Arizona Highways: Phoenix’s Desert Garden
I thought of Phoenix as an airport stop on our way to hiking in the red rock country, but my friend B was more curious. “Let’s stay a day in Phoenix and explore!” So M, our travel organizer, found an affordable motel in Scottsdale. (“There are art galleries! Let’s stay close!” B enthused.) We raided the local AAA for maps and guides, and off we went.
M was arriving first, so she rented the car. All the car rental offices for the Phoenix Airport are combined in a single large building at the edge of the airport, along with a food court, rest rooms, and a travel office – an amazingly good idea! B and I had flight delays, so we connected with M too late to do the auto tour we had planned for the afternoon. But there was still time to walk in the Phoenix Botanical Garden, which was featuring an outdoor exhibit of glassware by the well-known artist/craftsman Dale Chihuly.
The Chihuly glass exhibit blended beautifully with the otherworldly colors and shapes of the cacti and succulents which are the backbone of the PBG, and glowed against a stormy evening sky. We strolled and pointed and admired as lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and then came the deluge. We were close to the gift shop by then, which exhibited an amazing collection of small Chihuly pieces, also beautifully illuminated. (see below) We waited out the worst of the rain, then strolled a bit further armed with umbrellas. But soon there were too many puddles, too many flooded paths, and we took refuge again, this time at Gertrude’s, the charming modern restaurant adjacent to the Garden. The tables were full of other soggy visitors, so we snuggled up to the bar watching mysterious cocktails being mixed as we sipped our staid beer and wine and downed excellent sandwiches. I can recommend the pulled pork sandwich with chili dipping sauce, paired with a Mexica Model Negro beer.
The exhibit continues until May 18th (2014) so you still have time. Evening viewing is wonderful.
Allyson Johnson 