Songbird- if you were to stalk me, this would be the place to start. I would be here on most of my days off. The staff is fantastic! They even recognized me by the end of my 6 months <3. The coffee was yummm, but my favorite part was the patio and inky bob (the resident black cat)

Kahvi- their seasonal lattes were my favorite. They have a ton of flavors if you want a tasty treat. Also a great indoor space if you need to hide from the heat

Valentine- a restaurant that literally has everything! Great coffee and pastries. It also has a great menu. Brunch was fantastic here. When you get your fill of food and coffee, venture into the back for some cool vintage/ antique finds

Changing Hands Bookstore (Camelback Rd)- this bookstore has a great selection of books, but also has so many fun knick knacks! You’ll probably buy a couple just because they’re so cute! They serve coffee and alcoholic beverages as well! This location is right next door to a couple of restaurants. You could make a whole day around this one store!

Lacuna Phoenix - this place is for my sober kings and queens. It’s a great third space to spend time in and to find a sober community.  Even if you drink, you should still check it out. They serve kava and kratom. I usually stuck with the virgin mocktails. They are tasty and hydrating! Lacuna also hosts a variety of events! I favored the open mic night! I even read some of my poetry there. They also do yoga, host DJs, and game nights. This is a safe space. 

Hole-in-the-rock: Great spot to climb up to watch the sunset. Quick and easy. It is very popular and gets crowded quickly. I always like that part, but I know many people don’t. I like the idea that so many people turned up to say goodnight to the sun and goodbye to a wonderful day.  You’ve probably already figured out that I like to romanticize everything

Piestewa Peak: Okay this one is a hike. It is 2 miles (total) and 1,145 ft elevation, but it is my absolute favorite place to watch the sunset over the city. I do call this hike nature’s stairmaster. So PLEASE consider that before making the trek to the top. My favorite move was to bring a book of poetry and a snack for the top. Read something that inspires you and then watch nature inspire you in a whole different way. Watch as the sun disappears and be replaced by the city lights

Salt River: Sometimes you can see wild horses here. There is something about watching the sun set over water and mountains. Very chill sunset spot

Literally any Goodwill. I think there are about 13 different Goodwill stores in the Phoenix area. This was my fix for my shopping addiction. I could pick out a whole new outfit and only spend twenty dollars. I also got the chance to spice up my style a bit with low risk and cost. The Goodwills have great clothes, shoes, and furniture! Check them out!

Cool Vintage shops: Retro Ranch, Sweet Salvage (open 4 days a month so check their website), Michael Todd’s Treasures, and Thrift to thrive. Honestly you can’t go wrong at any vintage shop

Recletic: This shop was once described to me as a place  that you get sucked into, just like Jumanji. It is a pretty accurate comparison. I have gotten lost here for hours. It is an outlet store for Urban outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People and other brand-names. 

Flatiron- 5.5 miles and 2,627 ft elevation. This was my favorite hike. I even did it a few times! The first time was on a date. I asked him if this was a test and if I passed. He laughed. Still convinced it was a test. 

Picketpost Mount Trail- 4 miles and 2,037 ft elevation. Great day hike! Challenging and easy to get lost so maybe bring a friend! There is a cute mailbox at the top so don’t forget to leave a love note.

Butcher Jones Trail - 6 miles, but only 639 ft elevation! Gorgeous views the whole time. You see views of the Tonto National Forest and Saguaro Lake the whole time! It is lovely

Heard Museum- Native American history and art museum. This museum was very educational about some history that was not in the history books! I even brought my parents! Go learn and see some cool art!

Desert Botanical Garden- best time to visit is probably March-May. The flowers are blooming on the cacti and the beautiful garden is full!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum - this garden was really cool to wander around in. They have a pretty diverse collection of desert plants! It is also the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona!