You'll have to pardon us if we get a little nostalgic as we publish our 35th edition of Best of Phoenix®. We've grown up together, Phoenix, and we can't help noticing that you've got a lot on your plate these days.
The rap on this place is that nothing lasts — buildings are torn down before there's time for mildew, restaurants come and go, and people never stay. But more and more, that's less true.
From Tovrea Castle to the Bikini Lounge, there's plenty of vintage Phoenix left to admire, and we've documented our favorites for you here in the pages of the 2013 Best of Phoenix® and online at www.phoenixnewtimes.com/bestofplates in a multimedia package featuring videos, slideshows, podcasts, and more.
Some things never get old, if you know what we mean. Enjoy.
Vintage Phoenix Q & A (All by Robrt L. Pela)
Megalopolitan Life: Artist Halldor Hjalmarson
Fun and Games: Phil Barrett of the Toy Box
Goods and Services: Brandi Kvetko of Jackalope Trading Post
La Vida: Serena Cays of Los Olivos
Food: Monica Heizenrader of MacAlpine's
Nightlife:Music historian John Dixon
Vintage Phoenix Collection (All by Valerie Hoke)
Megalopolitan Life: Phoenix Art Museum's Philip C. Curtis Paintings
Fun and Games: Gary Gauthier's Phoenix Suns Memorabilia
Goods and Services: Heidi Abrahamson's Native American Jewelry
La Vida: Steve Davis' Mexican Folk Art
Food: Jenny Kuller's Kitchen Goods
Nightlife: Danny Zelisko's Concert Memorabilia
Vintage Phoenix Artifact (All by Robrt L. Pela)
Megalopolitan Life: WPA Murals at Downtown Post Office
Fun and Games: Arizona Falls
Goods and Services: Leona Caldwell's Patio Wear
La Vida: Sagrado Corazón
Food: Bill Johnson's Trailer
Nightlife: Mr. Lucky's Sign
Vintage Phoenix Business (All by Valerie Hoke)
Megalopolitan Life: Tovrea Castle
Fun and Games: Big Surf
Goods and Services: Guidon Books
La Vida: Azteca Bridal
Food: Durant's
Nightlife: The Bikini Lounge
Vintage Phoenix Memory (All by Robrt L. Pela)
Megalopolitan Life: From the Ashes
Fun and Games: Monkey House Shines
Goods and Services: Final Vinyl
La Vida: My First Mexican
Food: Out to Eat
Nightlife: Dance Hall Days