Phoenix Rising

I’ve never really like Phoenix. My folks have lived there for 20+ years, and I’ve visited a bunch over the years, but it’s never really been my thing.

It’s all a big sprawl that has very much been designed for cars. You really can’t do much without riding in one (though Waymos are fantastic), so the walker in me always feels a little trapped.

I also despise the heat & that damn, ever-present, blazing sun (my true enemy). That I don’t really find the desert that interesting doesn’t help, especially when that oppressive orb is beating me down in it.

But I just spent a week in Phoenix staying with my Dad, and, grudgingly, have to give it some small props. The overall weather in late Fall is pretty fantastic — warm enough to comfortably hike and keep the pools open, but cold enough in the evening to wear my favorite hoodie.

Though it’s one giant sprawl, they’ve actually done a really good urban planning job by setting aside lots of space for non-development, parks, and abundant hiking trails.

Ex: Without much of a plan, I walked out my Dad’s door and after only about a 30 min walk stumbled upon an amazing trail system.

A highlight of my hike was Taliesin Overlook, as it had a great view over the valley, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. We had just taken the tour there the day before:

So it was interesting to see it from above:

Taliesin West is worth a visit. While I didn’t love all his choices, it’s super interesting to see what architects, especially famous ones, create when they’re given total control & free rein.

Also worth a visit is an event in their big football stadium:

It’s a beautiful, well-designed venue —not sure I’ve ever been in a stadium where it was easier to get a beer & then pee it out— and built right in to a whole commercial development with shops, restaurants, and bars. You can even <gasp> walk to the stadium from the bars (and free parking!).

If walking isn’t you’re thing, though, they had a great golf cart shuttle system. It made my Dad, Aunt, and Uncle quite happy:

I guess I enjoyed it also:

So, Phoenix, I still don’t love you, but you’re just fine for short visits, in seasons that are as far as possible from summer 😎