This week we head back to the states and live like a local in Phoenix, Arizona, with the marvelous Meggie. She is a blogger who helps others like herself with mental health illness and traveling in her blog Mindful Meggie. She’s here today to share some great tips and must-see spots. So, sit back, relax, and live like a local in Phoenix, Arizona, with Meggie.
Tell Us A Little About Yourself:
My name is Meggie, a traveler with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety. I destigmatize mental illnesses through travel. My travel blog, Mindful Meggie, has a niche in mental health and mental illnesses. As a second generation Vietnamese American, I also want to represent an Asian voice in both the travel and mental health communities.
My blog has inspiring, raw, and funny travel stories, most of which intersect with life with a mental illness. I have educational resources to help travelers understand mental health and its illnesses as well as practical resources to help people with a mental illness travel.
Where Are You From?
I am from Mesa, Arizona, a suburb of the Phoenix metropolitan.
What Is A Must See From Your Area?
The Superstition Mountains, just east of Mesa. Local lore tells of the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine somewhere in the mountains. Throughout history, people have tried to find this lost mine, which for now only exists in stories.
- Visit the Superstition Mountain Museum to learn more about local history and stories. You’ll also find the Elvis Memorial Chapel, which is a historical building used for an Elvis film.
- For hiking opportunities, visit the Lost Dutchman, State Park.
What Is One Spot People Maybe Could Skip?
Old Town Scottsdale is a district in nearby Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite its charming name, its focus is on many shops with superficial, affluent tourist vibes.
What Is Your Favorite Local Food And Restaurant For Those That Want To Live Like A Local In Phoenix?
Organ Stop Pizza is a unique, family-friendly pizza eatery, featuring a large, two-story venue. Each evening, an expert musician plays songs on a pipe organ, accompanied by numerous other musical instruments and even special stage effects. You can even request songs!
Any Advice For Those Who Might Come To Visit?
Visit Mesa from December to March, when the temperatures are the most mild, pleasant, and cool. (Other months of the year are super hot!)
Name One Spot People Might Not Know About So They Can Live Like A Local In Phoenix, Arizona:
Visit the SRP Heritage Center in nearby Tempe, Arizona, where you can learn more about how water is carried and delivered via dams and canals for the people of the Phoenix metropolitan.
What Is An Interesting Fact About Where You Are From?
Mesa is the world’s first Autism Certified City. Public facing staff throughout the city are trained to accommodate residents and travelers who have autism. Use this link to find Autism-certified hotels, attractions, and restaurants.
And Finally Any Last Words For Travelers?
The Phoenix metropolitan has a bunch of desert hiking opportunities. The desert, while magnificent, can also be dangerous. Be a safe, smart hiker, not a complacent one! See some common mistakes desert hikers make.
Thanks To Meggie For Helping Us Live Like A Local In Phoenix, Arizona
Don’t forget to checkout Mindful Meggie for some great advice for those who might struggle with travel due to mental health. I think this is a great resource. Also, please follow her on social media by clicking the icons below.
And don’t forget to check out last week’s Live Like A Local with Shireen in Wales. You can read all about it HERE.
Christine
That pizza joint sounds like a fun time! I’ve always wanted to travel to Phoenix and now I’ll know where to eat when I do 🙂 also, I didn’t know the city is Autism certified! That’s a really cool and inclusive thing for a city to do! 😀
Meggie
Hey Christine!
Thanks for your interest in Phoenix and Mesa! I hope you have a splendid time here. 🙂 (And yes, be sure to visit Organ Stop Pizza!!)
I just published a guide for autistic travelers who want to visit. The Autism Certified City program’s interesting history and practical tips can be found here: https://mindfulmeggie.com/mesa-arizona-autism-certified-city-guide/