There literally couldn't be a worse time to be writing about Arizona. The highly unpopular Immigration Law recently passed, turning this scenic land into a police state. Terrifying to think about, and even scarier in action. It's difficult to believe that something like this could happen in modern times, but there it is in black and white. I know it might be difficult to convince you, but I implore you to consider that there are liberal folks in the state of AZ who are absolutely appalled at this law and are praying that legalities will kill it dead. 

Not the beloved John Hughes flick, but a classic nonetheless. Welcome to the quaint town of Bisbee, Arizona. Affectionately dubbed "the world's largest open air asylum," the locals tend to be as colorful as the terrain. The town used to be a bustling place of commerce, due to the Copper Queen Mine. Now it hosts artists, antiques and tourists from every walk of life. It's definitely something to experience! When in town, a visit to the Bisbee Breakfast Club is an absolute must. Owners Pat and Heather Grimm know a thing or two about food - they've got 67 years of combined restaurant experience between the two of them! What you'll find is delicious, consistent and fast meals. "Fast" as in food seems to appear moments after placing an order - with all the hot and fresh ingredients in proper place. That's a blessing when one has "perhaps" overindulged in the small but active "night life." I feel like I've just been hired for Fodor's with the serious tone of this post. Ha, I should be so lucky. What can I say? Damn good food, every damn time. Where's the joke in that? The funniest thing about the BBC is Heather's lilting voice - she makes me smile.

Another Phoenix, Arizona gem. This is one of the last cities I would expect to find world class soul food - but oh, my god! LoLo's Chicken and Waffles is a must. I think the menu is somewhat self-explanatory, but I will say that the waffles are unlike anything I've ever tasted. What's the trade secret to that batter? I'm guessing LoLo will never tell. All I know is, I can't wait to go back. 

Ah, the joy of alliteration! We happened upon this place after seeing Brendan Benson (affectionately dubbed "my sonic boyfriend") at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, Arizona. The name is happily deceptive - it's one of the cleanest dive bars I've ever been in. Our bartender was quite brazen in her too short shorts (all the better to show off the tramp stamp and stomach tats - that's a compliment, by the way); and she appeared to have the proverbial heart of gold. More importantly, she poured with a heavy hand. I was the designated driver, so I wasn't able to partake of her gift - but I did appreciate her support as we teamed up to heckle my boyfriend into downing several shots of Maker's Mark. Hey, there are worse fates - right? It's on the cross street of "long stretch of road" and "where the hell am I" - but Phoenix is situated on a large grid, so it's relatively easy to find your way around. Tell em Jenna sent you. It won't change a goddamn thing, but it might get you some weird looks - and perhaps a nice, heavy pour.