This past week, my daughter's gymnastics meet saw us rolling down the road through the Sonoran Desert to Phoenix, Arizona. We didn't have much time in Phoenix, but we did hit up some pretty cool spots and if you are a Catholic Pilgrim traveling there, I think I've got some good recommendations.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Wouldn't you know it, but the start of Arizona's history begins with a Catholic--Fr. Marcos de Niza. You gotta go all the way back 47 years after Columbus discovered the Americas to 1539. Pretty cool, huh? I'm not going to take the time to go into all the background, but it's important to remember that our Catholic history is rich, full, and very much alive. What an unknown friar did over 400+ years ago had an effect on what we call Phoenix today.

‍PLACES TO EAT

Once we got into town we had to find some place to eat and, man, did I ever find a cool place. If you go to Phoenix, you must stop in at The Taco Guild. The building was once a Methodist church. The owners created the space to resemble a Middle Ages church, but the atmosphere is very hipster. It's an intriguing blend. But, the tacos...oh. my. word.....the tacos. We were ooohhhhing and aaahhhing the whole time. Be sure to also get some of the street corn. Words cannot describe the goodness. It was the first time I ever had brisket marinated in coffee, which is incredible. Put it in a taco with yummy toppings and it's even more incredible.

Sitting there in the restaurant, your mind wonders about all the people who had come to worship God in that space. There are stained-glass windows with Scripture written into it and all around are reminders of Christianity. Sometimes you catch people with simplicity and beauty and this restaurant was a treasure to find.

The next day after my daughter's meet, we were all starving. Momma came through and found another unique restaurant called The Perch Pub. I'd never been in a restaurant quite like it. You sit outside among low trees and lights. There are flowers around and the set-up is charming. Throughout the open area are bird cages housing rescued birds like parrots, macaws, lovebirds, amazon parrots, and others. They're in cages, but kids love it. My 3-year old enjoyed meeting Bubba the Macaw and another noisy fellow who just needed to be heard. The food was great and the atmosphere was whimsical. We all found plenty to satisfy us even with ordering no meat options for Lent.

We topped off our day with a sweet find. As we were traveling down a road, I happened to spot an old fashioned ice cream parlor that had been around since 1951. My 16-year old squealed with delight as she loves the things of yesteryear. Walking in, you are hit with the sweet smells of waffle cones, hot fudge, and delicious ice cream. We shared an enormous banana split and there wasn't much left when we were done devouring it.

CATHOLIC PLACES TO VISIT

If you are going to Phoenix, top on your list of Catholic places to visit is St. Mary's Basilica in downtown. The oldest Catholic Church in the Phoenix area dating back to 1881. Arizona didn't become a state until 1912! We went right around the 3pm hour so that we could pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet there and I'm so grateful that we got the opportunity. The church is filled with gorgeous stained glass windows. We took our time and strolled around taking in all the inspiring artwork.

Our family found a statute of Christ up front on the left-hand side and prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet together.

Non-Catholic Places to Visit

We didn't get to hit up the zoo, because we ran out of time, but I have heard many good things about it. So, if you are there it would definitely be something to check out. The Botanical Gardens right near the zoo is very highly rated, too. While downtown, we strolled over to Heritage Square Park to check out the old historic buildings, but they were setting up for a Japanese cultural festival and we felt in the way. The tour you can take at Heritage Square Park sounded very interesting, though. The buildings look completely foreign in the desert.

Near the zoo is an unusual geographical formation called "The Hole In The Rock." You can climb it and sit in the holes caused by millions of years of erosion. My kids enjoyed climbing all over it and my 3-year old loved watching the airplanes come in and take off. It gives a great view of the valley.

Phoenix is a great city to explore and though we didn't have much time, we did get to experience some cool places. If you've been there and have some suggestions, put them in the comments. Until next time....

Travel well, Catholic Pilgrim!