What's So Special About In-N-Out Burger?

When In-N-Out Burger first came to Arizona nine years ago, I didn't understand what the fuss was all about. Now I have a much better understanding of what it is that makes In-N-Out so special: it's everything.

In-N-Out Burger started in California way back in 1948. Since then, they have grown to 248 restaurants with locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. The first Arizona location opened at Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in the year 2000.

At the time, In-N-Out's entry into the Phoenix area was an event that made headlines. It was more than just the grand opening of a new burger stand; it was an event that people came to be part of. My dad took me there on opening day and I was shocked at the long line of cars snaking its way around the parking lot. We must have waited over an hour to get to the front of the line, it was so busy! I had never seen anything like it. After all, they are just burgers, right?

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Check Out the Sunnyslope Art Walk on Saturday, October 10th

Phoenix's "First Fridays" Art Walk is the place to be if you like crowds, noise, and a whole lot of freaky people. The monthly event draws thousands to downtown, where they smoke and mingle and look cool. So where do you go if you're actually interested in local art without being trampled by scenesters? The answer may surprise you.

One of the best kept secrets in the Phoenix art community is the Sunnyslope Artwalk. On Saturday, October 10th over 125 local artists, craftspeople, and musicians will descend on Central Avenue and Dunlap Avenue for this FREE event, sponsored by Sunnyslope W.I.N.S. and the Second Saturdays committee.

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Phoenix's Mountain Bell Building Demolished by Implosion

San Diego developer Joe Pinsonneault has spent the past five years trying to bring the Mountain Bell building to the ground. On Sunday, September 27th, he finally got his wish.

In addition to Mr. Pinsonneault, hundreds of spectators lined up on rooftops and parking garages to watch as the 10-story structure was destroyed in a controlled implosion at 10:04 AM MST. Of course I was there with my camera in hand to document the first major building to be brought down since the Hotel Adams was razed in the 1970s.

When it first opened in 1973, the Mountain Bell building was the first building in Phoenix to be designed in the International style. The architect was Al Beadle, a man whose tremendous influence on Phoenix architecture is only now beginning to gather appreciation.

Mountain Bell was eventually renamed Qwest, who occupied the building through 2003. According to the Arizona Republic, the property was purchased by Pinsonneault in mid-2004. He plans to develop the land into a high rise tower of luxury condos for retired people, which as of yet has no financial backing.

Check out the following articles for more on the history of the Mountain Bell building, Al Beadle, and the future of the 9-acre site:

Arizona Republic 9/26/2009: Phoenix Building Set for Implosion [link no longer available]
Arizona Republic: Developer to tear down building for condo complex [link no longer available]
Phoenix Business Journal: Retirement complex slated to replace noted Beadle building

4 Free Art Events in the Phoenix Area

Are you looking for something interesting to do this fall, but don't want to spend a lot of money? Get your creative juices flowing at these fine Phoenix area art events! All events listed are free to attend so get out there and get inspired!

Grand Avenue Festival
When: Saturday, Sept 26th (all day)
Where: Grand Avenue between 7th Ave and 19th Ave., Phoenix
What: The concept of "adaptive reuse" has brought new life to this former warehouse district. Enjoy live music, art galleries, exhibits, performances, and historic guided tours for just $10 bucks.
More: Grand Ave Arts & Preservation

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Arizona Drivers Love Vanity License Plates

Vanity license plates are almost a way of life in Arizona. If it seems like you see vanity plates all the time, it is because just over 5% of Arizona drivers have a custom or vanity plate. We rank 12th in the nation for vanity plates according to a study conducted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

Earlier this year, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) released a new custom license plate design in partnership with Arizona Highways Magazine. The new plate features a crop of saguaro cacti silhouetted against a colorful sunset of purple, orange, and yellow.

The plate's vibrant colors and high-contrast white letters are quite different from the standard Arizona design, which made it a perfect fit for me! I have now joined the ranks of the hundreds of thousands of Arizona drivers with a vanity license plate.

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