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PAST MEETS PRESENT: A WEEKEND IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

Explore the Heart of the City, Where History and Innovation Converge

Phoenix's early Black settlers put down roots in an area of downtown. Today, this rich history complements the city's vibrant culture and lives on through art, music, cuisine and family-owned businesses. Here's where to experience it all in a weekend in downtown Phoenix.

FRIDAY

3:30 p.m. Check-in

FOUND:RE Phoenix is a boutique hotel and art gallery. Here, the artistic vision is incorporated into every aspect - from design and art to food and music - making it a perfect retreat during an art and culture tour. 1100 N. Central Ave.

5 p.m. Happy Hour

Left to right: The Breadfruit and Rum Bar boasts a meticulously curated collection of over 150 premium rums. Photo credit: The Breadfruit and Rum Bar. Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury take the court all summer long. Photo credit: Stephen Gosling/Getty Images.

Home to award-winning, Jamaican-inspired cuisine, The Breadfruit and Rum Bar boasts a meticulously curated collection of over 150 premium rums. Helmed by chef Danielle Leoni and Dwayne Allen, the restaurant's rum program offers a story within each craft cocktail. (Temporarily closed due to COVID.) 108 E. Pierce St., #2051

6:30 p.m.Dinner

Pitmaster Phil "The Grill" Johnson opened Trapp Haus BBQ in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in 2018. Photo credit: Mark Lipczynski.

Pitmaster Phil "The Grill" Johnson opened Trapp Haus BBQ in 2018. Inspired by his father's barbecuing and the flavors he grew up with, he fuses New York-style with Southern techniques. Must-trys include the hickory-smoked brisket and apple-smoked ribs. 511 E. Roosevelt St

SATURDAY

6 a.m. Sunrise Hike

For the early birds, a sunrise hike is a must in Phoenix. South Mountain Park & Preserve, less than 8 miles south of downtown, offer more than 58 miles of trails. Or drive Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout for spectacular golden hour views without the hike. 10919 S. Central Ave.

9 a.m. Breakfast

Now that you've worked up an appetite, head to breakfast at Early Bird Vegan. Chef Krystal Harris's menu offers sandwiches, salads, pastries, grab-and-go items, coffees, smoothies and cold-pressed juices. This café is one of nearly a dozen Black-owned vegan spots that have recently emerged in the city's dining scene. 1712 E. Broadway Road, #3

11 a.m. Self-Guided Mural Tour

Nearly 20 murals celebrating Black history were added to the downtown's vibrant collection of street art in February. Standouts can be found at Carly's Bistro, The Nash, Loc'd Art Hair Spa and The Parsons Center, all within walking distance of your hotel. These murals join the city's portfolio of larger-than-life mural walls.

Noon: Lunch

Finish up your mural tour at Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles where you'll find four additional murals. And, for anyone still protesting that vegan breakfast, here's your make-good: Larry White's famous southern fried chicken and fluffy waffles are served all day. You'll see why this is a staple among locals and visitors alike. 1220 S. Central Ave.

2 p.m. Shopping at Downtown's Black-Owned Businesses

Downtown Phoenix is a landscape rich with mom-and-pop shops, small businesses, pop-up events and entrepreneurial flavor. Black-owned businesses include Straw and Wool, Stardust & Sage, Grassrootz Bookstore and Archwood Exchange's Buy Black Marketplace.

5 p.m. Dinner

Located across from your hotel is award-winning neighborhood eatery The Larder + The Delta, where chef Steven Jones and his team are redefining Southern food through the lens of Southwestern produce. 200 W. Portland St., Ste 101

6:40 or 7 p.m. Catch a Game

Downtown Phoenix is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. When in season, grab some tickets and count on the city's athletes to treat you to a show at Chase Field or the newly renovated PHX Arena. 401 & 201 E Jefferson St.

11 p.m. Nightlife

Concierge Bistro Bar is a cozy lounge known for pairing cocktails and savory bites with a side of live soul, R&B and funk until 2 a.m. on weekends. (Temporarily closed due to COVID.) 1140 E. Washington St.

SUNDAY

8:30 a.m. Breakfast

Before checkout, be sure to swing by MATCH Market & Bar for a nosh. This upscale café offers grab-and-go items, breakfast and gourmet brunch. So, choose accordingly, before heading out for a final day of exploring.

10 a.m. Explore Phoenix's Black History

Left to right: George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center. Photo credit: @rafprortiz. Right: South Mountain Park & Preserve. Photo credit: @frommyeyestoyoursoul.

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center , formerly Phoenix Union Colored High School and George Washington Carver High School, serves as the premier cultural institution that is the steward of the African American experience in Phoenix. (Temporarily close due to COVID.) 415 E. Grant St.
 

To find out more about planning your next stay in downtown Phoenix and beyond, check out visitphoenix.com.

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