The Most Lit Destinations in Town Where to stay, play and unwind! Courtesy of Proven Media It’s no surprise that canna- infused tourism is gaining popularity in states where recreational sales are legal. A dispensary shopping excursion is no longer the pinnacle of the consumer experience, instead an array of hospitality businesses are capitalizing on cannabis lifestyle activities and boutique offerings to suit the new social scene. Though AirBnB hasn’t made cannabis-friendly stays an option (yet), Forbes recently reported that U.S. cannabis tourism is a $17 billion industry, and there’s no doubt it will continue to have an impact on the overall trillion dollar tourism economy as more markets legalize. In Arizona, a growing list of venues and destinations have given the green light to patrons to enhance the way they socialize and entertain. Here are some local favorites where plant pairings are all part of the experience. Melt Lounge A self-described members- only clubhouse, the Melt Lounge features an in-house glass studio delivering high vibes and high art. The venue serves as a gallery space for hand-crafted glass pieces while also playing host to intimate live music events, weekly themed “sessions”, and private, cannabis-friendly gatherings. One of its main attractions is the ability to watch artists at work in the glass blowing studio, while enjoying a toke and good conversation with friends. It’s also conveniently located next to Herb ‘N Legend, the destination for functional glass art that has been around since 2009. So if you’re looking for a place to chill and hang out, the Melt Lounge delivers an artful experience. Mint Kitchen Shopping for your favorite cannabis concentrates and already have the munchies? Head to The Mint Cafe, the country’s first cannabis dispensary with a full- service kitchen. Offering a menu of classic lunch fare, visitors will have a hard time choosing their edible experience. Cafe items are cooked with cannabutter and oils, including made- to-order 10-inch pizzas, chicken nuggets, house burgers, Mac-n-Cheese, and chicken wraps. Patrons even have the ability to choose how much they’d like to infuse, starting at 25 mg. all the way to 1,000 mg. Since cafe meals are made to order, purchases need 16 JULY 7TH–JULY 13TH, 2022 | 2022 NEW TIMES | 710 GU I D E to happen onsite at the dispensary, but luckily daily operating hours are from 9 a.m to 9 p.m., so it’s easy to schedule a stop. The Elevations Lounge at The Clarendon Hotel For those who want to elevate their staycation look no further than The Clarendon Hotel and Spa. Conveniently located in the heart of Phoenix, The Clarendon is a four-star boutique hotel and Arizona’s first cannabis friendly resort. The smoking rooms have definitely generated the most interest and are quite popular among guests. The hotel continually receives positive feedback from visitors who appreciate having the freedom to smoke in their room without worrying about extra fees or complaints. Another amenity is The Clarendon’s Elevations Lounge, a social consumption space that has emerged as a go-to for industry movers and shakers. The lounge plays host to monthly Budtender’s Bash celebrations and other exclusive consumption events. In addition, hotel guests and locals have the ability to participate in Elevations Nation, a lifestyle-driven membership program. The community platform offers an all-access pass to exclusive travel benefits, curated experiences, special events at The Clarendon, as well as off-site activations with local partners. Flight 420 In need of a coffee buzz and maybe a plant-based boost? Take a break at Flight 420, the first recreational coffee lounge in the metro Phoenix area. It’s where coffee lovers and cannabis enthusiasts can catch up and get inspired. With premium smoothies, coffee, and tea on the menu, the high-end cafe is a perfect place to jump start or wind down your day.
