We dominated this year’s best of awards and now we’re taking over the bucket list!
The Arizona Republic recently published a list of things in Phoenix to add to your bucket list (find the list here), and several Downtown Phoenix favorites topped the list.  So break out some paper and a pen -you’re going to want to write these down – and make 2014 the year you experience the charm of these restaurants, events and cultural centers in and around the Urban Core.

Arizona Science Center
Take a trip to the Arizona Science Center and lie down on a bed made of over 1,000 nails!

Compass Arizona Grill
Take a spin around the Compass Arizona Grill. The only revolving restaurant in Phoenix sits on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency Downtown and makes for a unique dining experience.

Photo of Grand Avenue Festival by Stephen G. Dreiseszun/Viewpoint Photographers courtesy of Downtown Phoenix Journal
Grand Avenue Festival
Be sure to attend the Grand Avenue Festival in the fall, which gets better every year. The all-day festival features fashion shows, activities, music, guided tours of historic buildings and more.

Heard Museum
Don’t miss this year’s two-day Indian Fair and Market that takes place in March. Expect to see over 600 of the nation’s finest American Indian artists, live mural painting, music and performances, jewelry, textiles, sculptures, and more.

Japanese Friendship Garden
Every second Saturday of the month, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, which includes a tour of the tea garden and teahouse as well.


Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café
This Downtown Phoenix favorite has been serving up some of the best southern food since 1964. Find comfort food classics like fried chicken, greens, sweet potatoes and corn bread.


Orpheum Theatre
Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre. This 1929 venue is a great place to not only see a great performance, but has beautiful architecture and decor.

Pizzeria Bianco
Skip the wait and dine on some of the finest pizza in town for lunch. The Republic (and owner Chris Bianco) suggest you order the Rosa or the Marinara.


Rosson House
Take the candlelit Halloween tour of the Rosson House Museum. The Victorian style house was built in 1895 and is the perfect setting for a spooky adventure to see some of the house’s finest features.
Editor’s Note: This post was updated Dec. 30. An earlier edition of this post didn’t give proper credit to the photographer Stephen G. Dreiseszun/Viewpoint Photographers or the Downtown Phoenix Journal. Our sincerest apologies.