Beat the Heat City Guide
Summer is in full swing and sometimes it can feel impossible to find anything to do. Not even find something to do but find the energy to go outside in the sweltering heat. Still there are some pretty cool things to do and places to try out. I'm not one for water parks or even floating on the river (been there done that) so these are some fun places to hang out this summer.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art 7374 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale
SMOCA is one of my all time favorites places to hang out. They always have a really great exhibits and it's free after 5pm on the weekends. They have three exhibits running and right now there's a really awesome interactive light display (seen above) titled The Ocean of Light: Submergence. Visitors are welcome to walk around and inside the lights while a tone plays. The tone sounds like a mixture of water dripping and a UFO, and it changes depending on the interaction of the people inside. According to the website, the exhibit creates an "augmented reality environment" that creates an understanding of how immense data can be. There's also I'm Sorry But It's Hard to Imagine, which creates new experiences with every day objects. Oh and I can't forget my favorite part: the gift shop filled with design, art, and architecture books.
O.H.S.O has multiple locations all over the valley and is one of my favorite places to get brunch. Their beer brunch includes a free Arizona brewed beer or mimosa. They have a really great patio with covered seating. There is good music, friendly people, and tasty food. They have delicious chicken and waffles with a spiced maple syrup which at first glance is too much food, but somehow still not too much food. The guacamole is quite tasty, and they serve the reason millennials don't own homes; avocado toast. O.H.S.O brunch is one of the best ways to kick off a Sunday Funday during the summer.
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Record Store Crawl Phoenix - WEBSITE
This is something really cool I just found out about the Record Store Crawl. Purchasing a ticket gets you a seat on the bus to various record stores around the valley, live music, and the chance to hang out with other vinyl lovers. There will be lunch and drinks at Yucca Tap Room and even a complimentary PBR at multiple locations. The coolest part of the crawl are the discounts at the coolest record stores including Stinkweeds and Zia. The crawl will take place this Saturday, June 17th. Visit their website to learn more.
CIBO 603 N. 5th Ave, Phoenix
CIBO is a former bungalow turned pizza place in downtown Phoenix. They serve tons of delicious Italian fare including antipasto, pizza, and even house made pasta. There is a very kitschy cafe vibe with an outside patio perfect for al fresco dining. I know enjoying dinner and wine at sunset outside on the patio under the trees, lights, and with live music was perfectly serene. It wasn't too hot either so it felt like being somewhere else entirely which was great. CIBO is fairly popular and gets busy frequently, but it's worth the wait if you encounter one. Try the Il Tagliere (As seen in the featured photo from my Instagram) featuring a selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and even roasted vegetables.