Those of you who know me personally know that I used to seriously hate Phoenix. Like, loathe entirely. While I’m not a fan of the heat (at all), I have grown to know and love this city… something I never thought possible. As I started exploring Downtown and Central Phoenix, I realized that cookie-cutter homes and chain restaurants aren’t all the Valley is about. It’s just where I grew up. And I’m not knocking that… I grew up in a wonderful community in Tempe. It was safe and friendly and exactly what I needed as a child. But now I’m ready for something different: Downtown.
I’ve decided to share my wonderful findings with you all in hopes that you will find a love for Downtown Phoenix as big as mine.
Songbird Coffee and Tea House. This wonderful place is right on Roosevelt Row in a building with birds painted all over it (ummm helloooo!?!?!?! LOVE!). It has big windows with lots of natural light to watch passersby, free WiFi (it comes with purchase), board games, and many, many books. I can never resist getting a snickerdoodle cookie when I go there! 
The Phoenix Public Library. I’ve been going here since I was a child but just now appreciate the beauty of it. First of all, this place is HUGE. Imagine endless places to read, study, pin, etc. It is paradise for the bookworm, and I can easily spend hours here! Just look at those awesome desks!
Pizzeria Bianco. Oh. My. God. I love pizza, and this place is at the top of my list for places to go. It’s right in Heritage Square by the AZ Science Center, and definitely worth a shot, especially since it’s been rated #1 pizza in the US by countless magazines. My advice? Go for lunch. This place is NOT easy to get into for dinner. And why should it be? It’s delicious!
Okay, last one for this post.
Shine Coffee is in Downtown Phoenix right off the lightrail’s Encanto stop, which is conveniently in the Willo Home District that I am seriously OBSESSED with. That post will have to come at a later time. Shine has a little building that they call “The Living Room.” And it sure feels like it. Cute flea-market furniture, cacti, photographs on the wall, children’s art, board games and magazines. And, of course, free WiFi. My coworker, Bailey, and I spent hours there working one day. The owner was fabulous and made us feel right at home… even bringing us free refills! Whataguy. This place is great!
For as long as I remember, I’ve wanted to live anywhere but Phoenix. But I have chosen to be happy and embrace the city I live in… and it has given me so much in return.
Interesting! I’ll have to try some of those places! Have you ever been to Lux? I want to take you there and we can eat cookies and coffee.
Also, I’m glad you’re gonna stick around. That’s nice.