Tag: Phoenix things to do

Things-to-Do

Exploring Changing Hands Bookstore: A Charming Oasis for Book Lovers

sharondashariee
Changing Hands Bookstore

Chain bookstores such as Barnes & Noble are convenient, but visiting your local bookstores offer more of a unique and special experience.

Recently, I strolled into Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, there is also a location in Mesa, Arizona.  From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the vibe:  with a Book Bar set off to the left (First Draft Book Bar), where patrons quietly sipped draft beer and iced coffee, snacking on pastries, worked on laptops, or enjoyed the company of friends.

First Draft Book Bar

The atmosphere felt like it was crafted by someone who dreamt of this type of space and then shared it with the community.  The staff could be your neighbor, or even your neighbor’s kid.  It is a retail space, selling both new and used books, yet it exudes a tranquil and relaxed ambiance with many genres spanning the aisles.

Changing Hands Bookstore Entry
Changing Hands Bookstore Entry

I spent about an hour browsing through the shelves and ended up purchasing a children’s book in Spanish, “Huevos verdes con Jamon,” along with a mini notebook to throw in my handbag for quick notes. Afterward, I settled into a seat at the Book Bar and ordered an Iced Vanilla Latte, enjoying another hour there.

Huevos verdes con jamon – Iced Vanilla Latte

Towards the back, I noticed a service counter where people exchanged books for credit. As well as meeting rooms available for reservation. Perfect for book club gatherings.

While I still enjoy visiting Barnes & Noble, I have added local bookstores to my must-visit list as well. When it comes to pricing, it is worth noting that local bookstores may not compete with Amazon’s prices, they often charge a bit more, so do yourself a favor and do not search while there.  However, go in knowing that your dollars support a local business.

Changing Hands Bookstore Meeting Space

Be sure to check their calendar of events (www.changinghands.com); Changing Hands frequently hosts book launches, author readings, teen book clubs, and a variety of other engaging events.

Changing Hands Bookstore Events
Changing Hands Bookstore Events

What are your favorite bookstores in your area? Drop the name and location in the comments, so if I am ever in your area, I can drop-in.

Location Visited:
300 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013

Changing Hands Bookstore and Trade Counter Hours
Hot Air Ballon Rides, Hot Air Balloon Riding, Hot Air Balloons, Living, Things-to-Do

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride

sharondashariee

You guys! Next to parasailing in Negril, Jamaica, this was one of the most adrenaline-charged experiences I was finally able to experience, hot air ballooning. I say finally, because my husband or anyone for that matter could not be talked into participating in this activity. My husband constantly told me that at least one parent had to stay on the ground to raise the kids.

Funny not funny.

My research on the company and safety stats convinced a girlfriend to go along with what I felt was a great idea.

From the moment I booked the ride, with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. (RR), every human sense was stimulated.

An oversized basket, a giant balloon, fueled with hot-air, thousands of feet in the air, with 12 people inside, could we be any crazier? We were willing to see! I booked the hot-air balloon ride about three weeks out.  You had the choice of a sunrise or sunset ride.  We chose sunset, because getting up before the sun comes up over the horizon and baring the morning coldness was not anyone’s idea of an enjoyable start to a day.

There was no individual weight limit with RR, but they will ask what the total weight is for the individuals booking in your party.  They placed us in a basket according to the other 10 riders that rode in the same basket with us, to give the balloon an overall safe balance. 

Per RR, there were other requirements that we needed know before we booked our ride, such as being able to get in and out of the basket (similar to getting on and off a horse), standing for three hours, since we did have to stand the entire time, no on balloon seating. Wear comfortable clothes and closed toed shoes.

We checked in one day prior, to confirm our attendance for the next day. We arrived one-hour prior to flight time on the day of the ride to get an assigned basket, pilot, and van.

The ride from RR headquarters to the launch-site was about 45 minutes.  Once the balloon chasers located an idea space for take-off, they began set-up.  Set-up took an additional 45 minutes.  We filled the time with a photo-op and observing the process of the crew inflating the balloon. They process is all manual, from pulling the basket out the back of a pick-up, unraveling the balloon to make sure it is flat and ready to be inflated with large fans.

In the air with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.

Once the logistics were in order, it was time for take-off.  Nail-biting and wonder started to take over. However, the hot-air balloon ride was the most serene, relaxing, and enjoyable time that you can have at approximately 3,000 feet in the air. Surprisingly so quiet, just the sounds of whispering chatter from our balloon neighbors, and the sound of the fire fueling the balloon. Our pilot pointed out some landmarks and gave us some short personal stories about his flying experience over the last 30 years.

After about one hour and a half in the air, we prepared for landing. Landing was bumpy, but not rough. We skipped a few times, but our basket did not tip over, like we were warned could happen. There are small steps etched on the inside of the basket. We used those to climb to flat ground. We had a or few celebratory glasses of wine, and all the riders received flight certificates. Our balloon chasers met us at the landing site and chauffeured us back to the RR Headquarters. Overall, our experience was 10/10.

And yes, we are a little bit crazier since scratching hot-air ballooning off of our bucket list. Would not have it any other way!

Our total price paid was $390, for two riders, not including tip.

Have you been hot-air ballooning? Who were you able to talk into going with you? Tell me about your experience. If you have not been hot-air ballooning. would you try it?

Location Visited:

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.
715 E. Covey Lane, #100
Phoenix, Arizona 85024