Experience AZ Fall - Winter 2016-2017

Fall - Winter 2016-2017

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STAY & PLAY AT ALOFT PHOENIX-AIRPORT Designed for global travelers who love open spaces, open thinking, and open expression, this is where travel creates possibilities. Stay in style just five minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and enjoy free airport shuttle service plus easy access to Metro Light Rail, located just steps from our door.

Kick back in a loft-inspired guestroom, stay connected with fast & free WiFi, or chill out by the outdoor pool.

Mix things up at W XYZ bar with specialty cocktails, then hang out for a Live At Aloft Hotels performance featuring Phoenix’s hottest emerging artists. ®

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©2016 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Aloft and its logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

President and CEO: Michael Atkinson Publisher: Cheryl Green Vice president of operations: Audrey Webb EDITORIAL Editor in chief: Michael Gossie Associate editor: David McGlothlin AZ BIG MEDIA

ON A ROLL: Editor in Chief Michael Gossie competes in Ironman Arizona.

Tempe has become a hotbed for triathlons and the state hosts dozens of recreational sports events every month.

ART Art director: Mike Mertes Graphic designer: Ana Richey

Arizona packs adventures for everyone, every day

DIGITAL MEDIA Digital editor: Jesse A. Millard

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ore than a decade after moving to Arizona from my native New York, people still ask me what I like the most about living in the Grand Canyon state. My answer is always the same: “I haven’t had to shovel snow once since I moved here.”

But if I lived a couple hours north, the yearly snowfall would give my home turf in upstate New York a run for its money. That is what makes Arizona great: Where else can you get a sunburn in Scottsdale and have a snowball fight in Flagstaff on the same day?

Arizona offers something for everyone, every day.

From hiking and biking to shopping and spas, Arizona provides the experiences that create memories that last a lifetime.

That’s what Experience AZ is all about. We want to guide you to adventures and experiences that will make your visit to Arizona one you will never forget. Based on votes from our readers, we have listed the five best dining experiences, tours, attractions and places to visit in a variety of categories.

Want to know my personal fab five Arizona adventures? Hiking to the waterfalls of Havasupai. Running and riding at South Mountain on “Silent Sundays.” Relaxing at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess. Taking in a relaxing Cactus League spring training game. And when friends visit, I always take them to Clever Koi for dinner.

So get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. And use Experience AZ to guide you toward a visit that will make you want to come back time after time to keep crossing the must-see hot spots off your Top 5 lists. And when you find a favorite, be sure to vote for it by visiting azbigmedia.com so others can share your amazing memories.

MARKETING/EVENTS Marketing & event manager: Heidi Maxwell Marketing coordinator: Kristina Venegas OFFICE Special projects manager: Sara Fregapane Executive assistant: Mayra Rivera Database solutions manager: Cindy Johnson EXPERIENCE ARIZONA | PLAY BALL Director of sales: Jayne Hayden AZ BUSINESS ANGELS Director of sales: Felix Mayo AZ BUSINESS LEADERS Director of sales: Sheri Brown AZ BUSINESS MAGAZINE Senior account manager: David Harken Account managers: Jennifer Heberlein | Brit Kezar Bailey Young AZRE | ARIZONA COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Director of sales: Ann McSherry HOME & DESIGN Director of sales: Joe Freedman RANKING ARIZONA Director of sales: Sheri King

Michael Gossie Editor in chief michael.gossie@azbigmedia.com 2

Vote and learn more at azBIGmedia.com

Experience AZ Magazine is published twice yearly by AZ BIG Media, 3101 N. Central Ave. Suite 1070, Phoenix, Arizona 85012, (602) 277-6045. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a SASE. Single copy price $9.95. Bulk rates available. Copyright 2016 by AZBIGMEDIA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Experience AZ Magazine.

Fall-Winter 2016-2017

CONTENTS Itineraries Chambers of Commerce................................................6 Glendale........................................................................10 Page..............................................................................14 Gilbert...........................................................................16 Carefree........................................................................18 Williams.........................................................................20 Buckeye........................................................................22 Flagstaff........................................................................24 Tucson...........................................................................26 Travel Tips Get Around....................................................................28 North & South...............................................................30 Hiking............................................................................32 Accommodations Northern Arizona...........................................................34 Southern Arizona..........................................................36 Central Arizona.............................................................38 Dude Ranches..............................................................40 Bed & Breakfast............................................................42 Uniquely Arizona...........................................................44 Casino Resorts.............................................................46 Restaurants Local Favorites..............................................................50 Hipster Hangouts..........................................................52 Steaks & Chops............................................................54 Mexican & Southwest...................................................56 American Contemporary..............................................58 Italian............................................................................ 60 Seafood & Sushi...........................................................62 Bottoms Up...................................................................64 Adventures Snow Day Adventures................................................. 66 Parks & Monuments......................................................68 Arizona Must Do’s.........................................................70 Grand Canyon Adventures...........................................72 Family Friendly..............................................................74 Native American Experiences......................................76 Adventures In The Air...................................................78 Outdoor Adventures.....................................................80 Animal Parks.................................................................82 Water Adventures.........................................................84 Architecture Tours........................................................86 Casinos.........................................................................88 Auto Attractions........................................................... 90 Golf Courses.................................................................92 Beauty & Day Spas.......................................................94 Jewelers....................................................................... 96 Shopping Centers.........................................................98 Fitness.........................................................................100 Galleries & Museums..................................................102 Festivals......................................................................104 Wineries......................................................................106 Sports Intro.............................................................................108 Cactus Bowl................................................................109 Fiesta Bowl................................................................. 110 Rock n’ Roll Marathon................................................ 112 Phoenix Open............................................................. 114 NASCAR...................................................................... 116 Cactus League............................................................ 118 4

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ARIZONA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Apache Junction

Glendale

In the shadow of the majestic Superstition Mountains, the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce represents a diverse group of businesses located in a varied geographic region extending east of the metropolitan Phoenix area in Pinal County.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is a private, non profit, membership-driven organization comprised of over 750 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals.

ajchamber.com 480-982-3141

Buckeye The purpose of the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership, support local businesses and build strong partnerships dedicated to promote business, education and community interests of Buckeye. buckeyevalleychamber.org 623-386-2727

Carefree The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce is committed to the mission and vision of the organization and what that means to the success of its business community as its leads into the future. carefreecavecreek.org 480-488-3381

Chandler The Chandler Chamber of Commerce supports business and the community by providing vital programs and services that attract and retain business while embracing its diversity. chandlerchamber.com 480-963-4571

Flagstaff The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1891 as the Board of Trade and is a community problem solver that promotes the Flagstaff community and its total economy. flagstaffchamber.com 928-774-4505

Gilbert Since 1978, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce proactively serves as the business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert. gilbertaz.com 480-892-0056 6

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glendaleazchamber.org 623-937 4754

Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce offers information for visitors traveling to the Grand Canyon South Rim and all of Northern Arizona. grandcanyoncvb.org 844-638-2901

Jerome It is the goal of the Jerome Chamber of Commerce to provide you with as much information as possible so you can plan your trip to the town.

Jerome is open year round and offers visitors a wide variety of activities in which to indulge. jeromechamber.com 928-634-2900

Lake Havasu City The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber of commerce in northwestern Arizona. Independent of any government funding, it is proud to represent more than 700 businesses and individuals. havasuchamber.com 928-855-4115

Mesa With a history that extends more than 110 years, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce continues to bring top of the line networking opportunities to the community. mesachamberofcommerce.org 480-969-1307

ARIZONA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Page The Chamber Page Lake Powell offers a wide range of opportunities to visitors and residents.

The Chamber has been serving the area since the 1960s. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a business owner, you will find something to fit your needs within the chamber directory. pagechamber.com 928-645-2741

Phoenix The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has been part of its community since 1888, working with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations helping them stay connected, informed and prosperous. phoenixchamber.com 602-495-2195

Sedona This is the best first stop for any visitor to Sedona.

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau’s well-informed and trained staff and volunteers serve almost 300,000 visitors annually with helpful and free information about Sedona. sedonachamber.com 928-282-7722

Tempe For more than a century, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce has built an environment that enhances the economic vitality of its membership and the business community as a whole. tempechamber.org 480-967-7891

Tubac The Tubac Chamber of Commerce business office and visitor information offers insight into Tubac, which features more than 100 eclectic shops and world class galleries situated along meandering streets punctuated by hidden courtyards and sparkling fountains. tubacaz.com 520-398-2704

Tucson The mission of the Tucson Metro Chamber is to promote a strong local economy resulting in business growth, ample employment and improving quality of life for all citizens. tucsonchamber.org 520-792-1212

Williams The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce is a member-focused organization and community partner that fosters a sustainable, healthy and vibrant economic environment through business promotion, advocacy, education and services. cottonwoodchamberaz.org 928-634-7593 8

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Get the recognition you deserve!

Fall - Winter 2016

Restaurants: Italian

Franco’s Italian CaffÊ

Az BIG Media owns the exclusive rights to Experience Arizona and is the only provider of official plaques.

azBIGmedia.com | 602.277.6045 Many more styles and sizes available online

VISIT GLENDALE

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elax, rev up and have the time of your life in Glendale. Game time, girl time, family time – a trip to Glendale can truly be the time of your life. We welcome you to use our sunsets, championship moments and unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment destinations as the stage for your lasting memories.

Looking to get your game on? We’ll knock your socks off. Want to submerse yourself in a never-ending wonderland of shops and boutiques? We’ve got you covered there, too. In Glendale, you can have it all. A visit to Glendale will begin a lifelong romance, marked with memories and excitement.

Things To Do: Shop • Historic Downtown Glendale, one of the country’s 10 best places for shopping.

• Westgate • Arrowhead, Arrowhead Entertainment District Glendale’s Northern Shopping Corridor • Tanger Outlets Westgate

• Cabela’s • Desert Diamond West Valley Casino.

Outdoor Adventure Thunderbird Conservation Park – a 1,185acre park in the Hedgpeth Hills dedicated to preserving our native desert environment.

Arts & Culture Glendale Police Museum 6835 N. 57th Dr. (623) 930-3486 • GlendaleAZ.com

Manistee Ranch 5127 W. Northern Ave. (623) 435-0072 • GlendaleAZ.com Sahuaro Ranch Historical Area 9802 N. 59th Ave. (623) 930-4200 • GlendaleAZ.com

Sports & Entertainment Glendale has grown into a true sports destination with Gila River Arena, home of the NHL Coyotes; the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the NFL Cardinals and the Fiesta Bowl; and Camelback Ranch-Glendale, spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. Arizona Doll & Toy Museum 5847 W. Myrtle Ave. (623)939-6186 arizonadollandtoymuseum.com

Special Events: January Glendale Glitter & Glow February Glendale Chocolate Affaire March Paris in the Spring April Sidewalk & Yard Sale “Woofstock in Murphy Park” May Mother’s Day Event June Summer Band Concerts

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Summer Scavenger Stroll July Summer Band Concerts September Teddy Bear Day October Front Porch Festival November Holiday Open House Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend December Glendale Glitters Holiday Weekend

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FOR MORE INFO Glendale Visitor Center Boasting a countless collection of free local, regional and statewide maps, brochures and travel information, the Glendale Visitor Center is the first place to start your journey.

5800 W. Glenn Dr., #140 Glendale, AZ 85301 (623) 930-4500 / (877) 800-2601 VisitGlendale.com Page sponsored by Visit Glendale

A DAY IN SCOTTSDALE

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cottsdale is the Valley’s lap of luxury.

It’s where baseball players hang out during Spring Training and the location of Arizona’s elite shopping centers and fashion hub. You’ll see sparkly convertibles, such as Ferrari car clubs doing a happy hour, or the hottest DJs spinning in the Entertainment District during weekends. Here’s how the Scottsdalians do it:

8 a.m.: Breakfast at the Original Pancake House Winner of the James Beard Award and a Scottsdale staple, the Original Pancake House has been voted one of the Top 10 Best Restaurants of Arizona.

originalpancakehouse.com

11 a.m.: Scottsdale Fashion Square Scottsdale Fashion Square is the city’s

BONUS: Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld Arabian horses, due to their reputation for endurance riding, are popular breeds at horse shows. The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona hosts events throughout the year at Westworld of Scottsdale. The 62nd annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is set to take place Feb. 16-26, 2017 scottsdaleshow.com

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multi-story luxury mall in the middle of town. Shoppers will find Barneys New York, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton and Gucci among hundreds of other retailers of similar upscale caliber.

fashionsquare.com 2 p.m.: spa810

Take a moment to rejuvenate tired skin or reverse the signs of aging. Indulge in pain free laser hair removal, customized facials, HydraFacial treatments, Micro Pen rejuvenation, skin tightening, VI peel or therapeutic massage treatments.

spa810.com

4 p.m. Happy Hour at Kelly’s at SouthBridge For the best happy hour in Old Town, check out Kelly’s. The restaurant uses the term “social hour,” but it still means half-off appetizers, bruschetta and

bottles as well as $4 drafts and wells and $4 discount on cocktails. Social hour is Monday through Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. and all-day Sunday.

kellysatsouthbridge.com

7 p.m.: Dinner at Citizen Public House There isn’t a bad thing on Citizen’s menu, but, if we may, the chopped salad is a bit of a local legend.

citizenpublichouse.com

10 p.m.: Night cap at The Beverly Formerly a stylized speakeasy known as Mabel’s on Main, The Beverly carries that same old-time vibe. More than 100 whiskey options and spirits line the walls and the cocktail menu is extensive as well.

Settle up in a booth and get sophisticated — “Mad Men” style.

thebeverly.us

A DAY IN PAGE

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age is a small town in northern Arizona on the southern shores of Lake Powell and is an ideal location for exploring many of the American Southwest’s renowned national parks and monuments and discovering the unique culture of the Navajo Nation.

7 a.m.: Visit Horseshoe Bend Take a hike to see Horseshoe Bend, a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located near Page. It is one of the one of the most photographed areas on the Colorado River.

horseshoebend.com

10 a.m.: Take your camera to Antelope Canyon Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located on Navajo land east of Page.

Antelope Canyon includes two separate, photogenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as Upper Antelope Canyon, or “The Crack”; and Antelope Canyon or “The Corkscrew.” Go at mid-day when the sun is passing overhead to get the most spectacular photos.

antelopeslotcanyon.com

12 p.m.: Have lunch at Big John’s Texas BBQ Big John’s Texas BBQ is a very chill barbecue joint with a retro vibe slinging brisket and other slow-smoked eats in a former gas station. Try the “sampler plate” so you don’t miss out on any deliciousness.

Bigjohnstexasbbq.com

4 p.m.: Check out Rainbow Bridge National Monument Rainbow Bridge, made from sandstone formed during the end of the Triassic and the Jurassic periods, is often described as the world’s highest natural bridge.

Rainbow Bridge is one of the most accessible of the large arches of the world.

nps.gov/rabr

6 p.m.: Dinner at Into the Grand Into the Grand is a multi-cultural venue, providing guests with a look into the past and present of river running through the Grand Canyon. The dinner show at Into the Grand includes amazing food, handmade Navajo Indian fry bread and live music.

But the Native American dance show performed by young Navajo dancers will certainly be the highlight of your evening.

intothegrand.com

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VISIT GILBERT Top 10 Things To Do: • Visit Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch to bird watch and view indigenous flora & fauna • Star gaze at Riparian Preserve’s astronomy observatory • Visit the Heritage District to dine and explore • Visit Gallery 4 and the Art Intersection • See a play at Hale Theatre • Visit Cosmo Dog Park rated 4th best in the US

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ake memories that will last a lifetime during your vacation to Gilbert, Arizona. Our friendly town is just southeast of Phoenix and Scottsdale and is only a short drive away from the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway or Phoenix Sky Harbor Airports. Known for being one of the best places to live in America, Gilbert boasts a wide array of outdoor and cultural attractions, unique dining and shopping experiences and family friendly activities.

In Gilbert, it’s easy to find unique dining spots with exceptional food and local charm. In fact, our local restaurants are the kind of places you’ll tell your friends about, blog about and post pictures of the food on your social media channels. With a variety of genres, you’re guaranteed to find great food in a place built on warmth and character.

As one of the largest and most popular wildlife preserves in Gilbert, Arizona, The Riparian at Water Ranch features hiking and equestrian trails open to the community. The preserve provides a great opportunity for wildlife and bird watching and is considered the premier bird watching facility in the Phoenix metro region. Close to 250 species of birds have been sighted and many people come from different states and countries to see the beautiful and sometimes rare birds. The park boasts covered picnic areas, a dinosaur dig site and campsites that can be reserved for a desert getaway. The preserve also has the only valley astronomy observatory open to the public every Friday and Saturday evening from dusk until 9:30 pm, subject to weather conditions.

The fantastic weather and diverse terrain make Arizona the optimal place to see the state via bicycle.

Gilbert, named Bicycle Friendly Community, is well known for its Central Trail System that offers 135 miles of enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. Along with its equestrian tracks are over 54 miles of marked bike trails where you can ride along the canals.

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• Play a round of golf at one of the 5 golf courses • Visit Topgolf for laser tracked golf games • Visit and taste craft beer at our top ranked AZ Wilderness Brewery • Bike throughout our community on the miles of bike trails Visit www.DiscoverGilbert.com to learn more.

Special Events: November:

Downtown Concert Series 6:30-8:30 Free to Public at Water Tower Plaza in the Heritage District 3rd–Miss Dmeanor and the Felonies 17th–Cisco and the Racecars plus lighting of the water tower 10th–Veterans Day Ceremony 11am-1pm 18th–Gilbert Days 5K-1 mile run and Family Expo 4:30 19th–Gilbert Days Parade 8:30am

December:

Downtown Concert Series 6:30-8:30 Free to Public at Water Tower

Plaza in the Heritage District 8th–The Real Thing Band 9th & 10th–Riparian After Dark 5:30-9PM 16th & 17th–Riparian After Dark 5:30-9PM

February:

25th–Gilbert Outdoors Expo 9am-2pm

March:

25th–KA-POW Superhero Adventure Run 8am–12

April:

8th–Gilbert Global Village Festival 10am – 4pm

More Info:

Contact Michele Renahan at Michele.renahan@gilbertaz.gov

Where to Stay: • Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites 4470 S. Power Road | Gilbert, AZ 85212 480.457.8181| bestwesternlegacyinn.com • DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix/Gilbert 1800 S. SanTan Village Parkway Gilbert, AZ 85295 480.809.4100 doubletreephoenixgilbert.com • Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix East Mesa 1825 N. Higley Road | Gilbert, AZ 85234 480.654.4000 | http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/arizona/hampton-inn-and-suitesphoenix-east-mesa-PHXEMHX/index.html

• Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/Gilbert 3265 S. Market Street | Gilbert, AZ 85297 480.543.1500 hamptoninnphoenixgilbert.com • Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert 3275 S. Market St. | Gilbert, AZ 85297 480-899-5900 gilbert.place.hyatt.com • InTown Suites 2350 W. Obispo Ave. | Gilbert, AZ 85233 | 480-539-7500 | https://www.intownsuites.com/ extended-stay-locations/arizona/gilbert/

• Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix/Gilbert 3021 E. Banner Gateway Dr. | Gilbert, AZ 85234 480-699-4450 | marriott.com/phxgb

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VISIT WILLIAMS

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illiams, Arizona is a destination known for things to do for visitors of all ages. From cruising Route 66, planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, riding the rails, getting up close to the wildlife at a drive-thru wildlife park, hitting the trail with some outdoor recreation, or shopping for that perfect souvenir- Williams, Arizona is the place to do it.

Anytime of the year is the perfect time to visit Williams. But, if a special event is what you’re looking for, Williams has it. Whether it be a rodeo, classic car show, Polar Express train ride, or a Howly Growly time in October, Williams will not disappoint. Experience Williams- Gateway to the Grand Canyon!

Attractions in Williams We like to say- attractions in Williams require different shoes or choice of chair.

Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride to the Grand Canyon in style, a chance to enjoy nature up close and personal at a wildlife park, or just enjoy what Route 66 has to offer - you’ll find it in Williams.

The Grand Canyon Railway is a perfect way to sit back and enjoy the ride to the Grand Canyon if you are traveling alone, with your partner or in a group. With entertainment on the way, the spectacular view of the Canyon when

you arrive, and the chance to reflect on it all on the ride back- it’s an attraction you don’t want to miss.

Bearizona Drive Thru Wildlife Park is a wild time in a perfect setting. Get up close and personal with many different animals in their natural environment and you’ll know why these bears have become an Arizona favorite.

If you are ready for an adventure, or just want nature to be your guide, the attractions of Williams will have you coming back for more!

Lodging One of the best things about Williams is that when you choose your lodging you feel connected to a real community and the hometown things to do. Lodging comes in all forms in Williams including bed and breakfast locations, route 66 classic hotels & motels, RV parks and campgrounds, and traditional national brand names. Wherever you choose to stay, it will have the comforts of a charming, historic community.

Dining Williams, Arizona has a variety of dining options. If family friendly is your style, quick service, or a chance to take your time, rest your feet and enjoy a glass of wine, then the question becomes where to do it.

Downhome style with made from scratch menu items, mile high pies, microbreweries, a wild west saloon, a tasty steak dinner, indoor/outdoor dining: it all awaits you in Williams, Arizona.

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Route 66 Route 66 conjures up thoughts of rich history, soda fountains, neon lights, classic cars, and fun! Only in Williams, Arizona will you find a stretch of Route 66 with shopping, dining, lodging, and cowboy actionfun for the whole family.

Route 66 is an experience, a feeling, a perception, a taste of sight & sound, and a mystery that can only be resolved by driving the pavement itself. The “super-highway”, as it was thought of in 1926, represented unprecedented freedom to travel across the American West. The original paved highway was a narrow two-lane road (slightly wider than one lane of a modern highway) that spanned over 2,300 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Long Beach, California.

Williams, Arizona has something for everyone. Plan a visit and see why visitors have fallen in love with Williams. Williams, Arizona: Gateway to the Grand Canyon.

VISIT BUCKEYE

By The Month In Buckeye Buckeye has miles of spectacular hiking trails, skydiving and ballooning, some great restaurants and golf courses. But what also makes this city unique are its community events. They reflect the city’s heritage and warm sense of neighborly. Pick a month, the event and check it off your bucket list or visit www. visitbuckeye.com

Demolition Derby Nov. 19 The Buckeye Demolition Derby is billed as the most fun you can have on a Saturday night in Buckeye . . . and the slams, jams, crunches and grinding of metal on metal prove it! The full car demo derby follows an honest-to-goodness lawn mower race . . . you’ve got to see it to believe it!

Buckeye Marathon Glow on Monroe Dec. 10 The Buckeye Marathon also includes a

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half marathon, 10K, 5K and one-mile fun run. This year athletes of all ages can be challenged by the CrossFit Fury obstacle course! And the holiday spirit comes alive a few days before Christmas with the “Glow on Monroe,” Buckeye’s parade of decorated, lighted floats.

Buckeye Days Jan. 28-29 Everything cowboy is offered up during Buckeye Days! Starting with an honestto-goodness cattle drive down main street to a full-blown rodeo, from a Hollywood gunfight and stunt show to trick roping and Native American dancers, The Wild West will come alive in Historic Downtown Buckeye!

Buckeye Air Fair Feb. 4 The air at the Buckeye Municipal Airport will be buzzing for the annual Buckeye Air Fair. The Science & Technology expo offers astronomy, science and

aviation exhibits. There are also aircraft displays and remote control aircraft demonstrations, fun rides in bi-planes and helicopters and a special interactive Kids Zone.

Dog Days of Buckeye March 4 Buckeye goes to the dogs for one day each March, giving our canine buddies a dog-gone good time! Check out the disc dogs, a police K-9 unit, the always-exciting annual Chihuahua races, plus dog tricks, pet nutrition tips and much more!

50th year of Melodrama April 1 Boo! Hiss! It’s time for the 50th annual Melodrama, celebrating Buckeye’s half century of hoots and hollers! Local writers and actors provide audiences laughter and anxiety, heroes and villains, fun for all ages! And join the thousands who search the lawn at Sundance Park for those colorful eggs during the Spring Celebration!

VISIT FLAGSTAFF

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t an elevation of 7,000 feet surrounded by Ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff is Arizona’s fourseason hub of activity where an eclectic mix of small town charm, a wealth of fine art and cultural offerings and endless outdoor adventure beckons.

No matter the season, Visitors are sure to find more to do than can be packed into one trip and a return visit during another time of year is needed to fully experience all Flagstaff offers.

Each visit to Flagstaff should start with checking in to one of the city’s 5,000 hotel rooms and stopping in at the Flagstaff Visitor Center for personalized suggestions to enhance your experience. Use these seasonal itineraries to plan your next visit:

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

In 2015 Flagstaff was designated Arizona’s Official Winter Wonderland by Governor Ducey. The recognition highlights Flagstaff as the state’s snowy playground where an average of 100 inches of snow falls annually in downtown and winter activities abound.

A springtime visit to Flagstaff can include skiing one day and the next day gazing into the Grand Canyon at a spectacular sunrise or remarkable sunset.

Summer is filled with mild sunny days where visitors find endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and countless special events and festivals to fill the inviting cool evenings.

To experience the season at its most exhilarating, hit the trails around 8,000 feet elevation; where large stands of aspen trees steal the show with their golden glowing leaves.

• Beat the summer crowds and spend the day at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments: Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater or Wupatki.

• Dedicate ample time to wander historic downtown looking for unique souvenirs in dozens of locally-owned boutique shops and art galleries.

• Cap off your day with a wine blending session at Blendz wine bar and have your custom wine bottled on site.

Day 1:

Day 1:

Day 2:

• Play in the trees and test physical limits on the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course.

• Take a walk on the Flagstaff Ale Trail and taste local beer at the city’s seven craft breweries.

• Enjoy a festival or special event and spend the evening listing to live music under the pines.

Day 1:

• Clip into skis or a snowboard and hit the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl. The ski area is known for its learning terrain and has trails to challenge all levels.

• There are numerous après ski options including historic downtown’s 70+ restaurants for a delicious meal.

• Spend an evening with the stars by visiting Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered.

Cold clear winter nights make for some of the best conditions to see celestial objects.

Day 2:

• Get a trail pass for the Arizona Nordic Village and explore the snowy forest by cross country ski, snowshoe or snowbike.

• Bundle up to enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy woods at Hitchin’ Post Stables.

• During the holidays, a visit to Little America hotel is essential when the property is illuminated with a million lights.

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Day 1:

• Learn about the geology, cultures and history of the Colorado Plateau region at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

• Pedal around Flagstaff on a guided bicycle tour with AZ Pedal Tours or reserve a seat on the Alpine Pedaler pub crawl ride.

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• Hike into the Coconino National Forest on one of the many scenic trails only minutes from downtown.

• Learn about high altitude plants and forest ecosystems on a visit to The Arboretum at Flagstaff.

• Enjoy a number of lively restaurant patios for al fresco dining and savor the cool evening atmosphere.

Day 2:

• Drive up to Arizona Snowbowl for a ride on the scenic chairlift to soar high above the forest filled with aspen, pine and spruce trees.

• Splurge on a gourmet meal featuring forest foraged ingredients at Coppa Café, Tinderbox or Root Public House.

Day 2:

• Cruise historic Route 66 through Flagstaff and let the neon of a roadside diner lure you in for a burger or slice of pie.

• Take a line dancing lesson then dance the night away at The Museum Club on Route 66.

tall peaks | deep canyon A P E A K 12,633 F E E T I N E L E VAT I O N A N D H I G H E ST P O I N T I N A R I ZO N A A C A N Y O N 6 , 0 0 0 F E E T D E E P A N D O N LY 8 0 M I L E S F R O M F L A G S T A F F

SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS

PHOTO BY TOM ALEXANDER

flagstaffarizona.org

G R A N D C A N YO N N AT I O N A L PA R K

A DAY IN TUCSON

T

he thing about Tucson is it’s a large metro that revolves around the University of Arizona. If you see Wildcats — noted for their blue and red college gear — don’t be alarmed. It’s just part of Tucson’s community spirit. Here’s how, as Wildcats would say, you “bear down” in southern Arizona.

7 a.m.: Breakfast at Frank’s This isn’t classy dining by any stretch of the hungry spectrum, but, boy, does Frank’s have the best breakfast in town!

All the staples for a breakfast joint are on the menu with southern Arizona kick.

franksrestaurant.com

8:30 a.m.: Summit Mt. Lemmon for Ski Valley If you’re looking to hit the slopes for a few hours, give Ski Valley, at the top of Mt. Lemmon, a try. It’s a bit less flashy and beginner-friendly (and has quite a few tree-covered runs) than what you’ll find in northern Arizona, but the rentals are lowcost and the drive up is beautiful.

skithelemmon.com

Noon: Lunch at Baja Cafe of Tucson

6 p.m. Dinner at Maynard’s Market and Kitchen

After working up an appetite on the slopes, descend upon Baja Cafe for a refueling meal. This mom-and-pop restaurant blends American comfort food with the Southwestern flair that Tucson is known for. We always find ourselves craving Baja’s from-scratch pancakes or the mouth-watering Wildcat Benedict.

One of the best burgers in Tucson, a wine flight and live music are nice ways to end a long day of sightseeing. Chef Jared Scott has made quite a name for himself in American fusion and shouldn’t be overlooked while everyone’s fussing about the Phoenix foodie scene.

bajacafetucson.com

2 p.m.: Visit Kitt Peak National Observatory Kitt Peak built 7,000 feet above Tucson has the largest collection of radio and optical telescopes in the world. The observatory was constructed in the ‘60s but remains a beloved site for aspiring and serious stargazers.

noao.edu/kpno

4 p.m.: Day drinking at The Buffet Check out Tucson’s oldest dive bar with playfully graffitied walls offering pub grub, pool and free shuffleboard. But go during the day because ... well, just go during the day.

thebuffetbar.com

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maynardstucson.com

9 p.m. Catch a show at Hotel Congress Hotel Congress is a charming 40-room hotel built in the early 1900s that has a leading reputation for Club Congress.

The club won the title of best margarita at the Tucson Culinary Festival, and Esquire named it one of the top bars in America. The Hotel Congress area is also the go-to spot for concerts in Tucson with its neighbor, the Rialto Theatre, where you can catch most of the popular touring bands that don’t make it up to Phoenix (or the occasional band that plays both cities).

hotelcongress.com

Come explore under our wings!

300 Aircraft - 6 Indoor Hangars - Exclusive Tours Of The “Boneyard”

www.pimaair.org I-10 to Exit 267 - 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ - 520 574-0462

www.titanmissilemuseum.org

Uncover the Secrets of America’s Largest Nuclear Weapon

I-19 to Exit 69 1580 W. Duval Mine Road, Sahuarita, AZ 520 625-7736

TRAVEL TIPS GET AROUND You’re in Arizona. Now what?

Uber

Clean Air Cab

Phoenix has aggressively pursued public transportation options to help residents and tourists get around the city with ease and good timing. However, since you’re new to the city, there are a few things you need to know.

Phoenicians are increasingly using the Uber ridesharing app to get around the city. All you have to do is download the app to your phone and enter payment information that will automatically pay your driver at the end of the trip. An added bonus is that fee estimates are provided via the app before you even request a ride. This takes the element of surprise out of your ride. Drivers are also incentivized to be good stewards because patrons can rank their drivers after a trip concludes.

If you’re set on taking a cab, do so with a clean conscience. Clean Air Cab uses a fleet of Prii (the official plural form of Prius) and guarantees a happy ride, but it’s also an award-winning local business.

GRID Bike Share Program

To reserve: Download the Silvercar app

Light Rail The Valley Metro light rail connects the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to downtown Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix. Frequency between trains changes by time of day.

Monday through Thursday, rails run between 4 a.m. and midnight. On Friday and Saturday, the trains run nearly 24 hours. On Sundays, trains stop around 2 a.m.

Tickets: $2 one-way, $4 all day; Purchase them at kiosks at station platforms and present the ticket to rail security if they board your car.

Tip: If you have a ticket for an event downtown, such as a basketball game, you can ride the rail for free to and from the event.

To find a nearby station and schedules: Download Ridekick app

To reserve: Download the Uber app

Those neon green bikes aren’t just meant to brighten the streetscape around Phoenix.

They’re bikes you can rent and ride around downtown in lieu of driving or taking the rail. There are 500 bikes at 50 locations around the city. The fee is $5 per hour for non-members.

Tip: If you’re worried a bike won’t be available, you can reserve one up to 15 minutes prior to pickup via the SoBi app.

To reserve: Download the SoBi app

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To reserve: 480.777.9777

Silvercar Want to travel in style? Silvercar is a car rental company that makes life easy. You’ll always get a classy silver Audi A4. No surprises or convincing your significant other that the red mustang really isn’t worth the extra $40 per day. All Silvercar rentals automatically come with GPS, Wi-Fi and satellite radio.

On foot If you’re flaunting your pedestrian prowess by hitting the sidewalks of Phoenix, look for the unnaturally cheerful Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors. They’re usually in flourescent T-shirts and are wearing an “Ask Me” button.

This isn’t a trick. These ambassadors are volunteers of Downtown Phoenix Partnership and are more than happy to help lost travelers or to suggest things to do. Think of it as Siri in human form.

a proud part of Arizona for twenty years.

Enjoy Award-Winning Food You Knead for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

™

Locations throughout the Valley, Sky Harbor Airport and Northern Arizona wildflowerbread.com

TRAVEL TIPS NORTH & SOUTH Degrees of Separation Arizona is a state where you can go skiing and sunbathe in the same day with just a short drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix. The state is versatile, but that means visitors need to plan ahead.

If you are primarily staying in Phoenix, but intend to see the

Northern Arizona

Central and southern Arizona

Average temperature

low

high

rainfall

Average temperature

low

high

rainfall

November

22 F°

51 F°

1.86”

November

48.9 F°

74.9 F°

0.7”

December

17 F°

44 F°

1.83”

December

41.8 F°

66.2 F°

1.0”

January

16 F°

43 F°

2.18”

January

41.2 F°

65.9 F°

0.6”

February

19 F°

46F°

2.56”

February

44.7 F°

70.7 F°

0.7”

March

23 F°

50 F°

2.63”

March

48.8 F°

75.5 F°

0.9”

What’s in season: Temperatures are dropping and leaves are changing colors. With an average of 100 plus inches of snowfall each year, Flagstaff is Arizona’s premier winter wonderland.

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sunrise at the Grand Canyon, you’re going to wish you brought closed-toe shoes, pants, a scarf and a jacket. If you’re planning to head south, toward the border, you’re going to see less of a tundra-desert dichotomy, but you may face a whole new set of climate challenges.

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What’s in season in Central Arizona: Hiking and running outdoors, college and professional basketball and football and beer festivals What’s in season in Southern Arizona: Pick your own apples and produce at one of the many southern Arizona orchards, college basketball and football

TRAVEL TIPS HIKING Things to watch for when hiking Arizona

H

itting the trails in Arizona is primarily a safe and rewarding activity. However, there are a few tips and tricks that out-of-towners should brief themselves on before lacing up their boots.

Don’t feed the javelinas!

Those furry pig-looking guys you see sniffing around the trails are not wild pigs at all. They’re javelinas. They love food, but you should never feed one. Javelinas, especially those with large tusks, can do serious harm to humans. If their ears are down and they’re growling, they may charge at you. If you encounter one, try to scare it off with loud noises. Don’t be afraid to get really loud. You’re more likely to encounter a javelina when hiking at dusk or in shaded areas.

Snake!

If it’s coiled, has seen you and, if applicable, is rattling its tail, move away as quickly as possible. Do this with caution. You don’t want to trip during your getaway. Snakes don’t always strike from a coiled position, but it’s usually a sign of aggravation.

If the snake seems nonchalant to your existence and is just working its way across the trail, you can choose to wait for it to pass.

It bit me!

Move away from the snake as quickly as

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possible to avoid a second attack.

Now: Don’t panic. Don’t suck the wound. Don’t rip your shirt off to make a tourniquet. Don’t break out the snake bite kit. Just breathe.

The buzzards won’t start circling you unless you’re hours or days away from civilization and antivenom, which we doubt is the case. So, if you have cell service, call 911. If not, try to find someone who can take you to the nearest hospital.

Here’s what you do now: Keep breathing. If you panic, your heart is going to pump blood faster. Let it bleed for about 30 seconds and then bandage the wound without cleaning it (this can help medical professionals figure out what kind of venom is in your body, if any). Keep the affected area as immoble as possible.

Movement gets your blood flowing, which spreads venom. However, you may need to move a little to get to a car or medical help. That’s a worthy use of blood flow. If you’re in pain, though, breathe through it. Don’t grab for the flask. That, too, will disperse the venom more quickly.

What happened to the trail?

Do I cross this stream?

Look for a cairn. Cairns are stacks of rocks used for directing hikers along paths that are difficult to navigate.

Sometimes they’re made by other hikers, and are subtle stacks, but other times they’re larger and contained in metal netting by park rangers to ensure hikers they’re on the right path. These are most commonly seen when you need to cross a wash or stream.

Tips: Bring (and drink) water. You filled your Camelback? Awesome. Now pack a waterbottle, too. Bring lots of water, even when you’re hiking on a chilly morning.

It’s important to stay hydrated in Arizona.

Apply sunscreen You can still wake up with a nice lobster-y hue after being outside on a cloudy day. UV rays aren’t disabled by fluffy clouds, unfortunately. What you need: SPF 30 or higher (grab chapstick with SPF, too). Apply your sunscreen while indoors and on dry skin. Then, reapply every two hours. If you’re sweating a lot, you may want to reapply hourly.

Know your limits If you’re not usually an active person, heading out on a 14-mile roundtrip hike is probably going to hurt the next day.

Save yourself injury and self-loathing by picking a slightly shorter hike. It’s important to research elevation changes and how rigorous a trail is.

TOP 5 | ACCOMMODATIONS NORTHERN ARIZONA

PICTURE PERFECT Lockett Meadow Looking for a picturesque, dry campground or a cool day trip this fall? The prettiest place to hike this time of year is through the stark contrasts of changing golden leaves on white aspen trees at Lockett Meadow. The area has a wonderful view of the San Francisco Peaks and volcanic remains.

Hike: The Inner Basin Trail #29

L’Auberge de Sedona

Enchantment Resort

Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff

Surround yourself with towering red rocks and the babbling bank of Oak Creek within one of the 87 luxury guest rooms and cottages on this 11-acre resort. The resort just underwent a $25 million refurbishment that included a new outdoor pool, yoga classes and stargazing sessions.

This resort combines luxury with rugged grandeur inspired by Native American culture. The adobe casitastyle accommodations offer world-class comforts amid the Sedona red rocks.

This contemporary and stylish allsuite hotel is 6.6 miles from the Lowell Observatory and 7.7 miles from the Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Upgraded suites add fireplaces.

lauberge.com

Amara Resort & Spa Set against a superb backdrop of red-rock buttes and steps from the banks of Oak Creek, this hotel offers breathtaking views.

It’s also just a block from uptown Sedona’s shopping and restaurants.

amararesort.com

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enchantmentresort.com

Hidden Meadow Ranch Stay in a cozy log cabin on a private ranch community that started as a lodge and guest ranch but has become a place where people can purchase gorgeous woodland homes.

hiddenmeadow.com

sonesta.com/flagstaff

www.lowell.edu | 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | (928) 774-3358 Find us on Social Media: Facebook.com/LowellObservatory | Twitter: @LowellObs | Instagram: @LowellObservatory

HOME OF PLUTO AND THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE • Daytime Tours • Solar Viewing • Nighttime Telescope Viewing • Science Demonstrations • Interactive Exhibits

A new interactive exhibit featuring asteroid detection, classification, and more!

TOP 5 | ACCOMMODATIONS SOUTHERN ARIZONA Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Loews features 398 guest rooms, four restaurants and lounges, eight tennis courts, two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, fitness trails, swimming pools and a full-service spa.

Distinguished from all other Tucson resorts by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine and Forbes Travel Guide, this hotel blends into the surrounding Sonoran Desert and Tortolita Mountain. About 30 minutes outside of downtown Tucson, this hotel offers four restaurants, a golf course, hiking and a destination spa.

loewshotels.com

Miraval Resort & Spa The Miraval experience includes fresh locally sourced ingredients to make flavorful food, growth and development activities that make the heart pump, fabulous spa services that ignite the senses and an unrivaled team of wellbeing specialists to help make positive and lasting change in your life.

miravalresorts.com

ritzcarlton.com

Westward Look Resort Set high in the foothills overlooking Tucson and warmed by an abundance of desert sunshine, Westward Look Resort is a rejuvenating resort environment inspired by the beauty of its pristine natural surroundings.

westwardlook.com

Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort

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Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort The Conquistador’s newly renovated pool, new poolside cabanas and outdoor fire pits deliver the ultimate indoor/outdoor resort experiences with dramatic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.Â

hiltonelconquistador.com

TOP 5 | ACCOMMODATIONS CENTRAL AZ Boulders Resort & Spa The newly-renovated Boulders Resort is a high-end resort with two golf courses on 1,300 acres in the Sonoran Desert foothills north of Scottsdale.

It’s a peaceful paradise that is designed for a blissful adult getaway.

theboulders.com

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess The warm, Southwestern-inspired rooms come with private balconies or terraces and some feature fireplaces or whirlpool tubs. This upscale resort is 1.3 miles from the TPC Scottsdale golf club, which hosts the PGA’s Waste Management Phoenix Open.

scottsdaleprincess.com Hermosa Inn

In-room fireplaces, secluded patios, hand-painted Mexican tile, swimming pool, Jacuzzis and Lon’s at the Hermosa restaurant are among the beautiful perks patrons will find in the hacienda-like accommodations.

hermosainn.com

Hotel Valley Ho We hope you packed your chiffon robe for your stay at Hotel Valley Ho. The mid-century modern abode just outside of Old Town Scottsdale is a fabulous hang for people who love sitting poolside in fashionable hats while bathing in the vintage feel of the property.

hotelvalleyho.com

The Phoenician The Phoenician, a AAA Diamond resort, is the epitome of European luxury in the desert. Marble floors, mother of pearl tiled swimming pools, gold etchings in the ceilings and grand pianos gracing the hallways and pool areas are just a few of the elegant touches from when the hotel was built in the ‘80s on the 250acre property. There is also a 27-hole golf course on the premises.

thephoenician.com

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

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GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL

Desert Rose Steakhouse’s signature is Certified Angus beef, slightly seasoned & seared.

We also feature 1/2 lb burgers, lightly seasoned, seared & grilled on an open flame.

Looking to stay on the lighter side, try our signature salads or homemade soups. We love craft beers and have a large variety of local brews on tap, signature cocktails from our mixologist, excellent wine list, or try our whiskey or vodka flights.

4:30-9:30PM Daily 6729 N. 57TH DR. GLENDALE AZ 85301 • desertrosesteakhouse.com • 623-937-3004

TOP 5 | ACCOMMODATIONS DUDE RANCHES Bumble Bee Ranch Adventures Horseback riding, cattle drives, nature hikes and Western dinners. Guided history-filled tours through Bumble Bee Creek, into the mountains and through the scenic Sonoran Desert.

Guest accommodations are available.

bumblebeeranch.com

Rancho de los Caballeros Rancho de los Caballeros is Arizona’s premier guest ranch, where you can sense the thrill of a desert trail ride or challenge yourself to a round of golf at Los Caballeros Golf Club.

ranchodeloscaballeros.com Rancho de la Osa

This intimate 300-year-old property is one of the last great haciendas in America. Established as a guest ranch in 1924, Rancho De La Osa’s history has been lovingly preserved in the beautiful buildings that rest comfortably in the rolling grasslands of the high Sonoran Desert.

ranchodelaosa.com

Tanque Verde Ranch Tanque Verde Ranch, founded in 1868 and located on 640 acres east of Tucson, offers horseback riding, tennis, guided hiking, mountain biking, nature walks, weekly breakfast rides and outdoor BBQs. All included in the nightly rate.

tanqueverderanch.com

White Stallion Ranch The True family invites guests to share in the timeless traditions of a working cattle ranch while enjoying all the comfort and service of a top-notch resort, nestled against the west side of the Saguaro studded Tucson mountains.

whitestallion.com

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TOP 5 | ACCOMMODATIONS BED AND BREAKFAST Boots and Saddles

Sedona Views

Boots and Saddles, Sedona Bed and Breakfast, was awarded TripAdvisor.com’s Traveler’s Choice Award for the last nine years and labeled as the best Bed and Breakfast in the U.S.

Not all B&Bs have to be renovated historic cottages. Sedona Views is located in a multi-level contemporary house on a hill with stunning views of the red rocks. Each room has a private patio and entrance.

Though residents will feel isolated among nature, the home is a short drive to downtown Sedona.

oldwestbb.com

Briar Patch Inn Stay in one of the 19 cottages nestled in Oak Creek Canyon and enjoy a peaceful, natural setting. Located three miles from shopping, dining and great views of the Sedona sunset.

briarpatchinn.com

sedonaviewsbb.com

The Canyon Wren Looking for a cabin for two where you and your significant other can comfortably retreat after a day of hiking or shopping for crystals? The Canyon Wren cabins are

settled right along Oak Creek Canyon, surrounded by sycamores, hammocks, private patios and grassy lawns.

canyonwrencabins.com

The Vineyards Bed & Breakfast If the weeping willows outside are any indication, the recently opened Vineyards is a romantic, secluded getaway overlooking Arizona’s wine country. The proprietors, who found the location on Craigslist, of all places, pride themselves on Midwest hospitality and a solid homemade breakfast.

thevineyardsbandb.com

Briar Patch Inn

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TOP 5 | ACCOMMODATIONS UNIQUELY ARIZONA Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

Jerome Grand Hotel

An Arizona landmark since its opening on Feb. 23, 1929, when it was crowned The Jewel of the Desert.

The Jerome Grand Hotel was originally constructred in 1926 under the name United Verde Hospital. After the hospital became a hotel, many alleged hauntings began to occur and is now popular among traveling ghost hunters.

arizonabiltmore.com Hassayampa Inn

Since 1927, when writers and artists were drawn to the stunning landscapes of the Southwest, the Hassayampa Inn has been the “Grand Jewel of Prescott,” a fashionable resort for the well-heeled. Georgia O’Keeffe stayed there. So did D.H. Lawrence, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Tom Mix and Will Rogers.

hassayampainn.com

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

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jeromegrandhotel.com La Posada

Rated as one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay” by Condé Nast Traveler Gold List in 2009, this hotel is the Last Great Railroad Hotel built in 1929 by the Santa Fe Railway for the Fred Harvey Company. It

offers guests three gardens (Sunken, Rose and Potager), a wedding terrace and the fabulous Turquoise Restaurant.

laposada.org

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa Set on 53 acres on Camelback Mountain, this boutique resort is about four miles from Old Town Scottsdale offers spectacular views of Paradise Valley and the mountains beyond.

sanctuaryoncamelback.com

TOP 5 | ACCOMMODATIONS CASINO RESORTS Casino Del Sol Resort

Talking Stick Resort

Mediterranean architecture surrounds the gaming space, featuring 1,000 nickel, quarter, $1, $5 and multidenominational slot machines. The $100 million resort, with luxury rooms and suites, has two new restaurants, a spa and 20,000 square feet of meeting space.

A distinct resort and entertainment destination in Scottsdale, Talking Stick Resort offers luxuries such as a rejuvenating open-air spa, eight worldclass restaurants, 10 entertainment lounges, a lively 240,000-square-foot gaming floor and two pools.

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment Tucson

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

casinodelsol.com

Desert Diamond’s casino floor is packed with the hottest slot machines and table games.

Hungry? Your cravings are covered. Dancing?

Monsoon Nightclub is there. When it’s all over, you can chill out in the hotel room.

ddcaz.com

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talkingstickresort.com

Twin Arrows, located east of Flagstaff, is northern Arizona’s premier casino resort destination, offering luxury amenities and best-in-class gaming.

twinarrows.com

We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center Located off Route 87 on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Reservation, this refined casino and resort offers a pair of 18-hole golf courses, a 24-hour casino and a day spa, fitness center, a sprawling outdoor pool and seven restaurants.

wekoparesortandconferencecenter.com

Salt River Fields

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TOP 5 | LOCAL FAVORITES Pizzeria Bianco Chef Chris Bianco started making artisinal pizzas in the back of a grocery store in the ‘80s. Now, he has multiple restaurant locations in Phoenix and Tucson, and won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest in 2003.

Best known for his pizzas, it’s hard to go wrong with anything from his kitchen. pizzeriabianco.com

BEST ENCHILADAS Gadzooks Rumor has it that founder Aaron Pool used to demand enchiladas for breakfast, lunch and dinner as a kid. Once you’ve tried his build-your-own enchilada joint, you’ll probably feel the same way.

Gadzooks offers interesting filling options and a killer tortilla soup.

Among favorite fixings are the short rib and cornbread enchiladas. gadzooksaz.com

Gertrude’s Located at the stunning Desert Botanical Garden, Gertrude’s is known for its seasonally inspired cooking that combines American favorites with classic cooking techniques and flavors from around the globe. gertrudesrestaurant.net Sumo Maya The minds behind Sumo Maya in Scottsdale have done a delicious job deconstructing traditional Mexican and Japanese dishes and re-imagining them to make them their own. Everything is served tapas style, which gives diners an opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes and flavors. sumomaya.com The Stockyards In 1947, The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original Steakhouse, opened its doors for the first time with a menu focused solely on its historical past: beef. Staying true to its heritage, The Stockyards’ menu continues to feature only the finest corn-fed, aged steaks and prime rib. stockyardssteakhouse.com The Vig There are multiple locations for The Vig around town, each with an upscale neighborhood feel. Head over for bocce ball and a beer or take on some tough choices from the mouthwatering menus. No matter how you spend your time at The Vig, you’ll never feel rushed or like a tourist. thevig.us

Sumo Maya

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TOP 5 | HIPSTER HANGOUTS Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails Hounds may be man’s best friend, but Blue Hound is your stomach’s new best friend. A decadent menu free of butter and heavy cream brings big taste without that heavy feeling afterward. It also saves room for dessert. Mixologist Noah Momyer is an agave spirit master, so keep that in mind while looking over the cocktail menu. bluehoundkitchen.com Citizen Public House Known for its amaro meatloaf, the menu at Citizen Public House is expansive in scope (from venison strip to duck leg, scallops and veggie burgers) and relatively brief. Pair anything on the menu with the exquisite The Original Chopped Salad. You won’t regret it. citizenpublichouse.com

Clever Koi This Chinese-American fusion restaurant is one of the greatest additions to the Phoenix foodie scene. It offers build-your-own bowls, exquisite steamed buns and dumplings, craft cocktails and a casual, yet upscale atmosphere. This is great for dinner, but the lunch menu offers chilled green tea noodles that are worth visiting for two meals in one day. thecleverkoi.com DeSoto Central Martket This red-bricked neighborhood market, situated in a former auto garage at the confluence of the Arts District, opens its doors at 6:30 a.m. every morning. The goal of the recently redeveloped market is to serve food to-go or for in-house dining. It’s as social as you want it to be.

In addition to Teaspressa, a tea-centric beverage bar, patrons will experience

a food court that caters to fine dining tastes, such as oysters and Latin-Asian fusion. Overseen by Chef Stephen Jones, this market is perfect for a group of people who just don’t know what sounds good. Because everything will. There’s also free Wi-Fi in the court. desotocentralmarket.com La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria La Grande Orange is an artisinal grocery, wine and beer store that serves healthy breakfasts and lunches that come with a side of novelty books and goods. The establishment also offers vegan and vegetarian options that are wholesome and so, so flavorful. lagrandeorgangegrocery.com

TRAILER BRASH Size doesn’t matter when it comes to big tasting sandwiches, like those served out of the red and white trailer better known as Welcome Diner. Parked amid artsty downtown houses, the Welcome Diner is a charming place to mingle with locals over draft beer, craft cocktails and comfort food. welcomediner.net

Citizen Public House

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TOP 5 | STEAKS & CHOPS The Capital Grille More than two weeks before a steak is served to customers, The Capital Grille dry ages its meats for an unmistakable flavor and texture. The restaurant’s inhouse butchers then engage in what the restaurant calls and “intensive process” of cutting the meat for maximum enjoyment. Any place that cares that much about its diners’ experiences is ready for the most discerning patrons. thecapitalgrille.com Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge offers one of Scottsdale’s best finedining experiences in an intimate,

upscale environment. Its menu includes crab-stuffed prawns, strawberry‑ fields salad, elk tenderloin and New York steak. casinoarizona.com Desert Rose Steakhouse Capitalizing on the boom of backyardstyle restaurants and bars, Desert Rose Steakhouse is housed with Desert Rose Pizza & Gastro Pub and Desert Rose Cigar Lounge & Club in a hip renovated Glendale welding facility and offers the best steaks and prime rib in the West Valley. desertrosesteakhouse.com Don & Charlie’s Since 1981 Don & Charlie’s has been

serving prime steaks, baby back ribs, prime rib and fresh fish and many other entrees that are indicative to the owners’ Chicago roots. A hot spot for sports fans, Don & Charlie’s also enjoys showing off its collection of sports memorabilia. donandcharlies.com Donovan’s Steak & Chop House Donovan’s sets the standard of fine dining excellence: classic steakhouse with a stylish, lively atmosphere; USDA Prime steaks reign supreme with mouth-watering steakhouse fare; and a depth of wine variety that has earned the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. donovanssteakhouse.com

Donovan’s

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Big Game Big Steak Prime Time

Donovan’s welcomes sports fans to Arizona Donovan’s offers 100% Prime USDA beef, fresh market seafood, an award-winning wine list and an unforgettable dining experience for your family, friends and associates.

From intimate occasions to groups of up to 120, Donovan’s is the place to celebrate.

Complimentary valet parking Complimentary transportation for up to 14 guests (based on availability)

3101 East Camelback ◆ 602-955-3666 Dinner served Monday-Saturday 5 p.m., Martini Hour 4 p.m.

donovanssteakhouse.com

TOP 5 | MEXICAN & SOUTHWESTERN BEST MARGARITA SOL Cocina Inspired by coastal Baja, SOL Cocina is an upscale, accesible Mexican restaurant in the heart of Scottsdale Quarter — a popular shopping district. Though its tacos have been featured in “O” magazine and its chef has multiple books under her belt, the margaritas are even harder to resist. Fun flavors such as blackberry ginger or pineapple serrano will make you wish you could try them all. solcocina.com

SOL Mexican Cocina

Barrio Cafe Established in 2002 by partners Wendy Gruber and Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Cafe was a dream come true for the duo. The neighborhood eatery is now everywhere, from Terminal 4 at the airport, to various Valley “barrios” such as Scottsdale and Phoenix. Chef Silvana serves authentic southern Mexican meals, prepped with a subtle French twist at times. Get the pomegranate guacamole, which is prepared table-side. barriocafe.com Elote Chef Jeff Smedstad prepares food inspired by 15 years of visiting Mexican markets south of the border.

The menu is a classically trained chef’s love letter to corn and other

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Macayo’s With a focus on community involvement and fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine, Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen grows its own farm-fresh chiles, blends them into delicious signature recipes and delivers each La Hacienda meal with unmatched hospitality. You will Savor classic Mexican recipes in enticing taste the 70 years of tradition in every dish. new ways, featuring fresh, indigenous macayo.com ingredients, lighter dishes and unexpected pairings of traditional foods Sierra Bonita at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval, You know a restaurant is pure Arizona which was voted the No. 1 Mexican when late Gov. Rose Mofford ate dinner Restaurant in Arizona by Ranking there nearly every day for eight years Arizona magazine. after it opened. Sierra Bonita takes a fairmont.com Southwestern menu and puts new and inventive twists on those menu items to create a perfect blend of Mexican, Native American and cowboy cultures. sierrabonitagrill.com staples of Mexican cuisine. The Sedona restaurant doesn’t take reservations and only serves dinner beginning at 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. elotecafe.com

TOP 5 | AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY Bourbon & Bones A modern, upscale chophouse located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the menu features top quality wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and Chef Isaac Carter’s signature side dishes in an upbeat boutique Chop House setting. bourbonandbonesaz.com elements From its extraordinary views of Paradise Valley, this award-winning array of farm-fresh American Cuisine with Asian accents presented by Food Network star and Chef Beau MacMillan features innovative

seasonal menus incorporating local, organic produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone-free meat. sanctuaryoncamelback.com Paul Martin’s American Grill Paul Martin’s timeless interior design and floor plans, combined with its well-trained and gracious staff, creates an atmosphere that is both inviting and comfortable and offers a classic American restaurant with a California twist that serves fresh, locally sourced seasonal food, prepared from scratch. paulmartinsamericangrill.com

Quiessence at The Farm at South Mountain Market-driven American cooking stars at this high-end, romantic destination set in a historic home. The flavors of Arizona terroir shine through Quiessence’s dishes, all prepared with a contemporary spin on traditional and classic culinary techniques. qatthefarm.com Windsor Tucked into its namesake historic Phoenix neighborhood, Windsor is a neighborhood bar and restaurant with a backyard-style patio that serves global comfort food and retro cocktails in one of the most hip, romantic restaurants in Central Phoenix. windsoraz.com

BEST BRUNCH Snooze, an AM Eatery Beyond a doubt, this is the best breakfast place in Phoenix. Go savory with the customizable Snooze Spuds Deluxe or sway to the sweet side with red velvet or banana pancakes. snoozeeatery.com Quiessence

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TOP 5 | ITALIAN Franco’s Italian Caffe After a brief hiatus, Franco Fazzuoli and Chef Steve Martin are impressing Italian cuisine seekers at a new Franco’s Italian Caffe location in Old Town Scottsdale. francosscottsdale.com Marcellino’s Chef Marcellino Verzino has brought a taste of authentic Italy to Old Town Scottsdale. Patrons may notice there is no salt or pepper on the tables at Marcellino’s, due to the fact that he believes in the perfection of flavor from the kitchen. Many of the seasonal offerings are also grown on Verzino’s

personal farm in Arizona or in the herb garden just outside the restaurant. marcellinoristorante.com Oregano’s A bit of Phoenix-based Chicago-style pizza that serves thin, stuffed and pan pizzas to the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Big Band.

Additionally, each location is filled with antiques personally selected by the CEO. oreganos.com Sassi Sassi’s food, ambiance, attentive service and wine selection has garnered several awards, including Wine Spectator and

AAA 4 Diamond awards five years in a row. Seasonal menus are based on the cooking methods and ingredients of southern Italian cuisine. sassi.biz Tomaso’s Tomaso’s embraces the lifestyle of Italian dining. Tables sit amidst authentic Tuscan country brickwork columns and original artwork by Aldo Luongo. Enjoy regional Italian cuisine including expertly prepared appetizers, pastas, seasonal vegetables, entrees and Tuscan-style steaks. tomasos.com

BEST BRUSCHETTA Postino Originally located in a renovated post office, Postino now has four locations in the Valley and one in Denver. With an impressive wine list, the second-biggest draw to the cafe is its bruschetta boards (they can be served on glutenfree bread). Prosciutto with figs and mascarpone is one of the favorites, but patrons can order up to four different topping types on one board. postinowinecafe.com

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Photo b

y Brian

Goddard

Creating genuine Italian cuisine with love and care is Franco’s mission. Diners will experience authentic Italian Florentine cooking.

480.481.7614 francosscottsdale.com 4327 N Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

TOP 5 | SEAFOOD/SUSHI Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant Bluewater is casual, fun, owner-operated and offers a kid’s menu, oyster bar, patio dining and a full bar with a wine list and happy hour. bluewatergrill.com Mastro’s Ocean Club Mastro’s Ocean Club combines worldclass service and seafood-focused cuisine in an elegant and energetic atmosphere.

The restaurant’s menu features an impressive array of fresh upscale seafood, including favorites such as the three-tiered iced Seafood Tower, bone-in filet, lobster mashed potatoes and a oneof-a-kind warm butter cake. mastrosrestaurants.com

RA Sushi RA is a trendy spot for quality Japanese fusion with an emphasis on sushi. Happy hour is popular in Tempe, near ASU’s main campus, and Old Town. They also celebrate half birthdays. Be sure to ask what kind of specials you can get. rasushi.com Salt Cellar While Salt Cellar’s speciality is seafood — baked, broiled, sauteed, deep-fried, steamed and sliced — prepared to exceed expectations, it’s the funky atmopshere — the dining rooms, bar and kitchen are underground — that makes Salt Cellar a must-visit restaurant.

Saltcellarrestaurant.com

Stingray Sushi Stingray is a luxe, modern sushi lounge that combines the artful creation of sushi, Japanese fare and savory libations by offering inventive cocktails and Latin-infused Japanese dishes. Stingray has locations in Scottsdale Quarter, Phoenix and Chandler. stingraysushi.com

BEST FISH TACOS Joyride Tacos This Central Phoenix hot spot offers elevated Mexican street eats, drinks and patio seating in a hip, colorful setting. The crispy fish tacos are as good as any in Southern California. Joyride Tacos also has a Gilbert location.

Blue Water Grill

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voteD best seafood i

byarizona

foothills magazine

Enjoy a variety of classic and contemporary dishes featuring fresh and sustainable seafood. Try a specialty roll from our sushi bar, freshly shucked oysters from our oyster bar, or a bowl of our award-winning New England Chowder! Sustainably sourced and deliciously prepared.

come in, get hooked 1720 EAST CAMELBACK RD TEL 602 277 FISH (3474)

bluewatergrill.com

OYST E R B A R · S U S H I B A R · S E A FO O D M A R K E T · K I D S M E NU · S U STA I NA B L E · C E NT R A L LY L O C AT E D

TOP 5 | BOTTOMS UP BEST POST-WORKOUT HAPPY HOUR O.H.S.O. Eatery + Nanobrewery O.H.S.O., a brewery that offers 30-plus beers on tap and an extensive American contemporary menu, opens its back patio to the canals, which is a great place to run or bike. This is especially nice during the fall and winter months and provides a scenic view of the canals running through Arcadia. ohsobrewery.com

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

Cocktail: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour B&T’s motto is “drink better,” and it’s hard not to at this relaxed cocktail lounge. Beware: As unpretentious as the parlour may be, you may accidentally leave a bit more of a cocktail snob than when you left. You can thank the creative, 16-page menu for that. As far as food goes, try the ramen burger and hurricane popcorn. bitterandtwistedaz.com Draught: Angels Trumpt Ale House Look to the ever-changing chalkboards for dozens of unique craft beers, many of which are from Arizona breweries, on tap. There may be bars with more than

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31 taps nearby, but Angels Trumpet Ale House definitely has the best beers on tap. Pair the beers with the house poutine or The Churchill sandwich. angelstrumpetalehouse.com Brewery: Four Peaks Four Peaks is the original and most beloved craft beer company in Arizona.

Brewing since 1996 out of an old creamery, patrons can now visit the brick brewery to enjoy pub fare and the freshest suds from the tap. fourpeaks.com Happy Hour: Bink’s Midtown Bink’s Midtown, part of a family of restaurants throughout the Valley,

offers food that pairs well with its cozy location in a renovated house. This is a great place to grub gourmet on a budget between 2:30 and 6 p.m. During that time, wine, beer and well drinks are half-off. Chef Kevin Binkley has won James Beard awards for the last four consecutive years. binksmidtown.com Fun: Cobra Arcade Bar Cobra Arcade Bar has more than 40 vintage arcade games, 17 delicious beers on tap and 10 arcade-themed cocktails. cobraarcadebar.com

TOP 5 | SNOW DAY ADVENTURES BEST HOT CHOCOLATE Macy’s European Coffeehouse Macy’s may roast some of the best coffee in Flagstaff, but when only hot chocolate will do — do it at Macy’s.

Pair your hot cocoa with one of Macy’s gluten free pastries, and you have the perfect treat to fend off cold feet. macyscoffee.net

Arizona Snowbowl

Arizona Snowbowl Snow may not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting Arizona, but Snowbowl accumulates an average of 260 inches every winter — and, yes, it’s still sunny on the mountain during this time of the year. Snowbowl is perfect for the seasoned skiier or boarder, as well as for people who just want to stay on the bunny slope. arizonasnowbowl.com

nighttime journey through the wilderness of Williams to the North Pole, where Santa and his reindeer await. Train rides begin in November and run through Jan. 2. thetrain.com

Polar Express The classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg comes to life on the Grand Canyon Railway. Take the kids on an hour-long

Wing Mountain Snow Play Area For the first time, Northern Arizona has an organized snow play area with plowed and managed parking, hot

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Mormon Lake Lodge Hop on a snowmobile or strap on cross country skis for tours along groomed tracks around Mormon Lake Lodge this winter. mormonlakelodge.com

beverages, sleds and other concessions.

Activities that take place at Wing Mountain include sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and good old fashioned horsing around. snowplayaz.com Hitchin’ Post Stables Sleigh Rides Looking to enjoy the snow with a little more horsepower? Try a sleigh ride through the snow-covered Coconino National Forest between November and March. The one-hour rides stop by a campfire for hot chocolate. potagoldadventures.com

TOP 5 | PARKS & MONUMENTS

Montezuma Castle National Monument This monument is an enduring legacy of the prehistoric Sinagua.

The 20-room stone, timber and adobe dwelling is 80 percent intact, making it one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the U.S. nps.gov/moca Monument Valley This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor.

The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding. navajonationparks.org

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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument The monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants of the Sonoran Desert, including the organ pipe cactus, a large cactus rarely found in the U.S. nps.gov/orpi Petrified Forest National Park History speaks volumes as you take in the spectacular scenery in the land where the surroundings have aged for 225 million years, turning wood into stone. The park is located in Northeast Arizona and features one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. nps.gov/pefo

South Mountain At more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is the largest municipal park in the country. South Mountain features some of the most popular urban hiking and biking trails in the city and horseback riding. phoenix.gov/parks

TOP 5 | ARIZONA MUST DO A Day in the West Start your adventure with a 4x4 Jeep tour through the beautiful high desert surrounding Sedona, then saddle-up for a scenic one-hour horseback ride on a 45,000-acre working cattle ranch. adayinthewest.com Arizona Raft Adventures With an emphasis on adventure, education and fun, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River allows you to see places you have never seen before, do things you’ve never done before, and awake every morning to beauty so breathtaking the images will last a lifetime. azraft.com

Grand Canyon Railway Take an unforgettable ride on one of Grand Canyon Railway’s lovingly restored cars and hear folklore and tales from a crew that is still bewitched by its spectacular surroundings. Be entertained by authentic characters and musicians who bring the Old West to life. thetrain.com

Stellar Adventures Stellar Adventures has three common goals: To uphold the very highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility, to provide a once-in-alifetime experience for each client and to see to it that every client comes away feeling exhilarated and satisfied. stellaradventures.com

Lava River Cave This mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The cave is as cool as 42 degrees even in summer, and you may even find some ice inside. fs.usda.gov Devil’s Bridge Sedona Arizona

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world in a unique outdoor setting, showcasing more than 50,000 accessioned plants throughout its five thematic trails. dbg.org

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Discover an Arizona Treasure

D E S E R T B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N

Nestled amid the landmark red rocks of Papago Park, the Garden is here to help you enjoy the beauty of the desert and care about it.

Discover saguaros, prickly pears, agaves and desert wildflowers.

Enjoy tours, workshops, concerts, seasonal exhibits and festivals.

For our full event listing, visit dbg.org/events Dine at Gertrude’s, the Garden’s restaurant and find unique gifts and items at the Garden Shop.

Socialize with us at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 480 941.1225 | dbg.org

TOP 5 | GRAND CANYON ADVENTURES

Grand Canyon Movie in IMAX This IMAX movie opens with the beginning of man’s fragile kinship with the twisting 277-mile Grand Canyon in Arizona, then moves the audience through time with brief glimpses at the stone pages of human history. explorethecanyon.com

Grand Canyon Trail Rides The half-day mule trip descends 2,300 feet down the North Kaibab Trail to the Supai Tunnel. Wranglers take riders of all levels into the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon every day. canyonrides.com

Grand Canyon Skywalk The Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West extends 70 feet beyond the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, allowing visitors to gaze nearly 4,000 feet to the canyon floor, a height far exceeding those of the world’s largest skyscrapers. grandcanyonwest.com

Grand Canyon Whitewater Grand Canyon Whitewater rafting trips give you the opportunity to be in one of the most spectacular places on Earth.

Whitewater rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is beyond your imagination and gives you a chance to experience the true spirit of the Canyon. grandcanyonwhitewater.com

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The Grand Hotel The Grand Hotel is one of the premier Grand Canyon hotels, with the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park just one mile away, and the South Rim of the Canyon just a short car ride away. The warm and spacious lobby is reminiscent of a mountain lodge with exposed timbers and stone, a large flagstone fireplace and cozy seating areas. grandcanyongrandhotel.com

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TOP 5 | FAMILY FRIENDLY Arizona Science Center One of the best ways to learn about the world around you is to pay a visit to the Arizona Science Center, where there are interactive exhibits, a planetarium and an IMAX theater to encourage the learning process. On the first Friday of every month, adults are invited to explore the museum after hours and kids-free. azscience.org Butterfly Wonderland Walk through a rainforest ecosystem and the largest butterfly conservatory in the country, where thousands of

UNIQUELY ARIZONA Biosphere 2 Tour the entire world in a manner of speaking at this research facility owned by the University of Arizona. Biosphere 2 recreates all biosystems that are contained on the planet, such as the rainforest. b2science.org

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butterflies and exotic moths freely flutter between flowers and trees.

Occasionally, a butterfly or two will land on an unsuspecting visitor. Tip: Wear bright colors butterflywonderland.com Dave & Buster’s Dave & Buster’s was around long before the current hipster arcade bar trend started booming. Dave & Buster’s offers great games, food and TVs for gamers and sports fans of all ages. Be sure to check out Dave & Buster’s special events. daveandbusters.com

LEGOLAND Discovery Center The 60,000-square-foot attraction is designed for families with children ages 3 to 10 and features a Lego brick pool, building classes, a Lego ride, party rooms for birthdays and a 4-D cinema. It is described as a “highly interactive and educational two- to three-hour experience.” legolanddiscoverycenter.com OdySea Aquarium OdySea is the largest aquarium in the Southwest, spanning 200,000 square feet and holding more than 2 million gallons of water. With more than 50 exhibits and 500 different species, there are more than 30,000 animals that call OdySea home. odyseaaquarium.com

TOP 5 | NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCES Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum One mile southwest of Globe stands the ruins of the ancient Salado people who occupied the site nearly 800 years ago. The partially restored ruins, along with the adjacent museum provide a fascinating glimpse at the lifestyle of the people who occupied this region more than two centuries before Columbus discovered the “New World.” globeaz.gov/visitors/besh-ba-gowah Hubbell Trading Post Feel the old wooden floor give slightly and squeak beneath your feet as you enter the oldest, continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. As your eyes adjust to the dim lighting of the “bullpen,” you might catch a trader negotiating a deal with a Native American artist for their art. nps.gov/hutr Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise Come visit the largest Indian Reservation in the United States. The Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise owns and operates three properties in the heart of Indian Country — Quality Inn Navajo Nation, Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital and the Navajo Travel Center. explorenavajo.com Pueblo Grande Museum A fully accessible 2/3-mile trail takes you through a prehistoric Hohokam archaeological village site with a partially excavated platform mound, ballcourt, and replicated prehistoric houses. There are three galleries to visit while at the museum, including a children’s handson gallery to help kids learn about the science of archaeology. pueblogrande.org Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community The SRPMIC operates two casinos on its land under the Casino Arizona brand name. It also operates Salt River Fields at Talking Stick — home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies — the first Major League Baseball spring training facility to be built on Indian land. srpmic-nsn.gov

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TOP 5 | ADVENTURES IN THE AIR Aerogelic Hot Air Balloon Rides Have you wanted to experience the majestic beauty of rizona in a completely different way?

Aerogelic offers many different options of balloon flight locations and experiences. aerogelicballooning.com Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters offers a list of unique air tours for every attraction seeker. It has helicopter tours that will take you deep into the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. maverickhelicopter.com Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters Since 1965, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has been showing guests the majesty of the Grand Canyon. papillon.com Red Rocks Biplane Tours Choose from four tours and view Sedona from above in the new WACO open-cockpit biplane. sedonaairtours.com Skydive Arizona Home to the world’s largest drop zone, Skydive Arizona is the best way to fall in style.

Tandem and solo jumps available. For those who just aren’t ready to jump, SkyVenture offers an indoor skyduving experience within a wind tunnel. skydiveaz.com

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The Oldest Arizona Hot Air Balloon Ride Company with a Perfect Safety Record

Hot Air Balloon Rides Offered In Phoenix • Scottsdale Chandler • Mesa and surrounding areas

aerogelicballooning.com 480.247.7813

TOP 5 | OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Flagstaff Extreme This is for daredevils only. Adults and kids can test their ability to overcome obstacles — among the treetops — at Flagstaff Extreme. flagstaffextreme.com Havasu Canyon trail One of the most incredible outdoor adventures in the world — whether you decide to hike, ride a horse, or take a helicopter to the falls — the strenuous 8-mile trip between Hualapai Hilltop and the water forces you to earn the spectacular views of the five waterfalls of Havasu Canyon, which are a nearly impossible blue-green shade that even Crayola couldn’t hope to match. waterfallsofthegrandcanyon.com Pink Jeep Tours Take two- to five-hour tours through Sedona and the Grand Canyon, exploring ancient ruins, notable rock formations, or even pair your offroading tour with horseback riding with a combo tour. pinkjeeptourssedona.com Soul Ride Prescott is a hub for mountain biking, and Soul Ride offers tours ranging from beginner to advance levels of riding.

Soul Ride also offers bike rentals for tourists or riders who don’t have the right equipment. Instructors even offer a boulder yoga class for an extra fee. soulride.bike Verde Hot Springs A hike, a crisp dip in the Verde River and a comforting float in the Verde Hot Springs are three of the best ways to spend a day trip to Payson. The remains of a former hot springs resort, there are still many pools available just after a brief hike near the Verde River. As a fair warning, there may be nudists. paysonrimcountry.com

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TOP 5 | ANIMAL PARKS Bearizona Drive through the habitats of this wildlife park, where bears, wolves, bison and other animals walk up to vehicles as if they’re part of the scenery. It’s interactive and great for kids. bearizona.com Out of Africa Take an aerial safari — a two and a half hour zipline tour — at Out of Africa, a wildlife park that is home to tigers, lions, giraffes and other animals native to that country.

The park also offers a bush safari and other creative ways to elevate the zoo experience. outofafricapark.com Phoenix Zoo Home to more than 1,400 animals, including komodo dragons, the Phoenix Zoo features a 2.5-mile walking path on which to visit with each animal. phoenixzoo.org Reid Park Zoo The Reid Park Zoo features more than 500 animals and consists of four zones that are organized by the types of habitats and animals they house — the Adaptation Zone, the South America zone, the African Animals zone, Expedition Tanzania and a large aviary named Flight Connection hosts dozens of species of birds from Australia, Africa, and Asia. reidparkzoo.org Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium Wildlife World Zoo takes pride in its exotic animals, including kangaroos, rare white alligators, a flightless emu and white rhinos. wildlifeworld.com

Wildlife World Zoo

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TOP 5 | WATER ADVENTURES BlueWater Jet Boat Tours Launch from the London Bridge (yes, that London Bridge) for Topock Gorge while aboard “Starship 2010” along the Colorado River. See 3,500-yearold petroglyphs and search for big horn sheep. The 50-mile journey is narrated and filled with stories. coloradoriverjetboattours.com

Dolly Steamboat The Dolly Steamboat has been cruising for 90 years in Arizona. Current patrons can take it through inner waterways of Canyon Lake within the Superstition Mountains. dollysteamboat.com Lake Powell Resorts & Marina The popular way to spend a day at Lake Powell is to rent a houseboat and tour the beautiful 2,000 miles of shoreline.

Guided expeditions also available. lakepowell.com

Roosevelt Lake Located less than 2 hours from Phoenix, this paradise of waterskiing, fishing, boating and camping is also Arizona’s largest lake. Boat rental options give you the perfect locations to launch into 21,500 acres of paradise. rlmaz.com Tempe Town Lake You can rent a pontoon boat that comfortably seats up to 10 adults. Bring along your picnic and refreshments for a day of cruising Temp Town Lake. Relax in the sun or under the bimini canopy and add a little water to your Arizona adventures. tempe.gov/visitors

Lake Powell

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ARIZONA'S WORLD CLASS CRUISE

CANYON LAKE, ARIZONA There's a different kind of adventure waiting for you aboard a steamboat.

See an Arizona rich in history, lore and legends. Cruise the secluded inner waterways of the “Junior Grand Canyon” on a Nature Cruise or Twilight Dinner Cruise.

Bring your camera and binoculars!

(480) 827-9144 - www.dollysteamboat.com

TOP 5 | ARCHITECTURE TOURS Arcosanti This urban laboratory focuses on innovative design, community and environmental accountability.

Paolo Soleri (creator of Soleri Windbells) created Arcosanti based on his architectural concepts.

Day tours and week-long stays are available. arcosanti.org Chapel of the Holy Cross The façade of this Roman Catholic church towers over the red rocks of Sedona. Built in 1956, the cross is 250 feet tall. It won the American Institute of Architect’s Award of Honor, and houses a small chapel. chapeloftheholycross.com San Xavier del Bac This Catholic mission was founded in the late 17th century and is now a National Historic Landmark. The church was completed in 1797, making it the oldest European building in Arizona, and is filled with the original statues and murals. sanxaviermission.org Taliesin West Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home holds multiple tours, focusing on topics from architectural insights to photography. Built in 1937, the multiple-building property is located near the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale. franklloydwright.org Tovrea Castle The wedding cake-shaped building visible from the Loop 202 was originally built as a centerpiece hotel in 1930. Surrounded by a cactus garden, the castle is a nonprofit and is open for weekly tours. tovreacastletours.com

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YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

American Indian Art and History | Special Events | Shopping & Dining 2301 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 602.252.8840 | heard.org Mario Martinez, (Pascua Yaqui), detail of “Sonoran Desert: Yaqui Home,” 2005, Gift of Joy and Howard Berlin.

TOP 5 | CASINOS BlueWater Resort & Casino BlueWater’s list of amenities include everything from live concerts and wakeboarding, to an 18-hole golf course and indoor water slide. BlueWater is Arizona’s only riverside casino and resort. bluewaterfun.com Casino Arizona This casino offers more than 100,000 square feet devoted to gaming and entertainment.

Amenities include 52 table games, 1,026 slot machines, keno, a highlimit lounge and a world-class showroom. Guests seeking food and refreshments can enjoy one of the facility’s five lounges and four restaurants. casinoarizona.com Fort McDowell Casino Fort McDowell Casino offers some of the finest, most exciting gaming in the Southwest. Slots, keno, bingo, poker, blackjack, and lunar bingo, which takes the traditional game to thrilling new heights. fortmcdowellcasino.com Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino This contemporary casino hotel offers slots, keno, table games and a poker room. Dining options include a buffet, an upscale steakhouse, a casual cafe and a poolside restaurant, plus a coffee shop. caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Vee Quiva Sixteen poker tables, daily bingo, 36 table games and 950 slot machines bring the luck-seekers to Vee Quiva — Gila River’s newest casino. The casino also has awardwinning restaurants, comedy acts, concerts and sports screenings to mix things up. wingilariver.com

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With eclectic cuisine like Crab Stuffed Jumbo Prawns and Bacon Wrapped Elk Tenderloin, Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge can satisfy any palate.

Scottsdale’s # 1 Steakhouse - USA Today 10 Best 2014 Certificate of Excellence - TripAdvisor

INSIDE CASINO ARIZONA · SCOTTSDALE · 480.850.7736 · CASINOARIZONA.COM Online reservations now available. Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

TOP 5 | AUTO ATTRACTIONS Arizona Speedway Dirt track race fans can get all the action they will ever need with races featuring the IMCA Modifieds South West Modified Championships, Super Stocks, Pure Stocks, Robert Horne Ford Bombers and Lady Stocks. arizonaspeedway.net Bondurant School of High Performance Driving Channel champion racecar driver Bob Bondurant while learning tricks and honing skills to make you a better

driver. Take a late model GM car out on a 1.6-mile racetrack with a professionally trained staff that will help you accomplish your driving goals. bondurant.com

K1 Speed Go-kart racers can experience a professionally designed track at K1 Speed, as well as karts that go up to 45 mph. k1speed.com

Octane Raceway The self-proclaimed largest indoor racetrack in America, Octane Racing features two quarter-mile tracks and gokarts that drive up to 45 mph. octaneraceway.com Phoenix International Raceway NASCAR races heat up in the fall. When this track isn’t being used for races, fans can camp their RV in ZOOMTOWN, USA at the raceway. phoenixraceway.com

Phoenix International Raceway

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TOP 5 | GOLF COURSES

Legacy Golf Club

Grayhawk Golf Club Since opening in 1994, Grayhawk has become one of Arizona’s most celebrated daily-fee golf clubs, mostly because of Grayhawk’s two exceptional 18-hole golf courses – Talon and Raptor. Both have hosted high-profile events such as the Frys.com Open (2007-2009). grayhawkgolf.com Legacy Golf Club Legacy Golf Club was voted No. 1 public course in Phoenix and is the site of the Golf Channel Academy. The 18-hole, par-71 golf course was designed by Gary Panks. The Sierra Vista House, which marks the 1st tee, was visited on

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occasion in the early 1900’s by Theodore Roosevelt and Pancho Villa. golflegacyresort.com McCormick Ranch Golf Club McCormick Ranch features two unique courses that are tour tested and amateur approved. The Palm and Pine Courses have breathtaking views of Camelback and McDowell Mountains, and combine well-manicured resort golf course layouts with pockets of desert infusion. mccormickranchgolf.com Talking Stick Golf Club Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, together as a design team, created the magic of

Talking Stick. Located on and owned by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the north and south courses provide a serene yet challenging day of play. talkingstickgolfclub.com The Boulders The Boulders Resort & Spa was named “Best Golf Resort in the Southwest”

by Golf Digest magazine. The Boulders features a 6,811 yard, par 72, championship North Course and a 6,726 yard, par 71 championship South Course, both designed by Jay Morrish.

The courses are considered the most demanding in the Southwest. bouldersclub.com

TOP 5 | BEAUTY & DAY SPAS Alvadora Spa At The Royal Palms Resort & Spa Old World ambiance melds with contemporary amenities, including a fitness center, massage therapy, pools, golf, biking and nearby hiking trails. royalpalmshotel.com Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Indulge in signature experiences like the Sanctuary Luxury Facial, Sumatra Coconut Body Ritual, and In Harmony Massage, or choose from an extensive list of offerings that can be tailored to fit your own personal well-being. sanctuaryoncamelback.com

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Spa810 At spa810, beauty is more than skin deep. Clients come to help rejuvenate tired skin or reverse the signs of aging.

Indulge in pain free laser hair removal, customized facials, HydraFacial treatments, Micro Pen rejuvenation, skin tightening, VI peel, and many types of therapeutic massage treatments. spa810.com The Spa at Camelback Inn With a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, packages and specials available, including farm-to-treatmenttable experiences, the Spa at Camelback Inn allows you to experience complete rejuvenation and relaxation. camelbackspa.com

Well & Being The Fairmont Princess’ Well & Being spa is about living life well. Wrap your worries up and away with aerial hammock yoga, stop to smell the roses with a customizable aromatherapy massage or try one of many other energizing and enlightening services, such as acupuncture, scrubs and wraps, offered at this AAA Five diamond resort. fairmont.com/scottsdale/spa

#myphx

This is where you discovered you have more in common than you thought.

You wouldn’t have guessed it. But you’ll never forget it.

TOP 5 | JEWELERS E.D. Marshall Jewelers Providing clients with Arizona’s largest selection of high-end gems since 1981, E.D. Marshall Jewelers produces original fine jewelry designs with a focus on craftsmanship. edmarshalljewelers.com Hamra Jewelers Hamra features an exquisite selection of platinum, gold and gemstone designs in earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings from such renowned artists as Jack Kelege, Charles Krypell, Roberto Coin, Aaron Basha, Penny Preville, Jude Frances, Simon G., Tacori, Michael B., Scott Kay and David Yurman. hamra.com

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London Gold Regardless of your jewelry interests, customers find they are always satisfied at London Gold, which prides itself on providing affordable luxury at prices always better than a sale.

London Gold has direct access to the finest diamonds, so your choices are virtually unlimited. londongold.com Molina Fine Jeweler With a “never say no” attitude, Molina Fine Jewelers delivers legendary service with a focus on quality. Owner Alfredo J. Molina dazzled the diamond

world in 2012 by selling the 76-carat Archduke Joseph diamond for $21.5 million, the most ever paid at auction for a colorless diamond. molinafinejewelers.com Sami Fine Jewelers Voted one of “America’s Top 5 Cool Jewelry Stores,” Sami has been designing jewelry for more than 40 years.

Discriminating jewelry buyers around the country have sought out original Sami designs. This certified gemologist works with diamonds and exotic gemstones from around the world. samifinejewelry.com

PHX PREMIUM THE MOST EXCLUSIVE WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT OF PHOENIX SUNS BASKETBALL DISCOVER THE SIX PREMIUM SEATING PACKAGES AVAILABLE AT TALKING STICK RESORT ARENA CALL 602.379.7527 OR VISIT

SUNS.COM/PREMIUM

TOP 5 | SHOPPING CENTERS Biltmore Fashion Park The original luxury shopping destination in Phoenix is a newly polished classic. Think: Saks, Ralph Lauren, Escada, Apple and more. A delicious collection of restaurants, including True Food Kitchen and The Capital Grille, let you order up levels of flavorful virtue. Also, try a few local luxury businesses in Biltmore’s Union, where you can find clothes, food, crafts and furniture made by Arizonans. shopbiltmore.com Desert Ridge Marketplace Desert Ridge Marketplace delivers the ultimate shopping experience in a distinctive outdoor setting. The center’s 1.2 million square feet of retail space

is home to more than 100 retailers and restaurants and bursts with color, energy and fun, creating a one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination you’ll want to come back to again and again. shopdesertridge.com

with restaurants and specialty and fashion retailers, including Sephora, Pottery Barn, iPic Theaters, NIKE, Dominick’s Steakhouse, H&M, Apple and True Food Kitchen. scottsdalequarter.com

Scottsdale Fashion Square Scottsdale Fashion Square is a diamond in the desert, with more than 225 retailers including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York. It’s the ultimate shopping destination for fashionistas. fashionsquare.com

Tempe Marketplace This open-air marketplace features a movie theater, a variety of restaurants, shops and activities for families as well as adults looking for a night out.

Shoppers can even catch the occasional, free outdoor concert on the weekends.

Notable retailers include Target, Old Navy, Ulta and Barnes & Noble. tempemarketplace.com

Scottsdale Quarter Scottsdale Quarter is an open-air center where the vibe of the city meets the serenity of the desert. The hip, urban destination sits on 28 acres filled

Tempe Market Place

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TOP 5 | FITNESS

GET YOUR NINJA ON Are you up to the Ninja Warrior challenge? KTR Family Action Sports Centers in Mesa and Chandlers have everything you need for Ninja Warrior training.

Whether you’re training for a national competiition, or just for fun, this is the place. A warp wall, salmon ladder, quintuple steps, rings, slacklines and more. ktr-centers.com

Phoenix Rock Gym

Phoenix Rock Gym Top rope, boulder and climb on 15,000 square feet of 30-foot high walls. This place is perfect for beginners as well as more experienced climbers looking to get a good indoor workout into their day.

Equipment rentals are available. phoenixrockgym.com The Duce The Duce is a lot of things — karaoke bar, resaurant, army and vintage surplus store — but it’s hard to miss the boxing ring in the middle of the repurposed warehouse in downtown Phoenix.

Nearly every day of the week, a fitness class is held at The Duce. These include yoga, tabata and boxing in an old school fitness location. theducephx.com 100

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The Madison Improvement Club Does your gym have happy hours?

The Madison does. With locations in Tempe and Phoenix, Madison Improvement Club is a trendy gym that’s #hookedonhealthy. Popular classes include Party on a Bike and flow yoga set to hot music. On Thursdays, students pay happy hour prices for classes. themadisonvibe.com Orangetheory Fitness The theory of Orangetheory is one backed by the science of post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Training classes monitor heart-rate in an effort to keep them in a target zone that can

boost metablism and energy. The gym refers to the result of its workouts as “The Orange Effect” as “more energy, visible toning and extra fat and calorie burn for up to 36 hours after your workout.” orangetheoryfitness.com Urban Yoga Located in DeSoto Market in downtown Phoenix, Urban Yoga offers classes of varying difficulty and practice type throughout the day as well as spa services — including prenatal and infant massages, stone therapy and cranial sacral therapy. urbanyogaphx.com

Experience AZ is an exciting guide to Arizona lifestyle and adventures, offering readers the best advice on where to eat, stay and play.

Spring/Summer 2017 • Top 5 Lists • Staycations • Places to escape the heat

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TOP 5 | GALLERIES & MUSEUMS Heard Museum Experience the myriad of cultures and art of American Indians in 10 world-class exhibit galleries, plus enjoy sculpture courtyards, superb dining and shopping for uniquely Southwestern gifts and art. heard.org Musical Instrument Museum Be prepared to spend more time than you anticipated at this multi-level museum for music and culture lovers. At the first global musical instrument museum, nearly 300 exhibits immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of the world’s instruments. There are also rotating popular culture and celebrity exhibits. mim.org

Phoenix Art Museum The Southwest’s premier destination for world-class visual arts, features popular exhibitions and a collection of more than 18,000 works. The museum has free general admission on the first Friday of the month and on Wednesdays between 3 and 9 p.m. Don’t miss the Firefly Room or the work of Arizona transplant Philip C. Curtis, whose work has its own room in the museum. phxart.org

HIGH-FLYING DISPLAYS Pima Air & Space Museum Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world and the largest nongovernment funded aviation museum. pimaair.org

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Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art SMoCA is an educational institution dedicated to presenting exhibitions on contemporary and modern art, architecture and design. smoca.org Scottsdale Museum of the West Located on the former site of the Loloma Transit Station, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West celebrates the art, history, culture and unique stories of the 19 states comprising the American West. scottsdalemuseumwest.org

VISIT PHOENIX’S #1 ATTRACTION Explore. Listen. Dine. Shop.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION

MIM MUSIC THEATER

CAFÉ ALLEGRO

MUSEUM STORE

Opening Nov. 5, 2016, MIM’s special exhibition Dragons and Vines: Inlaid Guitar Masterpieces presents an unparalleled combination of imagination and artistry.

The acoustically superb MIM Music Theater presents local, national, and internationally renowned artists yearround. View the current lineup today at MIM.org.

Award-winning Café Allegro offers a menu of great-tasting foods prepared using fresh, local ingredients. Lunch is offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Open daily to the public, the Museum Store offers a selection of instruments, CDs, DVDs, books, apparel, jewelry, and items from around the world.

MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | Open Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050

TOP 5 | FESTIVALS 5th Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts Live arts and entertainment take over downtown Phoenix’s urban park. More than 125 vendor booths, food trucks and an interactive community art project called The Phoenix Mural.

Details: Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, Dec. 9-11, free. phoenixfestivalofthearts.org Arizona Balloon Classic Don’t stay tethered this holiday season!

Arizona’s 5th annual balloon classic includes balloon rides during the state’s beautiful winter weather. Details: Jan. 20-22, 2017 abcfest.com

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Arizona Renaissance Festival Huzzah! Fairies, artisans, jousting and mutton await! This Medieval fair has entertainment of the ages for all ages.

Details: Festival Village, 12601 E. Highway 60, Gold Canyon, Open Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 11 to April 2 and Presidents Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. arizona.renfestinfo.com McDowell Mountain Music Festival Voted Best Music Festival in the Phoenix New Times’ 2016 Best of Phoenix voting, the 2016 lineup included Beck, the Avett Brothers and Kid Cudi. Stay tuned for the list of 2017 artists.

Details: Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, March3-5, 2017. mmmf.frontgatetickets.com Strong Beer Festival Do you have what it takes to go headto-head (see what we did there?) with Arizona’s strongest beers? Celebrate Arizona Beer Week the best way possible — by throwing some of the state’s favorite brews down the hatch at the Strong Beer Festival.

Details: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Feb. 11. arizonabeerweek.com

TOP 5 | WINERIES Alcantara Vineyards Alcantara Vineyards, the first winery on the Verde River, is one of the largest vineyards in central and northern Arizona. Make it a day trip from the Phoenix or Scottsdale area. Check out the Arizona winery tours and tasting with an outstanding selection of wines, made right here in Arizona. The winery’s vineyards have more than 19,000 vines and offers 12 varietals. alcantaravineyard.com Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, the top producer of high-quality wines in Arizona, was formed in 2007 by vintner Eric Glomski and musician Maynard James Keenan to put Arizona on the fine wine map. For $9 per person, Stronghold’s knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting of five wines. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the Arizona Stronghold portfolio of wines. azstronghold.com Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Maynard James Keenan, made famous as the vocalist of rock band Tool, and vintner Eric Glomski embarked into winemaking in the desert conditions of Arizona’s Verde Valley. Their story is documented in the film “Blood Into Wine” and the success they’ve seen in the decade since its inception. caduceus.org Dos Cabezas Wineworks Dos Cabezas WineWorks is a family owned and operated winery that challenges the perception that Arizona does not produce exceptional wines. Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been producing wines in Arizona since 1995. Its wine has been enjoyed at the White House, earned critical acclaim and grabbed international attention. doscabezaswinery.com Page Springs Page Springs is a family owned vineyard and winery tucked into the volcanic landscape overlooking pristine Oak Creek.

Page Springs Cellars offers Rhone style wines and $5 tastings. pagespringscellars.com

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SPORTS

Arizona is paradise for sports lovers H

ere is one of the first things I noticed after moving from New York to Arizona: When it’s January in New York, you’re running in snow. When it’s January in Arizona, you’re running in shorts. Or slathering on sunscreen on the golf course.

It didn’t take long for my friends and family members to realize the same things. Each year, my list of visitors gets longer and their visits get even longer. Why wouldn’t they?

As a lifelong athlete, I have surrounded myself with people who enjoy the same things I enjoy. That might be why I once had more than 100 people at a carbo loading party at my house before the PRock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon. Many of them were friends from New York who came to Arizona to compete in the race.

But even if you don’t have any interest in being a weekend warrior in the middle of the competition, there is more than enough going on in Arizona to keep even the most hard-core sports fans in the stands entertained. Consider what Arizona has coming in the next few months: • The Fiesta Bowl and Cactus Bowl will bring four of the finest college football teams to Arizona to compete. And this year, the Fiesta Bowl will serve as a semifinal game for the national championship.

• The Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon will

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POUNDING PAVEMENT: Experience AZ Editor in Chief Michael Gossie competes in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon, which runs from Phoenix through Scottsdale to Tempe.

boast a field of more than 30,000 runners, who will take on the challenge and speed through the streets of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.

• The Waste Management Phoenix Open — called “The Greatest Show on Grass” and the largest professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour — will bring its madness and masses to Scottsdale.

• Baseball fans will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite players when the Cactus League returns for its 70th season in Arizona.

• Hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans will descend on Phoenix International Raceway for two weekends of highspeed action.

• Finally, one of the biggest sporting event in the world, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, comes to the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale for the first time. With it comes plenty of events around the Valley for fans.

That’s why we expanded this issue of Experience AZ to include a guide to all the can’t-miss mega sporting events that Arizona will host in the coming months. Once you get your fill of fun, don’t forget to unwind at some of the world’s greatest spas or relax at the Southwest’s finest resorts.

Game on.

SPORTS | CACTUS BOWL

Motel 6 Cactus Bowl Where: Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix 85004 When: Dec. 27, 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: fiestabowl.org Seating: The stadium has a capacity of 49,033 Playing surface: Natural (hybrid Bermuda grass) Chase Field history: Chase Field opened in the Spring of 1998, built

as a multipurpose facility to house Arizona’s first Major League Baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and to host largescale events. The Ballpark covers approximately 1,300,000 square feet, including the playing surface, and is divided into six levels: Field, Main Concourse, Press Level, Suite Club Level, Upper Concourse and Mechanical Level. Chase Field can be configured to accommodate various sports including football, soccer and basketball, in addition to its baseball configuration. Other setups that have enjoyed success in the building are concerts, motor sports, trade shows, exhibits, band pageants, religious gatherings and running/walking events.

Pre-game party: If you’re passionate about tailgating, then join die hard Pac-12 and Big 12 fans at the Oasis Cactus Bowl Pregame Party, presented by Desert Schools before the teams take the field. Enjoy live music, marching bands, cheerleaders, pep rallies, interactive games and jumbotrons playing team highlights. This

event combines fun and convenience for the ultimate tailgating experience. The pregame party is conveniently located south of the Chase Field parking garage, between Buchanan and Lincoln.

In addition to the activities and entertainment, the price of admission also includes a plated meal.

Pre-game party tickets: fiestabowl.org Game history: Since its inception, the Cactus Bowl has been played in the state of Arizona at three separate venues. For the first 10 years, the game was played at Arizona Stadium, on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. In 2000, the bowl’s organizers moved the game to Bank One Ballpark (now Chase Field), a baseball-specific stadium, in downtown Phoenix. Finally, in 2006, the game moved to Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University in Tempe to replace the Fiesta Bowl which had moved to University of Phoenix Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale. The game was moved back to Chase Field last year while Sun Devil Stadium underwent a renovation.

Biggest comeback: The 2006 game saw the biggest comeback in NCAA Division I FBS postseason history, as Texas Tech came back from a 38–7 third-quarter deficit to defeat Minnesota 44–41 in overtime.

NAME GAME Here are the former names of the Cactus Bowl, which will be played Jan. 2 in Phoenix: • Copper Bowl (1989) • Domino’s Pizza Copper Bowl (1990-1991) • Weiser Lock Copper Bowl (1992-1995) • Copper Bowl (1996) • Insight.com Bowl (1997–2001) • Insight Bowl (2002–2011) • Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl (2012-2014) • Cactus Bowl (2015-present)

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHASE FIELD

CLASSIC BATTLE: West Virginia beat Arizona State 43-42 in last year’s Cactus Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix.

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SPORTS | FIESTA BOWL

Fiesta Bowl Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive,

Glendale, Ariz. 85305 When: Saturday, Dec. 31. Kickoff will be 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. (TBD by ESPN).

Tickets: fiestabowl.org Game implications: This year, the Fiesta Bowl will host its first

College Football Playoff Semifinal game.

Seating: The stadium has a capacity of 73,000. The stadium has permanent seating for 63,000, but expands to hold approximately 73,000 for events such as the Fiesta Bowl. A total of 88 luxury suites on two levels, club seating for 7,000 with access to private club lounge areas, lower bowl seating for 29,000 and upper deck seating for approximately 26,000 accommodate patrons. All seats are individual chairs with arm rests and cup holders.

Playing surface: Natural grass (Tifway 419 Bermuda hybrid planted in early May 2006 using stolons in an 11” bed of USGA sand mix with inclusions.)

Lighting: 700 Musco pre-aimed sports lights providing over 1 million watts of lighting.

Stadium: The stadium us 233 feet high from the playing surface to top of roof, or approximately 19 stories high. With its retractable field and roof, University of Phoenix Stadium is unlike any other in North America. The exterior design of the stadium was provided by renowned architect Peter Eisenman, along with HOK Sport. The basic form of the design takes its cue from a barrel cactus and offers alternating vertical slots with smooth panels.

University of Phoenix Stadium was constructed with a retractable roof containing two large panels that retract to uncover the entire playing field. It also features a roll-out field consisting of a 152,000 square-foot concrete stadium floor with an embedded utility grid. The natural grass field remains in a retractable, 12-million pound tray outside the stadium until game day for maximum sun exposure and nourishment. The tray takes 110

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approximately 45 minutes to move inside the stadium and rests in a tray atop tracks as it rolls out on a steel wheel set powered by small electric motors.

Game history: Former Arizona State University President G. Homer Durham pitched the concept of a Phoenix-area football bowl game in 1968. The Fiesta Bowl was established in 1971.

Now, more than 40 years later, the Fiesta Bowl has hosted seven national championship games and has become an integral part of college football’s postseason. “It is very apparent to me why the Fiesta Bowl continues to be the most sought-after bowl game in college football,” said Boise State head football coach Chris Petersen, who has led his team to a pair of Fiesta Bowl victories.

“Its first-rate reputation is well deserved.”

Economic impact: The Fiesta Bowl’s impact on Arizona lasts all year long and is felt well beyond the gridiron. In the 2010-11 bowl season, the Fiesta Bowl, Cactus Bowl and Tostitos BCS National Championship Game created $354 million in economic impact, according to a study by ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business. The study estimated that the Fiesta Bowl organization has produced $1 billion in economic impact in a five-year span.

Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest: It wouldn’t be college football without a proper tailgate party. Join tens of thousands of other college football fans at the Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest Pregame Party on the Great Lawn at University of Phoenix Stadium. Fans of all ages can experience some of the greatest pregame traditions like pep rallies and performances by marching bands and cheerleaders.

There will also be jumbotrons with team highlights, interactive games to play and, of course, plenty of food and beverage booths to get you ready for the big game.

Fun fact: The 2011 BCS National Championship game had 78,603 fans in attendance, which was the largest crowd in the history of University of Phoenix Stadium.

MORERIDES

MOREFUN MORESAVINGS Arizona’s favorite water park boasts fun for kids of all ages.

Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix features over 30 water slides, a wave pool, raging river, a rain fortress and spray ground.

SAVE WHEN YOU BUY ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE FUN WETNWILDPHOENIX.COM | 623.201.2000

4243 W Pinnacle Peak Road Glendale, AZ 85310

(located in North Phoenix just 20 miles from downtown and just 5 minutes off I-17.)

SPORTS | ROCK N’ ROLL MARATHON

Arizona Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and 10K

Starting lines: Marathon starts in downtown Phoenix at CityScape; half marathon, two-person relay and 10K start at University Drive and College Avenue in Tempe. The 5K starts on the Mill Avenue Bridge.

Finish line: Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Beach Park

The courses: The full marathon course tours through the three host cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. The half marathon and 10K courses are looped courses launching from downtown Tempe. The 5K has a beautiful and flat looped course that starts on the iconic Mill Ave. Bridge, runs along Tempe Town Lake and finishes at Tempe Beach park with a finish line festival.

Expo: For two days — Jan. 14-15, 2017 — more than 80 exhibitors will offer free samples, showcase the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Pick up some last-minute race essentials before race day and be sure to visit the Brooks Official Merchandise Store. All runners must visit the expo to pick up their race number, swag bag and T-shirt.

The expo will be located at Phoenix Convention Center, North Halls A-E, 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Rock on: With local bands playing live on entertainment stages along every mile of the course, Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona will again rock 112

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with a city-wide party. The bands will keep the course pulsating as runners rock their way from start to finish.

Gear check: Before you enter your assigned corral, drop-off your pre-race/ post-race clothing and belongings at the Gear Check. While you run, your gear will be held at Gear Check. Each participant will receive a large, durable gear bag at the Health & Fitness Expo when you pick up your packet that will serve as your gear bag on race day. Gear Check trucks will be arranged alphabetically and by truck number near the start line. Attach your gear tag to your gear bag before you leave it with the Gear Check crew. After the race, reclaim your checked bag at the designated Gear Check area.

Meeting up after the race: After the race, reunite with family and friends in the Family Reunion area and relish in your post race accomplishment with refreshments and live music at the finish line stage. With a large number of participants and thousands of excited spectators, it can be difficult to locate friends and family without a plan. It is highly recommended that you designate a meet-up location for friends and family before the race in the Family Reunion area.

The Family Reunion area will post tall, clearly-marked signs by Letter (A – Z), so be sure to coordinate and plan to meet at a predetermined letter.

R E S P E C T T H E FA N S | R E S P E C T T H E P L AY E R S | R E S P E C T T H E G A M E

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is a golf tournament like no other. Huge crowds. Enthusiastic fans.

Exciting golf. It’s truly The People’s Open.

#THEPEOPLESOPEN Please enjoy the tournament and have fun. Remember to be safe, act responsibly and behave with class. Let’s show the world that we have the greatest fans in golf.

J a n u a r y 3 0 – F e b r u a r y 5, 2 017 | T P C S c o t t s d a l e | W M P H O E N I XO P E N .C O M

SPORTS | PHOENIX OPEN

WASTE MANAGEMENT Where: TPC of Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 When: Jan. 30-Feb. 6, 2017 Tickets: wmphoenixopen.com Birds Nest: For four nights every year, the hottest nightclub in

Scottsdale is located inside a tent erected in north Scottsdale. It is, of course, the Birds Nest. With its great music, beautiful patrons and enthusiastic partying, the Birds Nest has earned near legendary status on the PGA TOUR. It offers a show all its own and is totally unlike anything else associated with professional golf.

Parking : There is free public parking with shuttle access to the tournament gates.

• From the west, public parking is at Loop 101 and Hayden Road. We recommend that eastbound Loop 101 drivers exit at Hayden, and drive south into the parking lot.

• From the east, parking is at WestWorld. We recommend that drivers exit Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., drive north to Bell Road, turn east to 94th street, and south into the parking lot entrance.

The free shuttles will operate Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Seating: TPC of Scottsdale’s Stadium Course has a capacity of 30,000, making it one of the world’s greatest golf stadiums. The

par 3 16th hole on the Stadium Course is the only fully enclosed hole on the PGA Tour. The grandstands that surround the 16th are home to one of the most enthusiastic crowds on the PGA Tour. A shot that lands on the green will result in cheers from the crowd, while a shot that misses the green will result in boos.

History: The list of professional golfers who have won in Phoenix reads like the golf Hall of Fame: Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret, Billy Casper, Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Miller Barber, Johnny Miller, Ben Crenshaw, and more recently Lee Janzen, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Tom Lehman, Mark Calcavecchia and Kenny Perry just to name a few. The Phoenix Open began in 1932 and the rebirth of the Phoenix Open came in 1939 when Bob Goldwater, Sr. convinced fellow Thunderbirds to help run the event. Beginning in 1955, the Arizona Country Club (also in Phoenix) alternated as event host with Phoenix Country Club; this arrangement lasted until Phoenix Country Club took The Arizona Country Club’s turn in 1975 and became the event’s permanent home again. In 1987, the tournament was moved to its current home, the Stadium Course at TPC of Scottsdale. The 4-day attendance of the tournament is usually around 500,000.

Records: The lowest 4-day score (72 holes) for the tournament was by Mark Calcavecchia in 2001 with a total score of 256 (28 under par), which has since been matched by Phil Mickelson in 2013. Calcavecchia

Schedule of events Monday,Jan. 30: Practice Rounds for PGA Tour pros only; Kyocera Pro-Am, 9:30 a.m., TPC Stadium Course Tuesday, Jan. 31: Practice Rounds for PGA Tour pros only; R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day Activities, 10 a.m.

— motivational speeches by PGA Tour professionals, trick shot show and junior golf clinic presented by PING; Outfront Media Special Olympics Open, TPC Scottsdale Putting Green, 11 a.m.

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Wednesday, Feb. 1: Annexus Pro-Am, TPC Stadium Course, 8:30 a.m.; Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory, TPC Scottsdale 16th hole, 3:30 p.m.; Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2: Waste Management Phoenix Open 1st round, 7:30 a.m.; Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens at 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3: Waste Management

Phoenix Open 2nd round, 7:30 a.m.; Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4: Waste Management Phoenix Open 3rd round, 7:30 a.m.; Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 5: Waste Management Phoenix Open final round, 9 a.m.

Monday, Feb. 6: Post Open Pro-Am, TPC Stadium Course, 9 a.m.

PHOENIX OPEN had 32 birdies in the tournament, which was also an all-time record.

About the course: The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale was designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf specifically to serve as the stage for the tournament – what’s now become the largest spectator golf event in the world. During the 51 weeks of the year when fans are not watching the sport’s top names make history, they can test their own skills on the same pristine fairways — maintained to PGA Tour-quality standards year-round — as their favorite professionals. The course is most famous for it’s par-3, 16th hole that transforms into “The Coliseum” during the Waste Management Phoenix Open and provides fans with one of the most exciting settings in professional sports. Throughout the rest of the course, players will find an ideally balanced layout that blends challenge and playability while appealing to all levels of ability.

Last 10 champions Here are the winners of the last 10 Waste Management Phoenix Opens: 2016: Hideki Matsuyama, Japan 2015: Brooks Koepka, United States 2014: Kevin Stadler, United States 2013, Phil Mickelson, United States 2012: Kyle Stanley, United States 2011: Mark Wilson, United States 2010: Hunter Mahan, United States 2009: Kenny Perry, United States 2008: J. B. Holmes, United States 2007: Aaron Baddeley, Australia

Spectator tips

Arrive early: Arrive early to reserve a spot, especially if you plan on watching the tournament “Parade Style.” On Thursday and Friday, groups are simultaneously started on the first and tenth holes. Most people watch the action on the back nine holes which may give you the opportunity to get a better view of the players on the front nine.

Have a plan: There are basically two ways to watch a golf tournament. “Parade Style” is where you pick a spot and watch the field pass by or “Cross-Country Style” is where you follow a particular player or group around the course.

Must-have-items: Sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes and binoculars.

Autographs: Players are more receptive to requests for autographs after they have completed their round, so don’t interrupt them before or during their round. A good place to catch them is at the practice area. Most players will return there after their round.

Celebrity sightings: Wednesday of Waste Management Phoenix Open week features the celebrity event. Wednesday, many celebrities and others take part in the annual Annexus Pro-Am. Daily pairings: Pick up a daily pairing sheet to find out when the players tee off and the order of the groups.

Pairing sheets include a course map, and are available near the entrances and at selected other locations on the tournament grounds. One way to tell the players from a distance is to look for their caddies, who wear color-coded vests (green, white or yellow), which will be indicated on the daily pairing sheet.

Food and drinks: Concession stands are located throughout the tournament grounds. For lunch or dinner, visit the Fry’s or Coca-Cola Food Courts.

Souvenirs are located at the TPC Merchandise Tents, near the 1st tee and the main entrance.

Weather check: Check the weather forecast before you visit the Waste Management Phoenix Open and dress appropriately. Expect cool mornings and sunny afternoons, so dressing in layers is the best idea.

Inclement weather policy: Spectators will be alerted to weather that tournament officials identify as potentially dangerous.

Weather warnings will be broadcast on the electronic leader boards that are located throughout the golf course. A prolonged blast on an air horn, repeated once, will indicate that tournament play has been suspended, all attendees should seek safe shelter immediately. Two short blast of an air horn, repeated once, will indicate play has resumed.

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SPORTS | NASCAR

AUTO RACING AT PIR What: NASCAR’s first and last trips to the West Coast each season is at Phoenix International Raceway. The signature event of the fall weekend is the Can-Am 500, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car race where fans find out which four drivers will enter the Championship as the Eliminator Round’s final four. The spring race weekend features the Camping World 500.

The track: Phoenix International Raceway, also known as PIR, is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale. The track opened in 1964 and currently hosts two NASCAR race weekends annually, one of 13 facilities on the NASCAR schedule to host more than one race weekend a year. PIR has also hosted the IndyCar Series, CART, USAC and the Rolex Sports Car Series. The raceway is currently owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation. The raceway was originally constructed with a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) road course that ran both inside and outside of the main tri-oval. In 1991 the track was re-configured with the current 1.51 miles (2.43 km) interior layout. PIR has an estimated grandstand seating capacity of around 67,000. Lights were installed around the track in 2004 following the addition of a second annual NASCAR race weekend. The track is both the first and last stop in the western United States, as well as the second and second-to-last track on the schedule.

Spring race weekend Camping World 500: Start planning your Spring Break trip to Phoenix Raceway when NASCAR Goes West. Don’t miss your opportunity to see NASCAR Champions Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch take on young guns like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott on the track while you take on spring break — NASCAR style.

When: Sunday, March 19, 2017 116

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Arizona 200: NASCAR XFINITY Series racing at Phoenix Raceway. Don’t forget your tank top and sunglasses when you come to Phoenix Raceway to watch the up and coming drivers in NASCAR in the Arizona 200, NASCAR XFINITY Series Race When: Saturday, March 18, 2017 Gatorade Pole Day: The Camping World 500 NASCAR Weekend kicks off with Gatorade Pole Day. Don’t miss practice sessions for both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series before the starting line-up is set for the Camping World 500. Take off Friday and start your Spring Break at the track a day early.

When: Friday, March 17, 2017

IndyCar weekend Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix; The highspeed action of Verizon IndyCar Series racing comes to Phoenix Raceway for the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix. Catch IndyCar’s brightest stars under the lights for 200 miles on the first short-track of the 2017 season.

When: Saturday, April 29, 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series Practice and Qualifying: Watch Verizon IndyCar Series Drivers attempt to break last year’s Phoenix Raceway Track Record during Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix qualifying. See teams adjust their cars during practice as they prepare to take on Phoenix Raceway.

When: Friday, April 28, 2017

SPORTS | CACTUS LEAGUE S urrounded by the scenic landscape of the Sonoran Desert, Greater Phoenix provides the excitement of the Old West within a thriving metropolitan area brimming with cultural and outdoor activity. Enjoy Cactus League games in Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe.

History: Spring training for baseball season under the warm Arizona sun has been a tradition for devoted fans since 1947, when just two teams, the Cleveland Indians and the New York Giants, came here to prepare for the rigors of the long regular season. Today, 15 teams train in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the United States.

For visitors, the Cactus League couldn’t be more convenient, with short drive times between ballparks and a full range of hotel, dining and shopping amenities. Truly, the Cactus League is the premier destination for baseball lovers.

When: March through April, 2017 Information: cactusleague.com

Spring training facilities

• Camelback Ranch in Glendale is the spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. It is owned and operated

by Glendale, Arizona. The stadium holds 13,000 people. It has 10,000-plus seats, plus 3,000 bermed grass seating. There are eight full suites, four mini-suites, one press box, one suitelevel party deck and a series of outfield terraces that create party areas.

Location: 10712 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85037 • Sloan Park in Mesa is the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. It opened in 2014 and is owned and operated by the Chicago Cubs. With a capacity of 15,000, Sloan Park is the largest spring training stadium by capacity in Major League Baseball, surpassing Camelback Ranch in Glendale (coincidentally, spring training home of the Cubs’ in-city rival the Chicago White Sox) by 2,000 seats.

Location: 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, AZ 85201 • Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear (west of Phoenix) is the current spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. It is part of a $108 million baseball complex. Outside the main entrance, the concourse features a 60 foot 6 inch fiberglass statue titled “The Ziz” created by artist Donald Lipski.

Location: 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338

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SPRING

TRAINING Hohokam Stadium, also known as Dwight W. Patterson Field and formerly Hohokam Park, is the spring training home of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics as of 2015. The stadium was named for the Hohokam people who occupied the region from approximately AD 1 to the mid-1400s. From 1979 to 2013, the Chicago Cubs held their spring training at Hohokam Stadium.

Location: 1235 N. Center St., Mesa, Arizona 85201

• Maryvale Baseball Park is the spring training home of the Milwaukee Brewers and their minor league affiliates. The baseball park is owned and operated by the city’s Parks and Recreation department.

The stadium holds 7,000 people. It is also the home stadium of the Arizona League Brewers rookie league minor league baseball team of the Arizona League.

Location: 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85031 • Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, a suburb of Phoenix, is the spring training home stadium of both the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. The facility is near Peoria’s main shopping district on Bell Road. It consists of the main baseball stadium (Peoria Stadium) and twelve practice fields. It is also one of five facilities to host Arizona Fall League games.

Location: 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382 • Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the spring training facility home for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. The stadium complex is located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. The complex represents the first MLB park to be built on Native American Indian land. There are 7,000 fixed seats in the grandstand

and 4,000 lawn seats for a total estimated seating capacity of 11,000.

Location: 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85258

• Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants. The stadium was built in 1992 and holds 12,000 people. The stadium underwent a $23.1 million renovation in 2006. In return, the San Francisco Giants agreed to play at the stadium for an additional 20 years, through 2025, with an option to extend the lease to 2035. The stadium also hosts the Fall League’s championship game at the end of November.

Location: 7408 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • Surprise Stadium is the spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers and the home of the Arizona Fall League’s Surprise Saguaros.

It is located at the Surprise Recreation Campus athletic facility. The stadium was designed by HOK Sport, built in 2002 and holds 10,714 people. The stadium was also the home of the Golden Baseball League’s Surprise Fightin’ Falcons, who folded after their only season in 2005.

Location: 15930 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise, AZ 85374 • Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe is the spring training home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the home field for night games of the Arizona League Tempe Angels. The stadium was built in 1968 and holds 9,558 people. The stadium underwent an extensive $20 million renovation and was rededicated on Mar. 3, 2006. Tempe Diablo Stadium can be seen from the Maricopa Freeway.

Location: 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 Learn more at azBIGmedia.com 119

Pick up Play Ball at your favorite Cactus League stadiums!

Take part of the only complete spring training guide distributed in Cactus League baseball stadiums Valleywide.

It’s time to Play Ball!

RESERVE CE A P S R U YO FOR Y A D O T A LL PLAYB 2017

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