If you find yourself in Downtown Phoenix at the Convention Center on 3rd and Jefferson streets the weekend of October 17-18, 2009, then you are here for the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo. With all things inside geared toward the greatest way to pamper and nurture yourself as a woman, what else is there to do in Downtown Phoenix, you ask? Well, that is where DPJ steps in; please allow us to be your guide to the Downtown Phoenix area and complete your paramount weekend in all things you.
No car? No worries! From the Convention Center you can casually walk a few blocks to the Arizona Center, located on 4th and Van Buren streets. Offering a mix of restaurants open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, a few shops and an AMC movie theater, it is a convenient one-stop location to those who want to stay nearby the event. Whether you are looking to grab something quick or sit down and relax, you can find it all. For something quick and different, check out Hurry 4 Curry and bring it back to your hotel room for a quiet night in with some delicious contemporary Indian food.
What about waking up Saturday morning with the girls are thinking mimosas and brunch? 1130 The Restaurant offers an affordable brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1130 offers $2 mimosas and Bloody Marys, along with a beautiful outside patio to soak in the gorgeous weather and indulge in delicious breakfast foods ranging from Eggs Benedict to pecan banana pancakes. From American to Italian and Mexican food, you will be sure to find something to please your taste buds here.
The closest METRO light rail station from the Convention Center is located on 3rd and Washington/Jefferson streets, just minutes away. If you are looking for specific dinning adventures, we recommend checking out our Eats & Drinks section for a complete guide of restaurants along the light rail path. If you are feeling adventurous and looking to seek out some local zing, head to Central Station and walk on over to Local Breeze on the northwest corner of 4th Avenue and Filmore Street for another amazing restaurant with the best outdoor patio in town! Good food, great atmosphere and incredible service — you can’t go wrong.
After taking in a delicious meal and relaxing in the sun for a while, why not head out to do some boutique shopping? DPJ highly recommends jumping back on the light rail and heading to the Roosevelt and Central station. From there, walk over to 3rd and Garfield streets and start your shopping experience at Bunky Boutique, open Fridays 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Specializing in men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, you’ll surely find something bright and unique for yourself and your family. If you are seeking art, be sure to check out MADE Art Boutique up the road on 5th and Roosevelt streets, open Friday 12-9 p.m. and Saturday 12-5 p.m. If you find yourself Downtown Friday night, October 16, you will be pleasantly surprised, as it is Third Friday hosted by Artlink Phoenix. Many galleries featuring local artists open their doors, and several artists’ receptions are held as well.
We haven’t forgotten about those who might want to do some antique shopping! Willo Antiques, located on 3rd Avenue and McDowell Road, open Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., is a great place to spend some time shopping for memorable antiques. There is also the Melrose District, located along 7th Avenue between Camelback and Indian School roads. Here you will be able to find one-of-a-kind shops featuring vintage clothing and 19th century antiques.
At the end of your evening, you can hop on board Ollie The Trolley, which offers free shuttle service Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m.-2:30 a.m. It circles a large chunk of Downtown Phoenix; DPJ recommends taking it back to your hotel if you are staying at any of the locations along its route!
To everyone attending the expo, we hope you enjoy, and we hope you find yourself exploring Downtown Phoenix in search of food, shopping and fun!