Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1100899
BY G ENIE DAVI S ARIZONA DREAMING: GREEN LIVING, GOOD HEALTH, ART, FOOD, AND WINE BY G ENIE DAVI S ARIZONA DREAMING: GREEN LIVING, GOOD HEALTH, FOOD, AND WINE A rizona is an exciting destination for innovative, delightful hotels, green living, and great veg food and drink. From musical instruments crafted from outdated bits of technology to hand-crafted beer, there's a veritable treasure trove of unexpected adventures and vacation destinations. We started in Phoenix. The Found:Re Hotel is in the heart of downtown's art district. And art is the key to this sleek industrial- chic hotel, which has its own gallery, and art everywhere from hallways to rooms. The vibe is hip, fun, and luxurious from bath products to bedding in a gorgeous loft-style room. The hotel is the environmentally friendly conclusion of an adaptive reuse project, bringing back to life a building that formerly housed the long- closed Lexington Hotel. Works by more than two dozen artists are displayed throughout; from a large-scale mural of Burt Reynolds on a bear rug behind the reception desk, to the unique, one-of-a- kind mixed-media room numbers designed by Cheryle Marine. Match Cuisine & Cocktails offers inventive fare in a stylish setting; French toast, muffins, frittata, and fresh fruits and juice made a wonderful breakfast. It's a terrific concept that supports local artists and the idea of repurposing all in one lovely package. We had dinner at the inventive, rewarding Ocotillo, where locally- sourced menu items are served with style in a busy, open dining room. We loved the roasted heirloom carrots with a coconut- based ginger yogurt, lime marmalade, and Thai basil. Buckwheat tortiglione with black kale and roasted tomatoes makes another terrific veg choice. And don't miss the eggplant "meatballs." Sip high-end signature cocktails and fresh coconut water served in the coconut. Chef Walter Sterling is a wonder. We spent an afternoon at The Phoenix Art Museum, taking in dazzling contemporary exhibitions such as Carlos Amorales' Black Cloud, inspired by the annual migration of monarch butterflies and containing 25,000 black paper moths. At the rooftop pool at the Kimpton Hotel, just a stone's throw from Phoenix's Talking Stick Arena, the view of the downtown skyline is stellar, and the water is blissfully warm. Exuding urban contemporary style, the rooms are spacious and suites dramatic; they feature a stunning "wet room" with a soaking tub within a shower area perfect for post-yoga bliss. Yes, yoga: there are Gaiam yoga mats in every room, and on-demand yoga and Pilates programming. For an environmentally friendly option to explore Phoenix, enjoy trendy, complimentary PUBLIC bikes. Janet Echelman's public art sculpture Her Secret is Patience makes a fine, glowing evening destination. A world away from the urban pleasures of Phoenix is Bisbee — the epitome of environmentally friendly: the entire town is repurposed, from a copper mining mecca in 1890 to an enclave of art, music, craft brews, and great vegan and vegetarian food. We stayed at Canyon Rose Suites, listed on the National Historic Registry. Expansive spaces are perfectly restored, including full kitchens, and allergen-barrier bedding. We loved the well-curated Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum packed with insightful information about the history of the town and mining, and an astonishing collection of gems and minerals from the area. It's the first rural affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Speaking of history, we also took in The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour. The docent-led walking exploration of the town's sometimes- spooky past is a great 90-minutes of fun. Another don't-miss is the Lunatic Fringe Luthiery, where the "Blues Wizard" creates an awe-inspiring array of instruments of repurposed materials from suitcases to oil drums, keeping, as he puts it, "music alive and items out of our landfills." If you're lucky, the talented musician will play for you. And be sure to stop in Sam Poe Gallery, where unique paintings and sculptures by the artist- owners will dazzle; some include repurposed found-objects. Whatever you do in Bisbee, come hungry. At the warm and sunny Ana's Seasonal Kitchen, a delightful brunch included a cranberry- glazed vegan donut that's reason alone to stop in. But the blue corn biscuits, spinach salad, crisp focaccia with tomato compote, and a Spanish omelet are reason, too, and reveal owner Ana Borrajo's Spanish heritage as well as her Southwest present. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options abound. Vegan is the word at Poco, where owner Kelly Galligan presides over a cheerful indoor/outdoor space featuring salads, nachos, quesadillas, and fajitas – all vegan, with an organic and non- GMO focus.