A year ago this week Mr. Misadventures and I landed in the Phoenix area to make our new home. It had been a long journey. We quit our jobs, sold our home and cars and left San Francisco in a giant RV in November 2015. We spent 14 months on the road living in the RV and spent 5 dreadful months in Portland where we thought we were going to settle down. But that wasn’t meant to be and we made the epic decision to head to the Southwest and more specifically, the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the U.S. so we figured it would have a good job market. Even though within the first month of arriving in Phoenix, I got a remote job!
Oh well.
In any case, we are slowly but surely learning our way around and much like my San Francisco Profile and Paris Profile series, the best way to find all the good stuff is to ask others! There is a vast network of very talented Arizona bloggers in the region and I’m tapping into them!
First up is Merichelle of She Forks PHX. I knew I was going to like her when I noticed she was holding a blogger event at an ice cream shop – my kind of girl!
Let’s meet Merichelle!
[1] Favorite thing about Phoenix.
There are so many! But I love the people and food scene! I’ve lived on both Coasts and have found the nicest people to be out here in Phoenix. I also love that the food scene is vibrant and accessible. You don’t have to break the bank to eat out, and to eat good food, too!
[2] Least favorite thing about Phoenix.
The heat in the summer!
[3] What differentiates your area of the Valley of the Sun from all the other parts?
I live in the Melrose District, home of several gay bars and antique/vintage shops. I once got coffee at a converted gas station (Copper Star Coffee), picked up a 1950’s jewelry box at an outdoor vintage sale, and had $3 mixed drinks at a gay bar all in one day. It’s an eclectic mix, and I love it.
[4] Favorite coffee spot in Phoenix.
I’ve been to over thirty and I would still have to say Sip Coffee & Beer Garage in Arcadia! (3620 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix)
[5] Favorite spot for drinks in Phoenix.
My husband loves pubs, so we like to go to George and Dragon (4240 N Central Ave, Phoenix), an English pub on Central. I always order a Boddington’s when I’m there.
[6] Favorite local hangout in Phoenix.
Joyride (5202 N Central Ave, Phoenix)! They have the best specials for Taco Tuesday, and the tacos are delicious!
[7] Favorite breakfast spot in Phoenix.
SumoMaya (6560 N Scottsdale Rd in Scottsdale). I absolutely love the whimsical décor and fusion food of Asian and Mexican, plus it’s great for groups.
[8] Favorite lunch spot in Phoenix.
O.H.S.O.- Paradise Valley (10810 N Tatum Blvd #126, Phoenix)! They have this indescribable brisket mac n’ cheese, and you can get $7 pitchers of beer there, too!
[9] Favorite dinner spot in Phoenix.
That’s a tough one! One of my favorite spots is Harumi Sushi in Downtown Phoenix (114 W Adams St C101), they have large portions of sushi and also roll them with purple rice!
[10] One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.
I’m in love with Saguaro Lake. I think the views of both the saguaro and the lake, can be breathtaking, and it’s just so fun to jump into the water.
[11] How do you like to beat the heat?
I like to escape to the nearest body of water, whether that be a pool, lake, or the Pacific Ocean!
Thanks Merichelle!
You can keep up with Merichelle on Facebook, Instagram, and of course on her blog. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her Arizona food adventures!
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June 21, 2018
Merichelle seems so nice! Glad you had time to hang out with her! Can’t wait to see who else you bring to these series.
June 21, 2018
We have family in Phoenix and will definitely check out some of these places when we visit there next. Thanks so much for the suggestions!
June 21, 2018
I have never been to Arizona, but I have friends that have moved there and love it. Always fun to learn about new places, especially in our own country.
June 21, 2018
That sounds like a lovely place to visit. I have not traveled away from the East Coast, USA yet I need to! Pheonix has so much to offer, looks like a happy place.
June 22, 2018
I think we drove through there when we went across country, not sure, but it sure looks like a great place to check out! You look like you had a lot of fun
June 26, 2018
I’ve never been to Phoenix before but it looks like such a fun spot to explore. It was nice getting to know Merichelle’s story–she is so beautiful!
June 26, 2018
It’s been forever since I’ve been to Arizona so I don’t recognize any of these places, but they all look so fun and vibrant! I like that you went into such great detail about the specific neighborhood.
June 26, 2018
Profiling local bloggers to get all their local tips is such a great idea, especially when you are new in town! Also, I think Merichelle has convinced me to come visit — but not in the heat of summer, apparently — and eat my way around Phoenix.
June 26, 2018
I can’t imagine the whole pick up and go type of life. It would be amazing. There are so many places in the country that I would like to live besides where I do.
June 28, 2018
It was so fun to get to know Merichelle from She Forks. I’m so inspired to visit Phoenix right now . . . well . . . maybe after the summer. haha. Thanks for this delightful interview!
June 29, 2018
Thanks for sharing a lovely place to visit with us.