places to go and things to do centered mostly in the phoenix-metro area
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artsy things
lifestyle & shopping
foodie
nightlife
things outside of phoenix
artsy things
local art galleries, museums, and organizations
Awesome local gallery
Modified Arts
Local gallery that also runs funky workshops
Desert Crafted
Connected to Modified Arts - another local gallery representing local artists
Eye Lounge
My favorite photo studio I've ever worked in. The staff is always so friendly, helpful, and insightful, plus they have a wonderful studio kitty who likes to hang out from time to time
Afternoons Studio
This is simply the only lab I will drop off at in AZ. They are so friendly and have the fastest turnaround I've seen. They also let me develop my sprocket photography here (there's an additional charge, I believe it's only $5 tho), so that gives them...
Strap Film Lab
One of my favorite organizations in AZ. They do a wonderful job with the archival/historical exhibits, but I really appreciate that they also highlight contemporary Native American artists
Heard Museum
education and community space created by two of the best people on earth
COMO
Phoenix Art is possibly the biggest museum in the Phoenix-Metro area and tends to have interesting exhibitions. I'm very fond of their fashion department and fashion exhibitions
Phoenix Art Museum
If you want to check out artists who are up-and-coming or generally under-represented, this is the place to go
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Wonderful organization that has a working black and white darkroom. They offer tons of specialized workshops
Phoenix Film Revival
A whole museum dedicated to the art and craft of musical instruments throughout history and across the world
Musical Instrument Museum
Exhibitions are very hit or miss here, but when they hit, they really strike gold
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
came here for my birthday two years in a row. it's such a warm and welcoming environment and the instructors are so great with beginners. this studio is the reason i got into ceramics as a hobby and i miss them dearly
love this somewhat hidden gem, glad to see they're getting more popular
Central Records - Phoenix, AZ
simply the best bookstore ever
Changing Hands Bookstore
i fucking love this place so much
Double Nickels Collective | Tempe AZ
I am very partial to this library. It's directly across the street from Scottsdale Arts/Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. They also have a gallery run by Scottsdale Arts Public Art Department
Civic Center Library
Burton Barr is the library I went to most often in high school since it's incredibly close to Arizona School for the Arts. I love their college depot, they truly gave me a ton of information my senior year that I would not have had access to without ...
Burton Barr Central Library
This might be one of the best botanical gardens ever ?? I'm absolutely biased because I grew up here, but I really love the way this garden is organized and managed. Their rotating exhibitions tend to be incredibly fun
to be honest, i just love the aesthetic of this place
Harkins Theatres Valley Art
Simply gorgeous view and vibes. I think a lot about doing a boat tour, but this is great if you want self-guided hiking, potential to view horses out in the wild, or going tubing on the lake. Lots of fun activities all right here!
Saguaro Lake
this place is simply the best place
The Art Resource Center
tbh i dream of this place. such a gem
Call it New / Call it Antique - Mesa, AZ
I love this thrift shoppe, but I'm particularly fond of the Mesa and Scottsdale locations.
White Dove Thrift Shoppe
i've only been to the new location once but i love this store, the owners are incredible people, and all of the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable
Fantasia Crystals
foodie
every location i've checked out has been immaculate
Postino Central - Phoenix
best vibe in phoenix hands down
Lux Central
i love this lil coffee and flower shop with my whole heart
Jasmine Jo & Rowan Tree
i used to take everyone here, it's sooo good and it's especially great for people who think they can't find good meat replacements
Green New American Vegetarian
this is the SPOT for me and my brother
Maskadores Taco Shop
honestly, i'm just obsessed with the margarita flights
Macayo's
love and miss renegade so much, both locations are really awesome!
Renegade Coffee | AZ Locally Owned | Espresso Breakfast and Lunch
nightlife
love this lil speakeasy
The Ostrich
Great venue, fun drinks, love that it's a speakeasy but I hate that there's no accessible entry
Valley Bar
things outside of phoenix
really cool stuff!
i saw saturn here. core memory
Lowell Observatory
great opportunity for internships for UofA students
