In honor of Independence Day, explore artisan crafts, eat gourmet food and pamper your mind and body, all while supporting amazing independent businesses. What could be more patriotic?
This week through Sunday, hundreds of businesses around the state are offering a 20 percent discount in honor of “National Independents Week,” an initiative to support local and independent traders.
Lucky for us, Downtown Phoenix is brimming with great local shops, enough to keep us busy for an entire day from dawn until dusk.
So download a Golden Coupon from Local First Arizona and follow this daily guide to “Shopping Local Downtown.”
Eat breakfast at Aside of Heart
Start your day off right with a delicious acai bowl and tropical smoothie packed with spirulina. Located in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Art District, this restaurant and gallery boasts locally roasted coffee beans, locally sourced food (when available), and a healthy plant-based menu. According to Amanda Langham, co-owner of Aside of Heart, it’s an unpretentious vegan eatery that promotes healthy living in a creative environment.
Buy at pair of handcrafted earrings at MADE Art Boutique
MADE carries numerous one-of-a-kind items including jewelry, pottery, books and magazines. Working behind the cash register, you just might find one of the artists like Alex Ozers, jewelry designer and owner of From The Reliquary. Laughing, he says there are probably artists working in every shop and restaurant along Roosevelt Row. In fact, that’s one of the cool things about frequenting independent businesses in this area. You never know when you’ll run into the owner, designer or chef working behind the counter.
Devour a slice of cake at Tammie Coe Cakes
Two words: Ooey Gooey. This signature Tammie Coe recipe combines chocolate fudge cake with super decadent butter cream frosting. Put some sprinkles on top and it’s the recipe for happiness. In addition to treats, Tammie Coe offers breakfast, lunch and premier baked breads at the newly remodeled Roosevelt location.
Take a lunch break at Duck and Decanter
No one understands the importance of shopping local more than Jolynn Reisma, general manager of Duck and Decanter. Her family has been running the downtown breakfast and lunch eatery for 42 years. Try one their famous albacore tuna sandwiches, made with high-quality tuna and water chestnuts, in addition to their wonderful selection of specialty teas and coffees. Your business supports four generations of sandwich artisans.
Get a makeover at SALON RO5
Creating a perfectly executed hairstyle is not only difficult, it’s nearly impossible. Fortunately the team of expert stylists at SALON RO5 understands the latest color, cutting and styling techniques. Combined with the best products, you will leave looking and feeling better than ever.
Pick up a pack of desert-scene coasters at Hazel and Violet
For all of your commercial and custom letterpress printing needs, Nancy Hill and Beverly Wolfe, co-owners of Hazel and Violet, print using tree-free recycled papers on vintage presses. This centuries-old method creates a clean distinctive look you just can’t find anywhere else. Besides making beautiful cards, invitations and stationery, Hill and Wolfe are dedicated to operating in an environmentally responsible way.
Buy an AZ Love shirt at Bunky Boutique
Bunky Boutique, lovingly named for Owner Rachel Malloy’s grandmother, is known for its signature “AZ Love” line of shirts and clothing. Building a sense of culture and identity around the community you love is what this clothing line embodies, and according to Malloy, shopping locally also fosters a sense of community. It shows you care about the place you live and the people in it.
Enjoy happy hour at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
A great place to unwind after work, listen to a local DJ, eat half-priced appetizers and sip $5 glasses of wine. Located in the heart of Downtown inside the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, District features upscale comfort food using sustainably farmed produce and fresh herbs from the hotel’s third-floor garden. It’s a welcome break from the mundane.
Peruse the collection of Hollywood costumes at the Phoenix Art Museum
This fascinating exhibition explores costume design throughout history as an essential component of cinematic storytelling. There’s a lot that goes into each design, and it’s that complex process that helps create film characters like Darth Vader and Austin Powers. While you’re there, stop by the Museum Store and pick up a Superman apron or classic movie coffee, 20 percent off with a Golden Coupon.
Nosh on a late dinner at Bliss reBAR
Indulge in the “Red Berry Rapture,” or another signature cocktail less than 110 calories. You can make up for lost calories by ordering the famous mac and cheese, even late-night, since the kitchen is open until close every day. The decor gives the restaurant a posh, trendy feel, but it’s definitely a family-friendly atmosphere, according to Rudy Redondo, longtime bartender at Bliss. He says it’s a casual place where the staff can just be themselves and the customers love that energy.