Connor Van Ligten, Author at PHOENIX magazine

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The PHiXFashion: Boss Bunny Sportswear

Connor Van LigtenFebruary 10, 2021

Lynn Tran had just broken up with her significant other and was hitting the gym when she realized something about her wardrobe. “My workout clothes felt so basic, and I wanted something that was more fashionable and feminine,” says Tran, a former bodybuilding athlete and bikini competitor. She founded Boss Bunny Sportswear to provide stylish and sexy workout gear for women. One of Tran’s favorite products is the swim and sports bra – wearable in...

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The PHiXRobyn Patterson’s Favorites Spots in Tulum

Connor Van LigtenFebruary 3, 2021

Robyn Patterson (née Moore) had planned a May 2020 wedding in Malibu followed by a honeymoon in France, Switzerland and Greece. Instead, she got a pandemic. Patterson, owner of Mack Media Relations, pivoted to a micro-wedding in Sedona with immediate family. “The original plan was to do a three-week honeymoon in Europe,” Patterson says. “We kind of rescheduled and planned for multiple honeymoons.” The first: Cancún in September 2020. Patterson had never been to the...

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The PHiXThree New Spots to Discover in Denver in 2021

Connor Van LigtenJanuary 21, 2021

Visiting Denver? Check out three new attractions the mile-high city has to offer. Denver Central Market This food hall showcases 11 of the top chefs and culinary artisans in the state in the River North Art District. New since 2021: DCM has extended its outdoor dining space into an “art alley” and an adjacent parking lot for COVID-19 safety. denvercentralmarket.com WWII Exhibits To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, the...

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The PHiXShopping: Endatto

Connor Van LigtenDecember 11, 2020

When Ted Verderame received his first watch as a kid, it was the beginning of a lifelong passion. The Phoenix native got hooked on timepieces and grew his collection through high school and beyond. In 2018, the management consultant started his own watch business, Endatto. “The timing was right to follow through on the dream to be an entrepreneur,” Verderame says. “I also felt like there was an opportunity to create an attainable luxury timepiece...

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PeopleWhat’s in your Cannabis Kitchen with Aaron Chamberlin

Connor Van LigtenNovember 28, 2020

Chef/restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin is down to just one restaurant (Taco Chelo) and is taking on a new endeavor: cannabis. He shares his prized products and kitchen items with us.

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The PHiX3 New Things to Discover in Santa Fe this November

Connor Van LigtenNovember 4, 2020

Road-tripping to New Mexico? Here are three new things to explore in The City Different. Heritage Inspirations Tours Heritage Inspirations Tours brings a new series of e-bike tours to Santa Fe with its recent opening of a brick and mortar location at the Inn and Spa at Loretto. The first tour route takes bikers to historical church sites in the downtown area. These year-round (weather dependent) tours, starting at $155 per person, are offered Thursdays...

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The PHiXVisit Lockett Meadow in Flagstaff this November

Connor Van LigtenNovember 2, 2020

In the heart of the Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff lies the Lockett Meadow campground. This destination, a favorite of Valley folk, allows explorers to experience an authentic autumn – with falling leaves that change color and all – while they’re dry camping. “Lockett Meadow has extensive stands of aspen, which cover the steep slopes of the San Francisco Peaks caldera and turn to solid gold during the month of October,” says Brady Smith, Coconino...

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The PHiX3 New Developments Persevering Despite the Pandemic

Connor Van LigtenOctober 29, 2020

Despite the pandemic, these plucky new developments are persevering. 7180 Optima Kierland This 12-story residential tower, which opened in the Optima Kierland Center in August, brings environmentally friendly condos to North Scottsdale. Surrounded by a 5-acre park and featuring a rooftop running track, heated skydeck lap pool, gym and game room, it brings new meaning to luxury. optima-kierland.com The Ryan This lavish new multifamily project, part of the Block 23 development at CityScape in Downtown...

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Desert Digest4 Essential Thanksgiving To-Go Treats

Connor Van LigtenOctober 28, 2020

Don’t have the patience to cook Thanksgiving dinner? Worry not! Here are four places to get your Turkey Day fix without all the hassle. Rock Springs Cafe For the first time in its century-old history, Rock Springs will be delivering pies to Phoenix and Prescott during the holiday season. Serve up a sweet treat with a side of good karma – a portion of proceeds will benefit the Black Canyon and Prescott Fire Departments. Bulk...

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The PHiX5 Exciting Entertainment Destinations Around the Valley

Connor Van LigtenOctober 19, 2020

Want to paint the town red but don’t know where to go in the age of coronavirus? Have no fear! Here are five fun excursions you and your friends can take during the pandemic. Laser Tag, Arcade and Bowling at Mavrix The Mavrix entertainment venue in Scottsdale offers a lot of options. While it’s primarily a bowling alley, you and your friends can play arcade games to win prizes, such as a hot dog toaster,...

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The PHiX5 Socially Distant Ways to Watch Cardinals Games this Season

Connor Van LigtenSeptember 25, 2020

With no fans in the bleachers, football season looks a bit different this year. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying Cardinals games with your friends. Here are some socially distant suggestions to spice up game day – 2020 style. Socially Distanced Bars Various locations around the Valley have opened up with limited capacity, social distancing, and football! Bring your friends to hot spots and enjoy the food and the game. Watch the Cardinals...

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The PHiX4 Things to Look Forward to as Movie Theaters Reopen

Connor Van LigtenSeptember 9, 2020

Good news! Movie theaters are reopening slowly around Arizona. Theaters such as Harkins, AMC, and Alamo Drafthouse have all started welcoming visitors at a limited capacity in various locations Sit back and enjoy these long-awaited luxuries. 1. Revisit Inception. That’s right! Christopher Nolan’s 2010 thriller that amazed audiences (and ruined trailers forever) is back in theaters for a limited 10th anniversary run at Harkins Theatres! See Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page pull off...