Happy Memorial Day

In celebration of this day- I will be attending a old-school pool party with some air force boys.. just because.. but if you don't have a pool in your backyard, a boat for Lake Pleasant, or some handsome men in uniform around to celebrate with- check out one of the city's aquatic social scenes in my picks for Phoenix' best party pools.

1. The Clarendon a hipster haven for all those looking to escape the heat in something other than a cabana with bottle service. It's pretty much The Standard of Phoenix. Hang pool-side during the day, and be sure to check out their rooftop at night... stand-by for a future post on the best rooftops.

2. The Valley Ho from hipsters to mad men, this venue offers a retro option to your summer repertoire. Get a cabana, invite your friends and enjoy. After the sun, pretend like you're really on vacation and head over to Trader Vics for either regular or reverse happy hour, just make sure to add rum and an umbrella.

3. WET at the W Scottsdale a sexy spin on summertime, if you're looking for a place to show off your hard work in the gym and that super expensive designer suit- head here. Call ahead to reserve cabanas, daybeds and lounging pods- 480.970.2100

Summer Sundays

bocce at the vig

scene at the Vig

friends at the Wrigley

delcoa at Wrigley

Wrigley nightvision

The perfect Sunday? It varies, but here in the Valley of the Sun- I like to hit up the Wrigley Mansion http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/ for their Fireside Sunday line-up featuring 1/2 off bottles of vino and the band Delcoa http://www.delcoamusic.com/. Hands-down one of the BEST views in the city.

After the show ends at Wrigley, head over to the Vig http://www.thevig.us/ for more vino specials and a great crowd- perfect for people watching. If you're feeling competitive (and feel like garnering some attention), try your hand at bocce along the back patio.

If you've been pacing yourself in the alcohol category, congratulations! You are part of the lucky few who can advance to the 3rd round of Summer Sundays- Kasmierz http://kazbar.net/. A hidden gem in the heart of Old-Town keeps cool with an amazing selection of wines and live musical talent.

Sunsets at Wrigley, bocce at the Vig and dancing at Kasmierz- the perfect Summer Sunday.

Follow me on twitter for updates on the scene http://twitter.com/CultureRut

Taste This

Phoenix joins the epicurean elite. Chef Eric Gitenstein puts the secret into service with his underground supper club http://www.mftasty.com/. Reserve your spot for his one and only Citrus Tasting Menu on June 6th.

Sayanara Stale and Buh-Bye Boring!

Get off the wheel...

cul·ture [kuhl-cher]: the characteristic features of everyday existence shared by people in a place or time.

rut [ruht]: a monotonous routine.

... break the cycle