We started in the Evans Churchill neighborhood near 4th Street and Fillmore. We visited the community garden near Conspire Coffee and the murals in the alley behind 5th Street near Roosevelt in the arts district.

Mike, Jane and I then went to the Phoenix Public Market, the Westward Ho and Civic Space Park.

Our tour then continued south on 1st Avenue to see the Orpheum Lofts, 44 Monroe and the old City Hall.

Next. we made our way over to Hanny’s Restaurant, which used to be home to a high end department store back in the day. We then stopped by St. Mary’s Basilica where Pope John Paul II visited several years ago.

Our trip ended at Heritage Square and then we stoppped for a bite to eat at Front Row – TGIFriday’s restaurant inside Chase Field where the Arizona Diamondbacks play ball.

How did I do? Where would you take friends or out of town guests to explore the heart of Phoenix?

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“Without hesitation, Phoenix came with their A game today,” Steele said, noting the cleanliness of downtown streets, the ease of grid system, and the convenience of amenities like the Sheraton hotel, convention center and light rail.

Phoenix, Tampa and Salt Lake City are in the running for the 2012 event. Democratic party leaders are also looking at Phoenix and plant to tour the city at a later date. Read the story here.

Last night I was riding next to my friend Jane – she was on the street and I was on the sidewalk (mistake number one). A guy on a BMX style bike was riding in the parking lot next to the sidewalk and jumping off a half-wall…and collided with me upon landing. I have to take partial blame here because it was starting to get dark – my front and back lights weren’t on (mistake number two). We were both pinned under our bikes. Fortunately, we were both able to shake it off and ride away.

Had I been riding on the street with the group…and was more visible to the other rider…this accident may have been avoided. These group rides are so much fun, but if you don’t obey the rules of the road and ride with the rest of the group, then these large events will send out the wrong message to the community as a whole.

I promise to have working lights and ride with group at the next event.

This post is part of a 30 day blogging challenge (#30daybc) with friends Irene, Seth and Ryan.  Please take a moment to check out their blogs as well.  Thank you!

I realized last night while having dinner with my friend Tonia that there’s quite a selection of ‘go-to’ restaurants in Central Phoenix. What’s a go-to restaurant?  These are restaurants I keep in mind whenever I’m looking for places to celebrate a special occasion, impress visiting friends, etc., etc. While we say goodbye to one of my favorites (here), there are still several other options for a good time – all of them are light-rail convenient.

For the most part, I love the restaurants for the same reason. They each have their own unique presentation, they have great service, and they offer an excellent dining experience with a cool urban vibe. Have a favorite near the light rail that’s not mentioned on the list?  Be sure to tell me in the comments below. Need information on how to ride? Click here.

• Gallo Blanco at the Clarendon Hotel is a good walk or short bike ride from the Indian School station (info).
• Hanny’s which is within walking distance from the Central and Washington station in the heart of downtown (info).
• Hula’s Modern Tiki which is just south of the Camelback station (info).
• Postino on Central which is uptown at the Camelback station (info).
• St Francis also located a few blocks from the Camelback station (info)

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