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The weather is cooling down in Arizona across the valley, and this means you can take advantage of everything that AZ has to offer. From the nightlife in the heart of Phoenix, to the great outdoors that span in all directions from the valley, Arizona has plenty to offer that will keep you on your feet and staying active.
In Town
The valley of Arizona and the Phoenix area boast an award winning food scene, unique nightlife and tons of local events, so there's always something to do.
First Fridays
First Fridays in downtown Phoenix have been a local favorite and the monthly art walk has grown into one of the largest in the country over the years. There are several Phoenix arts districts and neighborhoods that are involved in First Fridays, from Grand Avenue to midtown Phoenix, the Warehouse District and Roosevelt Row. Art lovers and those looking for a fun evening out can gather from 6-10 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. Stop by the pop-up market on Roosevelt Row, listen to street music throughout downtown or head into galleries and museums, including the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Children's Museum and Heard Museum. These offer a great chance to get your legs moving and incorporate moderate activity in the start to your weekend.
Restaurants
The culinary scene in Phoenix is emerging as a contender with some of the foodie capitols of the states like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Long known for the authentic Mexican food across the valley, some of the top chefs and restauranteurs have built Phoenix into a culinary power house that blends the lines between traditional culinary experiences with direct farm to table fresh ingredients, while offering a unique dining experience in the desert. Take a google search, look at locals dining recommendations, there is good food in AZ for everyone at all price points.
Farmers Markets
There are multiple farmers markets in Phoenix that offer a chance for fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the farmers around you. Usually on Saturdays, these markets also have food trucks, local artists and businesses so you can get fully immersed in your community while getting yummy food and meeting your local neighbors.
Out Of Town
Arizona has lots to offer just outside of its major cities. World famous canyons, skiing and more is just a few hours away, and nature preserves and sprawling deserts home to some of the most unique landscapes and more bird diversity than any other state are just around the corner.
Grand Canyon
World famous and rightfully so, the Grand Canyon has some of the most rare species of birds and plants, as well as five of the seven "life zones". The Colorado River cuts through it, revealing hundreds of millions of years of erosion and historic geologic happenings of Arizona. Take a day trip to go hike, see the visitors center, or walk out on a glass bridge with the full canyon underneath you! Whatever you choose, the Grand Canyon offers plenty of activities to keep you moving for a full day.
Lake Day
Just outside the city, the valley has multiple lakes that offer lots of fun recreation! Take a dip in the water and pack a picnic, rent a kayak and find a shady cove in Lake Pleasant or get some friends and rent a boat to spend the day on the lake swimming! Besides Lake Pleasant, there's also Lake Bartlett and Saguaro Lake that offer multiple options to cool off on a hot summer day and stay active.
Camelback Mountain
Part of the Phoenix Mountains, in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Camelback offers the best views of the valley and has been formed over 1.7 billion years of history, so it could probably tell you a thing or two about the valley if it could talk. Hiking will have to do, and the mountain offers multiple trails that connect to the rest of the Phoenix Mountains offering stunning views in very close proximity to the town.
Ghost Towns
Arizona is home to multiple ghost towns, both in Tuscon and up north by Flagstaff. Jerome, Bisbee, Oatman, all are fun options to go spend the day learning some local history and stepping into the past of Arizona with its wild west roots.
Whatever you choose, getting out and staying active in AZ is a great way to stay healthy and prioritize your health. Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona is here for you with over 5 locations across the valley, so wherever you choose to get active, we've got you covered.