktails | Durant’s

Best Bartender | Samantha Young (Rosie McCaffrey’s)

Best DJ | John Holmberg

Best Radio Morning Show | John Jay and Rich

Best Alternative/Rock Radio Station | KUPD 97.9 FM

Best R&B Radio Station | KZON 101.5 FM

Best Blues/Jazz Radio Station | KJZZ 91.5 FM

Best Country Radio Station | KMLE 107.9 FM

Best Venue for Local Acts | Crescent Ballroom

Best Venue for National Acts | Crescent Ballroom

Best Nightclub |Crescent Ballroom

Best Blues Club | Rhythm Room

Best Country and Western Nightspot | Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Best Weekly Dance Night | Obscura at Rips

Best Dance Floor | Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Best Gay Bar | Charlie’s

Best Lesbian Bar | Bliss ReBar

Best Dive Bar| Bikini Lounge

Best English Pub | George & Dragon

Best Irish Pub | Rosie McCaffrey’s

Best Sports Bar | Zipps Sports Grill

Best After-Hours | Welcome Diner

Best Bar for Day Drinking | The Vig

In the Valley’s music scene, change is sometimes a good thing. Yes, it’s always a buzzkill when a favorite band or concert hall goes kablooey. But more often than not, something better will come along. Case in point: When longstanding rock bar Chasers was purchased by KUKQ’s Nancy Stevens and concert/event production guru Jeff Stotler in 2012, it got a complete makeover and new lease on life as Pub Rock. It definitely had seen major mileage over the decades during its stints as Chasers and as ’90s hard-rock haven The Atomic Café, so the pair started making changes literally five minutes after getting the keys. They covered up the often-sticky and dirty cement floor with parquet tiles, rebuilt the creaky old stage, installed better sound and lighting rigs, and created a closet-size recording booth for interviews and live remotes. Its primary focal point is still on music, probably more so than ever. According to Stevens, its new moniker is a reference to the ’70s era in English rock emphasizing small shows by big bands. And that’s exactly what fans have seen at Pub Rock since the reboot, ranging from appearances by such punk legends as Unwritten Law and former Dead Kennedys singer Jello Biafra to an intimate acoustic concert with The Ataris’ Kris Roe and a rollicking Queen tribute from The Protomen. Oh, and the bathrooms are no longer messy, fragrant scumbuckets, which makes it easier to, er, take a break between bands.

Valley Fever picked up a new venue to rotate out to when The Western opened earlier this year in Scottsdale, but its mission remains unchanged: Bring out the vintage country sounds nobody else is playing, and play them. Valley Fever doesn’t discriminate on the medium — if the sound is right, they’ll bring a record, a local act, or a national band with them to Yucca Tap Room during their regular Sunday night slot. For the past two Junes, they’ve neatly encapsulated their vision by hosting the Arizona leg of The Waylon Birthday Bash, an outlaw country show benefiting diabetes research. If you’ve ever felt a need to celebrate Waylon Jennings’ birthday — with or without such noble intentions — find Valley Fever wherever they are and hang on to them.

Comedy, as the saying goes, is tragedy plus time. At most stand-up joints, it’s the standard formula for good jokes. At the Tempe Improv, however, it also sums up the drama the renowned establishment has endured over the past 16 months. In June 2012, the iconic club shut its doors after 25 years, following heated allegations by owner Mark Anderson, who charged comedy impresario Joel Bachkoff of conspiring with former Improv employees to steal Anderson’s business. Anderson, who reportedly had a history of mental issues, then went missing. Weeks later, the 60-year-old was found dead in a Buckeye motel room of a cerebral hemorrhage stemming from a brain deformity. Anderson’s widow, Holly, eventually approached Bachkoff about partnering to revamp and reopen the Improv in hopes of securing her late husband’s legacy.

The club returned in May, following a total renovation of its interior and showroom, giving both more of an upscale look that’s heavy on exposed wood and vintage imagery, as well as adding a full bar and VIP areas upstairs. Some things haven’t changed, however, as its famous stage (which has hosted the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock) and red brick wall are still there. And the comedians are just as hilarious as ever. After all they’ve been through down there, we’re sure they could use a laugh. The usual two-drink minimum is also still around, of course, so be sure to raise a toast to Anderson with at least one of ’em, maybe both.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a single strip club in the Valley that doesn’t feature rock ‘n’ roll blaring as exotic dancers bump and grind away. Elite Cabaret at 910 Live is no exception, as its music mix is heavy on classic jams from the likes of Gary Glitter, Cheap Trick, and The Doors. Thing is, this Tempe strip club will do you one better: There’s an open-air concert space in the back hosting live rock gigs. Earlier this year, the proprietors of 910 Live transformed the interior of the nightclub and venue, which once served as infamous rock bar Boston’s, into a ritzy topless club drenched in pink and purple hues and boasting multiple stages and swank furnishings. The live music moved outdoors, where cabanas and seating ring a 40-square-foot stage. Since the changeover, it’s featured appearances from rock icons like George Lynch of Dokken, who performed in April, and former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Blondie drummer Clem Burke’s The International Swingers in May. Best of all, concert admission gets you into the cabaret, where you can have your own personal after-party.

It’s last call, which typically means hitting the bricks, hitting up fast food, then hitting the sack, right? Maybe for you, quitter, but we’re not letting the state-mandated buzzkill end our night. We’re bound for Karamba, where after-hours adventures await and the party keeps going up until 4 a.m. on weekends. And once the taps are turned off and the booze bottles get stowed, the mood, music, and energy level at the popular discoteca (which has offered wee-hour wingdings for Valley insomniacs for more than a decade now) begins to change. DJ Jesus Vega holsters all the cumbias, salsas, and other Latin sounds in his extensive arsenal in favor of Top 40 music videos and uptempo EDM mixes. Meanwhile, 18-and-over types (who are allowed in after the liquor service ceases) begin to deluge the place, drain its energy drink supply dry, and get in some late-night booty-shaking alongside Karamba’s always-colorful Latino clientele. Who says youth is wasted on the young?

Before the summer of 2011, the only place to score late-night Korean food in the Valley was out of it — specifically, 360 miles away in L.A.’s Koreatown. But thanks to this welcoming west side restaurant, top-notch Korean cuisine can be had until 2 a.m. every day but Sunday. After bites of banchan (the little dishes of marinated vegetables, kimchi, and other delights that accompany meals), you’ll find dishes like fiery duk boki, Korean fried chicken, spicy seafood stew, and the refreshingly cold noodle dish naeng myun. After 10 p.m., Ga Hyang feels more like a Koreatown bar, where regulars and industry folk celebrate the end of a long day with karaoke and cold bottles of Hite.

Being a 20-something with Martha Stewart-esque aspirations is no easy lot. For starters, most of us don’t have multimillion-dollar companies, our own TV channels, or enough pertinent knowledge to fill numerous bestselling books. Sarah Hubbell realized this, and that’s why she founded Emma Magazine for “city mamas, nesting newlyweds, and budding entrepreneurs.” The publication goes up online monthly, and print-on-demand physical copies can be ordered via the website. No matter how you read it, the mag is chock-full of helpful how-tos, style guides, and projects that’d make Martha proud — without breaking the bank.

Ask any beauty parlor frequenter what her upkeep budget is, and it’s likely she’ll tell you that keeping up appearances can cost a pretty penny. That is, if she’s willing to spill her secrets and doesn’t give you the old “I just get plenty of rest and drink lots of water” routine. We call B.S. Chances are good that, unless her bank account is bottomless, she knows where to get a smokin’ deal on nail treatments and haircuts. Such is the allure of one of the Valley’s newest beauty schools, Aveda Institute Phoenix. Sure, the reason you get great deals on treatments like the Yume Japanese Hair Spa Experience (which includes a deep-conditioning hair treatment, scalp massage, and facial starting at $40) is because students are performing them. But they’re fully supervised by trained staffers who make sure everything goes as smoothly as you’ll feel after one of Aveda’s waxing treatments, which cost anywhere from $12 to $45-plus. Also on the menu are gel manis for $25 (including removal of your old gel), makeup lessons for $35, and the divine sounding Rosemary Mint Awakening Body Wrap at $35.

It might be the Valley’s only vintage amusement park. With its cartoony medieval theme, Enchanted Island is the perfect setting for the refurbished 1948 Encanto Carousel from the original Kiddieland. It’s also a perfect outing for families with little kids, because there are lots of rides and activities especially for them and their parents — kiddy cars, a tiny coaster, bumper boats, a train, the Splash Zone — and only a few exciting things they’re too young or short to be allowed on. Castle Clash, a pair of opposing castles armed with water guns, targets, and water cannons, sounds especially fun. The option of paddle boats and canoes for older adventurers, as well as serene strolls, urban fishing, and picnicking in the larger park, make Enchanted Island a destination suitable for everybody. Single tickets, wristbands, and memorable birthday parties are all available.

Man, would we love to get our hands on an Ice Cold Beer again. And we ain’t talking ’bout a frosty pint containing an amber alcoholic concoction. Rather, we’re eager to get our fill of the addicting mechanical game from 1983 that vexed us plenty (and claimed an hour or two of our lifespan) over an April weekend at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel during ZapCon. This intoxicating (and decidedly rare) arcade stand-up, which involves maneuvering silver balls vertically into various scoring holes while avoiding pitfalls, is like upright skeeball, a blast to play, and one of dozens of vintage coin-operated gems at the retro arcade and pinball convention. Local old-school gamers at ZapCon got to test their hand-eye coordination on the 100-plus flipper-powered contraptions like Centaur and hard-to-find quarter-eaters Bosconian and Forgotten Worlds. And they have two of their own, Zack Johnson and Wes Cleveland, to thank for the trip through the warp zone. The pair culled together the antiquated pixilated distractions from the private stashes of Arizona game collectors, set every single one to “free play” mode, and let in the public for a bleepin’ good time. They even organized some specialized programming, including a performance by Nintendo cover band Minibosses, pinball tournaments, and screenings of such joystick-oriented documentaries as High Score and Tilt: The Battle to Save Pinball. We’re waiting with bated breath and nimble fingers for Johnson and Cleveland to announce when ZapCon will return for next April, when ZapCon will return for a second round, especially if it nabs us another taste of Ice Cold Beer.

Brittney Griner’s a monster! She’s a 6-foot-8, 207-pound chick taken first in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury who could play in an NBA front court. She’s one hell of a basketball player, natch, because professional teams don’t consider you the best college basketball player in the nation unless you can deliver. And deliver she did for Baylor University in Texas, which she led to the women’s college Division I national championship in 2012, scoring 26 points, hauling in 13 rebounds, and blocking five shots to trounce Notre Dame by almost 20 points. To say she was the most dominant player in college is a huge understatement — her 2,000 points and 500 blocked shots are unmatched in NCAA history.

In her first game for the Mercury, Griner dunked the ball twice for an WNBA record. Hell, this is women’s basketball — her two dunks made her just the third pro woman ever to dunk! Which means Griner may be the lady who puts the women’s game on the freakin’ map. It’s hard to fathom nowadays, but there was a time when the NBA prohibited dunking. When the rule changed, the men’s game took off in popularity — there’s nothing more exciting than a slam. And Griner will be rattling rims with regularity if she can stay healthy. A sprained knee in early July kept her out of the Mercury lineup and made a trip to the league All-Star game impossible. Griner may be a game-changer in more ways than just on the court: Gigantic firms are talking to her about endorsement deals, a rarity among female athletes, especially in team sports. We just wish the Suns had drafted her, which isn’t farfetched at all: Before she went with the pro gals, Mark Cuban said he’d consider giving Griner a go in the NBA with his Dallas Mavericks. Apparently, the excitable owner thought her size-17 shoe could kick ass in either league.

You, the reader, have spoken. Thousands of you voted in our Readers Poll and chose your favorite places to eat, drink, dance, hike, shop, and generally recreate. Here it is, Phoenix, your choices in the 2013 Best of Phoenix Readers Poll:

ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT

Best Alternative/Rock Radio Station: 98 KUPD

Best Arts Festival: First Fridays

Best Blues Club: Rhythm Room

Best Blues/Jazz Radio Station: KJZZ 91.5

Best Country and Western Nightspot: Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Best Country Radio Station: KMLE 107.9

Best Dance Floor: Crescent Ballroom

Best Dive Bar: Yucca Tap Room

Best Dubstep DJ: DJ J.Paul

Best First Friday Hangout: Bud’s Glass Joint

Best Gay Bar: Bliss/reBar

Best Graffiti Artist: Lalo Cota

Best Hip-Hop DJ: DJ Madd Rich

Best Hipster DJ: Djentrification

Best House DJ: Pete Salaz

Best Independent Film Theater: Harkins Camelview 5

Best Latin Club: Karamba

Best Latin DJ: DJ Kyko

Best Lesbian Bar: Cash Inn Country

Best Local Band: Jimmy Eat World

Best Mural: Barrio Café

Best Music Festival: McDowell Mountain Music Festival

Best New Nightclub: Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Best News Radio Station: KJZZ 91.5 FM

Best Oldies Radio Station: 94.5 KOOL FM

Best Place to Be Seen: Crescent Ballroom

Best Place to See a Comedy Show: Tempe Improv

Best Politician: Kyrsten Sinema

Best R&B/Hip-Hop Radio Station: Power 98.3 FM

Best Radio Morning Show: John Jay and Rich (104.7 FM)

Best TV Newscaster: Lin Sue Cooney

Best Venue for Local Acts: Crescent Ballroom

Best Venue for National Acts: Crescent Ballroom

Best Vintage Nightclub: Durant’s

Best Weekly Dance Night: Tongue Tied at Apollo’s

FOOD and DRINK

Best After-Hours: Denny’s

Best Authentic Arizona Restaurant: Carolina’s Mexican Food

Best Bakery: Paradise Bakery & Café

Best BBQ: Honey Bear’s BBQ

Best Brewery: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best Chinese Restaurant: P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

Best Culinary Festival: Scottsdale Culinary Festival 

Best Cupcake: Tammie Coe Cakes

Best Downtown Lunch: Pita Jungle

Best English Pub: George & Dragon Pub

Best Farmers Market: Downtown Phoenix Public Market

Best Food Truck: Short Leash Hot Dogs

Best French Restaurant: Coup Des Tartes

Best German Restaurant: Haus Murphy’s

Best Gluten-Free Restaurant: Pita Jungle

Best Gourmet Pizza: Pizzeria Bianco

Best Grilled Cheese: The Grilled Cheese Food Truck

Best Hamburger: Smashburger 

Best Hangover Breakfast: Matt’s Big Breakfast

Best Health Food Store: Sprouts Farmers Market

Best Hot Dog: Ted’s Hot Dogs

Best Ice Cream: Cold Stone Creamery

Best Indian Restaurant: Delhi Palace

Best Irish Pub: Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Best Italian Deli: DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery

Best Italian Restaurant: Oregano’s Pizza Bistro

Best Japanese Restaurant: RA Sushi

Best Jewish Deli: Chompie’s

Best Margarita: Z’Tejas

Best Martini: Durant’s

Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Pita Jungle

Best New Restaurant: Queen Creek Olive Mill

Best Patio Dining: House of Tricks

Best Pizza Slice: NYPD Pizza

Best Place for a First Date: Cibo Urban Wine Café & Pizzeria

Best Place for a Twilight Drink: Postino

Best Place to take a Foodie: Queen Creek Olive Mill

Best Place to Take a Scenester: Crescent Ballroom

Best Restaurant for Kids: Peter Piper Pizza

Best Salsa: Valle Luna Mexican Restaurants

Best Sangria: Chelsea’s Kitchen 

Best Seafood: The Salt Cellar Restaurant   

Best Specialty Cocktail: Citizen Public House

Best Steak House: Durant’s 

Best Sunday Brunch: La Grande Orange Grocery 

Best Sushi: RA Sushi

Best Tacos: America’s Taco Shop 

Best Thai Restaurant: Thai Basil 

Best Tortillas: Carolina’s Mexican Food

Best Upscale Mexican Restaurant: Barrio Café

Best Vegan Restaurant: Pita Jungle

Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Pita Jungle

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Pho Thanh Restuarant

Best View: Camelback Mountain

Best Vintage Restaurant: Durant’s

Best Wine Bar: Postino Wine Café

Best Wings: Native New Yorker

SHOPPING and SERVICES

Best Art Supply Store: Arizona Art Supply

Best Bookstore: Changing Hands

Best CD Store: Zia Record Exchange

Best Comic Book Shop: Gotham City Comics

Best Mall: Scottsdale Fashion Square 

Best Nursery: Moon Valley Nursery

Best Place to Buy Antiques on a Budget: My Sister’s Attic 

Best Place to Buy High-End Antiques: Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Best Place to Buy Wine by the Bottle: Total Wine & More

Best Spa: Dolce Salon & Spa 

Best Vintage Boutique: Sweet Salvage

Best Vinyl Store: Zia Record Exchange

SPORTS and RECREATION

Best Casino: Talking Stick Resort

Best Go Karts: K1 Speed

Best Golf Course: Arizona Biltmore

Best Hiking Trail: Piestewa Peak Summit Trail

Best Hotel Pool: The Phoenician

Best Pool Hall: Mill Cue Club

Best Rock Climbing Gym: AZ on the Rocks

Best Valley Sports Legend: Pat Tillman

Best Water Park: Wet n’ Wild Waterpark

As with so many old-time local hotspots, the sign remains though the business is kaput. But the Mr. Lucky’s sign is more than just a gaudy gravestone for a once-flourishing nightclub; it’s the main attraction in a clutch of the coolest vintage signs in the city. Along Grand Avenue, between Roosevelt and 57th Drive, you’ll find the rusted-out Smith Radiator Exchange marquee; the brightly Modernist sign for the City Center Motel; the fast-fading marker for the Crystal Motel; and the Mel’s Diner sign, made famous in the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (and the subsequent TV show, Alice).

But it’s the Mr. Lucky’s sign that’s legendary. And what a sign. A demented court jester leers knowingly at the traffic speeding by, his three-pointed hat decked with dangly red pom-pons. The light-up “Dancing” and “Cocktails” placards have been replaced with signs promising “Musica” and “En Vivo,” remnants of Mr. Lucky’s last incarnation as a Mexican mariachi club. Neon aficionados far and wide remain concerned about the future of this gorgeous landmark (at 3660 Grand Avenue) — proof of its prominence and real beauty.

Once our town’s hottest saloon, the former hotspot began as a smartly appointed casino in 1966. Shortly after, public gambling became verboten here, and owner Bob Sikora turned his casino into a honky-tonk, with country music headliners performing most nights upstairs and live rock bands in the club’s cavernous basement.

The house band, The Rogues (fronted by J. David Sloan, a former member of Willie Nelson’s touring band and now a local celeb in his own right) occasionally fronted visiting dignitaries, who included Waylon Jennings, Marty Robbins, Glen Campbell, and Charley Pride.

Today, Mr. Lucky’s amateur hour contests and Friday night fish fry are mere memories; the club closed in 2004 (although it’s reportedly available to rent for party events), leaving behind a big, gorgeous reminder: the towering neon sign out front, surrounded by chain link, its bulbs as dead as the club it once announced.

Los Olivos Mexican Patio opened in Scottsdale in 1947, and waitress Serena Cays has been there almost since the beginning. Launched by restaurateur Tomas Corral, Los Olivos has been handed down through three generations of the Corral family, nearly all of whom has worked there — although none so famously as 75-year-old Cays, who has waited table there since 1953. Cays is the aunt of the current owner, Maria Corral-Ramirez, whose affectionate exasperation with her mother’s sister (“She’s a handful, and she refuses to retire!”) is filled with love. It’s hard not to be crazy about Cays, who herself loves a good Reuben and her long-ago home of Mexico.

Robrt Pela: How did you wind up here?

Czarina Cays: You mean in Scottsdale? Or serving the enchiladas?

RP: I mean Scottsdale.

CC: We lived in the ranch, in Mexico. I am from Mexico. A Mexican, si? And this man who owned Los Olivos came to Mexico to look for gold. And this nice man, he fell in love with my sister. I was about to start high school. You know? High school?

RP: Yes, high school. It comes after grade school.

CC: So, my family. Where was I?

RP: You were about to start high school. Some guy fell in love with your sister.

CC: Sí, high school, in Mexico. I came here to visit my sister, she stayed and married her husband. And it was time to go back to Mexico, to go to high school, and I got to the border, and I said, “I don’t have any papers, but I need to get back home.” And the man at the border said, “Oh, no. You are too pretty to leave, we want you to stay here, and go to school in the United States.”

RP: Boy. Those were the days.

CC: Que?

RP: Nothing.

CC: So I stayed in the United States. I was very lovely, then.

RP: You’re still lovely.

CC: Lonely. I was very lonely. In Scottsdale. There was nobody living here then. It was a very small town. I didn’t want it. I wanted Mexico. I cried a lot. All the time, I cried for months. No one at Scottsdale High School spoke Spanish. There was one Spanish class, and no one spoke to me. I couldn’t understand them. They couldn’t understand me.

RP: Did you eventually learn English?

CC: I stopped going to school. I got a job here, during vacation.

RP: At Los Olivos?

CC: Yes. Do you ever eat here?

RP: All the time. You’ve waited on me!

CC: I have? I see so many people. I don’t remember everyone.

RP: No problem. So you dropped out.

CC: Yes. It was 1953. I worked in the kitchen at Los Olivos. It was not a place for a young girl, the kitchen. So I said, “I’m gonna learn English and work in the dining room!”

RP: And here you are.

CC: Yes. Sixty years, here I am.

RP: So you’ve watched Scottsdale really change.

CC: Oh, yes. You know, when I first got here, my mother, she was thinking someone was going to take me. Kidnap me. It was so wild. Not like home. I got here in Scottsdale and I thought, “This is the United States? I’d rather be on my ranch in Mexico.”

RP: But you stayed.

CC: I just stayed. Si. I got married here. A bartender, a very nice man. After he died, 20 years ago, I went back to Mexico for a visit. And my boyfriend that I had in Mexico, when I was a girl? He was still there, and he said, “I will marry you, and you won’t have to work.” And I said to him, “You know what? I prefer to work.”

RP: Why do you still work?

CC: I got the bills! Plus the health insurance is good.

RP: Have you had the same customers for years?

CC: Oh, yes. People come to Los Olivos from New York, and Canada, and they ask for me.

RP: Are people nicer today than they used to be?

CC: No! (laughs) People used to be nicer. A lot of people are scary, today. You go to the store and they are in line being mean to the clerk, they’re talking on the phone. Not nice. Scary.

RP: Do you ever feel like you’ve served your last enchilada?

CC: Uh-huh. I loved work for many years, the people, but now not so much. It’s very hard. A lot of walking. I work two days a week.

RP: Tell me a story about the worst customer you’ve ever had.

CC: No!

RP: Come on.

CC: Well, everyone is pretty nice to me. I had one couple, many years ago, they complained to the owners about me. My husband was very sick, he was dying from cancer, and I was not doing good at work. My mind was thinking of my husband. Maybe not so much the tacos. So these people, they complained. But now, when they come in, they ask for me. So, you know. Maybe they like me now.

RP: Or maybe they like bad service. Do you eat at Los Olivos?

CC: Let me tell you, I eat beans too much. And the enchilada. They’re very good here, everything is good here. But I like to have a Reuben. I like the French dip, I like a good steak.

RP: Where do you go for a French dip?

CC: The Salt Cellar. My son has been a bartender there for 13 years. Best food I ever eat. Also good is the sandwiches at Streets of New York. I eat a big sandwich and two eggs and pound cake. I eat and eat and I don’t gain a pound, but the doctors can’t find anything wrong with me.

RP: What’s the best thing on the menu at Los Olivos?

CC: Los fajitas! And the Camarones a la Veracruzana. I love enchiladas.

RP: And the worst thing on your menu?

CC: (Long pause) Maybe the ground beef tacos. Why do people order this? We have delicious shredded beef. People should order shredded beef. That’s just life.

Bo’s Funky Stuff. Shaboom’s. Elbo Antiques. Go-Kat-Go. Honey Buns. If you’ve shopped at any of these landmark vintage shops — all of them now truly things of the past — you’ve shopped with the Kvetkos, the Valley’s first family of vintage retail. What started as a mom-and-pop antiques store 35 years ago became a dynasty of sorts — a chain of different vintage shops that’s currently represented by Jackalope Trading Post, recently opened by Brandi Kvetko, who reminisces about growing up in auction houses and antique shops all over the valley.

Robrt Pela: So how does this happen — a family dynasty of vintage retail?

Brandi Kvetko: My dad pretty much started it all. He started collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia right around the time I was born. He always wanted a store instead of a real job. So, about 35 years ago, he opened Elbo Antiques — El for Ellie, my mom, and Bo is my dad’s name. They had partners who got out of the business really quickly — you know, selling vintage isn’t for everyone. And then when my parents split up, my dad opened Bo’s Funky Stuff, and my mom opened Honey Buns, where she sold vintage clothing.

RP: I remember Honey Buns. You know, no one ever called it anything but Miss Ellie’s.

BK: I know. It was like that with all the vintage clothing stores. Everyone just called them by the name of the person who owned them.

RP: Like Beulah’s.

BK: Beulah’s! I’d forgotten about that place. She was so nice. What was the name of her store?

RP: No one remembers. We just called it “Beulah’s.” So, then your aunt got into the business?

BK: Well, Aunt Jacque was always there, working with my parents, but in the ’80s, she opened Shaboom’s over in Glendale, and then my dad moved his store to Glendale, too. And my brother Shad was always dabbling in antiques and collectibles. He had a store, too. He was the one who had this real talent for retail — he was into it from the time we were kids.

RP: You weren’t?

BK: No way. I was going to nursing school! I wanted nothing to do with retail. Then I met my ex-husband, Chris, and we went to Vegas for our honeymoon and we visited all these great little vintage shops while we were there, and I said to him, “Why don’t we open up a store!” So when we got back we opened Go-Kat-Go.

RP: What happened to nursing school?

BK: Vintage retail is in your blood. You can’t shake it.

RP: Did your family force you guys to work in their stores when you were kids?

BK: I think we wanted to be there. We grew up in those stores. I worked my way through high school in my dad’s shop. One day I mentioned to my dad that I was planning to go to college and he said, “What are you, stupid?”

RP: Were your parents obsessive collectors?

BK: My dad used to say he collected money. But, yeah, they’ve always both collected stuff. Right now, my mom is into old signage and vintage medical things. And my dad has always been into old beer signs and advertising pieces. Shad is into folk art now and really old hospital stuff. He probably has the weirdest collection. I’m doing Halloween items from the ’20s and ’30s and older cat collectibles.

RP: Did your possessions get sold out from under you when you were a child? Did you come home from school to find your entire bedroom set gone?

BK: No, my parents weren’t ever like that. But I do remember this one time, when I was real little and really in love with toy nurse and doctor kits, and my dad brought one home — a really old one with all the contents in it. I was so excited, because I thought he brought it home for me, but he cleaned it up and stuck a price sticker on it. Today, he claims this never happened.

RP: Did you get to play with all the stuff in your parents’ stores?

BK: Not at all. In fact, the only times we got into trouble was if we broke something. Once, I broke one of my dad’s Howdy Doody plates. My mother said, “Your punishment is you have to tell your father you broke his plate when he gets home.”

RP: Still, it sounds like a fun childhood, to have parents who sold hip vintage things.

BK: Well, I was like any other kid. We had cool, modern furniture and antiques, and I wanted to be like every other kid I knew. You know: “Mom, why can’t we have normal furniture?”

Our parents didn’t push us into this life, but our life was centered around going to auctions and swap meets. It wasn’t horrible. Every summer, we vacationed wherever the collectible convention was that year. Back then, we just wanted to go to Disneyland, but now I look back and think, Hey, I got to see a lot of cool places that I wouldn’t have gone to, otherwise. And I got to experience that whole buyer-seller culture while it still existed.

RP: The secondhand market has changed.

BK: Yes, and it’s affected our family, business-wise. My dad’s store in Glendale isn’t open. He does auctions sometimes. Shad has booths in two different stores in Texas, and he sells on eBay. My mother is completely out of the business — she does permanent makeup now. My aunt has gone into estate sales. My cousin Penny does some selling on eBay, but mostly she does life coaching.

RP: You were the one who didn’t want any part of running a vintage shop, and you’re the last Kvetko standing. You’ve got a new store in a new location.

BK: Jackalope Trading Post is doing really well. We picked the right time to move onto Grand Avenue — with ASU moving downtown, we’re seeing a lot of activity down here. We took a big chance, changing our name and location and our hours — but it’s worked out. We’re on the upswing. My partner Christian and I are doing what my family’s always done: Selling cool old stuff that everyone can afford.

On the flipside of Mucho Gusto, on University Drive, sits Sunset, a boutique thrift shop where, after a few of those hibiscus margs, we tend to go a little berserk. Not that it’s unwarranted. It’s quite the opposite. Shopping here is almost too easy to do because the store’s racks are packed with designer clothing on the cheap (sometimes with tags still attached, only upping that glorious “I’m saving so much!” feeling) including DKNY, French Connection, and Michael Kors. Overstock from American Apparel and Urban Outfitters also hits the hangers at discounted prices, making it oh-so-easy to tap into youthful, seasonal trends while supporting a local biz. Sign us up.

If you’ve spent any time identifying the indie songs you hear in hip coffee shops or in your even hipper friend’s car with the help of iPhone’s handy Shazam app, you can take that list straight to Stinkweeds, where employees can find the correlating albums and make a few suggestions. We love Stinkweeds because we don’t have to surf through Flo-Rida’s latest to get to the Freelance Whales, or Tina Turner classics to get to the latest killer sounds by Tennis. Stinkweeds specializes in indie labels — which, yes, means more than a thin leather headband and a V-neck shirt — and is home to more than 6,000 hard-to-find CDs and vinyl LPs . . . that we’ll likely be using to create our own impressive playlists for as long as it’s around.

You don’t see many of Fuei Shokai’s eerie Slender Man dolls selling alongside other vinyl playthings at chain stores like Urban Outfitters or Zia Record Exchange. In fact, the sought-after collectible is so scarce that they can’t be purchased anywhere in Arizona, except at Lulubell Toy Bodega. The quirky emporium, which moved to downtown Mesa from Tucson last winter, focuses on selling ultra-rare figures and obscurities imported from Japan, particularly Kaiju monsters and custom rarities made by little-known and micro-size manufactures. Co-owner Luke Rook frequently visits the Asian nation to search through boutiques and toy shows and scoop up these gems while partner Amy Del Castillo minds the store. Though you can also purchase cutesy works created by local artists or popular designer favorites from Frank Kozik and Kid Robot at the shop, it’s a niche operation geared toward hardcore collectors. That’s a toy story with a happy ending.

Have a mechanical snafu on the morning commute to work or need a quick repair from damage done on the weekend ride? PHX Bike is downtown Phoenix’s little urban bike boutique that not only could, but is. Shop owner Palmer Martines can have a bike ready before it’s time for the ride home. Break a spoke, need a derailleur adjustment, brakes freeze up, or drop a chain? No problem. If you’re into two-wheel fun of any variety, this super-specialized, super-indie shop’s got the goods for fixie, single-speed, road, or BMX varieties. Located in The Hub building, just south of Adams on Central, PHX Bikes is the only shop downtown to service bike commuters and ASU students. And, as with any good shop, the space is anchored by a comfy red couch.

We’re not sure exactly how the idea for fast Mexican/Chinese food came about (“Hey, you put your chimichanga in my sweet and sour sauce!”) but we’re glad it happened — and it’s a Valley original. With two locations, you can indulge in a Chino Bandido fix whether you’re in the East Valley or on the west side. Either way, you’d better not skip the jade chicken, a deep-fried, bright-red treat that feels like dessert for dinner. Pair it with carnitas or carne asada burros and jerk rice with pork. Just be sure to leave room for (we know this sounds odd, but bear with us) a fresh-baked Snickerdoodle cookie for dessert. Fusion at its finest.

Chef Matt Carter’s sophisticated, intimate spot serving modern Latin cuisine in Scottsdale might mean shaking the piggy bank for some extra coin, but the culinary journey is worth it. Mixing French cooking techniques with influences from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, Carter’s dishes are intensely flavorful and expertly prepared. Start with a stellar smoked pork pozole, or shared plates of duck carnitas empanada and smoked pork shoulder tacos in hand-pressed corn tortillas, then move on to exceptional grilled entrees like the chimichurri hanger steak and Chilean salmon. The tequila, cocktail, and wine lists are as impressive as the cuisine — especially when sipped by a flickering outdoor fire or inside amid chandeliers, ornate mirrors, and the restaurant’s glowing wall of Himalayan salt blocks.

We feel sorry for Larry Fitzgerald — which is hard. Fitzgerald is considered the best wide receiver in the National Football League, he’s been a pro for eight seasons, and already he ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards per game; he’s been selected for the Pro Bowl six times, and he signed an eight-year, $120 million contract extension in 2011. No, it’s not because he continues to wear dreadlocks (maybe they’re hair extensions) after cooler celebrities have abandoned them as passé. It’s because, since the famed Kurt Warner retired, Fitzgerald has been left to run around on the football field with nobody at quarterback who can consistently throw him the pigskin.

As great as he is, without a good quarterback, Fitzgerald can’t get ‘er done. Not that he’s been any slouch, even with the Arizona Cardinals’ signal-caller struggles. He had his second-best pro season last year with 1,411 yards (and eight touchdown catches). Imagine what he could’ve accomplished even with Chandler’s aged Donovan McNabb (now retired) throwing to him. His number of receptions, though, were down to a five-year low of 80 last season (from 90 to 100 in the Warner years), which is testament to the QB stench. That is, Fitzgerald made the most of what he could get. Anybody still wondering why we feel sorry for the NFL’s greatest receiver?

Andre Ethier grew up near what is now Chase Field and was a huge Diamondbacks fan (he went on to play at ASU under legendary Coach Pat Murphy) — which makes it all the more ironic that he and his Dodgers have been such a bane to our boys of summer. Especially this year. The Dodgers keep getting better, and the D-backs keep staying mediocre — even though several experts predicted that they would be in the World Series this year. Part of the reason the Dodgers are rising now after a big slump is that outfielders Ethier and Matt Kemp have returned to the lineup from injuries. Ethier has come back from a left oblique muscle strain. This season, he hasn’t matched his 2011 performance of a Gold Glove award and hitting in 23 straight games, breaking former Dodgers and Yankees manager Joe Torre’s record as a player. But the intense Ethier has added spice to the Dodgers’ powerful lineup in his cleanup role. In his abbreviated season, he leads current Dodgers in hitting with a .285 batting average (lifetime in the majors .290) and in runs batted in (65) — with 11 home runs. If the Dodgers make it to the World Series, the half-Mexican-American Phoenix native (he spends winters at his Chandler ranch) will be a major reason why.

Many times a day in this country (and many more times worldwide), someone feels the sting of two needles pierce his or her skin, followed by a hair-raising, five-second jolt of electricity. Taser weapons are in use by more than 16,000 police departments in more than 100 countries, and they’ve changed the business of policing at a fundamental level. Cops reduce injuries to themselves by choosing to “tase” someone rather than getting into a fight, and sometimes a suspect who might have ended up shot rides the lightning for a few seconds instead.

The electrifying trend took off from Scottsdale almost 20 years ago, after two local brothers, Rick and Tom Smith, bought the rights to an early form of the weapon. Starting from their garage in 1993, the Smiths made the product marketable — in part by abandoning a propulsion method for the darts that used gunpowder, going instead to an air-powered model. By the 2000s, Taser International had turned into a powerhouse with high profits and soaring stock prices. The company’s seen ups and downs in finances and public opinion — critics blame Tasers for the deaths of hundreds of crime suspects — but its revenue was up this spring following sales of its new “X2” stun gun. One of the Valley’s most notable exports, in other words, is pain.

Two identical rotundas share a grassy midtown lot with W.A. Sarmiento’s 19-story, Googie-style Phoenix Financial Center. Should you ever be offered the chance to peek into either, we have two words for you: Take it.

Inside the buildings, which were Mad Men-esque banking offices in their heyday, light floods through floor-to-ceiling windows, and surfboard-shaped stairs lead to a second-floor loft. Cast your glance up and you’ll find that the space-age dome ceilings are adorned with carved-out stars filled with colored glass. Should you access the southern rotunda (last we checked, it’s still sitting empty), its loft has access to a closed-off loggia built as a connecting walkway to the second floor of the Financial Center. While you’re there, perhaps you’ll have some luck finding the rumored time capsule buried on the site — building managers have hunted for it, but it’s never been found.

Sure, a hefty chunk of our desert population gets by on board shorts and flip-flops. But fashion in Phoenix is much more than that. Case in point: Style Tutor. At the helm of the burgeoning fashion blog are Kristy Roschke and Jennifer Woolsey — teachers by day and a two-person fashion authority by night.

What sets them apart from the rest of the fashion-forward and trend-relevant blogosphere? In spite of getting giddy over luxury labels like Lanvin and Louis Vuitton, these two bloggers are budget-conscious (Woolsey admittedly is devoted to digging through bins at Last Chance) without sacrificing good taste. By keeping tabs on cutting-edge couture in addition to what’s hitting the racks at H&M, the duo serves up tips on how to embrace of-the-moment looks without breaking the bank.

Longtime Phoenicians may raise an eyebrow when you tell them you’re jamming the new Black Keys single on KUKQ, but forgive them their suspicion. The old KUKQ — which spent time on the AM and FM dial — went off the air in 1996, but this year former and current staffers of the dearly departed X103.9 and Sandusky Radio banded together to launch an online homage to the original, flying the rebel flag of freedom from FCC and Clear Channel mandates high. The programming, which ranges from pop-punk to underground rap to EDM and local specialty shows, doesn’t stick to the kind of playlists and rules that bind the FM dial. It takes a little smartphone savvy to bring the station with you in the car, but if the doomsayers proclaiming the end of terrestrial radio are right, a familiar name in the vast world of Internet radio can’t hurt.

Upon first glance, Lance Greathouse looks like a fairly straitlaced guy. He’s got a wife, two kids, a suburban home, and a sedate day job as a dental laser technician. Brewing inside the 52-year-old’s head, however, are visions of twisted creatures, lethal-looking contraptions, and frightening fire-breathing monsters. Mind you, Greathouse isn’t insane but is instead an imaginative cat, and such conjurings are merely inspirations for the kooky contraptions he’s been building in his backyard workshop for years. “I come out here when I’m not working and try to think of the wildest stuff I can create,” he says. So far, the tinkerer, gearhead, and DIY diehard has constructed robotic scorpions, mechanized skeletons, and wheeled vehicles with fearsome appearances. (A few even starred on TV programs like BattleBots and Robot Wars.)

A majority of Greathouse’s creations boast bad-ass propane-powered flamethrowers that emit conflagrations into the air, like the motorized armored three-wheeler dubbed “Lord Humongous.” Greathouse’s creations are a big hit out at Burning Man in Nevada, which he visits almost every year. He also brings out some of his more benign devices, like the “Ultimate Tailgating Station,” a remote-controlled mobile grill and “party on wheels” that includes a barbecue, refrigerated beer tap, stereo system, and yet another flamethrower for roasting vegetables. It was seen on an episode of the National Geographic Channel’s reality show Mad Scientists that he was featured on last winter. Viewers also got to glimpse some of the funky motorized wheelchairs Greathouse built for his late brother, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, including one patterned after Dr. Evil’s chair from the Austin Powers flicks. “It’s appropriate because some people seem to think I’m quite the mad scientist,” he jokes. We don’t know why they might come to that conclusion, Lance.

Hip-hop culture is nothing if not chameleonic, having constantly evolved and reinvented itself over the past 40 years. But no matter how much it’s changed, hip-hop essentially boils down to four basic elements: MCing, b-boy dancing, turntablism, and graffiti artistry. And at Cyphers, you can get schooled in each and every one of ’em. Since opening in January, proprietors Danny “Scooby” Morales and Edson “House” Magaña (both are veterans of the dance collective Furious Styles Crew) have instructed Valley youths in the aforementioned urban art forms, as well as providing studio space in which to practice their burgeoning talents. While Morales and Magaña oversee most of the dance workshops — ranging from b-boy basics to the fancier footwork of krumping and jerkin’ — various local turntablists, MCs, and graf crews are brought in to teach classes. But in addition to learning can control and spray technique from Mario “Durok” Alvarez or how to scratch a record from DJ Reflekshin, students are taught respect for each other and their art form, as well as the history involved. After all, there’s more to becoming an MC than just learning how to spit fresh rhymes. It’s like the godhead KRS-One once said, “Rap is something that you do, hip-hop is something that you live.”

It’s a good thing that the proprietors of this North Valley gin joint have a couple of large clocks hanging near the bar to remind patrons of the passage of time. Otherwise, it’s likely that they might waste away the entire day huddled away inside The Loft Again. (As a matter of fact, it seems a few of the regulars wind up doing so anyway.) It’s hard to pry yourself away from any of the comfy barstools and head home when this darkened drinking den offers so much: They keep the AC blasting and the lights dimmed inside, allowing you the chance to drink in both comfort and seclusion. A daily happy hour showcases $2.50 well cocktails and $2.25 domestic longnecks, the bartending staff has a tendency toward heavy pours, and salty snacks like popcorn and potato chips are readily available. If your stomach’s rumbling for something other than bar snacks, the staff occasionally brings in home-cooked dishes like chili or sloppy joes. If you get bored, there’s music trivia bingo on Tuesdays, open mic on Wednesdays, and live rock bands on the weekend. Hang out here long enough and your mug might be pasted onto the ongoing photo collage of regulars along one wall, or maybe on a “missing” poster that your family will end up circulating.

Sean Watson has an immense following among young-and-hip circles because of his innate skills as a party instigator and near-infallible taste in music. Plus, his weekly sets at such fashionable spots as Crescent Ballroom typically are packed with the PBR brigade, and he’s an occasional performer at Quincy Ross’ secretive see-and-be-seen soirees. Ask the burly and bearded DJ about his revered status in the scene, however, and the ever-affable Watson will shrug it off with one of his trademark belly laughs. “I’m a hipster icon?” he says. “I thought I was toothless, fat, Irish guy who sweats a lot.” That pretty much sums up Watson to a T, concerned more with having a good time during his gigs than with labels. He’s practically a one-man party behind the decks, bouncing his brawny frame around while unapologetically playing whatever tracks suit him, whether its indie song chanteuses like Grimes, old ’90s joints from Stereolab, high-energy club bangers by Swedish House Mafia, or such guilty pleasures as Madeon or Gigamesh. “My philosophy is to just play whatever I like and hope that everyone goes along with it,” he says. Based on all the fist-pumping and excited dancing going on in the crowd, that’s most assuredly the case.

Valley rock ‘n’ roll icon Keith Jackson has been ambling around Phoenix’s music scene for more than two decades now. The genial 6-foot-6 guitarist, who skillfully wielded a six-string in such landmark bands as Beat Angels and Glass Heroes, has experienced plenty of wild misadventures during that time. Jackson’s got the stories to prove it and is more than eager to spin some interesting yarn about the old days. In addition to having a gift for gab, he also has a certain penchant for slipping in mentions of the many rock stars that have crossed his path. Catch him at a preferred haunt, like the Eastside Tap & Grill, and Jackson will gladly dish over beers about Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols giving him a vintage Gibson Les Paul, all the times he’s partied and recorded with former GN’R guitarist Gilby Clarke, or the gig where one of his old bands opened for the MC5. The most frequent topic of conversation, however, is his friendship with the late Joe Strummer. The local ax man often gets a goofy grin when he talks about how he idolized the legendary frontman for The Clash, who passed away in 2002, and their many hangout sessions. Jackson’s tales are always told with a certain charm, so you don’t seem to mind all his name-dropping. Shit, if our lives had been as exciting as his, we’d probably do the same.

Of its many upscale amenities — resort-like cabanas, delicious Asian fusion small plates, the Swarovski crystal chandelier, and the always-mesmerizing LED cube — The Mint’s best perk isn’t one you’d find touted on its website: the attention-grabbing clientele. Scope out the danceteria’s typical Friday and Saturday mix and you’re guaranteed to spy practically every niche of the Scottsdale crowd parading through. High-octane eye candy and hot bods are everywhere out on the patio, not to mention such clubgoing curiosities as dudes sporting Stunna shades like they’re Jay-Z, hipsters in bowties and porkpies, and a few roaming bachelorette parties armed with squirtguns and feather boas. The ebb and flow of the dancing and romancing scene underneath glowing crossbeams usually features girls grinding on one another and at least three human trainwrecks in Forever 21 attempting to go-go dance atop VIP couches. While the cover charges at The Mint vary, the floor show’s always free.

This coffeehouse/bar long has been popular with the see-and-be-seen crowd, and why not? The place is consistently hoppin’ with MacBook-wielding, dressed-to-impress, urbane 20-somethings. Whether you’re there for a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a craft cocktail, a bite from the ever-changing menu (we love the mac ‘n’ cheese), or just to chat with friends, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with a clientele that is the very definition of “cool.” Among the vintage typewriters, artfully placed burlap sacks, mismatched reclaimed furniture, and electronica music playing overhead, you’ll find a crowd of young professionals, boho types, downtown students, and people who dig the joint’s ability to be upscale without seeming nouveaux riche, esoteric without being pretentious, and tasteful without being bland. In other words, it’s our kind of place. And, apparently, yours as well.

We won’t name names, but someone we know is really into Otter Pops. Yes, those rainbow-hued sugar-water packets from our youth. Ugh. Clearly, this gentleman has never wrapped his tongue around a platano paleta. That’s bananas Foster with homemade caramel and añejo rum to you, mister, and it freezes out all the ice pop competition. We have lusted after the gourmet Mexican popsicles sold in places like Los Angeles and New York but wondered how they would fare in Chandler. Quite nicely, apparently, because Betty Alatorre De Hong opened her second paleta shop on Mill Avenue this summer. Now we’ll have two places to get nuez (roasted pecan), sandia (watermelon with fresh mint), and cereza (brandied cherries in sweet almond) paletas. Be sure to check Betty’s website; flavors change daily.

We’ve been known to sup at one end of town, hop in the jalopy, and cruise over to the other end of town just to finish off the night with one or two of Cowboy Ciao’s deservedly famous meal-enders. And thanks to pastry chef and dessert diva Country Velador, there isn’t a clunker on the menu. The Bread Pudding Overboard gets a lot of buzz (with its brown sugar streusel and American Oak ice cream), but what really knocked us out was the Spumoni Americano — a delicious twist on the classic Italian ice cream topped with strawberry cake batter semifreddo, pistachio marshmallow fluff, and, for good measure, a chocolate pretzel. If that weren’t enough, the whole creation sits atop a chocolate shortbread cookie. And that’s not all. The White Chocolate Blondie (served with brown butter ice cream), crème fraîche cheesecake (with, gulp, banana butterscotch sauce), house-made doughnuts, ever-changing flavors of birthday cake, and pie! (their exclamation point, not ours) round out what is the best dessert menu in town — if not the galaxy.

Somewhere along the way, Phoenix became known as a great pizza town (specifically if you’re talking about the gourmet stuff), so it’s no easy task to pinpoint the best. This year, though, we have to acknowledge what’s become one of our faves, The Parlor. The former beauty salon is simply one of the most comfortable and cool places to eat in a region of Phoenix that’s full of them. And the cleverly conceived pizzas are uniformly delicious, with their thin, bubbly crusts, locally raised and processed meats, and fresh produce (many of the herbs and spices are grown on the property). But what tips the scales toward The Parlor in this category this year is what keeps us coming back time and again: the eight-inch pizza for $10. A table of four can order four or five of these dandies, giving everybody a chance to sample, sample, sample without breaking the bank. See you at The Parlor.

Beaver Choice. The name may elicit a few giggles, but this fairly new funky Scandinavian eatery is a serious culinary adventure, with hearty ethnic dishes that, chances are, you’ve never heard of, let alone tasted. Owner and chef Hanna Gabrielsson, who came to the Valley by way of Ontario, by way of Sweden, by way of Poland, uses no more than five fresh ingredients in most dishes — and around three pounds of fresh dill each day — to create a menu of (mostly) Swedish fare, all made-to-order, featuring fish, chicken, hamburgers, and a category simply called “Meat.” Dive in to scrumptious schnitzels with a creamy mushroom sauce, melt-in-your-mouth peirogies topped with bacon, traditional cabbage rolls, haddock fillets simmered in heavy cream, and laxpudding (featuring cured salmon, buttery and smooth, served atop a mixture of eggs and potatoes). More daring diners should opt for tins of baked delights such as Jansson’s Temptation, made with sweet Swedish anchovies, potatoes and onions, and the exotic Flygande Jakob (Flying Jacob), a Swedish casserole of marinated chicken, bananas, peanuts, and a chili cream sauce with a flavor so surprisingly unique and enjoyable, you’ll be glad you got to Beaver Choice before everyone else did.

As any Phoenician who’s had his brains melted and skin seared by the sun can ascribe, it’s hot here for a majority of the year. Damn hot. Hence the number of swimming holes around these parts, particularly in Scottsdale. There are pools aplenty in the stylish suburb, even in the unlikeliest of places. Like, say, smack dab in the middle of Old Town nightspot Spanish Fly, which features an oasis-like swimming pool encompassing most of the outdoor patio. Where other Scottsdale beach bars boast paltry wading pools, Spanish Fly — formerly the home of upscale Polynesia place Drift — trumps ’em all. The proprietors exchanged tiki shtick for chic couches, posh cabanas, and a glimmering waterfall. As its name portends, the joint also serves Mexican-style nosh, but be sure to wait an hour after eating before taking a dip.

Posh doesn’t even begin to describe the indoor/outdoor lounges located next to the W Scottsdale’s second-floor WET Deck, which features lavish brown and white couches, Mediterranean-inspired décor, and a fully stocked bar armed with a classy staff tending to whatever boozy need may arise. Waterfalls are located throughout the place, rippling water at just the right volume for conversation among well-heeled types. Across the pool from Shade Lounge is the W’s Sunset Beach, consisting of a white-sand landscape occupied by cabanas and daybeds, as well as color-changing lights and blazing fire pits encased in onyx marble. Good luck trying to sneak in, as the doormen at the W are particularly vigilant when it comes to stopping freeloaders.

Downtown Phoenix’s First Friday art walk experienced some growing pains in the past year. Streets were closed off and then reopened. Merchant tents relocated or disappeared. But this flux birthed a host of new First Friday events, including The Firehouse’s new sketch comedy-slash-variety show starring such locals as Shaikh Sammad, Anna Moncada, Dwayne Holmes, and John Luther, of the band Haymarket Squares. We love the organic feel of the show, which features new skits every month and brings in guest artists, from the Strange Family Circus and Mizz Lucy Morals of Scandalesque Burlesque to Hooves (who perform the show’s theme song) and event co-founder Aaron Johnson. The cast never fails to shock, whether poking fun at the “birther bill” loonies or casting the Pope’s disdain for condoms in a funnier light.

In 2004, the Arizona Department of Transportation was in the process of building the San Tan leg of Loop 202. As workers dug in the Ocotillo area of Chandler, near Alma School and Pecos Roads, the crew lowered a video camera into one of the abandoned wells on the land formerly belonging to A.J. Chandler. As the camera descended, the view of the well’s dirt walls gave way to beautiful handcrafted bricks: The ADOT crew had discovered a leg of an aqueduct system 15 to 20 feet below the surface and constructed by hand in the 1910s. Because the Salt River Project had not diverted sufficient surface water to Chandler’s lands, Chandler dug about a dozen wells in the area and connected them with aqueducts for irrigation purposes. Historians speculate that the system extends anywhere from 1,800 feet to several miles, as far south as Hunt Highway — a monument to a hardworking farmer.

Punk rock has never been particularly kind to the art of growing up. There are few stranger sights than a 50-year-old sporting a Mohawk. But Brad Dwyer, who used to shout in punk band Gary’s Agenda and currently performs as Brad the One Man Damned, knows how to tell the stories of an aging punk with charm, tact, and humor. His comic, Epic Tales of the Mundane, centers on his day-to-day life — learning to change his daughter’s diapers, adult acne, riding the bus, struggling to interest his wife in the DC Comics re-launch, and daydreaming about robots fighting giant mutants. Dwyer’s comics are sly, self-deprecating, and hilariously poke holes in the old axiom about burning out before fading away.

Here’s a little secret: The guys who run the music store next to Changing Hands in Tempe call themselves hoodlums — and maybe they look like it, just a little — but really, they’re old softies. Just check them out each spring when they throw a weekend-long music festival, aptly named Hoodstock. Fans pack the tiny store to catch local bands like Dry River Yacht Club and Psych 101 taking the even tinier stage to play their hearts out for charity, specifically the education intervention program at a nearby elementary school. The owners and festival volunteers spend weeks having the school kids paint record albums, which hang on the walls, available for sale. It’s a great fundraising idea — who’s not going to come down to buy their kid’s record and spend a few bucks (a percentage of Hoodlums’ sales go to the charity all weekend) while they’re at it? Just be sure you get there early to buy your child’s creation; last year, there were tears when a stranger snatched up a particularly good-looking album just an hour into the festival, before Mom and Dad could make it down to make the purchase. Best part of this festival: No matter where your kids go to school, this is a great way to introduce them to local indie rock in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Considering the lack of a serious military presence here, it’s sometimes surprising just how enthusiastic Phoenix gets about the good ol’ U.S. of A. For a clear example, just tune into KOOL 94.5 FM at noon. For some reason, the station, which plays a classic hits format with a strong ’70s bent (think: Phil Collins’ “Sussudio”) plays “The Star-Spangled Banner” every day at high noon. It’s not, like, some special version, either. Nope, it’s the standard sort you’d expect to hear played on an old cassette tape at a middle school basketball game. It’s a pretty good gimmick, though. While our national anthem is not the sort of thing most people would seek out for their listening pleasure, wouldn’t you feel a little guilty flipping the channel? How could you, what with our brave boys over there in Eye-Rack fighting to keep us free from Saddam Hussein (deceased) and Osama bin Laden (deceased). Freedom ain’t free, you know, so keep it locked on KOOL-FM for this obnoxious display of patriotism — followed immediately by some useful information pertaining to the sale of high-quality, modestly priced used automobiles.

Tucked away in the Southwest Valley, Ground Control serves up delicious coffee drinks from beans that are roasted and ground on site. Ground Control has the usual suspects — Americano, cappuccino, and iced mocha — and signature drinks such as Cafe Sisu (a white and dark chocolate drink); or Cafe Roma, a flavor that mixes dark chocolate, caramel, and praline. The shop offers a variety of blended coffee drinks, including a lactose-free CocoMochaNut and a Blended Fruit Blast with mango, strawberry, peach, banana, sour green apple, and wildberry, a super-fruit antioxidant. Don’t look for Wi-Fi at this old-school gathering place, which encourages you to bring a book or a friend instead of a computer. Check out Ground Control for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and don’t leave without trying the homemade gelato.

Nathan and Elizabeth Smalley grew up in the wrong decade. Though the 30-something couple’s birthdates place them firmly within Generation X, one gets the sense that they shoulda been members of “The Greatest Generation” that lived in the 1940s. They both dig vintage threads from those days, consider Benny Goodman and Paul Whiteman some of their favorite musicians, and possess more swing dance moves than your average Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructor. They know how to do the Lindy, the Charleston, the East Coast Swing, and the jitterbug, and they impart their knowledge every Monday evening at the Ghost Lounge inside the vintage Hotel San Carlos, natch. Local rockabilly and swing bands like the Kings of Pleasure and the Heymakers provide the soundtrack during the weekly swing night, while the Smalleys provide the dance steps. Are you feeling fleet-footed, ace? Lessons begin at 6 p.m. Call 602-770-3184.

Editor’s Note: This Best of award has been changed from its original version.

It wouldn’t be a rock ‘n’ roll show if someone wasn’t carried out on a stretcher. Or if a handful of concertgoers didn’t need to hold ice packs to their cheeks. The kind of show where people go home without a cut or five is an unsuccessful attempt at appearing to look rock ‘n’ roll. You might as well attend a Jonas Brothers concert. But The Black Lips really know how to beat the crap out of an audience member or two, or at least inspire other crowdlings to do it for them. Okay, violence probably wasn’t their intent, but the crowd at The Rhythm Room on June 22 took it as a chance to get their mosh on. Hard. PBR-infused excitement mixed with pure, beachy, indie punk rock lends itself to chaos. The band took the stage, and by the end of the night, a sizable portion of the audience had, too. One so-totally-not-gay kiss between guitarist Ian Saint Pé and Cole Alexander inspired two questionably legal ladies to do the same in front of the crowd. So maybe they’re not role models, but would you trust them to kick your punk ass if they were?

Like many of the best things in life, Last Chance just isn’t what it used to be. Back in the day (like, the mid-’90s) you could pick up a Kate Spade purse for under $20 ($19.97, to be exact), a Nicole Miller ballgown for under $40, five pairs of Hush Puppies for well under $100. But now Hush Puppies are out of style — again — and the folks who run Nordstrom’s clearinghouse for all returns and the crap it didn’t sell at it department stores or outlets are onto us. More important, they’re onto the network of re-sale experts who truly seem to live at Last Chance. These days, you can’t just snatch up every Prada purse that lands on the pile; there are rules and limits. And, yes, that takes some of the fun away. (Although really, did you need that fifth Louis Vuitton?) Still, there are bargains to be had in this musty, well-lit basement in the former Colonnade Mall, where, on a recent Saturday afternoon, shoppers packed the aisles, trolling for TOMS espadrilles and Hobo wallets as “That’s the Way I Like It” by KC and the Sunshine Band played overhead. We must admit, there’s nothing we like better than a big score at Last Chance. Uh huh, uh huh.

Best Sports Bar, Downtown Phoenix: Alice Cooper’s Town

Best Gay Bar: Amsterdam

Best Lesbian Bar: Amsterdam

Best Martini: AZ 88

Best Bookstore: Barnes & Noble

Best TV Newscaster: Beverly Kidd

Best Pop-Up Restaurant: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Downtown Lunch: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Take a Foodie: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Happy Hour, Central Phoenix: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Happy Hour, Downtown Phoenix: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Neighborhood Bar, Central Phoenix: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Neighborhood Bar, Downtown Phoenix: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Upscale Mexican Restaurant: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Margarita: Black Chile Mexican Grill

Best Vintage Clothing: Buffalo Exchange

Best Spa: Camelback Inn

Best Hiking Trail: Camelback Mountain

Best Independent Film Theater: Camelview 5

Best Neighborhood Mexican Restaurant, South Phoenix: Carolina’s

Best Coffee House, Tempe: Cartel Coffee Lab

Best Neighborhood Bar, Tempe: Casey Moore’s Oyster House

Best Venue to See National Acts: Celebrity Theatre

Best Ice Cream: Cold Stone Creamery

Best Dive Bar: The Coach House

Best Music Festival: Country Thunder

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Cyclo

Best Italian Deli: DeFalco’s Italian Eatery

Best Indian Restaurant: Delhi Palace

Best Latin DJ: DJ Kyko

Best Hip-Hop DJ: DJ Madd Rich

Best Steak House Durant’s

Best Place for a Twilight Drink: Elements at Sanctuary

Best First Friday Hangout: Firehouse

Best New Restaurant: Firehouse

Best Happy Hour, Scottsdale: Firehouse

Best Sports Bar, Scottsdale: Firehouse

Best New Nightclub: Firehouse

Best Dance Floor: Firehouse

Best Weekly Dance Night: Firehouse

Best Neighborhood Bar, Scottsdale: Firehouse

Best Place to Find a One-Night Stand: Firehouse

Best After-Hours Scottsdale: Firehouse

Best Place to Be Seen: Firehouse

Best Arts Festival: First Friday

Best Gastropub: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best Happy Hour, Tempe: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best Sports Bar, Tempe: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best Brewery: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best Local Beer: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best Politician: Gabrielle Giffords

Best Sports Bar, South Phoenix: Gallagher’s

Best English Pub: George & Dragon

Best Sunday Brunch: The Good Egg

Best Antiques on a Budget: Goodwill

Best Comic Book Shop: Gotham City Comics

Best Happy Hour, North Phoenix: Half Moon Sports Grill

Best German Restaurant: Haus Murphy’s

Best Art Supply Store: Hobby Lobby

Best Barbecue Restaurant: Honey Bear’s

Best Morning Radio Show: JohnJay & Rick KISS 104.7

Best Alternative/Rock Radio Station: KEXX 103.9

Best Hip-Hop Radio Station: KISS 104.7 FM

Best Country Radio Station: KMLE 107.9

Best Happy Hour, Southeast Phoenix: Kona Grill

Best News Radio Station: KTAR 92.3

Best Jazz & Blues Band: KYOT 95.5 FM

Best Sangria: La Grande Orange

Best Graffiti Artist: Lindsay Monti

Best Neighborhood, Mexican Restaurant,Scottsdale: Los Olivos

Best Vegan Restaurant: Loving Hut

Best Coffee House, Downtown Phoenix: Lux

Best Neighborhood Mexican Restaurant,Tempe: Macayo’s

Best Venue for Local Acts: Marquee Theatre

Best Hangover Breakfast: Matt’s Big Breakfast

Best Pool Hall: Mill Cue Club

Best Wings: Native New Yorker

Best Sports Bar, Southeast Valley: Native New Yorker

Best Slice of Pizza: NYPD Pizza

Best Italian Restaurant: Oregano’s

Best Mural: Oregano’s

Best Chinese Restaurant: P.F. Chang’s

Best Restaurant for Kids: Peter Piper’s Pizza

Best Pet Groomer: PetSmart

Best Hotel Pool: The Phoenician

Best Way to be Gluten-Free: Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen

Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Pita Jungle

Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Pita Jungle

Best Gourmet Pizza: Pizzeria Bianco

Best Place for a First Date: Postino Winecafe

Best Wine Bar: Postino Winecafe

Best Japanese Restaurant: RA Sushi

Best Blues Club: The Rhythm Room

Best Irish Pub: Rosie McCaffney’s

Best View: Rustler’s Rooste

Best Seafood: The Salt Cellar

Best Neighborhood Bar, Southeast Valley: SanTan Brewing Company

Best Sports Bar, North Phoenix: Santisi Brothers

Best Sports Bar, West Valley: Santisi Brothers

Best Specialty Cocktail: Santisi Brothers

Best Neighborhood Bar, North Phoenix: Santisi Brothers

Best Neighborhood Bar, West Valley: Santisi Brothers

Best Culinary Festival: Scottsdale Culinary Festival

Best Mall: Scottsdale Fashion Square

Best Latin Night: Sky Lounge

Best Hamburger: Smashburger

Best French Restaurant: Sophie’s Bistro

Best Cupcakes: Sprinkles

Best Health Food Store: Sprouts

Best Coffee House, South Phoenix: Starbucks

Best Coffee House, North Phoenix: Starbucks

Best Coffee House, Central Phoenix: Starbucks

Best Coffee House, West Valley: Starbucks

Best Coffee House, Southeast Valley: Starbucks

Best Coffee House, Scottsdale: Starbucks

Best Sushi: Stingray Sushi

Best Casino: Talking Stick Resort

Best Bakery: Tammie Coe Cakes

Best Hot Dog: Ted’s Hot Dogs

Best Place to See a Comedy Show: Tempe Improv

Best Country and Western Nightspot: Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Best Place to Buy Wine by the Bottle: Total Wine & More

Best Golf Course: Troon North

Best Neighborhood, Mexican Restaurant, North Phoenix: Valle Luna

Best Neighborhood, Mexican Restaurant, West Valley: Valle Luna

Best Neighborhood, Mexican Restaurant, Southeast Valley: Valle Luna

Best Place to take a Scenester: The Vig

Best Place to Be Seen: W Hotel Scottsdale

Best Local Band: Whiskey Six

Best Thai Restaurant: Wild Thaiger

Best CD Store: Zia Record Exchange

Best Happy Hour, South Phoenix: Zipps Sports Grill

Best Happy Hour, West Valley: Zipps Sports Grill

Best Sports Bar, Central Phoenix: Zipps Sports Grill

Best Neighborhood Bar, South Phoenix: Zipps Sports Grill

Hiking to the top of Brown’s Peak, the tallest summit of Four Peaks, can be a challenge for people in the best conditions. Brown’s Trail, the typical summit route, is about four miles round-trip and steep in places. Hands-on scrambling is required near the top of the gully close to the summit. After a wet year, like this one, the upper flanks of Four Peaks can be covered with ice and snow. And that changes things for hikers — for the better, if you like adventure. When we hiked Four Peaks with a friend in mid-April, the gully was a long, glacier-like ice chute. The only group of hikers we saw summiting that day, besides us, had used harnesses and a climbing rope to belay each other up. Somewhat unintelligently, we forged our way up the chute using sticks like half-assed ice axes. Wearing crampons, those spikes you can attach to your shoes, would have been preferable for the hike. While crossing the chute seemed to invite a potential death fall, the sketchiest moment of the hike came when hikers above us kicked down a head-size boulder. The boulder rolled down the snowfield straight for us and banged into the stick we were holding. We descended a different way, spidering over the snowless summit blocks, ending up in thigh-high snow before finding the main trail. In other words, this spring outing felt like a day in the Himalayas. We’re going back the next time it snows — and we’ll be taking better gear.

It can feel overwhelming to peruse Da Vang’s menu for the first time — so many choices, so little time. (Thank goodness it’s numbered!) But don’t worry, because everything at this humble hole-in-the-wall is just what you’re craving if you love authentic Vietnamese eats. Sip on a refreshing da chanh (limeade) or a jolt-inducing ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), and enjoy a generous, steaming bowl of pho chock full of sliced beef, brisket, tendon, tripe, and tender rice vermicelli; a hot, seafood-laden crepe (banh xeo); or some tasty barbecued pork fashioned into a baguette sandwich (banh mi). You’ll leave well fed for just a few bucks — good incentive to come back frequently.

Robin Nash is not universally beloved by Valley radio listeners — in fact, we’ve cursed her name a few times ourselves — but with last year’s big format change at The Station Formerly Known as The Edge, it’s been nice to hear her familiar voice. Yes, she can be a little fan-girlish, but she’s also evolved into a true pro over the years. As time has passed, her personality seems more muted, and that’s cool with us. We salute the flirty daytime jock for surviving the collapse of the industry around her and for evolving along with it. We like her fairly short between-song banter and the fact that she now keeps a blog. Sure, it’s mostly just national music news, but it’s still the sort of commitment to expanding her medium that we like to see.

RESTAURANTS

Best (Smoothie) Boost: Jamba Juice

Best New Restaurant: Jimmy’s of Chicago

Best Mexican Restaurant: Los Dos Molinos

Best Italian Restaurant: Oregano’s Pizza Bistro

Best Thai Restaurant: Thai Basil

Best Indian Restaurant: Delhi Palace

Best Japanese Restaurant: Ra Sushi

Best Chinese Restaurant: Flo’s

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Little Saigon

Best German Restaurant: Haus Murphy’s

Best French Restaurant: Vincent on Camelback

Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Pita Jungle

Best Brewery: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best English Pub: George & Dragon Pub

Best Irish Pub: Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub

Best Pizza: Oregano’s Pizza Bistro

Best Chocolate: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Best Gourmet Bakery: Sprinkles Cupcakes

Best Place for a Frozen Treat: Cold Stone Creamery

Best Coffee House: Lux Coffee Bar

Best Seafood: The Salt Cellar Restaurant

Best Sushi: Ra Sushi

Best Deli: Chompie’s

Best Steak House: Durant’s

Best Fine Dining: Durant’s

Best Wings: Native New Yorker

Best BBQ: Honey Bear’s BBQ

Best Hamburger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Best Hot Dog: Ted’s Hot Dogs

Best Sunday Brunch: The Farm at South Mountain

Best Downtown Lunch: My Florist Café

Best Place for a First Date: House of Tricks

Best Place for a Twilight Drink: Sanctuary

Best Wine Selection: Postino Winecafé

Best Margarita: Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

Best Martini: Blue Martini

Best Hangover Breakfast: Matt’s Big Breakfast

Best View: Rustler’s Rooste

Best Patio Dining: The Farm at South Mountain

Best Restaurant for Kids: Rainforest Cafe

Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Udupi Café

Best Vegan Restaurant: Green

PHOENIX LIFESTYLE

Best Protector of Our City: Phoenix Police Department

Best Superhero: Steve Nash

Best Fight for Justice: New Times

Best Costume Shop: Easley’s Fun Shop

Best Place to Tone Up: LA Fitness

Best Place to Soup Up a Getaway Car: Vivid Racing

Best Place to Sharpen Your Fighting Skills: AZ Combat Sports

Best TV Newscaster: Mark Curtis

Best News Station: KSAZ Fox 10

Best Alternative/Rock Radio Station: X103.9 FM

Best Country Radio Station: KMLE Country 108

Best R&B/Hip-Hop Radio Station: 104.7 KISS FM

Best Blues/Jazz Radio Station: 95.5 KYOT

Best Radio Morning Show: Johnjay and Rich

Best Golf Course: Biltmore Golf Club

Best Spa: Dolce Salon & Spa

Best Salon: Dolce Salon & Spa

Best Bookstore: Changing Hands Bookstore

Best Hiking Trail: Echo Canyon — Camelback Mountain

Best Hotel Pool: JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Best Independent Film Theater: Harkins Camelview 5

Best Place to Get Pierced: Club Tattoo

Best Tattoo Shop: Club Tattoo

Best Paintball: Tempe Paintball

Best First Friday Hangout: The Roosevelt

Best Place to Buy Vintage Clothing: Buffalo Exchange

Best Place to Buy Antiques: Brass Armadillo

Best Place to Buy Wine by the Bottle: Total Wine & More

Best Casino: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

Best Annual Event: Arizona Renaissance Festival

Best Pet Groomer: Wag N’ Wash

Best Health Food Store: Sprouts

Best Med-Spa: Red Mountain Med Spa

Best Mall or Shopping Center: Scottsdale Fashion Square

Best Yoga Studio: Urban Yoga

Best Comic Book Shop: Atomic Comics

MUSIC and NIGHTLIFE

Best Place to Find a Damsel in Distress: Dos Gringos

Best Place to Witness a Costumed Pub Crawl: Mill Avenue

Best Rooftop View: Clarendon Hotel

Best Bar Concept: Sandbar

Best Nightclub: Axis/Radius

Best Local DJ: DJ Rocko

Best Weekly Dance Night: Thursdays at Margarita Rocks

Best Dance Floor: Devil’s Martini

Best Latin Club: Sky Lounge

Best Blues or Jazz Club: The Rhythm Room

Best Place to Buy Local Music: Zia Records

Best Venue for National Acts: Dodge Theatre

Best Venue for Local Acts: Marquee Theatre

Best Music Festival: Country Thunder

Best Place to See a Comedy Show: The Comedy Spot

Best After-Hours: Charlie’s

Best Country and Western Nightspot: Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

Best Bar for Watching the Game: Zipps Sports Grill

Best Sports Bar: Zipps Sports Grill

Best Dive Bar: Bikini Lounge

Best Gay Bar: Amsterdam

Best Lesbian Bar: zGirl Club

Best CD Store: Zia Records

Best Pool Hall: Mill Cue Club

Best Local Band: Whiskey Six

Best Bar for Conversation: Casey Moore’s Oyster House

Best Beer Selection: The Lost Leaf

Best Specialty Cocktail: White Rabbit at SideBar

Best Wine Bar: Postino Winecafe

Best Place to Be Seen: W Hotel

Best-Looking Bar Staff: Tilted Kilt

Best Place to Find a One-Night Stand: Dos Gringos

MOST POPULAR WRITE-IN CATEGORIES

Best Happy Hour: R Bar at Camelback Inn

Best Art Supply Store: Arizona Art Supply

Best Sunday Omelet: Buzzberry

Best Gluten-Free Restaurant: Nourish

Best Country Club: Arizona Country Club

Why? Because he’s the smartest. He wouldn’t give Amar’e Stoudemire the huge contract he demanded. Everybody likes to rag on Robert Sarver because he let a superstar go, but he made a sound business — as well as sports — decision. Though Amar’e was capable of 40-point, 20-rebound nights, he rarely produced on the rebounding side of the equation. Plus, he was a lousy defender — always seemed lost out there. The buzz-phrase was: He “lacked focus.” Whatever. Giving top money to someone who’s less than a superstar doesn’t make sense. Superstars do everything Amar’e did, plus play solid D. It also didn’t make sense to bet on the often-injured STAT to last through a five-year, $100 million contract, which is what the New York Knicks gave him — despite nobody being willing to insure him. The reason is that he had microscopic surgery on his left knee in 2005 and detached-retina surgery in 2009. Because of his health issues, the 27-year-old was limited to only three 82-game seasons in his eight-year career. Sarver’s righteous hang-up with keeping Amar’e was the fifth year of the contract — Sarver wasn’t willing to guarantee it because of Amar’e’s health issues. But once Stoudemire headed north, Sarver didn’t sit around doing nothing. He brought in two young, promising power forwards to replace him, plus veteran forward Hedo Turkoglu. He also gave forward-center Channing Frye a new contract for bench strength in the frontcourt. The Suns will be fine without a guy who was always carping about deserving max money. Our prediction is they will again challenge the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. If that happens, you won’t be complaining anymore that Sarver’s a banking mogul caught up in the recession who was too cheap to keep a superstar. He’ll be a superhero in a suit.

Agree or disagree, it was time for Modified Arts to change. The building’s exterior needed some serious TLC, the stage was one amplified band short of collapse, and the sewage smell seeping from the bathroom needed to be kicked to the curb. So when longtime owner Kimber Lanning handed the keys to Adam Murray and Kim Larkin, it was an artsy godsend, mostly because the husband-and-wife team really went to town on the space. In mid-December 2009, with the help of a handful of volunteers, they tore out the stage and green room and hauled mountains of yucky grime to the trash. Then, the two gave the space a new coat of paint, laid down beautiful wood floors, and slapped up a new sign outside. The result: a space that is way gorgeous, and that’s not even counting the amazing artwork displayed on the walls during monthly exhibits.

Mesa’s Main Street has established quite the art walk in the past several months. In addition to such older businesses as History By George, Book Gallery, Mystic Paper, and the Mesa Arts Center, a newer crop of merchants has moved in on the street, including the Evermore Nevermore gallery, the Adorn Style Lounge, Twisted Sisters’ Designs, and the Underground and Nile music venues. Having more than a dozen restaurants and shops on a single, straight walk has done wonders for downtown Mesa, which hosts an art walk every second Friday of the month. Each art walk has a theme, and previous motifs have included “Sweethearts” (for February) and “IMP Fest” (independent music). There are usually live bands or musicians on every corner, along with information booths and, most importantly, lots of people with whom to mingle.

See: a video interview with Beatrice Moore.

In a city that defines a style iconoclast as a woman who dares to mix separates from Banana Republic with accessories from Forever 21, Beatrice Moore is a true original. I doubt she’s ever been in a mall or had her hair done, but you would not believe the cool shit she finds in Sun City West thrift stores. And if you don’t like her plastic beaded necklace or her perfectly mismatched floral ensemble or her penchant for vintage craft supplies, she truly does not care.

She is my hero.

Moore’s been snatching up properties along Grand Avenue for years, but I’m less interested in what she’s done as a landlord (which is somewhat contentious, depending on which member of the arts community you ask) than the vibrant colors she’s painted her buildings.

If you’ve never seen them, get yourself over to Grand and Seventh avenues during daylight hours, and head northwest on that oddly diagonal street. Pass La Melgosa (1023 Grand), Bragg’s Pie Factory (1301 Grand), and, finally, hit the piece de resistance, Kooky Krafts (1500 Grand).

Kooky Krafts is no paint-by-numbers kit. Moore is an accomplished “fine artist” — a painter. But her crafts are just as important, she says, and she considers them art. It’s easy to see why when you peruse the dozens of bump chenille wreaths lining the pastel-striped walls of her craft store. For the uninitiated, bump chenille looks like thick, bumpy pipe cleaners, in colors no longer manufactured, much to Moore’s chagrin. She sells the wreaths for a lot of money, mainly because she hates to see them go out the door.

There’s a nook with vintage craft books that Moore intends as a library for patrons, and bags of supplies for sale — everything from plastic clown faces to vintage pompons to German painted mushrooms — much of the wares from two recently defunct old-school craft warehouses, Diane Ribbon and Notion in Phoenix and Zim’s in Salt Lake City.

In the back of the store, Moore’s set up shop to make “cakes” — intricate, multi-stacked fake confections made of modeling supplies, festooned with vintage plastic clowns and other party decorations. Years ago, she obsessed over the cake creations — showed them in the Stop ‘n’ Look storefront at La Melgosa — and lately she’s had the urge to pick up the faux icing bag again.

Perfect timing! I tell her — cake is huge right now. I mention the cake shows on cable TV, the bakeries popping up around town, the decorating classes being offered.

Moore just looks at me. She has no idea what I’m talking about, and that is why I love her. — Amy Silverman

New Times managing editor Amy Silverman, who shares Beatrice Moore’s love for pastel colors, vintage pompons and your grandma’s cast-off furniture, interviewed Moore on August 19 at Kooky Krafts in Phoenix.

I live in Phoenix because it’s somewhat isolated from, like, the hip scene — and I’ve always liked that. And it’s in the desert and it’s got sort of this isolation and it’s different than anywhere else.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an artist and be in the art scene . . . I was always drawing or painting, working with chalk, making things out of clay.

When I’m driving, I want to get from one place to the other.

Phoenix could use more historic buildings that have been preserved and adaptively reused.

Phoenix could use less of the high-rise kind of development — for instance, what we’re seeing with Cityscape going in downtown right now. When I saw that project, I was totally shocked at how bad it is.

I like to paint in the privacy of my own studio, and I don’t even really like showing my work so much.

My color palate is inspired by my early years in Mexico.

My hero is . . . I don’t really walk around thinking that I have a hero in my life, but I do respect and admire a lot of people, including my partner, Tony.

Before bed I always read the paper.

Musicians seem drawn to using public transit systems as a backdrop for performances. We’ve seen many a street rat busking in NYC and D.C. subways while strumming their acoustic gee-tars. Maybe it’s the captive audience or Americana’s deep-rooted bonds shared by trains and tunes. Either way, we figured that once the Valley’s light-rail system launched last December, it wouldn’t be too long until we heard live music at stations. The folks behind the Train Tracks did us one better and have been booking Phoenix indie acts to play unplugged versions of their songs on light-rail cars since February. Conjured up by a cabal of CenPho left-brain types (including Inside Creative Minds filmmaker Tray Goodman and Modified Arts/Stinkweeds’ Kimber Lanning) the weekly online video series records acoustic performances by such local scene favorites as Courtney Marie Andrews, Yourchestra, and Sugar Thieves during rush hour. It’s similar to London’s Black Cab Sessions (albeit not in a back of a taxi), in which everything’s done in one take. Every three months, those who get the best response are invited to compete in a quarterly First Friday battle of the bands at the Phoenix Art Museum. The winner will get stage time at next year’s Tempe Musical Festival. Sounds good to us, as long as they don’t ask us for spare change.

Nate Anderson radiates the kind of innate charm and cool confidence that only a natural-born salesman could posses.

It’s to be expected, considering that the 27-year-old Ohio native grew up in a family filled with charismatic entrepreneurs. The lanky redhead is also a genuinely easygoing cat, whose social rapport and smooth-talking swagger probably proved invaluable after he moved to Phoenix in 2005 and became a successful real estate broker who pulls in six figures. (Shelley Levene from Glengarry Glen Ross, he is not.) But after this career path proved to be emotionally unrewarding, however, Anderson dropped out of the property-pimping trade.

He’s never looked back, however, especially after figuring out his true calling in life: getting musical instruments into the hands of students. In 2008, he created the non-profit Ear Candy to help subsidize and establish music education for local K-12 schools in need. (There’s more than a few of those, as Arizona ranks near the bottom in the nation in arts funding).

As a lifelong gourmandizer of music, Anderson (who received eight years of childhood piano training and visits dozens of big-name concert festivals every year) combined this passion with his penchant for social entrepreneurism and began orchestrating fundraising shows and massive instrument drives across Phoenix. It’s resulted in two straight years of frantic 16-hour work days, filled with soliciting donations and networking with record label executives, local politicians, venue owners, and chart-topping musicians.

Anderson’s also recruited a variety of local bands, including Kinch and Black Carl, for Ear Candy events, both as a means of providing exposure, as well as an attempt to unify Phoenix’s segmented (read: cliquish) music scene for a single cause. Best of all, the money and instruments collected go to the institutions in need throughout the Valley.

His hard work, silver tongue, and boundless connections have resulted in some sweet victories so far: He’s collected and distributed more than 300 instruments in the past year alone (ranging from bass guitars to accordions), partnered with the likes of Eric Clapton and Jerry Riopelle, and booked popular indie act Harlem Shakes at an Ear Candy gig at Tempe’s Sail Inn over the summer.

Anderson is confident Ear Candy’s efforts will prove so successful that he’ll eventually launch spin-offs in cities from Brooklyn to Boise, and maybe even around the world. Sounds pretty sweet, Nate.

Best of Phoenix 2009 In Photos

We love this little theater for its cheap movies, and even more for the free bonus we get when we walk in the door. Dollar-theater lobbies are often some of the sketchier places you’ll find in suburban strip malls, filled with broken arcade games and dirtbag teenagers. Not Pollack Tempe Cinemas. Local real estate tycoon Michael Pollack decided to pull out all the stops when he redesigned the lobby of this little theater, outfitting it with a Chuck E. Cheese-style animatronic band, statues of celebrities, and a wax museum of former presidents (Nixon through Clinton) that’ll leave you wondering why anyone pays more than $3 for entry to Madame Tussauds. Hell, there are even chandeliers hanging above the impressive collection of Hollywood memorabilia. The next time you’re interested in seeing Paul Blart: Mall Cop for the fifth time, drop by Pollack, and plan to have enough time to get your picture taken with the über-creepy Jimmy Carter statue.

Looking for a unique play experience for your kids? Then head to Playtopia, the newest addition to Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. Based on the region’s history, Playtopia is a collection of three themed playgrounds. Your junior 4-Hers will enjoy Farmland, a huge agri-inspired play structure housed under a giant barn roof. Cityland has an urban theme and includes tot-sized streets, buses, fire trucks and playhouses. In Critterland, your kids can romp on a giant Gila monster or dig for dinosaur bones. If you’re a traditionalist, don’t worry: Playtopia’s still got the basics, like swings, slides, picnic ramadas, and BBQs. So it’s not the real thing, but it’s the closest you’ll get without the cow poop, road rash, or venomous biting creatures.

The atmosphere inside Lola Tapas is so effortlessly urban that after a few glasses of wine, you might momentarily forget you’re in the desert and think you’re in a bustling boite on some Barcelona back street. It’s dark, cozy, and convivial, with communal seating that fills up fast, gracious servers who keep the sangria flowing (bring it on!), and a menu full of scrumptious Spanish tapas lovingly prepared by chef-owner Felicia Ruiz, who’s always at the stove in the small open kitchen. Her daily specials are worth checking out, but there are plenty of old standbys on the menu that we find ourselves craving — lip-smacking tortilla de patatas (a savory potato torte), gambas al pil pil (garlicky sautéed shrimp with chili flakes, cumin, and sherry), and garbanzos con espinacas a la Andaluza (spicy chickpeas with spinach), to name a few. Desserts change frequently, but if you see flan de coco on the chalkboard, don’t resist. At Lola Tapas, you’ll be living the sweet life.

When it comes to surviving summers here, Phoenicians are ready to pull out all the stops, from breaking out the water hose to sneaking into someone’s pool. A whole genre of swim-and-drink nights at local hotels have even blossomed over the past few years to keep us cool. Other options around town, though, leave us, um, cold. Many local waterparks have roving bands of adolescents set on remaking Lord of the Flies, while floating the Salt River has too much of a low-budget Girls Gone Wild vibe going on. That’s why The Oasis waterpark at the Arizona Grand Resort appeals so much to us. In addition to their eight-story water slide, their huge wave pool, and their 25-person hot tub, they’ve been spotlighted by The Travel Channel as one of the top 10 waterparks in the country.

Though we understand the place lost some of its atmosphere in the move from Gilbert Road and Chandler Boulevard to the center of Queen Creek, and though they don’t always have a band on both weekend nights, we still love the natty little dance floor at Norton’s Country Corner. This humble little roadhouse traces its lineage back to 1918 and was once a major stop on the Arizona honky-tonk circuit. These days, though, it sticks to cover bands. But if you’re looking for someplace to shuffle around in your Tony Lamas while a pedal-steel whines out “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down,” this is it.

It’s likely that you’ve never heard of underground music venue The Slurp before, and it’s probably gonna stay that way. The hush-hush all-ages show space, which is located in an industrial plaza somewhere in the Valley sprawl (we’re not dropping a dime), is a clandestine operation that’s hosted dozens of under-the-radar hardcore and punk shows in the past six months, featuring bands like The Prosthetics and Rumspringer. Its exact address has never been included on fliers or MySpace. In fact, the only way to get the 411 is through word-of-mouth or by knowing members of Web board Arizona Hardcore. House parties, on the other hand, are a different story. While its members are cagey about outing the Slurp, it’s a bit easier getting the goods from the AZHC site on gigs held inside residences around Tempe and Chandler like The Manor or the Hell-Yeah Hut. We’ve probably said too much already, so do us a favor and don’t tell anyone we told you. ‘Kay? It’ll be our little secret.

The Chandler strip mall that houses Tom Ryan’s is turning into a virtual ghost town, for all intents and purposes, with more than a half-dozen shuttered retail spaces looking more vacant than Boot Hill Cemetery at midnight. But the bar has managed to cheat death (à la Clint Eastwood’s badass bounty hunter in Sergio Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars), thanks to the loyal patronage of buckaroos and urban cowboys. One of the major draws is the bar’s live shows, each Thursday through Saturday, by a Southern-fried slate of boot-scootin’ bands like Mesa’s country-rock trio Mogollon. Another regular is ASU poli-sci student Michael Easterday, a CMT Music City Madness contestant who performs along with a three-member backing band. Everyone at Tom Ryan’s thinks the kid crooner will someday make it to Nashville. Guess they can say they heard him here first.

We’ve been hanging around Scottsdale so long that we remember when Fashion Square was an open-air mall. We shopped at the Wigwam, ate at China Lil’s, endured countless Parada del Sol parades. So imagine our dismay when two Scottsdale old-timers — Pink Pony and Quilted Bear — bit the dust this year. We knew just what to do. We dusted off our Saba’s cowboy boots and headed straight for the Sugar Bowl to drown our sorrows in a banana split. Since 1958, the Pepto-Bismol pink-and-white ice cream parlor has served up frozen treats (oh, yeah, it has regular diner fare, too) to Scottsdalians young and old. Not much has changed about the Sugar Bowl; good thing “shabby chic” is in style. We don’t care — give us Bil Keane’s old Family Circus cartoons on the walls and the crunchy old linoleum alongside two scoops of chocolate mint, and we’re content to relive our childhood.

If you haven’t been to the Great Escape anytime in the past year or so, be prepared for a huge shock. The rough-and-tumble dive you’d grudgingly grown to love is completely gone. As in 86’d. Vamoosed. Even the free popcorn machine that spat out wilted, tasteless kernels, you ask? Yup, it went away when the bar was sold last year to Dilip Bansal, who changed the name slightly and remodeled the place with more upscale furnishings and a posh décor scheme. (He even managed to squeeze an upholstered chair or two in the closet-size establishment). If you don’t mind the new Z Gallerie-esque look, the good news is plenty of high-octane booze and brews are still available (including Guinness and Heineken on tap) just as cheap as before: $3 wells and call drinks, $2.50 mugs, and $2 pints.

Even though they’re not very active in the sleepy resort town, warring Mexican drug lords have put a damper on things in Rocky Point. But Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers still put on one of the best parties you’ll ever attend. Clyne, who’s made a career out of mythologizing the restless beauty of life in the border towns in the Sonoran Desert, gives his diehard fans (“Peaceheads” they’re called, much to their chagrin) from across the country a chance to live his songs for a weekend with this now-annual event. Even for non-fans, it’s a blast: Circus Mexicus is like partying in Key West with Jimmy Buffett during his deadbeat years. The event culminates in a three-hour show in which the Tempe-bred former Refreshments singer and his band play pretty much every song in their catalog while fireworks periodically explode overhead, but the entire weekend is a blast for anyone who enjoys Tecate, tacos, or the beach.

When Hollywood Alley debuted in 1988, bands didn’t exactly beat a path to its door.

Back in those days, the epicenter of the local music scene was undoubtedly Mill Avenue and such venues as Long Wong’s and Chuy’s, and not some pissant bar and grill off the beaten path in Mesa. In fact, owner Ross Wincek didn’t start booking bands until months after he opened.

More than 20 years later, it’s hard imagining a Valley without Hollywood Alley, as it’s become a mainstay of the music scene while other establishments have come and gone. It’s no surprise, considering the place has all the ingredients that make any rock club great: dim lighting, kitschy décor, black leather booths, and an ample stage that’s hosted shows almost every night of the week for the past two decades.

Plenty of nationally known artists have performed at the Alley, running the gamut from spoken word/art rock chanteuse Lydia Lunch to psychedelic indie rock band The Apples in Stereo. (Public Enemy even stopped by for an impromptu show one evening in 2007 after getting booted from the Marquee Theatre). More importantly, however, the joint has served as a launching pad and stomping ground for some of the biggest bands in Valley history.

The old-school punkers of both the Sun City Girls and Beats the Hell Out of Me were regulars way back when, as were such members of the ’90s Mill Avenue movement as The Refreshments, Gin Blossoms, and Dead Hot Workshop. Local legends like Jimmy Eat World and Authority Zero used to rattle the roof constantly before graduating to more mainstream concert halls. The modern-day tastemakers of Back Ted N-Ted, What Laura Says, and The Love Me Nots also regularly include the Alley in their gig schedules.

In addition to its myriad musical talent, another draw has been the extended family atmosphere provided by the three generations of the Wincek clan working behind the scene. Famished patrons and starving rockers alike have feasted on the delicious homemade recipes of Ross’ grandmother Rachel and his late mother, Lucy, from the kitchen. Meanwhile, 67-year-old paterfamilias Roger helps make the place spotless after the last drunk has ambled out the front door.

Thanks to the Winceks’ untiring dedication, you can undoubtedly look forward to another 20 years of hanging out at the Alley.

Best of Phoenix 2009 In Photos

Helen Hestenes, performance artist and owner of the Icehouse, on Jackson Street in downtown Phoenix, has never given up on her dreams for the city — or her arts venue. When she purchased the neglected historic property with then-husband David Therrien in 1990, Hestenes imagined an avant-garde gallery and performance space with an edgy, urban heartbeat married to a solid foundation of history. The faux-column façade, large open rooms and church-like “Cathedral Room” seemed the perfect match to her vision. In no time, Hestenes was bringing in the kinds of acts the culture-deprived community was missing: a 12-hour performance piece by Live Art Platform, the LIFE (Liberty, Independence, and Freedom of Expression) Festival, the Invisible Woman breast cancer exhibit and an international art exchange program made possible by a Rockefeller Foundation grant.

But her dreams didn’t end with the property lines. Hestenes hoped that other artists would follow suit and revitalize the surrounding buildings into gallery spaces, cozy cafes and entertainment palaces for underground art. Think an American version of Paris, minus the Eiffel Tower. The city of Phoenix had different ideas; namely, razing many of the nearby historic buildings to make way for parking garages, more jails, and a morgue — plans that never came to fruition.

Hestenes has always been outspoken about the need to preserve Phoenix’s historic properties. After the Borden Dairy building was demolished, The Icehouse staged a mock funeral complete with tombstone and eulogy. Admittedly, it was a little quirky.

Nearly two decades later, the building stands as a testament to Hestenes’ resolve. Despite numerous code violations, cease-and-desist orders, and demolition permits, the Icehouse hosts art shows, raves, and private parties. Recently, Hestenes offered a large-scale painting by the late Phoenix artist Rose Johnson during the summer’s barter exhibit in return for a handicap-accessible ramp or repairs to the venue’s elevator system.

It’s proof that Hestenes still has plans for the Icehouse.

Best of Phoenix 2009 In Photos

We’ve always wondered: Where do bars and clubs go when they die (i.e., close)? Whisked away to the nightspot great beyond after falling to a wrecking ball, perhaps, never to return (like Tempe’s Long Wong’s)? Or maybe reincarnation into a completely new identity is in order, like when the old Mason Jar became gay dive Velocity 2303. In the case of The Sail Inn in Tempe, the legendary hippie hangout was revived, Lazarus-style, in its original location by owner Gina Lombardi. The original version of the Sail closed after it was bought out by real estate developers in late 2005, ultimately becoming the ill-conceived danceteria Trax, which fizzled out after 18 months. Fortunately, Lombardi swept in and resurrected her old stomping grounds earlier this year, upgrading the décor in the process. And though its look may have changed, Lombardi’s continuing the old habit of booking a wide variety of musicians — ranging from the jam-rockers of Xtra Ticket and The Noodles to burgeoning indie acts like Black Carl — nearly every night since re-opening. It couldn’t have happened at a better time, too, as The Sail Inn is just about the only dedicated music venue in downtown Tempe, an area once renowned for its live bands. Thanks, Gina.

RESTAURANTS
Best New Restaurant: Liberty Market
Best Mexican Restaurant: Valle Luna
Best Italian Restaurant: Oreganos Pizza Bistro
Best Thai Restaurant: Thai Basil
Best Indian Restaurant: Delhi Palace
Best Japanese Restaurant: Ah-So Sushi and Steak
Best Chinese Restaurant: Flos Chinese
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Cyclo Vietnamese Cuisine
Best German Restaurant: Haus Murphys German Restaurant
Best French Restaurant: Sophies A French Bistro
Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Spices Mediterranean Kitchen
Best Brewery: Four Peaks Brewery
Best English Pub: George & Dragon English Restaurant and Pub
Best Irish Pub: Rla Bla
Best Pizza: Oreganos Pizza Bistro
Best Gourmet Bakery: AJs Fine Foods
Best Chocolate: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Best Cupcakes: Sprinkles Cupcakes
Best Frozen Yogurt: Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt
Best Gelato: The Gelato Spot
Best Coffee House: Lux
Best Sushi: Zen 32
Best Seafood: The Salt Cellar Restaurant
Best Deli: Chompies
Best Steak House: Durants
Best Fine Dining: Kai at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort
Best Wings: Native New Yorker
Best BBQ: Honey Bears BBQ
Best Hamburger: The Chuckbox
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Pita Jungle
Best Sunday Brunch: The Phoenician
Best Downtown Lunch: Fez
Best View: Compass at Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Best Patio Dining: K ODonnells American Bar & Grill
Best Restaurant for Kids: Rainforest Cafe
Best Place for First Date: Caffe Boa (on Mill)
Best Place for a Twilight Drink: AZ 88
Best Hangover Breakfast: Over Easy

PHOENIX LIFESTYLE

Best Local Visionary: Jerry Colangelo

Best TV Newscaster: Beverly Kidd, KTVK

Best News Station: 12 News KPNX

Best Alternative/Rock Radio Station: 96.9 FM

Best Country Radio Station: 102.5 FM

Best R&B/Hip-Hop Radio Station: 104.7 FM

Best Blues/Jazz Radio Station: 95.5 FM

Best Radio Morning Show: NPR Morning Edition KJZZ 91.5 FM

Best Golf Course: Troon North Golf Club

Best Spa: Camelback Inn

Best Bookstore: Changing Hands Bookstore

Best Hiking Trail: Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon

Best Hotel Pool: Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch

Best Independent Film Theater: Harkins Camelview 5

Best Place to Get Pierced: Club Tattoo

Best Tattoo Shop: Lady Luck Tattoo

Best First Friday Hangout: Bikini Lounge

Best Place to Buy Vintage Clothing: Buffalo Exchange

Best Place to Buy Antiques: Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Best Casino: Casino Arizona

Best Health Food Store: Trader Joes

Best Mall or Shopping Center: Scottsdale Fashion Square

Best Yoga Studio: Inner Vision Yoga

NIGHTLIFE

Best Bar Concept: Cadillac Ranch

Best Nightclub: Martini Ranch

Best Local DJ: DJ Epidemic

Best Weekly Dance Night: Solstice Saturdays at Bar Smith

Best Dance Floor: Whiskey River

Best Latin Club: Sky Lounge

Best Blues or Jazz Club: The Rhythm Room

Best Place to Buy Local Music: Zia Records

Best Venue for National Acts: Dodge Theatre

Best Venue for Local Acts: Celebrity Theatre

Best Music Festival: Tempe Music Festival

Best Country and Western Nightspot: Toby Keiths I Love This Bar and Grill

Best Place to See a Comedy Show: Tempe Improv

Best After-Hours: Charlies

Best Bar for Watching the Game: Zipps Sports Grill

Best Local Band: Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers

Best Dive Bar: Yucca Tap Room

Best Gay Bar: Amsterdam

Best Lesbian Bar: Z Girl Club

Best Record Store: Zia Records

Best Pool Hall: Mill Cue Club

Best Bar for Conversation: Casey Moores

Best Wine Bar: Postino Winecaf

Best Sangria: Caffe Boa (on Mill)

Best Margarita: ZTejas Southwestern Grill

Best Martini: Blue Martini

Best Specialty Cocktail: Belgian Chocolate Infused Vodka Martini, Satara Thai Cuisine

Best Beer Selection: Yard House

Best Place to Be Seen: W Scottsdale

Best-Looking Bar Staff: Tilted Kilt Pub

Best Place to Find a One-Night Stand: Dos Gringos Most popular suggestions for categories we forgot:

Best Salon: JonRic International Salon & Day Spa

Best Healthy Restaurant: DLish Drive Thru

Best Happy Hour: The Lodge

Best Auto Performance Upgrades: Evolution Motorsports

Kids never seem to have an issue with things from which adults often recoil in horror. Like death, for example. So don’t hesitate to take your offspring to Chandler’s annual Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration and Festival, a free, kid-friendly fiesta put on by Xico Inc. (formerly Xicanindio del Artes of Mesa), Vision Gallery and the Calaca Center (boy, do they get around) in Chandler Park.

Besides the predictable altars and a late-afternoon processional that ends in a blessing of the altars on display, this festival boasts Mexican music and dancing; last year, we saw house-rockin’ performances by well-known mask maker Zarco Guerrero, traditional Mexican folk dances, mariachi numbers and the muy caliente band Barrio Latino. And, por supuesto, there are plentiful folk-art shopping opportunities and fabulous fiesta foods at bargain prices.

But the real enticement for kids is the festival’s Vision Kidz areas, where they can make their own sugar skulls, calacas (skeletons) and papel picado (colorful tissue paper cutouts, a staple of any Mexican fiesta). We hope and pray they’ll repeat last year’s riveting puppet epic “Funny Bunny’s Day of the Dead Holiday Adventure,” staged by Great Arizona Puppet Theater. Even the vendors here are kid-oriented, offering colorful handmade Mexican toys (some obviously made in China) and candies for under a buck.

Looking for coffee in all the wrong Tempe places? Get your bean-loving butt to Cartel. Walk through its cheerful black-and-white tiled foyer into the mellow-but-hip high-ceilinged space, and you will swear you’ve died and gone to coffee heaven. And that’s before you taste the espresso, which, in our humble opinion, is among the best in the Valley. Want a cup of regular coffee? They’ll make it for you on the Clover 1S machine, which has five customizable options and brews one cup of coffee at a time.

Open since January and tucked into the same complex on University that houses several other local independent businesses, including Wet Paint, this gem of a shop is owned and run by husband-and-wife team Jason and Amy Silberschlag. The Silberschlags are both native Arizonans — he’s from Tucson, she hails from Wickenburg — and both coffee freaks with a conscience. Their business model was coffee roaster with espresso bar, which still applies; they roast small “hand-crafted” batches of beans purchased from just two places in South America, including a family-run farm in Guatemala, and distribute them wholesale around the Valley. But the espresso bar has taken on a life of its own. There’s a steady stream of customers, changing art on the walls and a regular event on Final Friday — usually live music. “It’s become the neighborhood living room,” Amy says.

Just like our living room — if it were way cooler and served coffee so good you wake up the next morning craving it.