Destination Phoenix
Green vacationing
in the Valley of the Sun
By Heather Finn
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a Phoenician born and raised, you’re always bound to find something new and exciting to do in our state’s capital. Site Selection Magazine recently rated Phoenix the seventh most sustainable metro area in the nation, making it an ideal destination for eco-travelers from near and far.
Planning the perfect green trip to the Valley of the Sun can be a lot of work. But have no fear—we’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops and other vacation destinations you won’t want to miss.
So pack your bags for that trek to the city or that staycation in your own backyard. Grab your bike or scope out a Phoenix-based green cab company (Discount Cab and Clean-Air Cab both offer eco-friendly options) and get ready for your eco-vacation.
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Things to Do
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Location: 215 N. 7th St.
“Kids know how to play,” says Nancy Stice, Director of Exhibits and Facilities at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
This museum is a testament to that. Located in a 1914 school building and chock-full of repurposed works of art and play places, the museum is free of any instructive signage, giving children the opportunity to do what they want to do with the museum’s many resources.
Kids can race through the three-story Schuff-Perini Climber, play pretend in the Someplace exhibit or channel their creative energy in the art studio. In the end, everything that’s created in the museum goes right back into bettering the museum itself.
“We like to get kids and parents involved in art projects that ultimately become part of something bigger,” Stice says. “It builds ownership.”
Although the Children’s Museum of Phoenix targets children up to age 10, it makes for a day full of learning and fun for all members of the family. The museum also offers themed adult nights three to four times a year, giving those who are still kids at heart the opportunity to sip on a glass of wine and frolic around the museum, child-free.
Piestewa Peak
Location: 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive
One of the more popular hiking trails in Phoenix, Piestewa is located a relatively short cab ride away from the heart of the city. Though the climb might be tough, the views from the peak make all the sweat and hard work worth it.
We recommend hiking in the early morning to avoid the uncomfortable (and sometimes dangerous) heat. The trails open at 5 a.m., so arrive as early as you can to begin your hike before the temperature climbs. And don’t forget to bring lots of water.
Desert Botanical Garden
Location: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway
You may already know that the Desert Botanical Garden offers 140 acres of beautifully arranged outdoor plant displays. What you might not know, however, is that you can enjoy the garden in the dark. From 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday during the summer, visitors can enjoy the Garden’s adventure-filled flashlight tours.
Though great for families, don’t be fooled into thinking that these tours are just for kids. In fact, the Garden’s Print and Advertising Manager, Renee Immel, says that, especially with the opening of their restaurant, Gertrude’s, the Garden is the perfect place to go for date night.
“It’s a whole different experience at night,” Immel says. “Plus it’s a lot cooler, which is definitely a huge benefit.”
So if you’re looking to spend time enjoying the great outdoors without climbing a mountain, grab your flashlight and your loved ones at sunset, and visit the Desert Botanical Garden.
Rooftop Yoga
Location: 2 E. Jefferson St.
The Hotel Palomar is taking hot yoga to a whole new level.
Spiritualists and fitness enthusiasts alike will surely enjoy this weekly series, which will be held every Monday night through Sept. 2. Yogis can participate in an hour-long flow yoga class, led poolside on the hotel’s rooftop by a different local instructor every week. And, as a bonus, happy hour prices can be enjoyed at the rooftop bar after class is dismissed!
Maybe you’ve got two kids who are begging to spend a day at the Oasis Water Park and a night perusing the Desert Botanical Garden with flashlights in hand. Or maybe you and your spouse are hoping for a relaxing afternoon spent browsing through the recycled T-shirts at Boutique Solie, and nurturing cups of organic coffee at Fair Trade Café.
Regardless of what defines your dream vacation, we think Phoenix might just be the place to find what you’re looking for—and more.
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Dining
True Food Kitchen
Location: 2502 E. Camelback Road
Greatly renowned for implementing Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, True Food Kitchen is also a big proponent of sustainability. By making a conscious effort to purchase many of its ingredients from local food sources, the restaurant supports local farmers while providing visitors with a trendy, organic vibe.
Plus, at this particular location in the Biltmore Fashion Park, you can treat yourself to a little shopping after a delicious, healthy meal.
District: American Kitchen and Wine Bar
Location: 320 N. 3rd St.
If you’re in search of the perfect combo of traditional yet elegant American cuisine, organic and sustainable meals and live jazz music, District is the place for you.
Gathering its seasonal ingredients from local and organic farmers, the restaurant prides itself in producing sustainable, one-of-a-kind dishes, as well as American-made alcoholic beverages. Spend your evening soaking in the upscale atmosphere while sitting on the open-air patio and listening to the live, local talent.
Green: The American Vegetarian
Location: 2022 N. 7th St.
Don’t be scared by the word “vegetarian” — whether or not you’ve eliminated meat from your diet, Green will appeal to you, Chef Damon Brasch says.
When initially starting the restaurant, Brasch looked to create an environment where plant-based foods could be accepted and embraced by everyone.
“I want to take the taboo out of ‘vegan,’” Brasch says.
It seems he’s done just that. In fact, if the “meat” wasn’t labeled “mock chicken” on the menu, you might not have known—or cared—that it wasn’t meat! Plus, the pint-sized restaurant is chock-full of character, making it not only a good restaurant but also a destination point for the Phoenix eco-traveler.
When you’ve finished your meal at Green? Head next door to Nami, the sweet shop also dreamed up by Brasch. Here, you’ll find all things vegan as well —including Brasch’s infamous vegan soft serve ice cream.
Fair Trade Caféz
Location: 424 N. Central Ave.
The name “Fair Trade” is far more than just a name: this coffee shop ensures that all of the ingredients it purchases are certified fair trade and organic, meaning that the local farmers from whom they are bought are guaranteed fair wages, and work under safe conditions.
The shop has a relaxed and unique atmosphere, and a menu that includes sandwiches and salads in case you need a little something to accompany your caffeine fix.
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Lodging
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Location: 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway
Let’s face it—mid-summer is probably not the most ideal time to travel to Phoenix. (“But it’s a dry heat!” will only get you so far.) Luckily, the Arizona Grand Resort offers a solution: the Oasis Water Park.
“It could be a stand-alone water park in itself,” Managing Director Richard Behr says. “However, it’s private and used exclusively by our guests.”
Complete with a wave pool, lazy river, super-sized hot tub and the park’s biggest claim to fame—an eight-story water slide tower— Oasis offers all you need to escape the heat and enjoy a perfect day.
“We’ve got these ‘Island Nights’ with these wonderful buffets,” Behr says. “And ‘Dive-in Movies’ so you can lounge in your inner-tube and watch a film… It’s very conducive to families.”
Book your reservations here and your kids (and your body temperature) will thank you. As will the planet—the Arizona Grand pursues all sorts of green initiatives, from compact fluorescent lighting and low-flow showerheads in guest rooms to the use of organic products in the spa and a evaporation-reducing technology in the swimming pools.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel
Location: 340 N. 3rd St.
The Sheraton in downtown Phoenix offers guests a luxury experience for a reasonable price. With an outdoor pool and the relaxation-ready Club Lounge, the hotel offers a variety of opportunities to beat the summer heat.
The hotel is green-certified by the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, making it an eco-friendly and luxurious option. Plus, the Sheraton’s location in the heart of the city makes it a smart choice for someone hoping to spend the day exploring downtown Phoenix.
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Shopping
Boutique Solie
Location: 1020 N.1st Ave.
Situated in a historical complex (check out the massive, ‘40s-era “My Florist” sign hovering over the building for reference), you can tell Boutique Solie is eclectic before you even step inside the door.
Owner Beth Soliere, who started the shop in Scottsdale but recently moved to central Phoenix, prides herself in keeping her store just as unique as the building it’s in.
“I try to fill my store with things you won’t find anywhere else,” Soliere says. “There aren’t any duplications.”
With purses made of recycled materials and clothing lines like A Lot to Say, which makes its T-shirts from repurposed plastic water bottles, the boutique is an eco-shopper’s dream. And don’t forget to check out the artwork displayed all around the store—it’s all made by local artists, and switched out regularly so that you never know what you might see.
Dapper + Dash
Location: Sold at Frances Vintage, 10 W. Camelback Road
If you’re looking for a shopping experience that will appeal to the guys, check out Frances Vintage. The store carries the repurposed material bowties made by Dapper + Dash. Each tie is handmade, and, as they aren’t mass produced, you’ll always end up with a unique product.
The bowties are created from repurposed vintage clothing and packaged in sustainable, locally made material. By buying a Dapper + Dash bowtie, you’re supporting local artists and securing a totally unique piece. What a great gift these wearable works of art would make!
