Urban Life

What to do in Downtown Phoenix

People often ask us what to do in downtown Phoenix? What are the best restaurants? Do we have a favorite nightclub or bar? Are there tours of downtown Phoenix. What cultural venues and events happen in downtown Phoenix? I think you get the idea.

Since we specialize in downtown real estate, it is natural to think we know where to go and what to do. In response, we've been putting together a list of over 100 things to do and places to go in in downtown Phoenix. I'll tell you, it is quite a project.

The initial phase is done and we have created our list that includes some of our favorite restaurants, bars, places to listen to music, places to shop, museums, theaters and lots more. Over time we will be adding individual posts on the different places with our thoughts.

In the meantime, you can check our the list on our sister site that specialized in all things downtown... www.UrbanConnectionRealty.com. For a direct link to the article simply go to,

What To Do and Places to Go in Downtown Phoenix Arizona

Radiate Phoenix Talks About Coffee in Downtown Phoenix

Radiate Phoenix is a gathering of people passionate about the urban experience in downtown Phoenix. It is often called a non-traditional networking event and the June 29th meeting was a fine example. Rather than do the pathetic and often shallow exchange of business cards, people were treated to a lively discussion about coffee and the coffee house experience in downtown Phoenix.

Catrina Knoebl of Downtown Phoenix Journal fame, gathered a group of coffee house owner/managers to offer an insiders look at the java industry. The panel included:

Brian Clemens of Cartel Coffee Lab

Michelle Lavis-White of Fair Trade Coffee

Bill Sandweg of Copper Star Coffee

Matt Pool of Giant Coffee

Each of the java gurus responded to topic/questions such as “coffee as a product”, “what inspired your location, and "the effect of light rail on their business?” 

I found the motivation for their businesses very interesting. Brian is a bean/roasting aficionado. It was clear that the perfect cup was essential to him as well as knowing a lot about the supply chain behind the product. Michelle is a human rights advocate and offering “fair trade” coffee and support to people and the community makes her happy. Both Bill and Matt are restaurant guys so offering a great product with ambiance and fine service is important. As you might expect... they all do love coffee.

I, being a techy sort, asked about wi-fi and adding wireless printing to the mix. All four panelists talked about the constant issues they have with wi-fi and problems associated with their suppliers. Made sense when I thought about what happens when 20+ people all vie for limited bandwidth.

All in all it was a great evening. I think most everyone leaned a lot more about coffee, tea and the behind the scenes operation of a coffee house. Many thanks to Catrina and her support team for making Radiate Phoenix so much fun.

Gene Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777

Hot Deals In Downtown Phoenix for Memorial Day Weekend

We wish all our Urban Life readers a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We hope you take a few minutes to honor those who are not with any more. Some of you will be out shopping for deals this weekend as Memorial Weekend is known for its deals. We called a few merchants to see what they were offering and here are the details;

Bellas Artes de Mexico
2137 East Indian School Road
(602) 957-8078

The are having a 50% off sale this weekend. If you've never been there, they have some very cool stuff... not all from Mexico.

Passport Imports:
1206 E Indian School
(602) 327-3271

They are selling their bookshelves at 15% off. There are not your ordinary bookshelves... more like words of art.

The French Bee
2324 East Indian School Road
(602) 954-2024

They begin their summer mark down specials this weekend as well as selling off some of the floor samples.

Peaceful Soul is closing this Saturday... a sad day.

Bunky Boutique
1437 N 1st St.

Rachel has finished moving into the new location just south of McDowell next to Giant Coffee. She has changed her hours and will be open earlier than before.

Make sure and stop by for a look and grab a coffee at Matt & Ereina's new place.

We hope you enjoy your memorial day weekend. Gene will be heading up to the Rim but Ron will be here if you have a real estate question.

Best to you...

Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

connecting you to the community and great living spaces too.

Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix December 7 2009

The good folks at DowntownPHX.org asked us to re-post some "fun things to do downtown this week." If your calendar is open, you may want to pencil in...

Here are some ideas for the week ahead:

• Black Pearl Poetry Slam at Fair Trade Café (Friday 7:30 - 10 pm) Preview this open mic poetry and spoken word event held on the AE England building courtyard
• A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail: (Ongoing shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)  Review through your eyes or the eyes of a youngster. Shows at the Valley Youth Theater. 
• All Breed and HHP Cat Show at Phoenix Convention Center (Sat and Sun 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) I suspect there are some great stories associated with this cat-lovers' event
  
• Community Yoga Project at Civic Space Park (Saturday 10-11 a.m.) Write a first-hand account of this free yoga clinic at the park.
• Motown Funk Band at District American Kitchen (Saturday 8 - 12 p.m.) Motown has appeal that transcends generations so a music lover's take on this concert would be great

Enjoy your holiday week.

Downtown Phoenix Locals... Your full service grocery store is coming.

Wow... it's really happening; A grocery store for downtown Phoenix residents is soon to be reality. The Downtown Phoenix Public Market is expanding to become the Downtown Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar. We like that our name is part of their name but it's quite a mouthful to say.

The market has a planned opening date in late September and will offer expanded operating hours and a lot more merchandise. Shoppers will still enjoy the highly successful farmers market open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plus they will be able to food shop five days a week from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Speaking of shopping, patrons will find a fine selection of food stuffs from local farmers, ranchers and suppliers. Buy Local First is not just a statement, but a way of doing business at this downtown market. Some non-local items will be brought in where regional products are not available.

Adding to the excitement will be some very sweet additions to the market:

• Royal Coffee Bar will be opening a place in the market.
• Take out foods will be offered at the deli counter including yummy sandwiches, fresh salads and special soups.
• Wine, Wine, Wine... in back where the parking lots is (soon to be was) will be the new patio/wine hang out. Patrons can enjoy an appetizer, glass of wine and friend time.

We are both excited and proud of the hard working people who for five years have fought to make the Phoenix Public Market happen. We can't wait to experience the next chapter in your food book.

The Phoenix Public Market is located at 1st Street & McKinley. We urge you to visit them soon and often.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA... MAKE IT YOUR WAY OF LIFE

Local First Arizona, the Kimber Lanning organization that promotes buying from locally owned businesses is celebrating Independence Week. Yes, I said week. This is due to a Governor's proclamation celebrating locally owned, independent businesses.

What does this mean to you?  It is simply an opportunity to remind people to buy from locally owned businesses. There are many reasons including the fact that it's good for our economy since 45 cents of each dollar you spend stays to work in Arizona verses the 13 or cents we keep from out of state based businesses. Other reasons are plentiful including adventure... I can't tell you the number of amazing experiences we've had visiting small shops, cafes and businesses owned and operated by locals. These people have a lot of "skin in the game" and their passion is evident.

If you are impressed by savings, then this weekend is for you. Check out the Local First Website for participating members who are offering 20% off specials celebrating their independent businesses. Take a drive and visit some of these great places.

Amy and I like to do the dine around thing. That's where you choose a bunch of places and have an appetizer at one, a glass of wine at another, an entree at the next and desert followed by a little dancing and such. I recommend Chez Nous for a nightcap and dancing.

Whatever you choose, I am confident you'll have fun, learn more about this fantastic city and do something good for our locally owned businesses. Call a few friends and make it a party.

Enjoy,

Gene Urban
The Urban Team... a Local First Business
www.urbanteamaz.com

COPPER STAR COFFEE... A NEIGHBORHOOD WINNER

This post is part of an on-going series featuring Local First Arizona members.  I went to the Local First Arizona web site and choose a member at random. I was in the mood for a great Latte and choose Copper Star Coffee on 7th Ave.

You know a place must be good when, at 11:00 A.M. on a 110 degree day, it's packed to capacity. The place is a collective of funky stuff housed in a former gas station. It even has a working garage door that they open to the elements... well not on 110 degree days and a drive-thru lane. Don't you love creative business recycling?

At the counter I was greeted by Mike the Barista. I ordered a large Latte and moments later I was sipping on one of the best I've ever had. They say it is the locally roasted beans. Whatever the reason, it was darn good.

Not being the shy type, I sat down and asked a few of the patrons why they came to Cooper Star. The first answer was the coffee itself.  Second was the place... it's a neighborhood hangout. Bill Sandweg, the owner, features local artists on the wall, has a community bulletin board, offers free WIFI, hosts events and was out buying a new misting system during my visit.

Cooper Star Coffee represents all that is good in locally owned, neighborhood business. Likely, it is not near your neighborhood. Don't let that stop you from enjoying a fine cup of java, some fine local pastries and a good time.

Copper Star Coffee
Just North of Indian School on 7th Ave.
4220 N 7th Ave. 
(602) 266-2136