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If renewing the wardrobe is key to your mental renewal – looking good is feeling good – nearby Scottsdale Fashion Sq is a temple of sophisticated consumerism. Or, let the public art and neat restaurants around the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art work some magic. The museum showcases global art, architecture and design, including James Turrell’s otherworldly Skyspace in the sculpture garden. The museum is part of the local performing arts center along with the Orange Table café, a decidedly unpretentious, lively place that specializes in mean mimosas.

No matter how you decide to spend the rest of your day, make reservations for Digestif, serving, as they put it, “Cal-Ital food for the soul.” Set in the SouthBridge area of downtown Scottsdale (there are plans for a Soleri-designed pedestrian bridge nearby), it has an absinthe happy hour every day between 5pm and 6pm. Check out the listening booths on the way to the bathrooms – the owners showcase local bands.

Downtown Scottsdale has no shortage of things to do at night – and there’s no shame in staying in to soak up more of the Hotel Valley Ho’s decadent martinis, er, vibe. But, if it’s a Thursday or Sunday night the karaoke at BS West, a gay bar, is how fun-seeking locals, of whatever persuasion, have been reeling in the years for quite some time now.

All good things must come to an end, but don’t you feel better? Like the fiery Phoenix rising from its own ashes, hopefully you feel new again.

Josh Krist

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

Phoenix is about 150 miles south of Flagstaff and 115 miles north of Tucson.

DO

Arizona Science Center

Play with 300-odd hands-on exhibits, watch live demonstrations, or take in the mysteries of our universe at the planetarium. 602-716-2000; www.azscience.org; 600 E Washington St, Phoenix; adult/concession $9/7; 10am-5pm

Cosanti

Show up in the morning to watch the signature bells poured into molds. 480-948-6145; www.arcosanti.org; 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale; donation appreciated; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun

Desert Botanical Gardens

During December’s nighttime luminarias, the plants are draped in miles of lights. Check for solstice celebrations. 480-941-1225; 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix; adult/child/student/senior $10/4/5/9; 8am-8pm, seasonal variations

Heard Museum

A fascinating museum, be sure to check out the busy events schedule and the superb gift shop. 602-252-8848; www.heard.org; 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix; adult/child/student/senior $10/3/5/9; 9:30am-5pm

Mystery Castle

Just be sure to call ahead to make sure tours are still being offered. 602-268-1581; 800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix; adult/child $5/3; 11am-4pm Thu-Sun Oct-May or by appointment

Phoenix Art Museum

Free guided tours at 1pm and 2pm; kids love the miniature period rooms. 602-257-1880; www.phxart.org; 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix; adult/child/$10/4; 10am-9pm Tue, 10am-5pm Wed-Sun

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Anchors an area full of public art and standout restaurants. 480-874-4666; www.smoca.org; 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale; adult/child $7/free; 10am-5pm Tue-Wed & Fri-Sat, 10am-8pm Thu, noon-5pm Sun

EAT

Arcadia Farms Café

Try the gourmet sandwiches or the crispy crab cakes; it’s all seasonal and organic-only. 602-257-2191; www.arcadiafarmscafe.com; 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix; mains $11-15; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun

City Bakery at Arizona Science Center

It’s not necessary to buy science-center admission to eat at this place, run by the same group that does Arcadia Farms Café. 602-257-8860; www.azscience.org/city_bakery.php; 600 E Washington St, Phoenix; mains from $9; 10am-5pm

Digestif

Try the From Farm to Table: sunchokes, fava beans, oyster mushrooms, pecorino and saba served with truffled mushroom tea. 480-425-9463; www.digestifscottsdale; 7114 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale; dinner $18-28; 11am-midnight

Orange Table

This jazzy joint tucked behind the Scottsdale