A Quilter's Guide to Phoenix!
A Quilter’s Guide to Phoenix for QuiltCon 2025
I’m so excited that QuiltCon is coming to Phoenix in 2025! As a quilter and Phoenix local, this will actually be my first time attending QuiltCon, and I can't wait for so many quilters to visit my hometown. There’s so much to see and do, and I want to share some of my favorite spots, shops, and must-see places while you’re here. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Phoenix.
Visiting Phoenix
What can you expect from QuiltCon in Phoenix? First off, Phoenix is HOT, but don’t worry—since QuiltCon will be in February, you’ll get to enjoy our wonderful winter weather. Expect cool mornings and pleasant afternoons, making it perfect for both QuiltCon and exploring the city. You'll be able to quilt, shop and site-see in comfort and enjoy outdoor activities without the extreme heat Phoenix is known for.
Local Quilting Scene
Phoenix is home to a vibrant quilting community, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself! If you're planning to explore outside the downtown area, here are 9 local quilt shops I recommend checking out during your visit. Each offers something unique and will be a fun adventure as you drive around the city.
Modern Quilting - 4649 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix
The Bernina Connection - 4219 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
Arizona Quilts - 12301 W. Bell Road, Ste. A109, Sun City
A Quilter’s Oasis - 9963 E. Baseline Road, #105, Mesa
Mad B’s Quilt & Sew - 7415 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa
Sun Valley Quilts - 9857 W. Bell Road, Sun City
A Quilted Country Bear - 5820 W. Greenway, Ste. 108, Glendale
The Other Quilt Shop - 4233 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix
Sweet Pz Dezigns - 3836 E. Tremaine Ave., Gilbert
Local Shopping
In addition to quilt shops, there’s a few boutiques I’d love to share with you. Keep an eye out for these spots—they're not far from downtown and are worth the visit!
Local Nomad - 100 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 168
Frances - 10 W. Camelback, Ste. A
Changing Hands Book Store - 300 W. Camelback
Bunky Boutique - 1001 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix General - 214 E. Roosevelt Street
Food and Drink Recommendations
Exploring Phoenix will make you hungry, so I’ve got you covered with some great spots for food and drinks. I’m sharing some of my favorite bakeries, coffee shops, and hidden gem restaurants where you can recharge and enjoy the local flavors.
Greenwood Brewing - They are woman owned and hire local artists to design their cans!
Taco Chelo - Across the street from Greenwood and a must try!!
Dark Hall Coffee - Vegan Coffee and Baked Goods. My favorite is the lavender oat latte
Postino’s - You HAVE to order a bruschetta board!
Sightseeing and Activities
While you're in Phoenix, don't miss the chance to explore the natural beauty of the desert. For quilters who love capturing their creations in beautiful landscapes, I've got a section for Quilts in the Wild! You can take some stunning photos of your quilts at scenic spots like South Mountain, Papago Park, Dreamy Draw, and the 40th Street Trailhead. These places are perfect for showcasing your work in a gorgeous desert setting.
South Mountain Park - This place is truly my happy place! There are so many trails to hike and it’s perfect for running or cycling on the park's roads!
Papago Park - Unique rock formations make for lovely quilt pictures!
Dreamy Draw Park and the 40th Street Trailhead bookend some of my favorite local hiking trails!!
If you’re a fan of art and culture, I also recommend visiting our local museums. The Phoenix Art Museum and Desert Botanical Garden are must-sees if you want to soak in some creativity and inspiration during your stay.
Desert Botanical Garden - Bring a quilt or two for pictures!
Travel Tips
Getting around Phoenix is pretty easy, especially if you're staying downtown. You can easily walk, use the light rail, or even try a ride with Waymo while you're here for QuiltCon. I’m not gonna lie, my first Waymo ride was a pretty interesting experience! The trip between downtown and Roosevelt Row is the perfect distance to give it a try!
As for the desert climate, my top tip is to layer up. February mornings and evenings can be chilly, but the afternoons warm up, so having layers will keep you comfortable throughout the day.
I’m beyond excited to share my hometown with the quilting community at QuiltCon this year! Living in Phoenix has influenced my quilting style so much. There’s so much beauty in the desert—from the colors to the landscape—and I hope you find it as inspiring as I do. Phoenix has a unique vibe, and I hope it sparks some new ideas and creativity in your quilting journey. I can’t wait to see you at QuiltCon!
I’m so happy this blog is helpful! I hope I get to meet you at QuiltCon!!
Thanks so much for the cool list! My first Quiltcon as well, coming from Australia. I was planning on checking out Changing Hands so it’s awesome to have some other cute stores to discover nearby!
I’ve always wondered if we lived near each other. Your favorites list proves we do. :) I approve!!
Thanks for this post! I am coming from France and it’s my first time at Quiltcon!
Hi Jenni! Thank you so much for this great info! I’m going to Quiltcon for the first time (solo) and hope to meet many new friends.