Known for its historical charm, downtown Glendale rings in its 131st birthday on February 27. Stretching from 51st to 59th avenues, Glendale Avenue is the nexus of a downtown reinvestment project that will include a new amphitheater, city hall and parking structure and is slated for completion by spring 2025.
3 Things To Do
1 Retail Therapy AZ
Pamper yourself and support local at this 100 percent Arizona-sourced boutique (pictured), which opened in May 2022. Stock up on everything from jams and honeys to health and beauty products, apparel, toys, woodwork and art, all in one stop.
7029 N. 57th Dr.
480-616-8147, retailtherapyaz.com
2 Bar-Hop on the boulevard
Named for the country star who was born and raised in Glendale, Marty Robbins Boulevard (Glendale Avenue) is dotted with watering holes. Start at Black Sheep Coffee + Tea + Smoothies for adult coffee, scoot to Haus Murphy’s for a Pilsner and then go to the revamped Gaslight Building, where Simple Machine Brewing Co. will set up shop in January. Hit Saguaro Grill for a cocktail.
Glendale Avenue, between 51st and 59th avenues
3 Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest
This inaugural event kicks off on February 4 in the heart of the city, Murphy Park. The collaboration between Local First Arizona, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the city of Glendale will boast live music, artisan markets and food vendors, crowned with a performance art installation.
5850 W. Glendale Ave.
downtownglendalefest.com
3 Places To Eat
1 La Piazza Al Forno
Glendale-grown chef-owner Justin Piazza credits his dad for talking him into making his pizzeria dreams a reality back in 2007. La Piazza (pictured) specializes in VPN-certified Neapolitan and Roman-style (square) pizza. Every now and then, they offer New York-style pies, too, as well as desserts made by Piazza’s wife, Rachel.
5803 W. Glendale Ave.
623-847-3301, lapiazzafamiglia.com
2 Blue Corn Café & Bakery
In October 2022, the folks behind 2022 Best of the Valley winner Hope’s Artisan Bread opened this spot, with new menu items and more space to explore their culture and vision, including showcasing indigenous artists. Try the pesto Caprese panini, blueberry or Nutella cheesecake, brownies and coffee.
7015 N. 58th Ave
thebluecorncafe.com
3 Little Saigon
Through a pergola of lush, verdant vines stands a cozy cottage, where family-owned Little Saigon has been serving tried-and-true Vietnamese classics for more than 20 years. Start with the egg rolls, then slurp steaming, veggie-packed pho, or tuck into a scrumptious rice vermicelli salad bowl.
7016 N. 57th. Ave.
623-939-6136, facebook.com/littlesaigona
PHOTO OP
“Rising Together” by Miguel Angel Godoy & Edgar Fernandez
Godoy and Fernandez were inspired to create this uplifting mural after visiting the Glendale Family Advocacy Center, which helps victims of crime.
Glendale Family Advocacy Center, north-facing wall
6830 N. 57th Dr.
Overnight Option!
The Frank Carden House
Built in 1936, The Frank Carden House is loaded with history. Carden operated a men’s clothing store and then became a justice of the peace. This Catlin Court lot has two houses in the ranch version of the Minimal Traditional style, two blocks from downtown Glendale.
7149 & 7145 N. 58th Dr.
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