After having family come and go in the holidays, I was inspired to collect my favorite activities for out-of-towners around this time last year. This sat in my post drafts for too long, but as the weather’s cooling down, I felt I had to polish it up and share. Here’s what I would recommend to experience Phoenix if you’re here just for a weekend. You’re … Continue reading One Weekend in Phoenix
There are a bunch of places that do karaoke in Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs. With this list, you can fully go out every night of the week and hit up somewhere different. Everything on this list is an open environment, for karaoke in a bar setting. I’ve listed a couple private room rental karaoke places at the end, but that’s not the focus of this … Continue reading Where to sing karaoke in the valley
If you’re looking to shop for last-minute Christmas gifts, here are my (admittedly last-minute) recommendations. Local shopping Changing Hands is an independent bookstore with Mesa and midtown Phoenix locations. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can order it in, and they have other cute products besides just books. Their loyalty card and the First Draft coffee shop/bar inside the Phoenix store are … Continue reading Grace’s gift giving guide 2024
I’m including the whole valley in this post, to fully show the variety of funky spots to eat. These are places I recommend for the experience just as much (or more so) than the food. Organ Stop Pizza Will this pizza change your life? To be honest, no— but the incredible two-story organ and constant live performances are worth the drive (and the food is … Continue reading Quirkiest Restaurants in Phoenix
Compared to Phoenix and Flagstaff, Sedona and nearby Cottonwood are for an older, more established crowd. Sedona is also especially beautiful just to drive through, even if you aren’t planning to stop for much. If you’re looking to feel like you’re in the movie Cars, this is the place. Food While these places can be on the pricier end, the area is a unique dining … Continue reading Weekend trip inspiration: Cottonwood & Sedona
Of all the Arizona places on my list, Bisbee is the furthest initial drive from Phoenix— just under 3.5 hours. I would never suggest driving further than necessary, so rest assured this place is worth the trip! Bisbee is an old mining town, at one point the largest city in Arizona. It’s past Tucson and close to the Mexican border, built into hills near the … Continue reading Weekend trip inspiration: Bisbee
Clocking in at just over two hours from Phoenix, Flagstaff is my most common weekend getaway year round. I love the college town meets Route 66 vibe here. In the winter, it’s a great home base for skiing at SnowBowl. In the summer, it’s a great escape from the Phoenix heat, with a younger and more casual vibe than Sedona. Food To me, Flagstaff has … Continue reading Weekend trip inspiration: Flagstaff
There are many great museums and cultural spots in Phoenix, but for those trying to find the best value on a budget, these are my can’t miss events and activities in the museum and theater space. Phoenix Zoo: Roars and Pours This once a month event is a can’t miss for me because of the discounted ticket, taking the price of admission from $45 for … Continue reading Phoenix local cultural event roundup
I’ve written about my favorite date spots and adventures before, but there are so many new (or new to me) spots I want to highlight as 2023 comes to a close. Experiences Lotions and Potions Absolutely not new, but new to me this year, Lotions & Potions has been a Mill Ave and Melrose classic for decades. My husband and I came and got custom … Continue reading My 2023 Favorites
There’s a lot of annual local events in the valley. It’s taken me a few years of living here to realize when things happen and what not to miss! Here’s my best attempt at a round-up of favorites, done in chronological order. Arizona Renaissance Festival While it’s easily a 45 minute drive from downtown Phoenix, our local Ren Faire had to make this list because … Continue reading Favorite Phoenix Area Festivals
Grace Gets Food 