It’s a beautiful time of year, and the Phoenix Convention Center will delight out-of-state visitors. DPJ extends its own form of hospitality by providing a little Conventional Wisdom, some insight into what can be found/viewed/sipped/snacked on while visiting Downtown Phoenix.
In town
November 10-14 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
Let DPJ be the first to welcome you to the neighborhood! Looking over your itinerary, we can’t help but notice you’re going to have some free time to explore the heart of our fair city.
Weather report
Average high: 82°
Average low: 58º
Breaks/lunch
Arcadia Farms is a short walk or quick ride on the METRO light rail. Housed in two of Phoenix’s foremost cultural establishments, the Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Science Center, respectively, these cafés have been striving to inspire the people of Central Phoenix to enjoy cuisine from local, organically grown, pesticide-free and hormone-free ingredients. Your patronage will help cultivate our sustainability by supporting local farmers and the restaurants that promote them.
Dinner
Phoenix dinner options span across many regions and continents, and locally grown dinner options are on the rise in Downtown Phoenix, with even more options if you hop on the METRO light rail.
NINE|05, located at 4th and Garfield streets, offers what it refers to as “earth conscious” and ingredient-driven food of the modern Asian persuasion, a winning combination in our eyes. The outdoor seating option is ideal for the current patio-perfect weather; enjoy some crepes and kimchi in this casual atmosphere.
For those staying further uptown, the Mexico City-style Gallo Blanco Café & Bar will not disappoint. Nestled inside of Phoenix’s favorite boutique hotel, The Clarendon, this café is proud of it is locally sourced ingredients, and uses its website to promote the causes it cares about. With reasonable prices and portions, the Phoenix regulars here are more like addicts. Come for the tacos and stay for the rooftop sunset.
Local culture
There will be two chances during your conference for all to participate in the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The market is located adjacent to the new Urban Grocery and Wine Bar on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and McKinley Street. Shop for fresh produce and community arts and crafts and listen to music. Don’t forget to stop into Royal at the Market for its signature Velvet Latte with white chocolate and a double shot of espresso. Spend some Downtown time meeting the locals who take sustainability to heart and come out to exchange ideas and goods twice per week, whether rain, shine or blistering heat. Visit on Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nightlife
After a long week of saving the planet, Roosevelt Row would like locals and convention-goers alike to come together and celebrate with the Green Streets Festival. A grand finale to the convention, the festival is a free community event that will feature eco-friendly products, local arts, crafts, food, bands and more. Also taking place will be the Downtown Phoenix Pub Crawl and beer garden, featuring seasonal brews. The festivities commence Friday evening and continue well into Saturday with a neighborhood tree planting, Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale, an art-exclusive vendor block party and live music for all to enjoy.
Getting around
RailLife.com’s quick METRO light rail tip: Light rail has increased hours on Friday and Saturday nights (technically Saturday and Sunday mornings), running until 2 a.m.
Check out RailLife.com for more light rail information.
