Phoenix is a vibrant and rapidly growing city located in the southwestern United States, known for its desert landscapes, scorching summers, and a rich cultural tapestry. As the capital of Arizona, Phoenix boasts a diverse population and a thriving economy, making it a hub for business, education, and entertainment. With its striking desert scenery, including iconic saguaro cacti and rugged mountain ranges, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the area for hiking, biking, and exploration. The city's cultural scene is equally impressive, featuring a blend of Native American, Mexican, and American influences, which is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and arts. Whether you're drawn to the Sonoran Desert's natural beauty or the urban amenities of a bustling metropolis, Phoenix offers a unique blend of experiences that make it a captivating destination.
New Resort Openings
With plans to open in October 2023, Moxy Phoenix Downtown is known to be the playful, affordable and stylish brand of Marriott. Moxy breaks the rules of a normal hotel stay, starting with check-in at the bar, which is most appropriate as it's located above the world-class, award-winning and globally recognized cocktail bar, Bitter & Twisted, and in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
A new 141-room luxurious resort is set to open in the heart of the Arcadia neighborhood in late 2023. The Global Ambassador is spearheaded by local restauranter Sam Fox, who has teamed up with local celebrities Larry Fitzgerald, Devin Booker and Dierks Bentley for inspiration and design. The hotel will feature many luxe amenities such as a wellness center, world-class spa and a member only club with exclusive access. The resort will be home to an 18,000 square foot Mediterranean focused restaurant on the rooftop offering stunning city and mountain views, while other dining options are the poolside restaurant which mixes Mexican and Peruvian fare, a Parisian bistro and brasserie, a café concept and a bar with impeccable cocktails and an all-day snack menu.
New Food
Nestled within the oasis that is W Scottsdale, a new Japanese steakhouse residency called Donabe is emerging. Offering rare and imported Wagyu as well as a thoughtfully curated sushi program with an emphasis on high-quality seasonal cuisine, Executive Chef Brian Paskvan & Sushi Chef Lucas Chen bring an innovative take on Japanese cuisine, such as Foie Gras & Duck Fried Rice, A5 Wagyu served on a hot stone with daikon & shiso chimichurri. The restaurant also has a full bar inclusive of wines, Japanese whiskies, and cocktails.
Chef Joey Maggiore and the Maggiore Group, the creators behind Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Sicilian Baker and The Mexicano will introduce two new concepts to their Phoenix portfolio in 2023 and 2024. Opening first in late 2023, The Rosticceria will feature wood-fired meats on an Italian-style rotisserie wood-fired grill. Look for porchetta, hand-crafted Neapolitan-style pizza fritte and craft cocktails. A staple of the Maggiore Group’s brands is a ‘build-your-own' themed bar, and at The Rosticceria, you’ll find a build-your-own gelato bar. The Italiano, opening next in 2024, will be an elegant trattoria-style Italian restaurant, as a tribute to the Maggiores’ late father and acclaimed restaurateur, Tomaso.
Set on 316 acres of sweeping Sonoran Desert, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa embodies all things luxury, recreation and rejuvenation. The resort finished the first phase of its $80 million renovation which included enhancements to the waterpark, guest rooms, suites and lobby as well as the opening of its new restaurant, Tía Carmen, led by celebrity Chef Angelo Sosa. The next phase will introduce another restaurant concept by chef Angelo Sosa called Kembara, set to open in fall 2023. An exchange of pan-Asian flavors, the Greater Phoenix area is eager to taste more of Sosa’s creations.
Attractions, Events & Festivals
For more than 40 years, Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ community has been proudly celebrated through the Phoenix Pride Festival. Designed to bring the LGBTQ+ and allied communities together, the fest focuses on camaraderie and celebration of past, present and future. In 2023, the Phoenix Pride Festival will take place at Steele Indian School Park on October 21 and 22 from noon to 9 p.m.
Four Peaks Oktober Fest is hosting its 50th Anniversary of Tempe Sister Cities Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake, October 13-15, 2023. One of Tempe’s signature annual events, visitors can enjoy beer gardens, live music, delicious food and activities for all.
Dia de los Muertos PHX Festival is an interactive, multi-generational, free festival aiming to instill a sense of history, pride and knowledge about Greater Phoenix’s multicultural roots. On October 29, hundreds of masked entertainers with performances in music, dance and theater, Arizona’s best local artists, food booths, a traditional Candlelight Procesión and more will take the stage at Steele Indian School Park.
A Phoenix favorite – the 8th annual Phoenix Pizza Festival features 20+ pizza makers who sell all types of pizza slices and full pies. The event also features performances by some of Phoenix's best local bands, plus lawn games, desserts, local market vendors, kid's activities, and more. Stop by Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix from November 11-12, 2023, to get in on all the goodness.
Desert Botanical Garden offers the world's finest collection of over 50,000 arid plants from deserts of the world in a unique outdoor setting. A new exhibition opening Oct. 7, Fernando Botero: The Master highlights the harmony of color and beauty of form in this exhibition of paintings, drawings and monumental sculpture celebrating the visionary Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. As a poet of daily life in Latin America and a pioneer of figurative art, Botero has been creating art for more than 60 years, in a unique, sumptuous style that is immediately recognizable known as “Boterismo.” Also beginning Oct. 7 is Dog Days at the Garden. Enjoy a weekend excursion with your four-legged friend through the Garden’s trails. A paw-fect place to enjoy the outdoors together with some great photo ops. Día de Muertos returns to the Garden Nov. 4-5, featuring an immersive experience that includes a mega community altar centered on the history and symbolism of the elegant skeleton figure La Catrina, a decorative and floral archway, and a two-day celebration and festive processions. Lastly, throughout November and December, the Garden hosts Las Noches de las Luminarias. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminaria-lit trails and twinkling holiday lights, musical performances, entertainment and festive food and drinks.
Photo Credit Visit Phoenix & nightfuse.com