Ready to make a day out of your Health & Fitness Expo experience in Downtown Phoenix? We asked a local for suggestions, and here’s what we got: 

Coffee Pit Stop 

Dapper & Stout 

201 E Washington St #102, Phoenix, AZ  

Looking for a quick caffeine fix on your way to the Expo? Located less than 90ft from the Convention Center, Dapper & Stout is the perfect grab-n-go coffee shop with concept so-on-trend, that its fans are known to “Eat, Drink & Stay Dapper.” There’s an extensive menu with great espresso base to develop from, so there’s something for everyone.  

Some of its must-try food options include the Spicy Italian or Breakfast Bagel, which features scrambled eggs, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and a delicious pesto mayo. There’s also a sweet Banana-Nutella Panini, which is exactly what you’d dream it to be: a gooey, delicious mess of hot hazelnut spread and fresh bananas on vanilla batter-dipped toast…. maybe wait to eat that until after the Expo. ;)   

Post-Expo Shakeout Run  

Downtown Phoenix is an urban oasis waiting to be explored, so make the most out of your shakeout run before or after attending the Expo. Make these last few miles before race day into a “tour of downtown.”  Starting at the Convention Center, run west on 7th down Van Buren St towards the State Capitol building. Then loop back around down S 17th Ave and back towards the Convention Center on W Jefferson St.  Stop and take a picture of the sites along the way which will include Heritage Square, Arizona Science Center Children’s Museum, Chase Field, Herberger Theater for Performing Arts, the Orpheum Theater, a couple of parks, and the Capitol. You'll get a real taste of what running in the Valley is like soon enough! 

Time to Carb Up 

Gallo Blanco 

928 E Pierce St, Phoenix AZ 

Load up on your pre-race carbs by indulging in the true flavors of Mexico at Gallo Blanco in Downtown Phoenix. Getting an early start for the day? Stop by for a Huevos Rancheros Breakfast. Dishes like the chilaquiles and breakfast burritos are also on point. Hungry for tacos? Gallo Blanco serves them all day. Choose two or three tacos from their a la carte menu for a flavorful meal. Or swing by later in the evening for La Parillada or the sit-down posole. Only a few blocks north of the Convention Center, dining at Gallo Blanco is a perfect way to have a healthy, locally sourced meal while experiencing the taste of authentic Mexican food during your visit.  

For more suggestions on spending your day in the Downtown Phoenix area, check out VisitPhoenix.com.