Bathroom Provided by Ann Sacks, Scottsdale Hothouse Botanicals

25. Hothouse Botanicals
When Stephanie Reynolds’ mother and aunt both were diagnosed with breast cancer about six years ago, Reynolds started researching companies that use natural, pure products and leave out synthetic fragrances, perfumes and colors.

“It was hard to find those companies,” says Reynolds (pictured right). So, she got involved.

After researching and formulating her own bath and beauty products, the 34-year-old launched the Internet-based Hothouse Botanicals in November 2007. Reynolds, who handcrafts each batch herself, says the products are free of harmful preservatives, toxic ingredients and synthetic fragrance and colors; contain natural, sustainable ingredients and essential oils; and are sold in recyclable containers.

Info: 480-993-2309, hothousebotanicals.com


26. Phoenix in Color
As Phoenix’s sand-colored cityscape increasingly blends into the surrounding desert, Jason Hill is determined to make the Valley’s architecture pop.

In his exhibit Icons of Phoenix, the graphic artist reinvents traditional Phoenix buildings as vibrant landmarks bursting with color. Instantly, the Westward Ho, Arcosanti and the Phoenix Financial Center are transformed into bright beacons.

“The city is getting browner and browner,” Hill says. “Property owners in Phoenix are really shortsighted by painting everything the color of the surrounding environment.” Hill hopes to highlight the Valley’s architectural icons, which he says often go unnoticed.

The artwork will be featured throughout March at Practical Art. (For an example of his illustrative work, see page 44 of this issue.)
Info: 5070 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-264-1414, jasonhilldesign.com


27. Cool Avenue
Through the years, Mill Avenue has evolved – facades have changed, and shops have come and gone. But through it all, downtown Tempe’s main drag has remained perennially cool, and people are still noticing. The American Planning Association (APA) designated Mill Avenue as one of the 10 Great Streets in America for 2008 through its Great Places in America Program.

“Mill Avenue provides Tempe with an eclectic, urban oasis that embraces both the past and the present, and shows how sensitive redevelopment can blend historic preservation with present-day needs,” says Paul Farmer, president of the APA.

In addition to those classics like the Graffiti Shop and the newer La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar, the Mill Avenue district is known for its semi-annual Tempe Festival of the Arts, where more than 400 artists and craftsmen display and sell their work. The 32nd annual Spring Festival will be held March 27-29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Info: 480-355-6075, tempefestivalofthearts.com

R&R Surplus

28. R&R Surplus
Steve and Andi Rosenstein have been called visionaries. “Really, we’re dreamers,” Steve says. The Chicago natives, who co-founded Fitigues clothing brand, sold their brand in 2006 and stayed on for about a year
afterward. Then, within a day of retiring, they found a new entrepreneurial calling.

It all starts with the historic Anchor Manufacturing building, a 1928 warehouse on Central Avenue and Lincoln in Downtown Phoenix.

“We had nothing in mind,” Andi says. “It told us what it wanted to be.”

R&R Surplus, an authentic casual vintage clothing line, is the first piece of the puzzle. Here, you’ll find PF Flyers, vintage Champion sweatshirts and even 1929 French ammunition bags with just enough hand-sewn vintage buttons to girl ’em up. “Just a little,” Andi stresses.

In time, the warehouse also will house a vintage bicycle shop, a farmers’ market and a restaurant and bar called The Duce. In fact, the pair has already installed the original bar from Chicago’s Black Orchid Jazz Club as the bar’s centerpiece.

Info: 525 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-253-9033, randrsurplus.com

Phoenix Art Museum

29. Go toward the Light
In January, the Phoenix Art Museum unveiled one of its coolest exhibits yet – Mohl ip, a 10-by-20-foot light installation created by internationally renowned artist James Turrell, who calls Arizona home. Turrell’s massive tower of neon light spanned the globe during its creation – from France to Spain to England to America – defying changing currencies and languages to finally land at PAM. The exhibit’s colors subtly change – from bright blue to grayish green to electric pink to soft orange – over the course of two hours, inviting viewers to linger and meditate in the presence of this powerful, glowing rectangle. Think of it as a massive mood ring, but much cooler, of course.

Info: Phoenix Art Museum, corner of Central Avenue and McDowell Road, 602-257-1222, phxart.org