AN EYE-POPPING VISUAL FEAST
IT’S A SIGN OF THE TIMES
CHASING ART UNDER THE SONORAN SUN
ASTONISHING. UNPREDICTABLE. MIND-BENDING. Omega Mart is an immersive interactive experience from the groundbreaking art collective, Meow Wolf. Featuring jaw-dropping work from international and local artists, Omega Mart sends participants of all ages on a journey through surreal worlds and immersive storytelling. Discover secret portals or simply soak up the innovative art as you venture beyond an extraordinary supermarket into parts unknown. Tickets at OmegaMart.com
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Allegiant Travel Company PUBLICATION
DIRECTOR
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Heather Turk
CHAIRMAN
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Andrew Porrello
Heather Turk
Kate Wallace
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Gina Chong, WWE, Fortune Feimster, Merce Jessor, Live Nation Las Vegas, Jenny Anderson, Quinn Beaupre, Eric Scire, Arizona Bike Week, Arizona Restaurant Association, Hot Luck Fest, NBA Photos, Adi Nayev, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Adventure Science Center, Nathan Zucker, Willowbrook Manor English Tea House and Farm Stay, Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co., Jester King Brewery, Zilker Brewing Co., Alive Coverage, Caesars Entertainment, Bronson Loftin, Eugene Dela Cruz, One Seven Agency, Tarantino’s, NoButcher, BattleBots, Inc., Elisabeth Caren, Sabin Orr, John Shearer, Russ Harrington, Bellamy Brewster, Denise Truscello, Travis Schneider, Blue Rose, Inc., Christopher DeVargas, AREA15, Peter Ruprecht, Bright Light Digital Art, Pursuit, In Color Studios, ROUGE: The Sexiest Show in Las Vegas, The Rat Pack is Back, David Saxe Productions, El Cortez Hotel & Casino, Chris Wessling, The Neon Museum, BLM Las Vegas, Visit Phoenix, Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department, Slaven Gujic, Mark Lipczynski, Michelle Streeter, Airi Katsuta, Experience Scottsdale, Heather Daenitz/Craft Vineyard & Farm, Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Allegiant!
By choosing us, you’re benefiting from nonstop flight access to amazing destinations across the country. From quaint small towns like Asheville, to booming tech hotspots like Austin, we can take you anywhere you need to go. This magazine is your best guide to local attractions, restaurants, and lodging.
Get ready to spring into action! Join us as we continue our journey upwards with exciting route additions and a brand-new seaside resort - Sunseeker!
Let Allegiant nonstop life be your guide to the best places to eat, drink and have fun on your vacation. If you are visiting Las Vegas, check out New & Noteworthy on page 21 for the newest additions to Vegas’ outstanding culinary scene. Traveling to the Phoenix area? Turn to page 51 and explore Water Fun in Mesa. You’ll be surprised that this desert destination is surrounded by water and there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting. If you’re heading to Southern California on this trip or a future trip, you’ll want to schedule a visit to the Warner Bros. Studios. Behind the Lens on page 59 provides great insight into this fabulous tour.
Wherever this flight takes you, we hope you enjoy your vacation.
Thank you again for choosing Allegiant.
By Heather Turk
Proving the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together, South by Southwest (SXSW) takes place at venues across downtown Austin, Texas, March 10 through 19. Guests can attend music and comedy showcases, film and TV screenings, conference sessions and more throughout the event, with featured speakers that include WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque and founder and CEO of KORA Organics, supermodel Miranda Kerr. sxsw.com
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt continues her Just Like That… tour with a special three-night engagement at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas March 15, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. The 10-time GRAMMY Award winner will be joined onstage by members of her longtime touring band and various special guests. venetianlasvegas.com
Returning for its 27th year, the San Diego ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival takes over the streets of downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter on March 17. The Celtic carnival invites guests age 21 and older to enjoy traditional Irish steppers and Celtic rock bands from 4 to 11 p.m. while playing fun games, sipping green beer and partaking in plenty of festive photo ops. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. sandiegoshamrock.com
Based on the hit 2004 film starring Lindsay Lohan, Broadway’s hilarious musical “Mean Girls” stops by The Smith Center in Las Vegas for eight
visitors won’t want to missPhoto of “Mean Girls” by Jenny Anderson © 2022; SXSW by Quinn Beaupre; ShamROCK by Eric Scire; Arizona Bike Week courtesy of Arizona Bike Week “Mean Girls” San Diego ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival Arizona Bike Week
“fetch” performances March 21 through 26. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. performance on Saturday and Sunday. thesmithcenter.com
One of the country’s biggest motorcycle rallies, Arizona Bike Week rolls into WestWorld of Scottsdale March 29 through April 2. Expected to attract 75,000 people, the event features bike shows, factory demo rides, stunt shows, scenic charity rides and concerts, including a performance from rock band Staind on April 1. azbikeweek.com
See your favorite WWE Superstars compete on the grandest stage of them all when WrestleMania 39 takes place April 1 and 2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The action begins both nights at 4:30 p.m. Fans can also attend several other televised events happening at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena leading up to/ following WrestleMania 39, including “Friday Night SmackDown” and the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 31, NXT Stand & Deliver on April 1 and “Monday Night Raw” on April 3. wwe.com
Featuring hundreds of craft beers, ciders and
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On the heels of her hour-long Netflix special, “Good Fortune,” comedian Fortune Feimster (“Chelsea Lately,” “Kenan”) brings her Live Laugh Love! tour to Wynn Las Vegas on April 1. The laughs begin at 8 p.m. wynnlasvegas.com
Following a sold-out run of North American tour dates in 2022, singer-songwriter/actress Sabrina Carpenter (“Girl Meets World”) brings her Emails I Can’t Send tour to The Warfield in San Francisco, April 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. thewarfieldtheatre.com
Dance from dusk to dawn to some of the world’s top electronic music acts when Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas takes over the Las Vegas Motor Speedway May 19 through 21. lasvegas. electricdaisycarnival.com
Enjoy a taste of Greater Phoenix during Arizona Restaurant Week May 19 through 28. Showcasing a wide variety of cuisines, the tasty event features special three-course dinner menus at more than 150 restaurants across the state for only $33, $44 or $55 per person or couple. arizonarestaurantweek.com
Inspired by friendly tailgates, family reunions, get-togethers and potlucks, the Hot Luck Food & Music Festival takes place at various venues around Austin, Texas, May 25 through 28. An à la carte, eatwith-your-fingers picnic and party experience, the four-day event highlights open-pit feasts of culinary know-hows and live music that’s as thoughtfully curated as the food on each plate. hotluckfest.com
The 2022 WNBA champions come home to Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay on May 27 when the Las Vegas Aces play their first home game of the 2023 season against the Los Angeles Sparks. The game begins at 6 p.m. aces.wnba.com
Photo of Arizona Restaurant Week courtesy of the Arizona Restaurant Association; Hot Luck Food & Music Festival courtesy of Hot Luck Fest; Las Vegas Aces courtesy of NBA
Photos; Electric Daisy Carnival by Adi Nayev
Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas
Arizona Restaurant Week
Hot Luck Food & Music Festival
Nashville may be best known for its music and bar scenes, but the city also has several fun attractions that families can enjoy together.
Putting the fun in fundamental learning, this enlightening science center lets guests of all ages enjoy science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through more than 175 interactive exhibits. Guests can contemplate the endless concept of infinity in the Infinium Room; learn about the principles of anatomy, physics and engineering while climbing a Kinetic Climber in the Adventure Gallery; and explore sound and music in the immersive soundBox. There’s even a planetarium that plays laser light shows set to hits from popular musicians, like Prince and David Bowie. adventuresci.org
Glide past gorgeous waterfalls and extraordinary horticulture during this relaxing indoor boat ride on Gaylord Opryland Resort’s quarter-mile-long Delta River. Open to the public, the 14-minute tour is led by a riverboat captain who educates passengers on the property’s history as well as the incredible plant life that lives inside its three atriums. Boasting over 50,000 plants, the lush displays will make guests feel like they’re cruising through a rainforest! gaylordopryland.com
It seems only fitting that Music City is home to the first-ever Madame Tussauds solely focused on musicians, songwriters and performers. Featuring more than 60 figures from all genres of music, this celebrity wax museum inside the Opry Mills shopping center takes guests on a journey through different eras of music history alongside a cast of legendary artists, including B.B. King, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Several of the lifelike figures are actually located inside rooms that resemble some of Nashville’s most iconic locations, giving visitors the unique opportunity to snap the perfect selfie with their favorite stars at places like The Bluebird Cafe and Grand Ole Opry. madametussauds.com/nashville
By Heather Turk
A city that’s quickly developing a reputation for its booming craft beer scene, Austin, Texas, is home to several craft breweries that will impress even the most discerning beer connoisseur.
AUSTIN BEER GARDEN BREWING CO.
Known for its award-winning lagers, this warehouse-like brewery invites guests to drink for a cause, as 5 percent of its profits go toward benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Visitors can savor an array of beers brewed on site, like the preprohibition-style Rocket 100 American pilsner, and pair their selection with an assortment of scratch-made sandwiches, salads, small plates and pizzas. Live music is featured several nights a week, including a
award-winning barrel-aged Atrial Rubicite wild ale that’s refermented with raspberries and the refreshing Le Petit Prince farmhouse table beer. There’s also a food truck on site serving BBQ-inspired dishes and loaded fries, or guests can order a wood-fired pizza from the brewery’s kitchen. jesterkingbrewery.com
ZILKER BREWING CO.
Famous for its hazy beers, sours and lagers, this urban East Side brewery serves 12 beers in its taproom, including seven rotating seasonal selections. A new seasonal style is released each week, or guests can try one of five mainstays like the Coffee Milk Stout made with locally roasted Spokesman Coffee. Visitors can enjoy their selection in a large outdoor beer garden while treating their taste buds to fare from one of the best food trailers in town, Spicy Boys, which serves a menu of tasty Pan-Asian-inspired fried chicken, wings and sandwiches. zilkerbeer.com
Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.’s beers are also available on tap at several local restaurants
Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. has its own stage that regularly hosts live concerts
Kick back with a beer and unwind in Zilker Brewing Co.’s outdoor beer garden
Jester King Brewery’s crisp and hoppy Le Petit Prince
By Heather Turk
Celebrating a decade of making a difference, Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival takes place April 14 through 16 on beautiful Ft. Lauderdale Beach.
Sponsored in part by Allegiant, this year’s event will once again feature performances by artists across several music genres while raising money for marine conservation efforts. To date, more than $3 million has been raised from the ocean-side music festival, which began after its founder, Chris Stacey, saw how bad the condition of the world’s oceans had become after watching the documentary “The Cove.”
“I wanted to do something that could harness the power of music to shine a spotlight on how important it is to save our seas,” Stacey, a longtime music executive who founded the Rock the Ocean Foundation to support scientific research, education and public awareness about the issues impacting the world’s oceans, told nonstoplife
In addition to seeing such notable acts as Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and Shania Twain performing on the Allegiant Main
See some of your favorite music artists with your feet in the sand at the Tortuga Music Festival The Tortuga Music Festival will leave concertgoers eager to support ocean conservation effortsStage and Wiz Khalifa, Justin Moore and The Wallflowers performing on the Sunset Stage, this year’s festival will feature a third stage dedicated to emerging acts based out of Nashville. When festivalgoers aren’t watching some of their favorite music acts perform, they can learn more about the critical environmental issues facing our oceans by exploring the on-site Conservation Village.
“Each year we try to curate our Conservation Village lineup in a thoughtful manner,” Stacey said. “We identify groups that, in our opinion, are really putting in the time and effort in the fight to save our oceans. We highlight five core issues (sea turtle conservation, shark conservation, marine pollution, overfishing and coral reef degradation) and find the thoughtleaders who are driving the science behind each issue. Then we give them an opportunity to showcase their work for all of our fans. I always say we bring the rockstars of ocean conservation to Tortuga.”
Guests can actually pick up a passport and earn stamps by visiting core issue tents in the Conservation Village for a chance to win free tickets to next year’s Tortuga Music Festival. Stacey noted that guests can “dive as deep or as shallow” as they want at each location.
“The learning potential is unlimited,” Stacey stated. “You can spend 30 seconds completing a task to earn
Continued on page 19
your stamp, or you might engage a scientist and spend an hour in their booth doing the interactive display and really learning a lot about your favorite topic.”
Festivalgoers are encouraged to stop by the Eco Exchange as well to pick up a bag to collect trash and recyclable materials with during the event. Guests can then return their filled bag to accumulate points for a chance to win a variety of prizes, from Allegiant flight vouchers to passes to next year’s festival. The more items guests pick up, the better prizes they can win. Stacey noted that the festival takes its location on a stretch of beach that also happens to be a sea turtle nesting zone very seriously, and even has a sustainability coordinator who makes sure the event is as green as possible.
“Our internal motto is Rethink-Reduce-Restore,” Stacey said. “We want to Rethink every aspect of our production and find the most eco-friendly options; Reduce by only bringing things on site that are truly required; and Restore or refurbish the habitat so it’s better than we found it. We were the first major music festival to not allow single-serve plastic water bottles. We don’t use plastic straws. We use all compostable service ware. We use biodiesel and solar power on many of our generators and other heavy equipment. We recycle or compost most of our waste, and we recycle cigarette butts that we collect on site. Our goal is to become the most sustainable large-scale music festival in the world.”
For those who really want to support the
Learn about how you can help save our oceans at Rock the Ocean’s Conservation Village Conservation Village features distinguished groups that support Rock the Ocean’s five core issueslow fares. nonstop flights.
By Heather Turk
Foodies dining on the Las Vegas Strip will find several eagerly anticipated restaurants have recently made their delectable debuts.
Celebrate the bold flavors of the Italian coast with dinner at this Strip-front restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef
Shawn McClain. Guests can savor a menu of handmade pastas, Roman-style pizzas, woodfired meats and shareable antipasto selections, with standout options that include the tomato, garlic and Calabrian pepper Casarecce pasta and the creamy Burrata antipasto with roasted peppers, tomato conserva and pine nuts. When it’s time for dessert, the raspberry preserves-filled Bomboloni (Italian donuts) are sure to please everyone at the table! saharalasvegas.com/restaurants-bars/balla
Gordon Ramsay’s sixth Las Vegas restaurant features a mouth-watering menu of dishes inspired by the multi-Michelin-starred chef’s travels around the world. Guests can relish such enticing entrées as Ramsay’s signature
Beef Wellington or the Crispy Skin Salmon and pair them with an assortment of flavorful sides, like Maitake Mushroom with char siu butter and miso aioli. With bottles of wine competitively priced less than other Strip restaurants and a variety of tasty mocktails available, this sophisticated eatery is ideal for both business lunches and romantic dinners. caesars.com/harrahs-las-vegas/restaurants/ ramsays-kitchen
LAS VEGAS
Serving a feast for the senses, this South Beach favorite is known as much for its fabulous French-Mediterranean cuisine as its entertainment. Guests can indulge in such impeccable culinary creations for dinner as the Truffle Brie pastry and the Ravioles de Roman made with house-made ricotta, Comté, Emmental, truffles and champignon sauce while listening to a live DJ/violinist. Several other entertainers — including singers, dancers and musicians — also perform Thursday through Saturday starting at 8 p.m. as well as during the restaurant’s Sunday brunch. villaazurmiamibeach.com/location/villaazur-las-vegas
Photo of Ramsay’s Kitchen courtesy of Caesars Entertainment; Balla Italian Soul by Bronson Loftin; Villa Azur by Eugene Dela Cruz, OneSeven Agency Ramsay’s Kitchen is the perfect location for a power lunch Villa Azur is sure to become a Strip favorite
By Sean Davies
Trying to maintain a plant-based diet on vacation can be nearly impossible. That is, unless you’re visiting Vegas, which boasts plenty of vegan options in a range of different cuisines.
CHEF KENNY’S
A bit of a local celebrity, Chef Kenny was responsible for one of Las Vegas’s first all vegan drive-thrus. Now, he serves expertly crafted Vegas dishes at two separate restaurants.
His newest restaurant, Chef Kenny’s Vegan Dim Sum Restaurant makes delicious dumplings without the use of artificial flavors. Dim sum favorites like Pork Buns and Egg Custard Tarts get vegan revamps with plantbased alternatives like tofu, mushrooms and various legumes.
At Chef Kenny’s Asian Vegan Restaurant, the titular chef showcases his range with everything from vegan sushi to chow mein and pad thai. No matter the dish, if it falls under the category of Asian food, Chef Kenny has the vegan alternative already on his menu. chefkennysasianveganrestaurant.com
using fresh ingredients, with veggie alternatives made in-house whenever possible, if not sourced locally.
While their meatball sandwich is not to be missed, the pasta bar is hard to pass up. Various noodles, sauces, veggies and plantbased proteins put the power to create new “pastabilities” plainly in the hands of the patrons.
Dessert options dazzle as well, with a vegan cannoli that will soothe the cravings of recovering ricotta fans. tarantinosvegan.com
Located 10 minutes from the Strip, NoButcher is a unique vegan deli and eatery serving plant-based sandwiches with homemade vegan meats and cheeses.
Their stand-out sub is the Pulled NoPork Sandwich, made with a maple-mustard slaw curtailed by a crispy ciabatta roll. Former fish eaters can finally feel at ease eating sea-inspired cuisine thanks to the NoTuna Sandwich, a chickpea salad sandwich so close to tuna it’s hard to believe it never swam. Just like every other item on the menu, it’s made from scratch without any animal products. nobutcher.com
Photo of Tarantino’s courtesy of Tarantino’s; NoPastrami courtesy of NoButcher
Tarantino’s has delicious desserts, without the lactose
Bruschetta is just the tip of the Italian appetizer iceberg at Tarantino’s
“BattleBots” co-founder and executive producer Greg Munson knows that “magic tricks are cool and circus stuff is fun, but 250-pound robots beating the crap out of each other is awesome.” That’s why, after shooting more than 90 hours of television inside of the BattleBots Arena at Caesars Entertainment Studios, “BattleBots” launched Las Vegas’ first ongoing robotic combat show — “BATTLEBOTS: DESTRUCT-A-THON” — in February.
“We’ve known for years that a show in Las Vegas was the next step for the sport and the brand,” Munson stated. “We’ve got a hit TV show along with a growing community of robot builders and a global fan base. The time is right to grow the sport into the next great fighting league.”
‘BATTLEBOTS: DESTRUCT-A-THON’ is a unique fighting experience the whole family can enjoy
production. Munson teased that fans can look forward to “an amazing new hammer robot, a radical new tank robot and the return of the most fearsome saw robot on the planet.” Occasionally, fans will see entrants from rookie robot combat teams competing as well.
“Las Vegas is the fight capital of the world,” Munson noted, “so where better to hold our one-of-a-kind robot fighting experience than here?”
“BATTLEBOTS: DESTRUCT-A-THON” runs Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon. Tickets start at just $49, plus taxes and fees, with family bundles and VIP options also available. battlebots.com
“BATTLEBOTS: DESTRUCT-A-THON” is a kill-or-be-killed spectacle where no one gets hurt
Ushering in a new era of entertainment, Wynn Las Vegas’ “Awakening” is a jaw-dropping spectacle unlike anything staged before in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
A culmination of more than five years of creative and strategic planning, the $120 million production premiered last November in Wynn Las Vegas’ customdesigned, 360-degree Awakening Theater. Through a combination of technology, dramatic choreography, spectacular illusions, an original score by composer Brian Tyler (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”) and fantastic puppetry by the show’s producer/character designer Michael Curry (“The Lion King” on Broadway), “Awakening” tells the story of a heroine and her two fellow travelers as they seek to reunite two lost lovers and restore beauty and love to the world.
“‘Awakening’ builds on Las Vegas’ legacy of imagination and innovation in live entertainment,” said Bernie Yuman, the show’s executive producer/ producer who was also the driving force responsible for Siegfried & Roy’s 25-year Las Vegas engagement.
“As a producer of live entertainment, the inspiration has and will always be to do something bigger and bolder — something that’s never been done before.
‘Awakening’ pushes the boundaries of entertainmentPhotos of “Awakening” by Elisabeth Caren; Bernie Yuman by Sabin Orr
I’m always looking to set new standards for the industry with productions that propel a new genre of entertainment and demonstrate the boundless potential of innovation in the 21st century. ‘Awakening’ is the crux of everything explored thus far and brings audiences an unforgettable in-person experience.”
At the center of each 75-minute performance is a 60-foot prismatic stage made of dichroic glass and custom LED screens that’s easily a character in its own right. To fully immerse audiences in the action taking place around them, each seat in the 1,600-seat theater is not only located within 75 feet of center stage, but also equipped with built-in speakers.
Featuring 60 talented cast members/dancers, “Awakening” is narrated by Yuman’s dear friend, two-time Academy Award winner Sir Anthony Hopkins, who was “eager to be a part of the production in some way” after hearing Yuman talk about it. The show is directed and produced by Baz Halpin, who has designed, directed and produced concerts for some of the music industry’s top artists, including Taylor Swift and P!nk.
“‘Awakening’ is a spectacle of epic scale and a true reflection of best-in-class talent coming together,” Yuman concluded. “From production, to the creative team, to the performances, choreography, music, sound and technology, there’s so much to see. In many ways, this show represents our own cultural awakening and return to the real world after the pandemic. It captures the idea that ‘the show must go on’ and invites audiences to come together and celebrate the joy, wonder and optimism of life.”
“Awakening” runs Tuesday through Saturday, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $125, plus taxes and fees. awakening.com
“Awakening” is Wynn Las Vegas’ largest entertainment investment to date.“Awakening” takes audiences on a journey to five unique and visceral worlds “Awakening” features more than 300 stunning costumes inspired by haute couture
by Russ Harrington
Las Vegas continues to hit all the right notes with music fans, thanks to several exciting new concert residencies and the return of some favorites.
Maroon 5 is scheduled to launch a Las Vegas residency on March 24 at Park MGM. Customed designed for the 5,200-seat Dolby Live theater, “M5LV The Residency” will showcase the pop-rock band’s greatest hits, like “This Love” and “Moves Like Jagger.” Spring performances run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 24 through April 8, at 8 p.m. ticketmaster.com/maroon5vegas
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Photo of Miranda Lambert by John Shearer; Keith Urban Keith Urban’s new Las Vegas residency will be custom designed for Zappos TheaterWhen Maroon 5 isn’t performing at Dolby Live, chances are Usher will be, as the R&B superstar will be resuming his “My Way” residency Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 1 through 18 and April 14 through 29, at 9 p.m. One of the Entertainment Capital of the World’s hottest tickets, the show previously sold out all of its 2022 performance dates. Featuring staging throughout the venue, the production gives fans an up-close-and-personal experience with Usher as he performs such smash hits as “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” and “My Boo.” ticketmaster.com/ushervegas
Inside Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, country superstar Keith Urban will begin a new Las Vegas residency in March as well. Currently scheduled for 16 dates, including Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 3 through 18, at 8 p.m., “Keith Urban: The Las Vegas Residency” will be an all-new production for the “You Look Good in My Shirt” singer, following a
Fans who see Miranda Lambert’s residency at Zappos Theater can scan Digital Seat QR Codes inside of the venue to play a “Velvet Rodeo”themed micro game to win prizes — including instant seat upgrades!
Fellow country superstar Miranda Lambert will be performing her hit residency, “Velvet Rodeo,” at Zappos Theater March 24, 25 and 30 and April 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. One of the Strip’s best new residencies, the production not only features a mix of Lambert’s charttopping songs and beloved album cuts, like “The House That Built Me” and “Little Red Wagon,” but also plenty of pyrotechnics. Lambert’s even been known to surprise ticket holders by doing a number with the Pistol Annies! ticketmaster.com/mirandavegas
Another fun residency that shouldn’t be missed is “Katy Perry: PLAY” at Resorts
“Usher: My Way The Vegas Residency” features extravagant costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, video and special effects
production features the pop star singing her greatest hits — everything from “I Kissed a Girl” to “When I’m Gone” — while playing a doll version of herself in a larger-than-life, “Toy Story”-esque world. rwlasvegas.com/ entertainment/katy-perry
In between Perry’s concert dates, country superstar Luke Bryan will take the Resorts World Theatre stage for his residency, “Luke Bryan: Vegas.” Returning Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 22 through April 1, at 8 p.m., the high-energy show not only features Bryan performing on a shifting stage that lifts him and his band to the rhythms of such hit songs as “That’s My Kind of Night,” but also on a catwalk that descends from the ceiling and elevates the “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)” singer to eye-level with the mezzanine seats. rwlasvegas.com/entertainment/luke-bryan
Even country legend Garth Brooks has a brand-new residency in Las Vegas. Following the conclusion of “Weekends with Adele” in March, and the return of “Sting: My Songs” select dates April 1 through 9 and “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” select dates May 3 through 15, “Garth Brooks/Plus ONE” will
perform inside The Colosseum at Caesars
Palace Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 through 28, at 8 p.m. Featuring varying band members and the occasional special guest, the show promises fans a once-ina-lifetime performance from “The Dance” icon each night. caesars.com/caesars-palace/ shows/the-colosseum
May is also when The B-52s begin a 10-night residency at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Audiences won’t want to miss The World’s Greatest Party Band’s first run of shows when the “Love Shack” act performs Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, May 5 through 13, at 8:30 p.m. venetianlasvegas.com
No two performances of “Garth Brooks/Plus ONE” will be the same
It’s impossible not to have a good time at “Katy Perry: PLAY”
After years of playing New Year’s Eve shows in Las Vegas, Maroon 5 will finally have an official Las Vegas residency this spring
Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip on the other side of the I-15 lies an immersive entertainment district unlike any other: AREA15.
Known for its dynamic destinations, interactive art installations and live events, AREA15 has become one of Las Vegas’ most popular attractions since opening in September 2020. A worthy addition to the Entertainment Capital of the World, the unique attraction showcases what’s next in experiential entertainment through a variety of extraordinary experiences.
Probably the most well-known experience within AREA15 is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. Featuring innovative works of art from international and local artists, the
interactive art installation takes guests on a journey far beyond the surreal supermarket they first enter. Not only can shoppers explore four themed areas and 60 unique environments looking for clues to uncover what happened to Omega Mart’s missing CEO, but they can also unlock more of the exhibit’s mysterious narrative by purchasing a Boop card that interacts with various electronic stations found throughout the venue.
Omega Mart recently welcomed its first notable expansion, too, with the Mega Art Zone. Located adjacent to the Omega Mart box office, the Mega Art Zone showcases the works of more than 40 Las Vegas artists. Now, instead of just being able to purchase one-of-a-kind items from Omega Mart, like air fresheners that smell like “Unspoken Promises” or Vegan Goat Pus (lemonade), visitors can purchase locally made miniature art pieces — including jewelry, postcards and magnets — from one of two vending machines.
Although Omega Mart is open to guests of all ages, another one of AREA15’s most popular experiences is a riveting mix of science, innovation and art that’s strictly for adults. Lost Spirits Distillery invites guests to go on a guided tour of its working rum distillery, where they will learn more about the groundbreaking equipment
Experience a series of vibrant, eyecatching infinity-mirror rooms at Wink World: Portals into the Infinite Expect the unexpected inside Meow Wolf’s Omega Martused to rapidly mature its spirits while sampling some selections along the way. Guests are then turned loose to explore an immersive, Victorian-like village located within the distillery that’s home to hidden tasting rooms, pop-up performances from talented artists — including a two-time world champion gold medal gymnast — and even a submarine “ride.” Visitors can book a 16-course dinner inside the distillery as well as the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea dining experience, which includes cocktail pairings featuring the distillery’s spirits.
While guests will want to give themselves plenty of time to explore Omega Mart and Lost Spirits Distillery at their leisure, many of AREA15’s coolest attractions can be enjoyed in less than an hour. At Wink World: Portals into the Infinite, visitors can ponder the concept of infinity as they walk through six infinity-mirror rooms designed by Blue Man Group co-founder, Chris Wink. Each room features a brief production number choreographed to original music that utilizes items like streamers, lights and slinkies with little toy aliens attached to them to create a fun yet thought-provoking psychedelic experience.
Museum Fiasco, meanwhile, features a combination of loud sounds, strobing lights and fog effects to create three short interactive audiovisual installations — “Cluster,” “Railwave” and “Stellar” — that engage the senses. The dazzling displays become even more impressive when
In addition to featuring nearly two dozen signature experiences, as well as restaurants, shops and bars, AREA15 hosts elaborate, fullvenue parties throughout the year. This spring will be no different, with several exciting parties on the horizon, such as We’re All Mad Here on March 25, Secret Garden on April 29 and Neon Dream on May 27. Each themed, ticketed event includes entry into AREA15, live performances across multiple stages and venues, spirited performers and characters and interactive art and photo installations. All partygoers must be age 21 or older to attend.
AREA15 is open daily. Admission is free, although most experiences require individual admission tickets. Three Experience Passes are available, though, that grant passholders entry into select experiences for one set price. After 10 p.m., AREA15 is open exclusively to guests age 21 and older, so be sure to bring any kids before then so the
Guests will never be bored inside of AREA15
Go down the rabbit hole when AREA15’s Alice in Wonderland-themed We’re All Mad Here party returns in March
Vegas visitors can now explore three of the world’s most breathtaking destinations without ever leaving the Strip.
Last September, the multisensory attraction FlyOver in Las Vegas launched its third flight ride film, “Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies.” Shown in stunning 8K high definition on FlyOver’s 52.5-foot spherical screen, the film showcases the Canadian Rockies’ remote mountains and dramatic vistas as riders gently soar over 18 beautiful locales, including Mount Forbes in Banff National Park and the Saskatchewan River. In addition to providing a rare glimpse into some of the most isolated areas of the mountain range, the film highlights incredible feats of human ability. Riders will get an adrenaline rush watching world-renowned athletes like ice climber Will Gadd and freeskier Christina Lustenberger do what they do best from an unparalleled vantage point.
“Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies” joins two other flight ride films currently playing at FlyOver in Las Vegas. “Legendary Iceland” features nearly 30 different landmarks and locations throughout the Icelandic region, including the Aldeyjarfoss waterfall and the Dyrhólaey cliffs, while “Wonders of the American West” spotlights 17 of the Western United States’ most beautiful landmarks, including Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado and the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. During
each film, location-specific mists, scents and wind help fully immerse guests in the action taking place on-screen, while FlyOver’s stateof-the-art moving platform uses six degrees of motion to make riders feel as though they are soaring, dipping or diving like a bird over every jaw-dropping location.
FlyOver in Las Vegas is located at the Showcase Mall. The attraction opens daily at 9 a.m.; closing hours vary. Each adventure takes approximately a half-hour with the pre-shows, so be sure to book your rides accordingly if you want to experience more than one destination. flyoverlasvegas.com
Men and women alike will be easily seduced by “ROUGE: The Sexiest Show in Vegas”
The entertainment scene in Las Vegas may constantly be evolving, but there are several shows in town that prove no matter how much things change, some classic staples that helped make Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World will always be timeless.
Must-see Las Vegas productions where the past meets the present
“THE RAT
Travel back in time to celebrate the Chairman of the Board’s birthday with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. at this long-running tribute show. Audiences will quickly forget that they aren’t in the legendary Copa Room with the icons themselves as the three charismatic performers jokingly play off of each other as they perform a selection of each singer’s greatest hits, while backed by a seven-piece band. To further enhance the evening, ticket holders can add on
Continued on page 40
“The Rat Pack is Back!” is the only full-time Rat Pack show in the world Photo of “ROUGE: The Sexiest Show in Vegas” courtesy of “ROUGE: The Sexiest Show in Vegas”; “The Rat Pack is Back!” courtesy of “The Rat Pack is Back!”
a three-course prix fixe dinner at the resort’s elegant Italian steakhouse, Tuscany Gardens, and savor such enticing dishes as the tender 8-ounce Filet Mignon or the scrumptious Spaghetti & Meatball. ratpackisback.com
“ROUGE: THE SEXIEST SHOW IN VEGAS” AT THE STRAT HOTEL, CASINO & SKYPOD
Offering a modern take on Sin City’s traditional adult revues, this topless spectacular stars a gorgeous cast of both women and men who embark on a seductive journey full of playful innuendo and phenomenal physical feats. Featuring stunning digital projections and jaw-dropping acrobatic performances that are sure to leave hearts racing, the titillating production truly lives up to its name as the sexiest show in Las Vegas. rouge-vegas.com
“VEGAS! THE SHOW” INSIDE MIRACLE MILE SHOPS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO
Recalling the glory days of Las Vegas when acts like Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Sonny & Cher performed on the city’s stages, this nostalgic production pays tribute to the many people and places that made Las Vegas great — including the Vegas showgirl. Starring some of the most talented singers, dancers and variety acts performing on the Strip today, the show is a touching trip down memory lane that audiences of all ages will enjoy. vegastheshow.com
“WAYNE: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL” AT FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS
There’s no better way to experience an evening of vintage Vegas entertainment than by seeing Wayne Newton perform at the
same resort where he first achieved headliner status in the 1960s. An entertainment experience that’s not to be missed, this intimate production lets one of Las Vegas’ most legendary performers share his story through music, video clips and questions from fans. Audiences will be captivated throughout
Photo of “ROUGE: The Sexiest Show in Vegas” courtesy of “ROUGE: The Sexiest Show in Vegas”; “VEGAS! THE SHOW” courtesy of David Saxe Productions; Wayne Newton by Denise Truscello
“ROUGE: The Sexiest Show in Vegas” is a provocative production that brings popular fantasies to life
Spend the evening with a Las Vegas legend at “Wayne: Up Close and Personal”
El Cortez opened in 1941 as one of the first hotel casinos in Las Vegas. Today we are the only hotel casino on the National Register of Historic Places. We honor that rich history by providing the same great value Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky offered when they owned El Cortez in the 1940s.
The “good old days” of Las Vegas are alive and well at El Cortez. Come say hello and take advantage of this special offer from my family to yours.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino may have celebrated its 81st anniversary last November, but the historic property located in the heart of Las Vegas’ Fremont East Entertainment District has never looked better.
The only standing casino on the National Register of Historic Places, El Cortez completed a $25 million renovation this past August. Since 2020, the family owned and operated property has made many significant changes to elevate the guest experience, while still preserving the vintage charm that visitors have come to expect from downtown Las Vegas’ longest continuously running hotel and casino.
“We just spent over $25 million renovating the entire property, but the operation is much the same as it was when Jackie
Gaughan purchased El Cortez in the 1960s,” said Adam Wiesberg, general manager of El Cortez Hotel & Casino. “Playing and staying at El Cortez is like walking back in time to the good old days of Las Vegas that everyone misses today.”
The final piece of El Cortez’s $25 million renovation was the hotel’s Original 47 rooms that were built in 1941. The only accommodations available when the infamous Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky owned the property in 1945, the rooms have an amazing history that can still be felt even though all aspects of the rooms have been upgraded to provide modern comforts. The accommodations are even stylized after Havana, Cuba, as a nod to the Mob’s first major venture into gambling before buying El Cortez, their first hotel and casino in Las Vegas.
In addition to the Original 47 rooms, the recent renovation included 200 remodeled Tower Premium rooms and suites that opened to guests in 2021. Boasting a warm, contemporary design blended with a bit of whimsy, the stylish accommodations draw inspiration from the Spanish Colonial Revival era. Decorative elements include traditional-style rugs, black-and-white floor tiles, modern accent furniture and carved wood details. A dazzling new high-limit gaming room and updated hotel lobby were unveiled in 2021 as well, and the casino floor was revamped with new ceilings and bold Axminster carpeting featuring a fiery leopard print and leaf design.
One of the biggest changes to the property, however, had nothing to do with its striking refresh. Last April, El Cortez began transitioning into a 21-and-older property. All guests staying at the hotel must now show valid state-issued identification to prove their age, and visitors must show their identification before entering the building. Despite all these updates, though, El Cortez remains one of the last places where adults can experience Las Vegas as it was in past generations.
“Downtown is home to some amazing gaming properties, but El Cortez will always be one of a kind,” Wiesberg noted.
elcortezhotelcasino.com
Inside one of El Cortez’s newly renovated Original 47 King Suites
The spacious shower in one of El Cortez’s newly remodeled Tower Premium suites
One of the remodeled Tower Premium 2 Queens City View rooms at El Cortez
The glittering neon past of Las Vegas Boulevard still lingers in the city that never sleeps, carefully tended to by the curators of The Neon Museum. There, the glitzy and glamorous neon signs that once lined the streets are kept close to their old stomping grounds, refurbished and restored to former glory to be proudly displayed once more. But unlike their glory days, they no longer lure travelers into casinos and kitschy convenience stores. Instead, they stand as important relics of cultural and historic significance.
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment.
Divided into three main spaces, the Neon Museum campus is made up of the Neon Boneyard Main Collection, the Neon
Boneyard North Gallery and a Visitors’ Center that may look familiar.
Located inside the historic La Concha Motel lobby, the Visitors’ Center is a welcoming and historic architectural introduction into the mid-century modern style that influenced so many casino developers in the 50s and 60s.
Originally constructed in 1961 on Las Vegas Boulevard South, the La Concha Motel lobby was saved from demolition, much like many of the items on display in the museum, before being moved to its current location. References to many of the lobby’s original interior design elements have been included in the newly refurbished facility, with two of the motel’s original signs restored and illuminated as part of the museum’s rehabilitation efforts.
The Neon Boneyard Main Collection consists of more than 250 unrestored signs, strewn about like odd tombstones
The Hard Rock sign’s new home in the gallery at the Neon Museumof a bygone age. As soon as the sun sets, the signs are illuminated with ground lighting or left on entirely if they were lucky enough to survive their original decommissioning with all parts intact. The signs make outstanding backdrops for photoshoots or videos and can be booked for personal use.
The North Gallery sits adjacent to the museum and showcases more unrestored signs from their collection. While it’s also available for photo and video shoots, the North Gallery is the only place to see the museum’s augmented reality program, “Brilliant!”
Utilizing 24 3D-sound speakers and eight projectors, artist Craig Winslow makes all 360 degrees of the gallery come to life, as the signs appear re-electrified. With a combination of flat photography, drone video and 3-D photogrammetry, Winslow recreated each sign, bulb by bulb, then fine-tuned
the content to project perfectly onto the actual surfaces—the bulbs, bent metal and broken neon tubes of the signs in the gallery. The best part? Brilliant! is also available for weddings, receptions, educational programming, photo shoots and other special events.
The work of the Neon Museum can also be viewed throughout the city. Several of its refurbished signs are displayed on and around Las Vegas Boulevard as monuments to the city’s glittered history. The Hacienda Horse and Rider at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street is just one of eight other restored neon signs currently on display as part of the Las Vegas Signs project. These restored signs can be visited on a selfguided tour, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, the folks behind the desk at the La Concha Motel Lobby will give you a push in the right direction. neonmuseum.org
Photos courtesy of The Neon Museum
The La Concha Motel Lobby acts as the visitors’ center at the Neon Museum
Signs of Vegas’ glamorous past line the galleries
Red Rock Canyon, located about 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, is a treasure that more locals and visitors are discovering with each passing day. It was Nevada’s first national conservation area and is visited by 2 million people annually. From the history to the wildlife, and all of the outdoor activities available, it’s impossible not to love it.
The Red Rock Scenic Drive is a breathtaking, 13-mile loop that features several stops along the route. Visitors are free to hike, rock climb and picnic during the journey. Limited camping is also available.
The scenic drive can also be enjoyed from the comfort of a vehicle with the windows down. Biking is also available, but this isn’t a beginner’s pedal journey.
Timed vehicle entry reservations are required Oct. 1 - May 31. Vehicle fees are $20 while a season pass is $50. Seniors over 62 are $20, and entry is free for military. A reservation may apply.
Red Rock Canyon is a favorite spot for hikes,
Canyon ranging from easy to difficult. The visitor center provides descriptions for each trail, giving visitors the means to explore routes like the “easy” Willow Spring Loop, a 1.25 hour trail hike that passes pictographs and agave roasting pits, or the “difficult” Bridge Mountain Trail, which spans 14 miles and is said to take six to seven hours hours to complete. Guided hikes are available as well.
Said to be one of the finest rock-climbing destinations in the world, Red Rock Canyon has climbing routes for beginners, experts and everyone in between.
Climbers that are new to the area can pick up a climbing guide with photos, route descriptions and directions to already established climbing routes. Some of the more popular routes are known to get crowded so
Bicycling in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Visitor center viewing area
Photos courtesy of BLM Nevada
Every spring, wildflowers bloom in the Sonoran Desert surrounding Phoenix, and Allegiant passengers lucky enough to visit during the peak can enjoy colorful landscapes at popular viewing sites.
The Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park explode with color beginning in March and continuing through April. Visitors can take in the park’s brittle brush, desert evening primrose, poppies and other blooms from nearby Ghostfield Ghost Town, while driving by on AZ 88 or on a hike through the park.
For those who want an easy hike, the 1.2-mile, out-and-back, Jacob’s Crosscut, is the best option and known for abundant wildflowers at its intersection with the Siphon Draw Trail. Experienced hikers can take the steep 5.8-mile Flatiron Trail for elevated views of the desert and Phoenix. azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman
Managed by the City of Scottsdale, this nature preserve covers more than 30,000 diverse acres with varying elevations. The blooms can be viewed from a distance or by entering the preserve at one of four points.
The most popular entrance is at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, where hikers can view wildflowers on the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop. From the 23015 N. 128th Street entrance, the Marcus Landslide trail is an easy 3-mile, out-and-back option with rock formations and spring flowers. Nearby, the Taliesin Overlook trail, accessible at 12601
N. 124th Street, offers not only wildflower viewing but views of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school of architecture, Taliesin West. mcdowellsonoran.org
On the west side of Phoenix, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is the largest park in the Maricopa County Park System and well-known for its spectacular wildflowers. Although visitors can see the colorful flora without entering, the park is best experienced by foot, mountain bike or horseback.
Many of the park’s trails can be challenging, but the Waterfall Canyon Trail is familyfriendly and barrier-free to Petroglyph Plaza, where visitors can see ancient rock art. As its name suggests, the 2-mile trail ends at a waterfall that flows after a heavy rain, but even if there’s no water, spring visitors will be treated to desert blooms along the way. maricopacountyparks.net
The best places to see flowers in the Sonoran DesertPhoto of pops of color courtesy of Visit Phoenix; poppies courtesy of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Bright pops of color spring to life this season in the Sonoran Desert
Live Event:
Jan. 14–Mar. 26, 2023 | Open Daily 10am–6pm Loop 101 & Hayden rd, Scottsdale, Az 480.443.7695
Learn about our juried artists, view their work and add to your collection by experiencing our show virtually at celebrateart.com.
Where Art Lovers & Artists Connect
Spring is the best time of year to get out and enjoy Arizona’s waterways
By Kate Wallace
Mesa is a destination full of surprises. Perhaps one of the most surprising finds for visitors to this desert destination is just how much water surrounds the city. Mesa borders the Tonto National Forest, which is home to four lakes and two rivers within close proximity of the city limits, offering a world of water recreation and fun just minutes away.
To kick off your water adventure, start by heading to the board shop at No Snow SUP. This paddleboard leader in the Valley of the Sun offers board rentals, lessons and fun group events and meet-ups all spring long. Some of the best places to launch include Butcher Jones Beach and the lakeside entry points all along Canyon Lake. Another fun outing is to go kayaking along the Lower Salt River. A popular trip down the “Salt” can be found at Saguaro Lake Ranch. Here, guests can launch from the ranch’s riverbank and go at their own pace. The gentle rapids along the river help make the journey a quick one, with incredible views of the Bulldog cliffs and a local cactuslined path known as ‘saguaro alley’.
Perhaps the best option for the not-asadventurous visiting Mesa is to opt for a lake cruise. Head out on the Apache Trail, the legendary scenic drive that weaves guests along windy cactus-studded roads all the way to Canyon Lake Marina. Once here, hop aboard the Dolly Steamboat and get ready to cruise the calm waters of Canyon Lake. On the daily scenic tour, the captain points out all the indigenous wildlife that can be viewed from the water’s edge including bighorn sheep. In springtime, Dolly Steamboat offers twilight and astronomy dinner cruises with local astronomer Dr. Sky.
Nearby on Saguaro Lake, visitors can opt for live music entertainment on the Desert Belle from some of the most talented bands and musicians in the Valley four days a week.
Desert Belle takes guests close to towering canyon walls. From the upper deck, you’ll get some dramatic views across the lake. Wine cruises are offered every Wednesday through June. Craft beer cruises take place on Fridays in season and highlight local brewers each week paired with musical entertainment. visitmesa.com
Photo of Mesa’s Salt River by Slaven Gujic; No Snow SUP by Mark Lipczynski; Dolly Steamboat by Michelle Streeter
Take a Mark Twain-style voyage on Canyon Lake
No Snow SUP offers paddle board rentals all season long in Mesa
Scottsdale, Arizona may be known for its golf courses and luxury resorts, but under it all is a teeming art scene. There is always something to see and appreciate, from galleries to outdoor installations.
The annual Celebration of Fine Art Show has grown a reputation as the place to find a new favorite artist. The event takes place in the heart of Scottsdale and features over 100 artists from around the country. Running from January 14 to March 26, the show is a great opportunity to see and purchase original artwork in various mediums, including painting, sculptures, jewelry and photography. The all-day event has live music, food and drinks and even some interactive art installations. Not only is the event a great way to discover new artists and immerse yourself in the local art scene, but it’s also educational. Every Friday afternoon, the Art Discovery Series aims to
teach visitors about art history and different mediums. Tickets are $10, and they’re good for the whole season. celebrateart.com
Wonderspaces is another must-see destination for art lovers in Scottsdale. This sensory-heavy art museum features interactive and immersive installations that are meant to be experienced rather than just looked at. “Before I Die”, by Candy Chang, is an exhibit that invites visitors to share their personal dreams of life. Another exhibit, “The Immigrant” by Michael Murphy, requires viewers to take a step back to see the full picture. Past exhibits have included a room filled with colorful balloons, a singing flower garden and a room that transforms you into a giant. At the museum, the exhibits are designed to be appealing so you may not be able to resist snapping a selfie or two. arizona. wonderspaces.com/tickets
Finally, be sure to visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). While small, the museum is home to a highquality collection of contemporary art and offers the classic art museum experience. It features both permanent and rotating exhibitions, with past exhibitions including
works by such artists as Sol LeWitt, Cindy Sherman and Jenny Holzer. The museum is also known for “Knight Rise”, a memorable James Turrell Skyspace that sparks a sense of wonder with its structures. The time of day you visit can also alter your experience at “Knight Rise”, and the museum sometimes even hosts watercolor workshops in Knight Rise at sunset. smoca.org
Photo of “Into the Breath” by Airi Katsuta; Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art by Halie Sutton; artist at work courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
An artist at work at the Celebration of Fine Art
Outside of Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley shelters lush vineyards that burst to life each spring. The historic region has built up a reputation for bountiful harvests and beautiful weather throughout its storied past, a past that still inspires the local valley vintners.
Karen and Jimmy Loizides are two such vineyard operators with an eye on the past and a foot in the future. On October 5, 2022, they opened the Vega Vineyard & Farm, a working winery, farm and event venue located on historic land. While it was called the Mosby Winery when it was purchased by the Loizides, the 206-acre estate was known by another name when it was gifted as a dowry in 1853 to Dr. Roman de la Cuesta.
Dubbed Rancho de Vega by Francesca Cota, mother of the bride, the land would retain that name as two generations of de la Cuestas flourished under the still standing roof of the adobe home built by Roman and his wife, Michaela Cota.
When it was purchased by the Mosby family in 1976 after more than 100 years as Rancho de Vega, the name was changed to Mosby Winery.
Continued on page 56
Photo of Buttonwood Winery by Heather Daenitz
| Craft & Cluster; Vega Vineyard courtesy of Vega Vineyard & Farm
Buttonwood Winery has ample seating for tasting wine in good company
And yet, something in that storied past called to the Loizides when they purchased the land from the Mosby family.
“This property has an incredible, tangible history, and such energy of its own,” said Loizides, “but it was in need of some love…”
Following their purchase, the Loizides family launched the property’s winery and tasting room into a series of extensive updates and design changes. The tasting room, situated in a barn that was previously used as a carriage house in the 1880s, joins the likes of other historical structures on the ranch still in use, including the original adobe home, dating back to 1853.
To accompany the renovations, they renamed the property Vega Vineyards in honor of the ranch’s initial identity, Rancho La Vega, and its important place in the heart and history of northern Santa Barbara County.
“We are overjoyed at the chance to be the people who inject new life into this important place,” said Jimmy Loizides. And with live music and events, fresh produce, roaming animals and delicious wines, it’s hard to find a spot on the property that’s not brimming with life. vegavineyardandfarm.com
In the neighboring village of Solvang, Gleason Family Vineyards is also bringing new energy to a treasured property, reinvigorating the 10-acre farm, two-acre orchard and 42-acre estate vineyard at the newly-acquired Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard. And, they’re doing so with the property’s past in mind.
Originally founded in 1968, Buttonwood Winery & Vinyard was the vision of founder Betty Williams. A trailblazer in the sustainable farm movement,
Williams set out to create a working farm based on good practices for people, animals and the earth. Working with Michael Vining, Gleason Family Vineyards’ director of farming and sustainability, Buttonwood is doubling down on its mission to provide sustainable growth to the region.
“We’re using organic methods to fertilize the soil, aiming for sustainable plant growth
and optimal crop yields, while keeping our environmental impact at a minimum,” said Vining. “This isn’t just about ‘now,’ this is about farming this region for our future.”
With the help of Vining, fresh fruit and produce are being grown in organic and sustainable methods. A fruit stand in the tasting room allows visitors to sample the bounty of the land, grown with the same ethics that founder Betty Williams imbued into the property back in the 60s.
Visitors are invited to sample the wine in a 90-minute tasting held in their beautiful garden alongside the peach tree grove, or on the intimate tasting room patio. The vineyard even hosts special events like stargazing and farm to table dinners. More information and a calendar of events can be found on their website. buttonwoodwinery.com
Photos of Buttonwood Winery
by Heather Daenitz
| Craft & Cluster; Vega Vineyard courtesy of Vega Vineyard & Farm
The rural charm of Buttonwood Winery is on full display
The stunning grounds of Buttonwood Winery’s vineyards
No trip to Southern California is complete without visiting a working film/TV studio, and arguably no studio offers guests a more comprehensive behind-the-scenes experience than Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank.
Guaranteed to have something for everyone, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood was revamped in July 2021 to give visitors even more to enjoy. Each tour now begins in a state-of-the-art welcome center where guests will learn about the studio’s history and its four namesake founders, who created the company in April 1923. Guests will then board a tour cart to go on an intimate, hour-long guided tour of the studio lot. Not only are there plenty of photo opportunities along the way, including one with the famous “Friends” fountain, but depending on the day’s filming schedules, visitors may actually get to step inside of a working sound stage when it’s not in use to see some TV sets up close.
Once the lot tour is complete, guests will be able to experience the final two parts of the tour at their leisure. At “Stage 48: Script to Screen,” guests can take photos on the actual Apartment 4A set from “The Big Bang Theory” and Central Perk set from “Friends;” visit the newly expanded Central Perk Café and Friends Boutique; and even re-record lines from some of their favorite shows in the Automated Dialogue Replacement Studio. Guests can
also interact with props, costumes and recreated sets from the DC Universe and Wizarding World of “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” at the all-new finale, “Action and Magic Made Here,” and take a picture holding a real Oscar statuette.
For those interested in projects produced at Warner Bros. from the 1930s through the 1970s, a Classics Tour is also available. Regardless of which tour visitors book, they’re in for an unforgettable experience. wbstudiotour.com
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood reveals how movie and TV magic is made
Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
See props and costumes on display from “Aquaman” at “Action and Magic Made Here”
Tours are now open to guests age 5 and older
Guests can take photos in front of the fountain from the opening credits of “Friends” during the lot tour
By Sean Davies
Willowbrook Manor is like the setting of a romantic novel. Just outside of the city of Bellingham, Washington, nestled in the Skagit Valley, lies a beautiful estate, with winding trails, fields of flowers and remote encampments perfect for starlit rendezvous. On this estate, there’s a picturesque manor, where every room has its own essence, and every morning, hot tea and scones await those who slumbered within its walls.
Each room inside the Willowbrook Manor is named for a fragrant herb, and each comes with its own style of old school panache to match. The Anise Room is styled with touches of burnt red and the Rosemary Room
features pops of bright green. The English Thyme Room, which is situated at the top of the manor, offers a gorgeous view from every window out to the manicured estate grounds below.
The Willowbrook is also host to two glamping grounds available June through September. Tucked away beneath the trees and overlooking a meadow, both are equipped with regal furnishings, a gas fireplace, hot and cold running water, fresh linens and towels and a private patio with gas fire pit.
While aimlessly wandering the grounds may suit the needs of some, there are more structured ways to traverse the estate and its surrounding environs. The manor rents out bikes and e-bikes for self-guided tours of the area with their Tea & Tour program. Visitors need not stay at the manor to reserve a spot at the Tea & Tour, which always includes the signature Willowbrook scones and tea.
When April rolls around, Willowbrook Manor hosts an exclusive spring event, Tea & Tulips, a tranquil experience where guests can wander through tulip gardens, taking in the splendor of the spring season. Tea sandwiches, salad, sweet cream scones and home-baked sweets are included in the package, and of course, it’s all accompanied by a delicious pot of hot tea. Reservations are available now. teaandtour.com
At one of Bellingham’s best B&BsWillowbrook rents bikes for tours of the Skagit Valley Willowbrook Manor
To kick off 2023, Allegiant celebrated a special milestone welcoming aboard our 2,000th wish child as part of our partnership with Make-A-Wish. Annabelle, an 8-yearold who lives near Reno, Nevada wished to become a member of her favorite hockey team, the Vegas Golden Knights. Allegiant team members quickly got to work to arrange a flight she would never forget!
Our operations team scheduled the Vegas Golden Knights-themed aircraft to make the special flight to Las Vegas. Our inflight crew members made announcements on board, to let other passengers know they were a part of something special, and they also let Annabelle join them as an honorary flight attendant.
When Annabelle and her family arrived in Las Vegas, dozens of Allegiant employees were waiting to surprise her with full fanfare – they cheered her on with posters, pom poms and enthusiasm for the superstar she is. Allegiant Chief Marketing Officer Scott DeAngelo presented Annabelle with a signed Vegas Golden Knights jersey, a hockey stick signed by the whole team, and an official certificate to mark the occasion. As Annabelle hit the ice the next day to practice with the team,
By Andrew PorrelloAllegiant employees filled the stands to cheer her on.
“We are beyond thrilled to have reached such a significant milestone as a partner with MakeA-Wish,” said John Redmond, Allegiant CEO. “Helping to make wishes come true for these brave and inspiring children is a true honor for us at Allegiant. “
Allegiant became a national partner with Make-A-Wish in 2012. Since then, the company has donated more than $7 million to the organization through in-kind flights and sponsorships.
Allegiant’s partnership with Make-A-Wish extends beyond wish flights. In 2017, the airline donated office space at its Las Vegas headquarters to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. This allows the nonprofit to reduce its administrative costs, dedicating those funds to wish fulfillment.
Allegiant also donates $1 from every Wingz Snack Pack sold in flight to Make-A-Wish. We are the only airline to feature a special MakeA-Wish livery on one of our A320 Airbus aircraft, a symbol of our dedication to making air travel accessible to all.
Allways Rewards® allows you to earn rewards with every Allegiant purchase. Your points can then be applied towards your airfare, bags, hotels, car rentals, and anything else on Allegiant.com. It’s all kinds of rewards. In all kinds of ways. All from one program.
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As part of Program Amazing, we love to recognize our hard-working Team Members all year long. Each month, CX Celebrities are nominated by fellow team members for going above and beyond to maximize our Customer Experience. These nominees are voted upon by our Customer Experience Leadership Team to select one CX Celebrity for each month who made an impression on our customers in a big way.
Below are just a few examples of how they went above what is required of them to ensure we not only provide our customers with a safe and reliable flight at a great value, but also deliver a memorable experience. We are proud to honor each of our 2022 CX Celebrities for their dedication and passion to our customers and fellow team members.
“Brittany assisted one of our Punta Gorda station lead agents when the agent was on her way to Pittsburgh to assist the operation on a temporary assignment but missed the flight. The airline she was booked on had re-routed her on an overnight connecting flight but leaving her without hotel or ground transportation arrangements. Brittany stepped up and went above and beyond to secure a hotel and ground transport for the agent that night and the following morning. Brittany’s willingness to assist another department is exactly what our core value of TEAMWORK is all about!”
“Terry was halfway home after a shift during heavy snow but volunteered to come back in to
2022 CX CELEBRITIES:
Redyane Cladera, Crew Pay Specialist (HQ)
Gary Lagace, Customer Assistance (PGD)
Brittany Lopez, Crew Travel Coordinator (HQ)
Jasmine Armstrong, CSA/GOA Team (AUS)
assist with the ground handling for an incoming and outbound flight. The weather unfortunately delayed the outbound flight to the next day, but Terry was again one of the first to volunteer to come in to work the rescheduled flight. He then went out of his way to help secure snacks and pillows for the passengers that had to stay overnight. The passengers were very touched by his act of kindness. I was proud as a station leader to know how genuine and passionate Terry is about his job and our passengers.”
“Please allow me to sing the praises of your employee, Courtney, who provided me with great peace of mind as she successfully shepherded my special needs son, David, through a long wait at the Cincinnati airport. Passengers boarded the flight, after which David’s driver, who had waited with him at the gate, left, thinking the plane was taking off. But the plane sat on the tarmac for a while before having to return to the gate. With no one else there, David turned to Courtney, who, in turn, called me in Florida and told me what was going on. She watched out for David for the next hour, called me to let me know that he was fine and boarding the plane, then called me again when the plane took off. You have a real treasure in Courtney! As a worried mother and a frequent flier, next time I fly I plan to check out Allegiant myself.”
Each of our 2022 CX Celebrities has a unique story and impression they have made on our customers. See the full list below!
Savannah Hipp, Flight Attendant (AVL)
Courtney Graham, CSA Lead (CVG)
Terry Thoroughman, CSA (LEX)
Nik Haynes, AMT (SAV)
David Brawley, Captain (PIT)
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Now serving on all flights. Try with Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale or on the Rocks!
$13.99
Mario Pitted Snack Olives, two packs Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle, White Cheddar Cheese Spread, Glacier Ridge Farms Asiago Cheese Spread, Primo Gusto Bruschetta Spread, Divinia Fig Spread, two packs Partners Crackers
$10.99
Poshi Artichokes, Craize Roasted Corn Cracker, Pick Pocket Dips Hummus, Mario Pitted Olives, Madi K’s Almonds, That’s it Fig Bar, Emmy’s Cookie
$10.99
Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Field Trip Turkey Stick, Madi K’s Almonds, Partners Crackers, White Cheddar Cheese Spread, Mandy’s Dark Chocolate Cookie Thins
$10. 99
Allegiant Wings, GoGo Apple Squeeze Fruit, Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Rice & Corn Puffs, Field Trip Turkey Stick, Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Teddy Grahams Cinnamon Cookies
$1 from every Deluxe Wingz Snack Pack purchase will benefit Make-A-Wish® For more info, visit wish.org or call 1.800.722.9474.
+ Your choice of one
Tostitos Chips & Dip
Tostitos Crispy Rounds with your choice of Avocado Salsa, Chunky Salsa or Nacho Cheese Dip
LARGE SNACKS $4. 99 EACH
Cheeze-It Original baked snack crackers made with 100% real cheese
SMALL SNACKS $3. 99 EACH
Olli Meat & Cheese Tray
Premium Genoa salami, crispy La Panzanella crackers and all natural Fontina cheese
DIPS & SALSA $2. 99 EACH
Tostitos Chips
Tostitos Crispy Rounds corn tortilla chips
• Cheez-It baked snack crackers
• Doritos Nacho Cheese
• Lay’s Classic Potato Chips
• Cheetos Crunchy
• Cheetos Flamin’ Hot
• Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream
• Smartfood White Cheddar
Popcorn
• Nut Harvest Deluxe Nut Mix
• Sour Patch Kids
• Milk Chocolate M&M’s
Add flavor to any snack!
• Tostitos Avocado Salsa
• Tostitos Nacho Cheese Dip
• Tostitos Chunky Salsa
• Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Cazadores Tequila Blanco
• Tanqueray Gin
• Bacardi Rum
• Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
• Southern Comfort
Whiskey Black*
• Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
• Campari Italian Bitter* (200ml) $8.99
Offered on Las Vegas flights only.
• Aperol Spritz (200ml) $12.99
Offered on Las Vegas flights only.
• Ole Smoky Blackberry
Moonshine $10.99
Offered on select flights only.
• Glenfarclas Scotch Whisky* $10.99
• Buffalo Trace
Bourbon Cream $8.99
• Buffalo Trace
Kentucky Bourbon $8.99 Vegetarian
• Coke Original
• Diet Coke
• Coke Zero
• Sprite
• Fanta Orange
• Fresca Original
• Seagram’s Tonic Water
• Seagram’s Sparkling Seltzer Water
• Seagram’s Ginger Ale
• La Colombe Vanilla Draft Latte (9 oz)
• La Colombe Cold BrewBrazilian (9 oz)
• Black Rifle Espresso Mocha (11 oz) Only available on Las Vegas and Orlando flights.
• Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee (13.7 oz)
• Minute Maid Orange Juice
• Minute Maid Cranapple
• Minute Maid Apple Juice Select flights only.
• Dasani Bottled Water
Customer safety is Allegiant®’s first concern. Please be advised that interference with the duties of crew members, including flight attendants, is a violation of federal laws. Our crews are thoroughly trained in all safety procedures. To ensure your own safety, we hope you take a moment to review the safety information card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Be aware of the following:
• Location of the nearest emergency exit
• Location of your emergency oxygen mask, if needed
• Correct procedure for exiting the cabin in an emergency
Seat belts must be fastened ANY TIME the seat belt sign is on, during taxi, takeoff and landing. Once the seat belt sign is turned off, you may walk around the cabin. Due to unexpected turbulence, it is strongly recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened any time while in your seat. Allegiant’s exit seating policy does not allow the use of seat belt extensions in the exit seats due to tripping hazards.
Federal Aviation Administration requires that all child restraint seats used on planes meet federal safety standards. Acceptable seats bear proper labeling “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT" from the manufacturer. Unlabeled seats or seats manufactured before Jan. 1, 1981, are not acceptable. Child restraint seats are to be placed into a window seat and secured with an aircraft seat belt.
The use of small cameras or mobile devices for photography and video is permitted onboard provided you keep the purpose of your photography and video to capturing personal events. Photographing or recording other customers or airline personnel without their express consent is prohibited. Airline personnel reserve the right to prohibit photos and videos onboard the aircraft if it becomes a disturbance to them or other passengers.
Allegiant is forbidden to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone who appears to be intoxicated or who has not yet reached the age of 21. It is a violation of federal regulations to drink alcoholic beverages during a flight unless they have been served by Allegiant personnel.
Smoking, the use of other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other similar smoking devices are not permitted on any Allegiant flight. Federal law imposes fines of $1,000 for smoking and up to $2,000 for any attempt to disable an aircraft smoke detector.
Pacemaker Hearing Aid Tablet
Media Player
E-reader CD Player
Camera (digital/film/ video)
Mouse, Keyboard or Other Accessory
Smartphone in Airplane Mode
Handheld Game
*Restrictions may apply when operating outside of U.S. Airspace. NOTE: Portable electronic device use on the ground, during takeoff and during landing should be limited to small, lightweight devices less than 2 lbs. These devices should be able to be easily secured in a seat back and not impede emergency access to the aisle.
AIRBUS A319
Number of Aircraft: 35
Cruising Speed: 514 mph
Range: 4,315 miles
Maximum Take-Off
Weight: 166,000 pounds
Maximum Passengers: 156
Total Length: 111 feet
Wingspan: 112 feet
Pilots: 2
Flight Attendants: 4
Using cellular network services (voice or data) to make or receive calls during the flight is not permitted by U.S. and International regulatory authorities. If you have other questions about the use of other portable electronic devices not shown here, ask your flight attendant.
AIRBUS A320
Number of Aircraft: 89
Cruising Speed: 561 mph
Range: 3,797 miles
Maximum Take-Off
Weight: 172,000 pounds
Maximum Passengers: 186
Total Length: 123 feet
Wingspan: 112 feet
Pilots: 2
Flight Attendants: 4
