New York Writer Shares Eight Surprises from First Phoenix Visit

A New York resident who visited Phoenix for the first time in February 2022 recorded eight aspects of the city that stood out during a weeklong stay. The traveler noted that daytime temperatures reached 70 degrees while nights stayed near 50, a contrast to winter conditions in New York.

Every drive offered views of distant mountains including Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Two Bit Peak, and Mummy Mountain. The presence of these peaks amid downtown buildings and traffic created a distinct sense of place not found in northeastern cities.

A two-hour drive to Sedona revealed peaceful hiking trails and views of the Red Rocks. The visitor plans to return for the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon on future trips.

Phoenix neighborhoods and streets displayed palm trees, succulents, and other native plants, with the Arizona Native Plant Society estimating about 4,000 native species in the state. Downtown streets featured an eclectic mix of Art Deco, Spanish Colonial, Victorian, Pueblo Revival, Art Moderne, and French Provincial buildings.

Murals in varying styles and color palettes appeared on building facades throughout downtown Phoenix. Restaurants included Barrio Cafe, where pomegranate-seed guacamole stood out, and Snooze, a breakfast spot with locations across the country.

Evening skies displayed saturated colors when the sun set behind mountain ranges. The traveler agreed with friends who had lived in Arizona that sunsets there rank among the state's notable features.