For anyone who lives in a town where the high temperature hovers near the freezing mark, even if just for a day or two, it’s nice to have a reliable winter escape filled with sunshine and worthwhile diversions.
For years, we’ve been retreating to Phoenix in winter for a little Arizona heat mixed with an abundance of culture, nightlife and incredible dining. Finding the gay bars is an easy internet search, so here are five other reasons to visit soon.
Hotel Palomar Phoenix. Phoenix is a big, spread out city. But its downtown is a vibrant hub of activity morning, noon and night, seven days a week. To get the most out of the walkability factor, it’s best to stay a couple nights in the heart of the action. Our go-to property is the chic boutique Hotel Palomar, located in the CityScape district. With spacious, contemporary rooms (above), a free evening wine reception (!) and one of downtown’s hippest restaurants on site, Blue Hound Kitchen, there’s no real reason to leave the property, but try to muster up the strength to explore beyond its walls.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Part of the beauty of Arizona is its wide open spaces, so there’s an abundance of large desert resorts. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa isn’t the newest or most lavish, but it has a really great spa that incorporates traditions of Arizona’s native cultures into its services. The men’s locker area has a whirlpool, steam and sauna for extra relaxation time, too. We loved the completely updated guest rooms, perfect for stumbling to after indulging at two of our best food and drink experiences of the trip. Start at the Scotch Library for one of 150 different labels served by a handsome man in a kilt. Then head to Deseo and sit at “The Rail,” overlooking the kitchen.
Hot Air Balloons. We’re not early risers, but it’s well worth the pre-5:00 a.m. wakeup call for the exhilarating yet tranquil experience of literally going where the wind takes you. High above the desert with a master pilot from Hot Air Expeditions it’s an adventure that’s unparalleled in beauty. Plus, it ends with a champagne breakfast.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. We’ve toured multiple Frank Lloyd Wright homes and buildings over the years, but our favorite so far is Taliesin West, his personal winter home, studio and architectural campus on the Sonoran desert in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. His timeless designs and adaptive innovations never cease to amaze, and a guided tour of the vast property answers a lot of questions surrounding his eclectic life.
Hanny’s. Of all the places we imbibed on our last visit to Phoenix, this was by far the most memorable. Located in the old Hanny’s Department Store from 1947, this bar and restaurant has kept many of the original features. Grab craft cocktails at the bar that used to be a cosmetics counter while perched under signs touting Christian Dior and Pierre Cardin. Make sure to head upstairs to the fitting rooms (now restrooms) and down to the creepy basement where a host of horrifying dolls lurk in the shadows. This place serves up kitsch and makes it cool.
UBER is now in Phoenix! Use code HESAIDMAG for $20 off your first ride. Valid throughout the United States, so share with your friends.
www.uber.com
Photo Credits: Visit Phoenix; Kimpton Hotels; Hot Air Expeditions; Andrew Pielage for Taliesin West.
