Downtown keeps it cool

SHOP

Bert Easley’s Fun Shop. WHAT: 6,000 costumes for rent in a labyrinthine store opened in 1947. For the Fourth, pick up an Uncle Sam top hat with stars that light up. WHERE: 509 W. McDowell Rd.; 602/271-9146. 

Southwest Gardener. WHAT: A jam-packed homage to gardening, with hand-painted garden art, tools, and classes. The owners are Master Gardeners who love talking shop. WHERE: 2809 N. 15th Ave.; 602/279-9510.

PLAY

Encanto Park. WHAT: After the shops close, hit Phoenix’s own Central Park, with 222 grassy acres and a lagoon where you can take a paddleboat out among the ducks. Evenings mean old-fashioned fun, from a swim in the pool for a nostalgic 25 cents (after 6 Mon–Fri) to poetry readings, folk dancing, and jam sessions. WHERE: 2605 N. 15th Ave.; 602/261-8993.

EAT

My Florist Café. WHAT: Half-price bottles of wine (can it really be Christmas in July?) are the daily deal at the 1950s florist shop–turned–restaurant and piano bar. There’s a cool vibe, big salads, and sandwiches made with yummy bread from Willo Baking Company next door. HOW MUCH: $. WHERE: 530 W. McDowell Rd.; 602/254-0333.

Willo and Encanto lie between Thomas Rd. to the north and Mc- Dowell Rd. to the south, and Central Ave. to the east and 15th Ave. to the west.