December in Glendale for Fan Fest Goers

This weekend (12/12-14) is the first-ever Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest. Besides being held during a much cooler time of year than the main all-pop-culture-encompassing Phoenix Comicon event, Fan Fest is smaller and focused on just 4 categories: comics, actors, costuming, and activities for kids.

Instead of taking place in central Phoenix, it’ll be at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, where the Arizona Cardinals play.

So what is there to do in Glendale?

My top picks: downtown Glendale

Here are a few Glendale things I’ve checked out that you might also enjoy – whether you’re going to Fan Fest or not. They’re in the historic downtown about 10 minutes by car from the stadium (near 58th and Glendale avenues – PDF walking tour map).

Glendale Glitters – Tons of holiday lights (“the largest free holiday light display in Arizona”), fair-type food booths (fried things, things on sticks, beer beer beer, etc.) live performances by local choirs and dance studios, and interesting people-/possible-wolf-watching.
Unique Local Shops – Drawn to Comics has comics and comic paraphernalia. Pink House boutique focuses on stylish, hard-to-find clothing and is open until 10pm this Friday and Saturday. There are also several antique and vintage shops and other quirky local stores, right across the street from the Glendale Glitters action.
Kimberly Ann’s Tea Room – For those into the high tea experience*, it’s lovely without being stuffy. When I went I last year with my mom and aunt, there was a long list of teas available, and we had all the tea sandwiches and sweets we could handle.

Cerreta Candy Company

Located near downtown, Cerreta Candy Company gives free tours Monday through Friday at 10am and 1pm. During the holidays, you can go in and decorate chocolate wreaths or trees for $10.

Walking distance from University of Phoenix Stadium

I was wondering what there would be to do right around the stadium, and here’s what I found.

Sports stuff

If you’re around there right now or will still be around next week, there are University of Phoenix Stadium tours today (12/11), as well as 12/18-20. Tickets are $9.
Fan Fest attendees headed to the 12/13 Arizona Coyotes game can get a discount. I’m not sure what the discount is. You might wanna check out regular tickets too.

Shopping

In case you somehow don’t get your fill of shopping at the Exhibitor Hall, there is a lot more around the Stadium.

Westgate Entertainment District – stores, a movie theater, and holiday events, including free Carriage rides.
Tanger Outlets – apparently, Tanger rhymes with “hanger.” (Who knew?!)
Cabela’s – outdoor store focused on hunting and fishing (but also carrying equipment for camping and other outdoor activities). It includes a restaurant, aquariums, and an indoor archery range – if wanted to channel your inner Green Arrow or Katniss Everdeen. Just remember you can’t bring any actual weapons back to the Con with you.

Food

I had trouble finding locally-based options in the area. Here’s what I hunted down:

At the Stadium

There are supposed to be food trucks at Fan Fest, but staff doesn’t have confirmation on which ones yet.
Regular stadium concessions by Rojo Hospitality Group will be open.

Westgate – 2 out of 3 of these are for frozen desserts. Because what’s more Phoenix than eating ice cream in December?!

Mama Gina’s Pizzeria
RazzleberrieZ Frozen Yogurt
Cold Stone Creamery – Now they’re everywhere, but the chain was actually founded in and is based in Arizona.

Tanger outlets

Fired Pie – I’m intrigued by this place and hoping to make it over there this weekend! You can either order from their menu or customize your own pizza or salad for one price. (It’s not extra for each topping.) They are sustainability conscious and use local, organic ingredients.

*At the main Phoenix Comicon event over the summer, I wandered into the wrong room at one point and a panel was discussing tea and tea-drinking rituals. A friend later said “Oh, they must be fans of [name of something I’d never heard of and immediately forgot].” Fan Fest has a tea battle on the schedule. What does that mean? I don’t know. All I know is that there is some kind of fancy-tea-drinking contingent within the Comicon community. So I put a tea house on the list.

December 3, 2014July 28, 2021

A rainy day trip to Sedona

Phillip made an offhand comment one day several months ago that was something like “You know, we should just head to Sedona for breakfast sometime.”

He didn’t have to ask me twice.

I said “Let’s go this weekend!”

We both love Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley, and we head up there regularly. We hatched a plan to go to our favorite omelet place, The Coffee Pot, the Saturday before we’d start our gluten-free experiment.

Since they serve breakfast until they close at 2pm, we decided to stop on the way to see Arcosanti and have a light first breakfast in the cafe (closer to Phoenix = food sooner) and then drive up to The Coffee Pot to split an omelet and pancakes for a breakfasty lunch.

The Coffee Pot is kind of an old-school diner-style joint named for the nearby Coffee Pot Rock, as well as (I assume) the carafe of coffee they plunk down on your table, so you can refill your mug at will. It’s frequented by both locals and tourists. They serve 101 kinds of omelets. The ones we’ve tried have been delicious. Next time, I’ll skip the pancakes and stick with those.

After second breakfast, we rolled out of the restaurant and drove towards Oak Creek Canyon. We contemplated hiking. But the rain had turned from a sprinkle to a downpour and the creek was already absolutely raging.

I worry about flash floods. (Am I being overly cautious? Or smart? Hard to say.) So we opted to take in the Oak Creek views from the car, and then head back to town to do our walking under storefront awnings.

By the time we got as far as Canyon Breeze, I was ready for a pit stop. When you’re wandering around Uptown Sedona and you need a bathroom and/or you can’t agree on getting coffee vs. ice cream vs. an actual meal vs. continuing shopping and/or you’re with a big group, Canyon Breeze is a good bet.

It’s less like a single restaurant and more like a nicer version of a food court. Inside is a Starbucks, an ice cream counter, a souvenir shop, a bar and grill, and, yep, it has its own restrooms. There are lots of tables inside and outside with a fantastic view. Of course, the patio was drenched that day, but I managed to score a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

I sipped hot tea, watched dark gray clouds roll across the tops of craggy red mountains, and did a little crafting at the same time – tearing the cardboard sleeve from around my cup into roughly the shape of the mountains in front of me to add to an art journal.

After that, we started working our way home to unwind with some Downton Abbey.

Of course, this isn’t a list of must-do things in Sedona for someone going the first time or even on a (much more common) sunny day. But it worked for us.

To me, the essential thing to do in Sedona is take in the beauty of the red rocks. You can do that on a hike, on a jeep tour, or even through a restaurant window.

Side note: Awhile ago, I posted a close-up photo of my torn cardboard mountain range, so you could guess what it was. The day I posted it, the Slide Fire broke out, which seemed crazy after the same area had been soaked with rain earlier in the year. In any case, I didn’t think it was an appropriate week for a lighthearted post about fun in Sedona. As far as I know, there were no casualties from the fire. By the time it was out, I had a whole bunch of other things to tell you about, so it’s taken me this long to circle back around. Sorry to keep you hanging!

November 8, 2014January 4, 2018

San Francisco is for makers

San Francisco is full of maker culture with generations-old bakeries, letterpress printers, neighborhood art galleries, and spaces like MakeShop and Makeshift Society. While we were there for the Re:Make conference, we also got to enjoy a little slice of the artisan goods and local flavor San Francisco makers have to offer.

This included a lot of food. Because, this is me we’re talking about.

Seriously, I could write an entire post on a lot of these places – and I might still – so please let me know if there’s something you’re particularly interested in in the comments. For now, here’s an overview of our Thursday through Monday in SF.

Thursday: SFO -> North Beach -> Pier 39

– Ate –

Pier Market – Tucked into the middle of the bustling Pier 39 are the bright blue awnings of the family-owned Pier Market restaurant.

It’s the kind of cloth-napkin casual dining experience that demonstrates a passion for good food without the stuffy formality. Our meal was delicious, and the servers were very knowledgeable about the menu, giving us great recommendations and walking Phillip through the local craft beer list.

They are a Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Restaurant Partner, which requires choosing more sustainable seafood and educating staff.

– Stayed –

The San Remo Hotel (3 nights) – It’s a boutique Victorian-era hotel with a charm and community vibe that make it feel more like a European pension or bed and breakfast, rather than a typical chain hotel. (No meals are included but there’s coffee in the lobby after 8am). It’s just really cozy. The furniture is antique, and the rooms are small with shared bathrooms (including pull-chain toilets).

The San Remo is on edge of the North Beach neighborhood (known for its Italian roots), so you’re walking distance from Saints Peter and Paul Church, Pier 39, Chinatown, and lots of good food. (On Sunday, we walked to our walking food tour. So that should give you an idea of how much deliciousness is nearby.)

Friday: Fort Mason

– Saw/Did –

Steph: Re:Make conference.
Phillip: Fort Mason, a center for cultural and historical sites, as well as events like Re:Make.

– Ate –

El Sur food truck at Off the Grid – We walked over to Off the Grid, where 30 food trucks, carts, and tents circle around with live music at Fort Mason every week (except in the winter). We ordered 2 empanadas to share – pollo saltado (pan-seared chicken) and champiñones (mushrooms) – from the El Sur truck, plopped down at a picnic table, and enjoyed.

– Stayed –

San Remo Hotel (night 2 of 3)

Saturday: the Bay

– Saw/Did/Ate –

Hornblower Cruises & Events San Francisco Champagne Brunch cruise – You start out sipping mimosas (or your brunch beverage of choice) and looking out at the Bay. Once the cruise gets underway, a pianist provides ambience and acts as emcee, announcing anniversaries and birthdays. The buffet tables are stocked with fruit, salmon, quiches, salads, and breakfast breads. There’s also a carving station. Hornblower uses local and sustainable items where possible. Our server Pavel answered our questions about the Bay while keeping our coffee topped off.

Outside on the upper decks, you take in the breeze and the gorgeous views of the shoreline and Golden Gate Bridge.

You pass Alcatraz, and, if time and currents allow, you may cruise under the Bay Bridge, as well. We spotted dolphins or maybe porpoises from the deck.

Happening back on dry ground:

Baseball game at AT&T Park
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
We rode a street car, sat in traffic, and chatted with a street performer covered in gold paint.
Re:Make Festival at Fort Mason – which we finally made it to.

– Stayed –

San Remo Hotel (night 3 of 3) – When we checked out the next day, they held our luggage in their office, carefully placing my vase full of flowers a friend had given me near a window. (I’m not sure cut flowers need light, but it was still a really thoughtful gesture.)

Sunday: North Beach -> Nob Hill

– Saw/Did/Ate –

Taqueria San Jose – Not fancy but good tacos and really good salsa.

Washington Square Park – A big green plaza in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church, where we hung out, people- (and dog-) watched, and wrote a postcard or two.

Victoria Pastry Co – We snacked on cookies and biscotti at this 100-year-old bakery.

Local Tastes of the City San Francisco Tours North Beach/Little Italy Walking Food Tour – This tasting tour takes you behind the scenes at many North Beach institutions.

At the first stop on the tour, I found myself sitting outside a cafe, drinking the best cappuccino I’d ever had. You guys, this is my kind of sightseeing. Afterwards, we crowded around the roaster to look at green coffee beans while our guide explained the roasting process.

You learn about the history of the area, walking through Washington Square Park and into Saints Peter and Paul Church. We also went to peek inside a bakery oven while munching on sourdough bread and macaroons, sampled balsamic vinegars to learn how aging makes a difference, learned about the business of fudge from the back room of a candy store, and tasted pasta, pizza, and antipasti.

I only wish we could have taken the tour earlier in the trip, because it introduced us to so many wonderful places we would’ve loved to revisit.

– Stayed –

InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco – You might ride a chaotic cable car down Mason Street, lug your luggage up Nob Hill, scan the names of buildings towering around you, and then finally spot InterContinental Mark Hopkins in all its roaring ’20s elegance. Walk through the revolving glass doors, under gorgeous chandeliers, and into the expansive lobby, where everything starts to feel more serene.

We checked in, and unlocked our door to the kind of cushy room you want to collapse into and never leave. It had a super comfy bed and a bathroom larger than some Manhattan apartments. There is free wifi for rewards club members, and you can even sign up on site. A few minutes after we checked in, they brought us fruit and local chocolate.

While our room had a fabulous view, you can see 360 degrees from the windows in the Top of the Mark restaurant on the top floor.

Monday: Mark Hopkins -> The Mission

– Saw/Did/Ate –

Just down the hill from Mark Hopkins (easy walking distance):

MakeShop – Brit + Co’s maker space
Union Square – High end shopping, cafes, theaters, and outdoor events.
Cafe La Taza – They brought my sandwich up to their quiet second story. I had a perfectly good tea, but totally regretted not ordering a Mexican mocha when I tried some of Phillip’s.

My cousin Julie met us at the cafe. We chatted, and she gave us a ride to the Mission District. Phillip wanted to see Clarion Alley. It was interesting to see what was still there and what had changed in the months since I’d been there.

From the Mission, we boarded BART to head back home.

Know Who’s Awesome?

Some of the businesses I mention in this post helped us out with complimentary or discounted media rates, so we could do more things and tell you about them. As always, I gave you my take on experiences. Opinions are my own, regardless of who picks up the check.

Thank you to the following businesses for providing complimentary or discounted tickets, meals, or accommodations:

IHG / InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
The San Remo Hotel
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Local Tastes of the City San Francisco Tours
Pier Market

A special thanks to the San Francisco Travel Association for resources and assistance!

May 24, 2014May 23, 2023

Weekend brunch in Tempe

Phillip and I don’t always do brunch but when we do, it’s because I dragged him somewhere kicking and screaming.

But he likes it once there’s food in front of him.

I finally got him into Ncounter on Mill in Tempe a few weeks ago. It was pretty busy, but the line went quickly. And even though the cashier was moving customers through lickety-split, he still smiled when I joked that he must’ve known Phillip’s name since he handed us the letter P to identify our order.

Phillip ordered the meat and potatoes yin to my fruit and veggie yang. (Does that even make sense? I’m just gonna roll with it.)

The food was good. The coffee was good. We went to Tempe Town Lake to walk it off.

It was a nice day.

Hope your weekend is as lovely as brunch and a walk around the lake.

PS In case you’re wondering about this project, I need to keep you in suspense about awhile longer because of reasons. Keep guessing!

April 22, 2014April 17, 2014

Arts and Flowers 2014

For four days every year, flowers sprout up throughout the Phoenix Art Museum. Okay, they don’t literally sprout. But fresh flowers do appear one Thursday afternoon.

Leading up to the Arts & Flowers event, floral designers create works of art from natural materials – flowers, tree boughs, baskets, stones, and even vegetables. Each piece is inspired by and in response to a work in the museum’s collection. This year also included a floral couture show (Savage Botanicals) and a bonsai exhibit.

I’d originally heard about it from my friend Karin, who has participated the last few years, but I just hadn’t made it over there. So I was excited when my Craft Hack group decided to go during Phoenix First Friday. There’s nothing like having a set time and people to meet to actually get you to go somewhere.

I took the light rail over and met the group at the cafe just as they were finishing up there. Then we started winding our way through the museum, enjoying all the Arts, but also scanning for the & Flowers like we were on safari.

Some of them were very literal interpretations of the original work, others more abstractly captured a certain aspect of it. There was also this interesting contrast between the solid permanence of the paintings, ceramics, and sculpture – some which had lasted centuries – and the organic and ephemeral nature of the arrangements, which could only exist for a matter of days.

I did my best taking a few photos, but it was tricky to get good ones with the lighting, crowds, etc. If you want to see more photos, my friend Eileen posted a bunch on Facebook, or you can check out the Instagram hashtag #artsflowers14.

Phillip had planned to meet us after work. By the time he got there and found parking, we were on the second floor. I’ve been to the Phoenix Art Museum several times, but not often enough to ever remember that there are two parts to the second floor, and they don’t connect. It’s a statement on our modern digital lives and the disconnect with past generations – or some artsy reason like that probably. I actually have no idea why the place is so hard to navigate, so I made that up.

Anyway, while I’m on the phone with him, wandering around, trying to figure out where he is, I totally lose the group. I finally flag down a guy in a museum polo, who explains how to get him to where I was. The Craft Hackers probably thought I ditched them for my man. I love Phillip, but that was not my intention. I’m not a ditcher. I am, however, pretty good at getting lost. (Have I mentioned that here before? That could be a post of its own. Maybe more than one. I’m adding a getting lost tag now.)

So I showed Phillip the highlights of my wing of the second floor. I said hello to Karin for the second time that evening and spent more time checking out the details of her miniature Italian garden. Then we worked our way over to the second second floor, where there didn’t seem to be any flowers.

We did find more in the Asian collection on the first floor. We also talked with a couple more of the floral artists. They were eager to chat about their work and answer questions.

Around this time, we decided we really needed food. We’d checked out the menu of the museum ahead of time, and it had some solid, clearly marked gluten-free options. The thing we didn’t realize is they close at 8:30 pm, but they stop serving food at 8:00. From 8-8:30 (when we got there), you can only order drinks and prepackaged cookies. Sad trombone.

We wrapped up at the museum, and then finished off the evening at Pita Jungle, which is open until 11pm on First Fridays, has reverse happy hour starting at 9, and is awesome with dietary restrictions and substitutions. (They’re not paying me to talk about them. I was just super excited to finally eat!)

Anyway, I do wish a few things had gone differently. That’s life, though. It’s not perfect. But any evening that starts with friends, flowers, and an art museum, and ends with my husband, a plate of hummus, and perfect patio weather is not a bad one in my book.

—

P.S. If you’d like a heads up on awesome cultural events like this, that’s exactly the kind of thing that goes into our new monthly newsletter. You could have even met up with us at the museum for this! And then I could’ve lost you while I was looking for Phillip. See? Fun times!

You can sign up on the sidebar on the right or on our newsletter page.

Things to know about visiting Phoenix Art Museum:

Photos are allowed (without flash).
First Friday evenings are always free, so they’re especially crowded.
Parking can be a hassle during big events. The light rail is your friend. (Post on this coming soon!) There’s a stop across the street from the museum.
Check the museum’s events calendar to find out what’s going on when you’d like to go. If we’d had time, we could have also bought tickets to see the Hollywood Costume exhibition, which was going on at the same time. Or you might choose to avoid big events and go when it’s less crowded.
The museum restaurant, Palette, has a menu that includes gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, but they close before the museum and may stop serving food earlier.
The upper floors are in 2 separate wings that don’t connect. Walking from the North Wing to the South Wing on the second floor/upper level is not a thing you can do.
During Arts & Flowers there are tons of museum staff (or are they volunteers?) around, and they are super helpful!