PHOENIX, AZ — A New Yorker who spent a week in Phoenix in February 2022 said the trip changed the way she sees Arizona’s capital. She went to visit loved ones, but left feeling the city itself was worth a return visit.
The warm winter weather stood out immediately, especially compared with snow and freezing temperatures back home. She said the trip felt like a welcome break from New York’s February cold.
Desert weather and mountain scenery shaped the trip
She said Phoenix’s climate was one of the biggest surprises, with daytime temperatures around 70 degrees and nights near 50 degrees while New York was still in winter.
Driving around the city also felt scenic because of the mountain views in the distance. She noted that even in urban areas, the skyline was framed by nearby peaks such as Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Two Bit Peak and Mummy Mountain.
Day trip to Sedona added to the sense of place
The visit also included a two-hour drive to Sedona, where she found the red rocks and hiking trails memorable. She described the scenery there as peaceful and worth the trip.
She said the area made her want to see more of northern Arizona on a future visit, including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon.
Plants, architecture and murals made downtown feel varied
Back in Phoenix, she was struck by how much plant life and architectural variety she saw around the city. Palm trees, succulents and other desert plants appeared throughout neighborhoods, busy streets and natural spaces.
She also noticed a mix of styles downtown, including Art Deco, Spanish Colonial, Victorian, Pueblo Revival, Art Moderne and French Provincial buildings. Murals covering building facades added another layer, making the area feel like an open-air art museum.
Food and sunsets rounded out the experience
The trip also left a strong impression through food. She said Barrio Cafe served one of the best guacamoles she has ever had, and Snooze met her expectations as a breakfast spot.
By the end of the week, she said Arizona’s sunsets lived up to their reputation. Watching the sun drop behind the mountains nearly every evening was one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
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