Nestled in the very heart of urban Phoenix, the Willo neighborhood was once the epitome of suburbia – a collection of subdivisions on the outskirts of Phoenix. Formed from two voting precincts, Wilshire and Los Olivos, this historic district is known for its collection of historic homes built from the 1920s through the ‘40s. The desire by local residents to maintain the authenticity of these homes has made this pocket neighborhood a great escape from the ordinary with funky art houses, cafés and hangouts.
The neighborhood, directly west of Central Avenue in the midtown area, is also convenient to both the Heard Museum, home to an amazing collection of historic Southwest Indian art and crafts, and the Phoenix Art Museum. But, I would start at the Hob Nobs Coffee House for an espresso and a homemade muffin. Local artwork hang on the walls and poetry readings take place weekly. Snack on a deli sandwich, salad and homemade cookie and return for live music Friday and Saturday nights.
As you set off to explore the Willo neighborhood, you’ll find a great collection of unique shops to tantalize all tastes. Antique lovers will enjoy Sage one of the better antique shops that specializes in European salvage — iron gates that can be mounted on walls as decor, chandeliers and other weathered Old World finds. For vintage design, Va’s Modern carries mid-century indulgences such as pole lamps, spindly dinette chairs and bright-colored dishware. The Purple Lizard carries funky and flamboyant women’s clothing, including what it describes as “wearable tie dye treasures.” Also for sale are local art and body products like a bottle of lemon thyme oatmeal and rice bath salts. Sharing the same building is the Southwest Gardener, with its metal garden sculptures, inlaid-tile tables and chairs, and large, ceramic-pot fountains that are a treat when they’re all running at once.
When it’s time to restore your strength with a bite to eat, head to My Florist Café and Bar. Vada Schwartz’s floral shop permeated the neighborhood with the perfume from her fresh-cut flowers over 60 years ago. Today, the scent is of fresh-baked bread. One of my favorite places for lunch, their salads are tasty and homemade breads wonderfully fresh. I’ve also brought a group of friends to this trendy location in the evening to sing along with their in-house piano player, Nicole Pesce, who can play anything from Bach to Beyonce.
For a perfect ending to a perfect day, I suggest you have a nightcap at Sidebar. An intimate space with exposed brick and hard wood floors, Sidebar serves cocktails made with the freshest juice that they squeeze daily. This sexy lounge offers a second-story view of Downtown through huge glass windows. Attracting both a younger and older crowd, it’s a great place to get together, relax and reflect on your day in this historic part of town.
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