Experience AZ Fall - Winter 2018-2019

Fall/Winter 2018-2019

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544 THINGS TO DO in Arizona

The perfect getaway. Effortlessly achieved.

There’s always something special about being the first. The first boot prints on the trail at sunrise, the first one into the pool, the first person to tee off under towering saguaros.

Such moments are powerful, and we know them well. We were the first luxury resort in Scottsdale, and we’ve carried that feeling with us since 1936.

A lot has changed since then. Today our dramatic resort beneath majestic Mummy Mountain encompasses 125 acres. We have two championship golf courses, Scottsdale’s most beloved spa, exceptional dining options and endless recreation.

On the other hand, a lot has stayed the same here. We love the art of hospitality more than ever and we continue to perfect it through the decades.

We take away unnecessary distractions and take care of your every desire.

Discover undiluted desert beauty, enchanting Southwestern charm and luxurious hospitality at Camelback Inn. Let us be the first to welcome you.

JW Marriott® Camelback Inn Scottsdale camelbackinn.com

The Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom is the ultimate venue to sell, consign or purchase quality collector cars throughout the year.

With a Service Department dedicated to collector and premium vehicles, this automotive destination also features restoration system products, official apparel, and Barrett-Jackson Endorsed Insurance.

3020 N SCOTTSDALE RD BARRETTJACKSON.COM/SHOWROOM 480.306.8210

JOIN US AT THE SCOTTSDALE AUCTION JANUARY 12-20, 2019

President and CEO: Michael Atkinson Publisher: Cheryl Green Vice president of operations: Audrey Webb EDITORIAL Editor in chief: Michael Gossie Associate editors: Steve Burks | Alyssa Tufts Contributing writers: Emily Gadberry | Erin Thorburn

AZ BIG MEDIA

GOING DOWN: Editor in Chief Michael Gossie battles his fear of heights while going down the side of a cliff to check out some of the spectacular waterfalls of Havasupai in the Grand Canyon.

ARIZONA PACKS ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE, EVERY DAY

M

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. We have identified 10 Arizona experiences in a variety of categories — resorts, casinos, dining experiences, tours, attractions and places to visit.

Want to know my personal Top 10 Arizona adventures? In no particular order: Hiking to the waterfalls of Havasupai, running and riding at South Mountain on “Silent Sundays,” staycations at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, Cactus League baseball games, date night at Dahl & Di Luca, Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo, dinner at Clever Koi when friends visit, getting my culture on with Ballet Arizona or the Phoenix Symphony and few experiences can beat Out of Africa.

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 10 lists. Make amazing memories while you’re in Arizona.

ART Art director: Mike Mertes Design director: Bruce Andersen MARKETING/EVENTS Marketing & events manager: Cristal Rodriguez Marketing specialist: Gloria Del Grosso Marketing designer: Patrick Griffin OFFICE Special projects manager: Sara Fregapane Executive assistant: Mayra Rivera Database solutions manager: Amanda Bruno EXPERIENCE ARIZONA | PLAY BALL Director of sales: Donna Roberts AZRE | ARIZONA COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Director of sales: Ann McSherry AZ BUSINESS ANGELS AZ BUSINESS MAGAZINE Senior account manager: David Harken Account managers: April Rice | Kim Bailey AZ BUSINESS LEADERS Director of sales: Sheri Brown HOME & DESIGN RANKING ARIZONA Director of sales: Sheri King

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 2018 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.

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Kim Obrzut

Jd Challenger

Barbara Westwood

John Maisano

Bill Worrell

Tesa Michaels

Bronze Sculptures

Original Acrylic Paintings

Fine Art Jewelry

Bronze Sculptures

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Mixed Media

“One of the Largest and Most Unique Galleries in the World”

G A L L E RY

ExposuresFineArt.com • Sales@ExposuresFineArt.com 928-282-1125 • 561 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86336 C ATA L O G ©2018 Exposures International LLC

Fall/Winter 2018

CONTENTS RESTAURANTS

ACCOMMODATIONS

ITINERARIES Hiking Tips 12-13 Getting Around 14 Cave Creek 18 East Valley 20 Flagstaff 22 Glendale 24 Cottonwood 26

Scottsdale 28 Sedona 30 Tucson 32 Willcox 33 Prescott 34 Winslow 36

Northern AZ Southern AZ B&B & Dude Ranches Uniquely AZ Casino Resort

ATTRACTIONS & ADVENTURES Air Adventures 68 Animal Parks 70 Art Galleries 72 Auto Experiences 74 Casinos 76, 78 Central AZ 80 Consignment Shops 82 Day Spas 84 Equestrian 86 Family Fun Spots 88 Festivals 90, 92 Agri-Farms & Gardens 94

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38 39 42 44 46

American Contemporary & Patio Restaurants 50 Casinos 52 Southwest 54 Italian 56 Local Favorites 58 Pizza & Mexican 60 Seafood 62 Steaks & Chops 64 Top Chefs 66

SPORTS Golf 96 Grand Canyon & Nature 98 Kids 100 Lake Experiences 102 Museums 104 Native American 106 Northern Arizona 108 Outdoor 110 Shopping & Jewelry 112 Snow Adventures 114 Southern Arizona 116 Western Accessories 118

ISM & Fiesta Bowl 129 Waste Management Phoenix Open 130 Cactus League 132 San Diego 134 SPECIAL SECTION PAGE 121

YOUR GUIDE TO

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VISITOR CENTERS IN ARIZONA There are more than 60 designated Local Visitor Information Centers throughout Arizona. These centers provide information about area attractions, recreational opportunities, and hospitality amenities, as well as information about other regions in the state. Look for the blue Arizona Tourist Information signs along Arizona highways.

FLAGSTAFF AND NORTHERN ARIZONA Flagstaff Visitor Center 1 E. Route 66 Flagstaff, 86001 928-774-9541 FlagstaffArizona.org Grand Canyon Chamber and Visitors Bureau 469 Highway 64 Grand Canyon, 86023 928-638-2901 grandcanyoncvb.org Holbrook Chamber of Commerce 100 E. Arizona St. Holbrook, 86025 928-524-6558 HolbrookChamberofCommerce.com

Page/Lake Powell Tourism Bureau 6 N. Lake Powell Blvd.

Page, 86040 888-261-PAGE VisitPageLakePowell.com

Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce 113 N. Main St., Ste. A Snowflake, 85937 928-536-4331 SnowflakeTaylorChamber.org

Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce 102-C W. White Mountain Blvd.

Lakeside, 85929 800-573-4031 PinetopLakesideChamber.com

Springerville-Eagar Regional Chamber of Commerce 318 E. Main St. Springerville, 85938 928-333-2123 SEChamber.com

Show Low Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Information Center 81 E Deuce of Clubs Show Low, 85901 928-537-2326 ShowLowChamber.com

Valle-Planes of Fame Visitor Center 755 Mustang Way Valle-Williams, 86046 928-635-1000 PlanesofFame.org

The White Mountain Apache Cultural Center and Museum Nohwike’ Bagowa 127 Scout Road Fort Apache, AZ 928-338-4625 wmat.nsn.us/wmaculture.html Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce 200 W. Railroad Ave. Williams, 86046 800-863-0546 ExperienceWilliams.com Winslow Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center 523 W. 2nd St. Winslow, 86047 928-289-2434 WinslowArizona.org

PHOENIX AND CENTRAL ARIZONA Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce 567 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, 85220 480-982-3141 AJChamber.com

Gila Bend Chamber of Commerce 644 W. Pima St. Gila Bend, 85337 928-683-2255 GilaBendAZChamber.com

Mesa Visitor Center - Visit Mesa 120 N. Center Mesa, 85201 480-682-3666, 800-283-6372 VisitMesa.com

Sunland Visitor Center 3725 N. Camelot St. Eloy, 85231 520-466-3007 SunlandVisitorCenter.org

Arizona Mills Mall 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle Tempe, 85282 480-491-7300 Simon.com/mall/Arizona-Mills

Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau 5800 W. Glenn Dr., Ste. 140 Glendale, 85301 623-930-4500 VisitGlendale.com

Peoria Chamber of Commerce 16165 N. 83rd Ave., Ste. 101 Peoria, 85382 623-979-3601 PeoriaChamber.com

Superior Chamber of Commerce 165 W. Main St. Superior, 85173 520-689-0200 SuperiorAZChamber.net

Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce 508 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, 85326 623-386-2727 BuckeyeValleyChamber.org

Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce 575 N. Marshall St. Casa Grande, 85122 520-836-2125 CasaGrandeChamber.org

Scottsdale Tourism Information Center at Scottsdale Fashion Square 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 528 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 800-782-1117 ExperienceScottsdale.com

Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza Surprise, 85374 623-583-0692 SurpriseRegionalChamber.com

Coolidge Chamber of Commerce 351 N. Arizona Blvd.

Coolidge, 85128 520-723-3009 CoolidgeChamber.org

Downtown Phoenix Visitor Center Visit Phoenix 125 N. 2nd St., Ste. 120 Phoenix, 85004 877-225-5749 VisitPhoenix.com

Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce 289 N. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, 85338 623-932-2260 VisitSouthwestValley.com

Tempe Tourism Office 222 S. Mill Ave., Ste. 120 Tempe, AZ 85281 866-914-1052 TempeTourism.com

Florence Visitor Center at McFarland State Park 24 W. Ruggles Ave. Florence, 85132 520-868-9433 VisitFlorenceAZ.com 8

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Maricopa Chamber of Commerce 44480 W. Honeycutt Rd., Ste. 106 Maricopa, 85138 520-568-9573 MaricopaChamber.org

Sun City West Visitor Center 13823 Camino Del Sol Sun City West, 85375 623-214-8629 SunCityWest.org

Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce 216 N. Frontier St. Wickenburg, AZ 85390 928-684-5419 OutWickenburgWay.com

VISITOR CENTERS IN ARIZONA SEDONA AND NORTH CENTRAL Ash Fork Tourist Information Center 901 W. Old Route 66 Ash Fork, 86320 928-637-0204 Black Canyon Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center 33955 S. Old Black Canyon, Ste. 3 Black Canyon City, 85324 623-374-9797 BlackCanyonAZ.com Town of Camp Verde Visitor Center 435 S. Main St., Ste. 102 Camp Verde, 86322 928-554-0851 VisitCampVerde.com Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce 175 E. Road 2 S Chino Valley, 86323 928-636-2493 ChinoValley.org High Desert Heritage Museum and Visitor Center - Cordes Junction 19600 Stagecoach Trail Cordes Junction, AZ 86333 928-632-4633 Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce 1010 S. Main St. Junction of Hwy. 89A and Hwy. 260 Cottonwood, 86326 928-634-7593 cottonwoodchamberaz.org

TUCSON AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Globe-Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce 1360 N. Broad St. Globe, 85501 928-425-4495 GlobeMiamiChamber.com

Ajo District Chamber of Commerce 1 W. Plaza St. Ajo, 85321 520-387-7742 AjoChamber.com

Payson-Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce 100 W. Main St. Payson, 85547 800-672-9766 RimCountyChamber.com

Asarco Mineral Discovery Center 1421 W. Pima Mine Rd. Sahuarita, 85629 520-625-0879 MineralDiscovery.com

Oracle Visitor Center 1470 W. American Ave. Across from the Fire Station) P.O. Box 5423 Oracle, 85623 520-896-3300 VisitOracle.org

Prescott Chamber of Commerce 117 W. Goodwin St. Prescott, 86303 800-266-7534 Prescott.org

Benson Visitor Center 249 E. 4th St. Benson, 85602 520-586-4293 BensonVisitorCenter.com

Patagonia Visitor Center 299 McKeown Ave. Patagonia, AZ 85624 520-397-7750 PatagoniaAZ.com

Bisbee Visitor Center Queen Mine Tour Building 478 Dart Rd. Bisbee, AZ 85603 520-432-3554 DiscoverBisbee.com

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park 1 Burruel St. Tubac, AZ 85646 520-398-2252 TubacPP.com

Clifton Visitor Center 100 N. Coronado - Train Depot Clifton, AZ 85533 928-865-3313 VisitCliftonAZ.com

Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce 123 W. Kino Park Way Nogales, 85621 520-287-3685 TheNogalesChamber.org

Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce 3001 N. Main St., Ste. 2A Prescott Valley, 86314 928-772-8857 PVChamber.org Sedona Chamber of Commerce Uptown Visitor Center 331 Forest Rd. Sedona, 86339 928-282-7722 SedonaChamber.com

City of Douglas Visitor Center 345 16th St. Douglas, 85607 520-417-7344 VisitDouglas.com Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce 270 W. Continental Rd., Ste. 123 Green Valley, 85614 520-625-7575 GreenValleySahuarita.com

YUMA AND THE WEST COAST Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce 1251 Hwy. 95 Bullhead City, 86429 928-754-4121 BullheadAreaChamber.com Chloride Chamber of Commerce 4940-B Tennessee Ave. Chloride, AZ 86431 928-565-9777 chloridechamber.com

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Kingman Visitor Center 120 W. Andy Devine Ave. Kingman, 86401 866-427-7866 GoKingman.com

Parker Area Chamber of Commerce 1217 California Ave. Parker, 85344 928-669-2174

Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitor Bureau 422 English Village Rd. Lake Havasu City, 86403 928-453-3444 GoLakeHavasu.com

Yuma Visitors Bureau at Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park 201 N. 4th Ave. Yuma, 85364 928-783-0071 VisitYuma.com

Marana Chamber of Commerce 13881 N. Casa Grande Hwy. Marana, 85653 520-682-4314 DiscoverMarana.org

Safford-Graham County Chamber of Commerce 1111 Thatcher Blvd. Hwy. 70) Safford, 85546 888-837-1841 Graham-Chamber.com Sierra Vista Visitor Center 1011 N. Coronado Dr. Sierra Vista, 85635 520-417-6960 VisitSierraVista.com Tombstone Visitor Center 109 S. 4th St. Tombstone, 85638 520-457-3929 TombstoneChamber.com University of Arizona Visitor Center 811 N. Euclid Ave. Tucson, 85719 520-624-1817 VisitTucson.org Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture 1500 N. Circle 1 Rd. Willcox, 85643 520-384-2272 WillcoxChamber.com

HIKING TIPS

Worst case scenarios:

HIKING IN ARIZONA Hitting the trails in Arizona is primarily a safe and rewarding activity. However, there are a few tips and tricks that out-oftowners 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.

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IT BIT ME! Move away from the snake as quickly as 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 immobile 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.

GETTING LOST What happened to the trail? Do I cross this stream?

The answer: 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.

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GETTING AROUND IN ARIZONA

You’re in Arizona.

Now what?

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.

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

LYFT AND UBER

Phoenicians are increasingly using the Uber and Lyft ridesharing apps 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.

To reserve: Download the Lyft or Uber app

TRAVEL IN STYLE

If you’re looking for a step up in style and service from Lyft and Uber, The Driver Provider has you covered, whether you’re traveling alone or need a party bus to carry your crew.

To reserve: Visit driverprovider.com 14

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GRID BIKE SHARE PROGRAM

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

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.

To reserve: Download the Silvercar app

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.

Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors

Make More of Your Stay in Sunny Scottsdale Discover spacious villas and an array of amenities amid Sonoran Desert landscapes. Delight in sparkling pools, an interactive water feature, the delicious ArteZania Kitchen & Cantina and more.

Save up to 10% on a getaway today!

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Holiday Inn Club VacationsÂŽ Scottsdale Resort

7677 East Princess Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (866) 206-1402 | holidayinnclubvacations.com/scottsdale

Keep it Carefree

The Town of Carefree began as the vision of K.T. Palmer and Tom Darlington, who in the early 1950s carried out many of their joint ventures on a simple handshake. Such a handshake resulted in the creation of the Carefree Development Corp., from which the Town took its name.

Carefree featured Arizona’s first fly-in residences at the Sky Ranch Airport, attracting residents from all over the world, drawn to the unmatched beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

The whimsical street names and dedication to preserving the aesthetics of the region drew a multitude of well-known visitors, including Bob Hope, Barry Goldwater, Paul Harvey, Hugh Downs and Orson Welles.

~ Yesterday through Tomorrow

Today’s Carefree still embodies the spirit of Mr. Palmer and Mr. Darlington some 60 years after their partnership formed this jewel in the desert.

Visitors can expect to find distinctive shops and galleries, extraordinary culinary and lodging opportunities, and the unrivaled splendor of the Arizona desert.

Come meet us on your next visit. Let’s shake hands and Keep It Carefree.

Town of Carefree

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101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377

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480.488.3686

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VisitCarefree.com

A day in

CAVE CREEK

Roastery of Cave Creek

Cave Creek is one of those quirky hot spots that is hard to pigeonhole: motorcycle and horseback riders share Main Street with one-of-a-kind shops and saloons.

7 a.m.

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE AT ROASTERY OF CAVE CAVE Roasting in Valley since 1997, the Roastery of Cave Cave - ROC2 - is one of the Valley’s best-kept secrets.

Call them a bunch of coffee geeks, but the experts at ROC2 use a balance of art and science to methodically roast and cup their coffees and separate themselves from other roasters. roc2.coffee 8 a.m.

TAKE A RIDE AT SPUR CROSS STABLES Spur Cross Stables is a guided horseback-riding ranch located on the site of an 1870s gold mine. Rides will take you into the scenic Sonoran Desert and the foothills of the Tonto National Forest. horsebackarizona.com 11 a.m.

TAKE A WALK THROUGH FRONTIER TOWN If you are looking for something different to do — this is definitely it. This is not an all day tourist attraction but something quirky to do if you have got a couple of hours to explore this old western town that’s home to gift shops and boutiques. This old cowboy town is also a great place to take Instagramworthy pictures. frontiertownaz.com 1 p.m.

LUNCH AT THE HORNY TOAD Cave Creek’s oldest and most famous restaurant, The Horny Toad serves the most loved and sought-after fried chicken in the state. It is always fresh, is lovingly created with a very special breading and an array of secret spices, then cooked to perfection in a Henny Penny pressure. But everything is great at the Toad. thehornytoad.com

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The Horny Toad

2 p.m.

SPEND THE AFTERNOON SHOPPING AT CIMARRON RIVER COMPANY AND LAZY LIZARD Cave Creek offers shoppers the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items in one-of-a-kind stores.

Cimarron River Company offers authentic Native Indian jewelry using solid sterling silver, turquoise, coral, mother of pearl and more. The Lazy Lizard features Southwest collectibles, furniture and unique one-of-a-kind items. cimarronrivercompany.com and lazylizardaz.com 6 p.m.

DINNER AT CARTWRIGHT’S MODERN CUISINE Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine is more than a restaurant; it is a true western dining experience.

It is also a means for honoring the legacy of the American West. Cartwright’s fuses top quality beef, game, and seafood with locally grown produce and foraged ingredients from its own surrounding deserts and forests, and present them in a warm, welcoming atmosphere rich in Arizona history.

SPEND THE NIGHT AT FULL CIRCLE RANCH BED & BREAKFAST INN This is truly an oasis in the desert. Its unsurpassed, raw beauty will take your breath away with its one of a kind flora and fauna. Relax and enjoy a delicious breakfast on the poolside patio, while taking in the spectacular desert views. Experience Arizona as it was meant to be experienced. fullcircleranchaz.com

WANTED Your Quality Furniture & Accessories for Consignment • Rustic,

Western, Mexican, Spanish Furniture • Lamps & Decorative Accessories • Fine Art • Primitives • Spurs, Tacks • Advertising Signs • Coin Operated Items

WE BUY QUALITY USED FURNITURE

• Saddles • Oriental

Rugs • Vintage Mexicano • Jewelry, Bronzes • Architectural Pieces • Cowboy Boots • Native American Items • Patio Furniture

480-488-6505 6116 E. CAVE CREEK RD., CAVE CREEK, AZ.

Tortilla Flat

A day in the

EAST VALLEY

Mesa Arts Center

Some of the biggest cities in the East Valley are Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler. Within brief driving distances between them, visitors can easily enjoy the best each town has to offer in a single, productive day.

8 a.m.

BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL What began as a one-bathroom, single-shelf establishment has become Queen Creek’s prized olive mecca. With a restaurant serving all local offerings, eight tours per day and events like the Olivepalooza Harvest Party and Garlic Festival, the Olive Mill attracts more than 650,000 visitors each year. queencreekolivemill.com 11 a.m.

VISIT TORTILLA FLAT FOR FUN AND LUNCH Known as “the town too tough to die,” this little Western oasis attracts locals and tourists alike for its quaint scenery, delicious food, and charming stores. Originally a stagecoach stop built in 1904, Tortilla Flat is a point of pride along the historic Apache Trail. Points of interest include a country store, mercantile/gift shop, and the renowned Superstition Saloon and Restaurant, where the wallpaper is made up of currency from all over the world. There’s even a working post office, which still services residents of Apache Lake, Horse Mesa Dam, and Tortilla Flat itself. tortillaflataz.com

Queen Creek Olive Mill

3 p.m.

SHOPPING IN GILBERT Gilbert has multiple premier shopping options, including SanTan Village, an outdoor destination with top shopping and dining; and the Heritage District, the downtown experience with local restaurants, unique shops, and cultural attractions. shopsantanvillage.com and gilbertaz.gov 6 p.m.

DINNER AND DRINKS AT ONE OF THE EAST VALLEY’S HOT BREWERIES Arizona’s craft beer industry has gained a reputation for excellence. So why not tip a few back at one of the East Valley’s trendy craft beer establishments. Some to consider include Four Peaks in Tempe, Oro Brewing Company or Desert Eagle in Mesa, Arizona Wilderness Brewing in Gilbert or Hop Central Brewery and Taproom in Chandler. Or, if beer is not your thing, check out Cider Corps in Mesa, Arizona’s first cidery; or The White Rabbit, Gilbert’s very own speakeasy.

At night

CHECK OUT A SHOW AT MESA ARTS CENTER The Mesa Arts Center is a performing and visual arts complex in downtown Mesa, Arizona. At more than 210,000 square feet square feet, the $95 million facility is the largest comprehensive arts campus in the state. mesaartscenter.com

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A day in

FLAGSTAFF

BONUS

SHOOT FOR THE STARS

At an elevation of 7,000 feet surrounded by Ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff is Arizona’s four-season hub of activity where an eclectic mix of small town charm, a wealth of fine art and cultural offerings and endless outdoor adventure beckons.

Lowell Observatory was established in 1894, placing it among the oldest observatories in the United States, and was named one of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places” by Time magazine. It was at the Lowell Observatory that the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. lowell.edu

7 a.m.

BREAKFAST AT MACY’S EUROPEAN COFFEEHOUSE Macy’s is a cozy vegan friendly coffeehouse that serves the best biscuits and gravy, pastries and hot chocolate. The patio is dog-friendly, and the place is always busy (in a good way)! macyscoffee.net 8 a.m.

HIKE ON WET BEAVER CREEK’S BELL TRAIL This popular trail takes between four and six hours, round trip, and is moderately difficult. Most hikers walk just over 3 miles to Bell Crossing (known to locals as “The Crack”), which features a swimming hole, before turning around.

1 p.m.

LUNCH AT SATCHMO’S BBQ Satchmo’s is a Cajun and Creole restaurant that has become a local legend. Satchmo’s serves very good local beer, excellent food (try the ribs and Jambalaya) and features the some of the best service in Northern Arizona. satchmosaz.com

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3 p.m.

CHECK INTO HOTEL MONTE VISTA Built in 1926, this classic hotel is a three-minute walk from the Amtrak train station and 1.5 miles from the Lowell Observatory. The hotel is allegedly haunted, and many guests, including the actor John Wayne, have reported encounters with ghosts. hotelmontevista.com 6 p.m.

DINNER AT BEAVER STREET BREWERY You can watch the chefs create your meal in Beaver Street Brewery’s open kitchen or watch the brewer’s create Beaver Street Brewery’s handcrafted ales and lagers behind the bar. beaverstreetbrewery.com 8 p.m.

FINISH THE NIGHT CLOSE TO YOUR BED Before facing the ghosts in your room at Monte Vista, visit the Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge, which was the first speakeasy in Flagstaff, welcoming everyone from celebrities and law-breakers to skiers and river runners.

During prohibition, the Cocktail Lounge opened and was successfully running a major bootlegging operation in the very same location as today.

DAYTIME TOURS | TELESCOPE VIEWING OPEN YEAR-ROUND

#AmericasObservatory

|

Facebook.com/LowellObservatory |

@LowellObs |

www.lowell.edu | Flagstaff, AZ | (928) 774-3358

@LowellObservatory

A day in

Top Golf

GLENDALE Relax, 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.

6 a.m.

START YOUR DAY WITH A HIKE AT THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK Begin your day in Glendale by communing with nature at this large desert park featuring hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails, bird watching and picnicking. glendaleaz.com

State Farm Stadium

8 a.m.

Afternoon

If you’re looking for a great meal in a relaxed atmosphere, look no further than The Rogue Tomato.

The breakfast menu at The Rogue Tomato may not be large, but it’s very unique and packed with deliciousness. An equally amazing option is Kiss the Cook Restaurant, whose mini muffins are legendary. theroguetomato.com and kissthecookrestaurant.com

Glendale has grown into a true sports destination with Gila River Arena, home of the NHL Coyotes; State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL Arizona Cardinals and the Fiesta Bowl; and Camelback Ranch-Glendale, spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. So depending on the month you’re visiting, there will always be a sports adventure awaiting. And if being part of the action is more your style, be sure to visit Glendale’s new Topgolf location. topgolf.com

BREAKFAST AT ONE OF GLENDALE’S UNIQUE RESTAURANTS

10 a.m.

SHOPPING AND LUNCH IN DOWNTOWN GLENDALE There is no shortage of shops to visit in Historic Downtown Glendale, which has been named by USA Today and Sunset Magazine as one of the country’s 10 best places for shopping in recent years. From vintage treasures to unique antiques, painted canvases to hand-blown glassware, and teddy bears to homemade chocolates, no visit to the Valley would be complete without a visit to Historic Downtown Glendale. visitglendale.com

CHECK OUT A SPORTING EVENT

6 p.m.

DINNER AT DESERT ROSE STEAKHOUSE The Desert Rose Steakhouse and Pizza Gastro Pub bring two amazing restaurants to one unique Glendale property. The steakhouse serves certified Angus beef and the Pizza Gastro Pub cooks up golden brown delicious pizza for all to enjoy, along with traditional high-quality pub fare. desertrosesteakhouse.com All day

CHECK OUT A SPECIAL EVENT Glendale is home to some of the most amazing special events in the Valley. Be sure to check the calendar to find out if Glendale Glitters, the Folk and Heritage Festival, Glendale Glitter & Glow, Glendale Chocolate Affaire or Paris in the Spring are going on during your visit. visitglendale.com

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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.

Sunday - Thursday 11am-11pm • Friday - Saturday 11am-12 midnight

6729 N. 57TH DR. GLENDALE AZ 85301 • desertrosesteakhouse.com • 623-937-3004

A day in

COTTONWOOD Crema Craft Kitchen 7 a.m.

START THE DAY WITH A HIKE Get up and feel the day break along the Old Town Jail Trail, easily accessed off the old jail parking lot on Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood. The trail provides an easy hour of hiking through a surprising riparian forest, a Verde River flood zone, and a dense willow river’s edge, all a known birders’ delight. No Fees. verdebirdingtrail.com 8 a.m.

BREAKFAST AT CREMA CRAFT KITCHEN Back in Old Town Cottonwood, breakfast is served fresh and ready at Crema Craft Kitchen, and this walk was the perfect way to get your appetite ready for one of their Lobster Benedicts, or the Traditional, if that’s more your pace. An exceptionally crafted menu includes black coffee to Honey Vanilla Breve, made-from-scratch pastries, gelato and sorbet, and a range of craft cocktails from Aviation including crème de violette, to the Ultimate Mimosa. cremacottonwood.com 10 a.m.

WALK THROUGH OLD TOWN COTTONWOOD Take a stroll down the street and see all the fine galleries, wine rooms, boutiques and antique shops that Old Town Cottonwood has to offer.

Known once as the Biggest Little Town in America, Cottonwood’s Historic District is listed on the National Register, and boasts a streetscape reflecting this history. oldtown.org Noon

GET READY FOR LUNCH Head up north to the bend near Larry’s Antiques and dine to your in-house-smoked heart’s content at the COLT 804 GRILL, the ‘New Frontier in Dining.’ Featuring a patio with outdoor dining options, a running fountain, and multiple smokers doing the work of Angels, the COLT offers ‘Food, Provisions, Spirits,’ and a whole lotta’ amazing scents, all at very reasonable pricing. colt804.com 26

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Arizona Off-Road Adventure

3 p.m.

TAKE AN OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE Let your feet take a break and feel our Southwest history and Native American culture while riding through high chaparrals, over desert terrain, through creek beds and along hidden trails to extraordinary vistas that will blow your mind, all on fun-loving ATVs. Arizona Offroad Tours are 2-2.5 hours long, and cover anywhere from 20-25 miles of diverse desert and mountain terrain, all made by centuries of rushing water, gusting winds, and of course, lots of sun. arizonaoffroadtours.com 7 p.m.

DINNER AT FARSIDE BISTRO Their Mediterranean, Persian cuisine will enchant with something for everyone from the more tame meatballs, to the more traditional Zereshk or Baghala Polo.

Dishes come served with their delicious aged longgrain white Basmati rice, or you can substitute with Saffron rice, Lima bean and dill rice, or Berry Rice. farsidebistro.com 9 p.m.

TIME FOR A NIGHT CAP Wrap up the evening with an riotous time at RIOT (Rendezvous In Old Town), a classic converted Service Station. Known for Beer School and Holiday Events, it’s also a great spot for that final beverage of the day with beer, wine and cocktail choices. facebook.com/rendezvousinoldtown

A day in

SCOTTSDALE The Original Pancake House

Scottsdale 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:

7 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 9 a.m.

GET BLISSED AT BLISS SPA AT W SCOTTSDALE HOTEL Take in a clever menu of super-effective services like the Blissage75 and red carpet-revered Triple Oxygen Treatment — all in a fun, “no attitude’” atmosphere.

This urban retreat will help relaxation-craving spahoppers unwind like never before at a true facial and massage Mecca. blissworld.com 11 a.m.

GRAB SOME SOUVENIRS AT KACTUS JOCK Kactus Jock offers the most commemorative Scottsdale shopping experience you will ever have.

The atmosphere of this store will leave you feeling happy and whimiscal. The store is abundant in souvenirs, but so much more. kactusjock.com

Noon

LUNCH AND SHOPPING AT SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE Scottsdale Fashion Square is the city’s multi-story luxury mall in the middle of town. Shoppers will find Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton and Gucci among hundreds of other retailers of similar upscale caliber. Dining options include Kona Grill, Culinary Dropout, Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse, Olive & Ivy, Yard House and many more. fashionsquare.com 4 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR AT BLUE CLOVER DISTILLERY Blue Clover Distillery, which was designed by former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm and is coowned by her brother, has a happy hour that features $12 bottomless mimosas, $9 signature drinks like their Mule Kick, Whiskey Helps, and Giggle Water, and $1 off all drafts. bluecloverdistillery.com 7 p.m.

DINNER AT BOURBON & BONES A modern, upscale steakhouse located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The menu features top quality wet aged and dry aged steaks including bone-in cuts and chops, fresh seafood and Bourbon & Bones’ signature side dishes in an upbeat boutique Chop House setting. bourbonandbonesaz.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 Bourbon & Bones

Bliss Spa at W Scottsdale Hotel

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The Beverly

A day in

SEDONA

Sedona’s beautiful rock formations in varying hues of orange and red is an otherworldly setting known for being a place to find zen and inner light. Here’s the best way to go about that, if we do say so ourselves.

L’Auberge de Sedona

6 a.m.

SEDONA SPIRIT YOGA, VORTEX OR HIKING TOUR You know that picture of a woman doing yoga on the peak of a red rock that made you want to visit Sedona? Now you can be her! Sedona Spirit offers customizable tours to sacred sites, for aspiring yogis or just plain old hikes through the red rocks. You can also put your energies to the test and visit vortecies with a guide. Talk about a way to start the day! yogalife.net

Tlaquepaque

10 a.m.

SHOP FOR AMAZING ART AT EXPOSURES INTERNATIONAL GALLERY You’ll be able to find your home’s signature piece of art at Exposures International Gallery, the largest fine art gallery in Sedona and in the Southwest.

Exposures is among the finest, most unique fine art galleries in the world. exposuresfineart.com Noon

SHOPING AND LUNCH AT TLAQUEPAQUE Nestled beneath giant sycamore trees on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is in a class by itself. After working up an appetite on your ATV tour and shopping, you’ll be regaled by the menu at René of Continentalinfluenced dishes, like roasted duck with sun-dried cherry sauce, Rocky Mountain rainbow trout and free-range chicken piccatta, crisp salads and elegant appetizers (don’t miss the lobster martini). tlaq.com 2 p.m.

ALIGN YOUR CHAKRAS AT AMARA RESORT AND SPA Realign your chakras, from your head to your toes. From facials to foot and hand rituals, Amara Resort and Spa’s Mii Amo is prepared to provide the ultimate spa services. The spa’s signature facial is Moon Chasing Sun, which alternates the use of hot and cold stones during a concentrated scalp massage. amararesort.com/sedona-hotel/spa-services.html

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Dahl & DiLuca 5 p.m.

DINNER AT DAHL & DI LUCA Dahl & Di Luca is recognized for creating and defining Sedona’s fine dining scene more than 20 years ago.

Acclaimed Chef Lisa Dahl prides herself in creating angelic pastas that are as light and delicate as they are satisfying, decadent vegetable-based dishes and hardto-find Italian seafood classics. dahlanddiluca.com 7 p.m.

RECONNECT WITH NATURE WITH WINE AT L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA L’Auberge de Sedona’s Cress on Oak Creek has the most extensive wine menu in Sedona, so, naturally, you should end your day with a night cap in the forest at the edge of Oak Creek. Catch the sunset through the tree branches and embrace how much life slows down when you’re in Sedona. lauberge.com

A day in

TUCSON

While some may think Tucson only revolves around the University of Arizona, the state’s second largest metro area has much more to offer than just the sights and sounds of a college town. Here’s how, as Wildcats would say, you “bear down” in Southern Arizona.

Franks Restaurant

Tanque Verde Falls

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.

4 p.m.

First, a warning: Walking through the trails around the various pools of Tanque Verde Falls, you might see some unexpected sights. Naked people. The Reddington Pass area in the Rincon Mountains east of the city is a haven for nudists.

But even if you’d prefer to keep your clothes on, the pools of this area are a great sight and some of the waterfalls are around 100 feet tall. hikearizona.com

Established in 1934, 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. 520-623-6811

HIKE TO TANQUE VERDE FALLS

Noon

LUNCH ON UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD After working up an appetite on the trails, get a feel for student life around UA’s campus by grabbing lunch and drinks at one of the more than two dozen different bars and restaurants located within Main Gate Square on University Boulevard, directly east of campus. maingatesquare.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 on the world. The observatory was constructed in the ‘60s, but remains a beloved site for aspiring and serious stargazers. noao.edu/kpno

DAY DRINKING AT THE BUFFET

6 p.m.

DINNER AT MAYNARD’S MARKET AND KITCHEN 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. 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

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A day in

WILLCOX

By ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Flying Leap winery

8:30 a.m.

Willcox was founded in 1880 as a whistle-stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. In the early 20th century, the town was known as the Cattle Capital of the World. Nearly 100 years later, the region is still acclaimed for its agriculture, although a very different variety...or varietal, to be more precise. Today, Greater Willcox grows 74 percent of Arizona’s wine grapes. It is also the source of the most highly rated Arizona wines by Wine Spectator. Here is how to spend the perfect day in Arizona’s growing “wine country.”

CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT Just outside of Willcox lies Chiricahua National Monument, a unit of the National Park System. The monument was established in 1924 to protect its extensive hoodoos and balancing rocks. A visitor center, open daily at 8:30 a.m., is just two miles from the entrance to the monument and — in addition to a hiker shuttle — features exhibits relating to the geology, natural history and cultural history of the area. A park ranger is accessible during the open hours and can provide you with a free guide on the trails within the Monument. There are approximately 17 miles of trails which take you through varying ecosystems of meadows, forest and rock formations – where you can enjoy vast birding, wildlife watching, hiking and climbing opportunities.

Information: nps.gov/chir 10 a.m.

APPLE ANNIE’S COUNTRY STORE The Country Store features fresh baked pies and pie slices, apple bread, fudge and the full variety of scrumptious jar goods. Amish cheese and butters, apple cider and some great gift items are also available, like their “hug me” cactus pillow and locally made hand towel sets.

Information: appleannies.com 11 a.m.

BIG TEX BBQ After hiking — and certainly before enjoying all of Willcox’s amazing wines — be sure to fuel up at Big Tex BBQ, a popular restaurant known for its massive stuffed baked potato and smoked meats built inside a bright red railroad car. In spring 2018, the restaurant suffered a massive fire, but the community came together to help them rebuild and it re-opened recently.

Information: bigtexbbqaz.com

12 p.m.

OLD TOWN WILLCOX ADVENTURE There are four award-winning local wine tasting rooms conveniently located directly across the street (yes, walking distance) from Big Tex in Old Town Willcox. A family-owned vineyard and winery, Carlson Creek was established in 2009 and is now the third-largest vineyard in the state. Be sure to try their “Rule of Three” blend.

Nearly next door is Aridus, which has some exceptionally balanced wines. Across the railroad tracks (still walking distance) is Keeling Schaefer, known for its Rhone-style wines. And finally, there is Flying Leap. They not only offer wine tastings, but spice rub tastings and boast an art gallery.

Information: explorecochise.com 4 p.m.

PILLSBURY WINERY If there on a weekend, make a reservation and head over to Pillsbury Wine Company’s headquarters, located directly on owner Sam Pillsbury’s Willcox ranch and among his acres and acres of vines. Private tours of the actual vineyard are also available. Must try wines there include Guns and Kisses, Wild Child Red and his alternative white, Symphony.

Information: pillsburywine.com 6:30 p.m.

LA UNICA RESTAURANT & TORTILLERIA End the day with some of the best Mexican food in Arizona at La Unica, where the only thing better than the food (get the enchiladas and bacon wrapped shrimp!) is the service. It is located at 142 N. Haskell Ave., Willcox.

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Whiskey Row Peacock Dining Room

A day in

PRESCOTT 6 a.m.

START YOUR DAY WITH A BRISK WALK Take a walking tour of Downtown Prescott. Once the territorial capital of the state, Prescott is rich with history embodied in its world famous Whiskey Row, abundant historical landmarks and once welcomed characters such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. visit-prescott.com 10 a.m

VISIT THE SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM The Sharlot Hall Museum — an open-air museum and heritage site — is the crown jewel of history museums in Arizona. Opened in 1928

by Sharlot M. Hall as the Gubernatorial Mansion Museum, the museum that now bears her name is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Central Highlands of Arizona. sharlot.org Noon

LUNCH AND THE PEACOCK DINING ROOM AND THEN CHECK INTO THE HASSAYAMPA INN Take in the magnificent Art Deco décor at the Hassayampa Inn while savoring exceptional cuisine at the Peacock Dining Room, consistently renowned among the top restaurants in downtown Prescott. The Hassayampa Inn offers a unique and timeless lodging alternative where old meets new. You’ll discover an enticing blend of historic touches and modern amenities. Be sure to ask for one of the rooms that offer spectacular views of the historic buildings on Gurley Street. hassayampainn.com

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2 p.m

VISIT THE HERITAGE PARK ZOOLOGICAL SANCTUARY The Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals. The sanctuary provides a source of recreation, education and entertainment for all ages. heritageparkzoo.org 6 p.m.

DINNER AT BISTRO ST. MICHAEL This restored 1901 bar and eatery offers a vintage vibe and classic American meals. Located right on the corner of Whiskey Row, you can relax and take in the view of the Court House Plaza, which offers some of the best people-watching opportunities in Prescott. stmichaelhotel.com/bistro-st-michael Night

CHECK OUT WHISKEY ROW Whiskey Row is Prescott’s — not to mention one of Arizona’s — most famous streets. In its heyday, Whiskey Row was lined with saloons that welcomed many well-known cowboys and outlaws on a regular basis. Today, Whiskey Row is the ideal place for unique shopping, dining, entertainment and a night cap. prescott.com/whiskey-row

S U R P R I S E

C A R E F R E E

FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL JAN 11-13 15940 N Bullard Ave, Surprise

FINE ART & WINE FESTIVALS JAN 18-20 & MAR 1-3 101 Easy St, Carefree

WAT E R F R O N T

FOUNTAIN HILLS

FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL FEB 8-10 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale

FINE ART & WINE AFFAIRE MAR 8-10 16810 E Ave of the Fountains, Ftn Hills

Meet renowned artists, stroll throughout juried fine arts, enjoy sipping fine wines and listening to live music. $3 Admission • Held Outdoors • 10am-5pm

ThunderbirdArtists.com • 480-837-5637

THUNDERBIRD ARTISTS G

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99 Easy Street Suite 235 Carefree, Arizona Call for hours 480-688-4960

A day in

WINSLOW

Turquoise Room

Winslow is where the past meets the present. You can see it in the brick facades, the thriving railroad, Route 66 and the variety of cultures gathering in one area to create a community true to itself and Arizona. Here, you’ll learn about the area’s storied history, going back millennia when ancient Hopi tribes roamed the lands.

View the wonders of the railroad, and much, much more. As you walk and congregate with the residents of Winslow, you’ll quickly learn why this Northeastern Arizona city is known as “The City of Ten Thousand Friendly Faces.”

Relicroad Brewing Company

7 a.m.

BREAKFAST AT THE TURQUOISE ROOM Start your day right by heading to the Turquoise Room for a classic breakfast where you can enjoy any of your favorite breakfast staples. This restaurant is located within the La Posada Hotel, one of Winslow’s architectural masterpieces.

8:30 a.m.

PHOTO TIME AT STANDIN’ ON THE CORNER PARK After your breakfast, take the five-minute walk to the corner made famous by the Eagles song “Take it Easy.”

You’ll feel relaxed and ready for a complete day of adventuring as you hang around the statues to mark the spot of the famous corner, while taking in the sites of the Route 66 iconography in the area. standinonthecorner.com 9 a.m.

LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE HOPI AT HOMOLOVI STATE PARK Here, you’ll find many preserved archaeological sites, including pueblos and panels of petroglyphs depicting kachina and clan symbols. You’ll feel immersed at this cultural site, which is only a brief drive outside of Winslow. azstateparks.com/homolovi 11 a.m.

OLD TRAILS MUSUEM Learn about the many cultures that have called the Winslow area home for many years at the Old Trails Museum. It showcases the many paths that had to be blazed to bring us to the world we live in today, including exhibits of the planes, trains and automobiles that have passed through Winslow. oldtrailsmuseum.org

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Photo time at Standin’ On The Corner Park

1 p.m.

LUNCH AT THE RELICROAD BREWING COMPANY Stop off for a cold beer and a burger at this recently opened joint in Winslow. The RelicRoad serves nothing but Arizona beer on tap by a friendly staff. Be sure to try the Diablo Burger everyone is raving about, and don’t forget to play one of the board games they have available while you wait for your meal. facebook.com/brewery2017 2:30 p.m.

STUDY THE HEAVENS AT METEOR CRATER See the results of an asteroid collision on our Earth at 26,000 miles per hour at Meteor Crater. The crater was created about 50,000 years ago, and has an amazing visitors center that will tell you all about its history and the power of the cosmos. The kids will leave inspired, and you’ll leave wondering about our celestial place in the universe. meteorcrater.com 5:30 p.m.

SUNSET PICNIC AT THE LITTLE PAINTED DESERT Let the colorful combination of natural rock formations, coupled with one of Arizona’s legendary sunsets help you unwind from a busy day in the Winslow area. There are many areas for a picnic at this unique locale, along with camping and hiking options that will show you what it means to be in Arizona. wmonline.com/attract/navaprks.htm

TAKE IT EASY

Download the FREE Winslow Travel Guide App and plan your visit of fun, discovery and adventure.

Everything you need to know about Winslow and the Northeast region of Arizona will be at your fingertips with this mobile app…

Come witness the renaissance of a city that has a celebrated and colorful history.

Standin’ on a Corner and So Much More

“ Such a Fine Sight To See “

& Visitor Center West Second St 928-289-2434 * www.winslowarizona.org

10 TO TRY

NORTHERN ARIZONA ACCOMMODATIONS Amara Resort & Spa Set against a superb backdrop of redrock buttes and steps from the banks of Oak Creek, this hotel offers breathtaking views. amararesort.com

El Tovar Hotel The hotel was designed by Charles Whittlesey and was opened in 1905 and is situated directly on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. grandcanyonlodges.com

Enchantment Resort The adobe casita-style accommodations offer world-class comforts amid the Sedona red rocks. enchantmentresort.com

Hassayampa Inn This beautifully restored inn has been around since 1927, having hosted celebrities such as Clark Gable and Steve McQueen over the years. hassayampainn.com

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock This newly renovated property offers a locally-inspired guest experience focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. hiltonsedonaresort.com

L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA THINGS TO KNOW: L’Auberge de Sedona is one of the Southwest’s foremost luxury

retreats. Nestled on the banks of Oak Creek in Sedona’s renowned Red Rock region, L’Auberge features 62 luxury cottages, 21 traditional lodge-style guest rooms and a beautiful, stand-alone five bedroom Creekhouse that is ideal for group buyouts. Each of the property’s luxury Vista, Creek and Spa cottages include an outdoor, open-roof cedar shower located on private balconies, that allow guests to enjoy the warmth of rain-head shower water, while feeling refreshed from the cool outdoor air and enjoying the starry night views above. The property recently launched the L’Apothecary Spa, which allows guests to become closer with the earth and its essential, native benefits through creating custom body care blends with local ingredients, or interacting with the environment through earthing-inspired spa treatments.

DON’T MISS: L’Auberge de Sedona took its environment-inspired offerings one step further by introducing Forest Bathing, a custom experience designed to help guests connect with nature on a greater level by inviting them to experience their surroundings in new ways. A plethora of outdoor activities are also available for guests, including moonlit meditation, daily yoga, guided hikes and jogs around the scenic property.

INFORMATION: lauberge.com 38

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Hotel Vendome Originally built in 1917, Hotel Vendome was once a flophouse, but is now a point of pride and within a 5-minute walk of the famous Whiskey Row. vendomehotel.com

Jerome Grand Hotel After the United Verde Hospital became a hotel, many alleged hauntings began to occur and is now popular among traveling ghost hunters. jeromegrandhotel.com

La Posada Hotel Former guests include the likes of Charles Lindbergh, Gene Autry, Howard Hughes, Jane Russell, John Wayne, James Cagney and Clark Gable. laposada.org

Little America Hotel Set in 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest, Little America Flagstaff is a haven from the mundane. flagstaff.littleamerica.com

10 TO TRY

SOUTHERN ARIZONA ACCOMMODATIONS Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort Experience the authenticity of the Desert Southwest, where historic elegance meets modern and relaxed luxury. haciendadelsol.com

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort Don’t miss the two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, fitness trails, swimming pools and a full-service 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. miravalresorts.com

Omni Tucson National Resort This perfect golf getaway is home to two championship golf courses with breathtaking mountain backdrops. omnihotels.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain This Forbes Five Star hotel blends into the surrounding Sonoran Desert and Tortolita Mountain. ritzcarlton.com

Westward Look Resort Westward Look Resort is a rejuvenating resort environment inspired by the beauty of its pristine natural surroundings. westwardlook.com

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa This resort in an arts community is among the most luxurious and tranquil vacation destinations in the Southwest. tubacgolfresort.com

Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort Don’t miss the newly renovated pool and poolside cabanas with dramatic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. hiltonelconquistador.com

Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Nestled amidst the foothills of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, guests are immersed in an oasis of endless possibilities. westinlapalomaresort.com

JW MARRIOTT TUCSON STARR PASS RESORT AND SPA THINGS TO KNOW: Starr Pass has an AAA Four-Diamond rating, 88,000 square-feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space, two on-site restaurants, a spa, and virtually every amenity you’d come to expect of a highly-rated Arizona resort, but there are reasons beyond these that attract visitors near and far to the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass.

This expansive oasis offers unique and engaging activities steeped in local tradition such as the popular Salud Terrace “Legend of Arriba, Abajo” tequila toast where visitors learn about General Pancho Villa’s pursuit of love amidst an authentic Sonoran sunset.

DON’T MISS: Spend a relaxing day at the 20,000 square-foot Hashani Spa. Be sure to

partake in a specialty service such as the Petals and Leaves ritual, where your skin will be treated to an ultimate hydrating experience (perfect for desert dwellers and visitors), while you’re scalp is delighted in one of the best scalp massages you’ve ever had. Do make reservations at Primo and be sure to order the Coffee-rubbed Venison if it’s on the menu. Before taking a float on the lazy river, experience poolside morning yoga while a flutist shares live tranquil Native American melodies.

INFORMATION: marriott.com Learn more at azBIGmedia.com

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Adventure Awaits!

W

alk among butterflies, race electric karts, golf surrounded by spectacular views, kiss a dolphin, or just lounge by the pool and soak up the Arizona sun. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, the Salt River Indian Community has an adventure waiting for you!

F O U N TA I N HILLS

PA R A D I S E VALLEY

S A LT R I V E R P I M A - M A R I C O PA INDIAN COMMUNITY

SCOTTSDALE

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PHOENIX

101

202 MESA

TEMPE

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DINE C ASINO ARIZONA • • • • •

Cholla Prime Steakhouse The Eagles Buffet The Willows Restaurant Arizona Room Patio Grill Salt River Café

TALKING STICK RESORT • • • • • •

Orange Sky Blue Coyote Cantina Blue Coyote Café Ocean Trail Black Fig Coffee and Bistro Wandering Horse Buffet

P L AY THE PAVILIONS AT TALKING STICK • • • •

Babbo Italian Eatery Roadhouse Cinemas Brickyard Grill And many more!

ODYSEA IN THE DESERT • • • • • •

Modern Grove Views Docktails Beach Café Johnny Rockets El Encanto Pangaea Dinosaur Grill Humble Pie

FAMILY FUN: • • • • • • • •

Octane Raceway & Velocity VR iFLY Indoor Skydiving Topgolf Butterfly Wonderland OdySea Aquarium Dolphinaris Arizona Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs Medieval Times – Coming Soon

CULTURE: • Visitor Center and Art Display • Huhugam Ki Museum • Art Gallery at Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona • McDonald’s Rock’n’Roll Classic Car Show • Red Mountain Eagle Pow Wow

C ASINO: • Casino Arizona • Talking Stick Resort

SPORT: • Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (spring training) • Phoenix Rising (professional soccer) • Talking Stick Golf Club

DiscoverSaltRiver.com

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B&Bs AND DUDE RANCHES Adobe Rose Inn This is one of the most sought after bed and breakfasts in Tucson, offering exquisite rooms and unique packages for every occasion. aroseinn.com

Boots and Saddles This B&B was awarded the TripAdvisor. com Traveler’s Choice Award for the last 10 years and labeled as the best Bed and Breakfast in the U.S. oldwestbb.com

Bumble Bee Ranch Adventures This ranch features horseback riding, cattle drives, nature hikes and guided history-filled tours through Bumble Bee Creek. bumblebeeranch.com

Creekside Inn at Sedona Want a beautiful wedding? The Creekside Inn at Sedona specializes in romantic and private Sedona weddings. creeksideinn.net

Double R Guest Ranch Long known for its rich Western tradition, Benson has been the location for many famous Western movies, include “Tombstone,” “The Quick and the Dead” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” doublerguestranch.com

BRIAR PATCH INN THINGS TO KNOW: In the 1930s, a German carpenter sought solace in Oak Creek

Canyon, built his home and then saw the need to provide lodging for the “movie folk” who were making westerns in Sedona. In 1940 he built the first cottage, the “Bluejay,” complete with hand hewn wooden door latches, still functioning today. Subsequent buildings became “Rocky’s Cottages,” after his name Raacke. Today, Briar Patch Inn is a nine-acre oasis nestled in Oak Creek Canyon along the lush banks of Oak Creek.

Nineteen individual cabins are defined by Southwestern charm and Native American arts, cozy fireplaces, kitchens and private patios, all in a secluded setting. Briar Patch Inn has been owned and operated by the Olson family for 35 years and they look forward to exceeding your expectations.

Flying E Dude Ranch This historic guest and cattle ranch with 20,000 acres to ride and roam offers a relaxing destination for the family, couples or a single cowpoke. flyingeranch.com

Tanque Verde Ranch Ride a horse, watch a beautiful Sonoran Desert sunset and laugh with friends and family at an authentic cowboy cookout. tanqueverderanch.com

The Vineyards Bed & Breakfast

in the lodge or beside the creek. But breakfast along the creek, with live musicians and the music of nature serenading you cannot be beat. Guests can also relax with a soothing creek-side massage.

If the weeping willows outside are any indication, this B&B is a romantic, secluded getaway overlooking Arizona’s wine country. thevineyardsbandb.com

INFORMATION: briarpatchinn.com

Tombstone Monument Ranch

DON’T MISS: A hearty, healthy, homemade breakfast is included and can be enjoyed

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Tombstone’s only dude ranch is surrounded by spectacular scenery and a never-ending history of famous cowboys. tombstonemonumentranch.com

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UNIQUELY ARIZONA ACCOMMODATIONS

3C Ranch Once known as the Columbia Cattle Co., the 3-C Ranch is a combination of several of the oldest cattle ranches in the state, dating back to the early 1800s.

3cranchaz.com

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa Experience world-class golf, dining and events at the historic Arizona Biltmore, which has been the jewel of the desert since 1929. arizonabiltmore.com

Copper Queen Hotel This holds the distinction of being Arizona’s longest continuously operated hotel. The Copper Queen was constructed from 1898 to 1902. copperqueen.com

Grand Canyon Western Ranch Set on an active ranch featuring horseback riding and wagon rides, cottages include rustic furnishings and private entrances. grandcanyonwesternranch.com

Hermosa Inn Handcrafted in the 1930s by cowboy artist Lon Megargee as his residence and art studio, the Inn’s adobe architecture has maintained its “authentic Arizona” character and charm. hermosainn.com

HASSAYAMPA INN THINGS TO KNOW: The Hassayampa Inn, located in the Historic District of

Prescott, offers comforting small town charm while being closely situated near the sights and sounds of Prescott. Hassayampa’s prime location is walking distance to the Courthouse Square, art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops, eateries and antique stores. The hotel was built as a luxury hotel in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel features an eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial Revival, Italianate features and details like the hand-painted wood ceilings, etched glass and embossed copper panels, designed by Southwest architect Henry Trost. It has 67 uniquely decorated guest rooms and suites, the recently renovated Peacock Room restaurant, bar and lounge, indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and a beautiful gazebo wedding venue.

DON’T MISS: The lobby still has a shoe shine attendant ready to shine your shoes or boots before your night out at Whiskey Row. There is dining under the stars on weekends in the courtyard surrounded by lush greenery, live music Thursday– Saturday, high tea on the fourth Sunday of the month, 4th Friday Art Walk on the Prescott Trail, and the Peacock Dining Room that has been serving the same coffee cake recipe since the early 1900s.

INFORMATION: hassayampainn.com 44

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Phantom Ranch Nestled at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch is a historic oasis and the only lodging located below the Grand Canyon’s rim. grandcanyonlodges.com

Royal Palms Resort & Spa The estate’s rich history dates back to 1929 as the winter home of Delos Willard Cooke, a New York industrialist and financier. royalpalmshotel.com

The Duquesne House Inn & Gardens This historic adobe inn was originally built as a boarding house for miners and nestled on the original main street of Patagonia. theduquesnehouse.com

Tombstone Bordello B&B This former Victorian bordello today boasts 10 tasteful rooms with free WiFi and coffeemakers, pool and spa. tombstonebordello.com

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CASINO RESORT ACCOMMODATIONS

THINGS TO KNOW: This resort hotel features a lively 240,000-square-foot casino with

TALKING STICK RESORT

more than 700 slot machines and 50 table games. An open-air spa on the 14th floor offers views of the surrounding Valley. Guests can enjoy six restaurants and 11 lounges and bars. There are also three outdoor pools. Talking Stick Resort, an enterprise owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, was named “Casino of the Year” at the 2018 International Entertainment Buyers Association Honors and Awards Ceremony. The resort is the first Arizona casino to win such a prestigious international award.

DON’T MISS: Long considered the ultimate destination for entertainment in Scottsdale, Talking Stick Resort plays host to numerous musicians, bands and comedians throughout the year. Recent shows at the property include Journey, Boy George and Culture Club, Jason Derulo, Tiesto, Kathleen Madigan and many more.

INFORMATION: talkingstickresort.com

Apache Gold Casino Resort

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

When you need a break from winning in the casino, check out Apache Stronghold Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 high desert golf course that Golfweek Magazine ranked as one of the top golf courses in Arizona. apache-gold-casino.com

The family-friendly casino offers live poker, blackjack and more than 660 gaming devices, as well as Kids Quest and Orbits arcade. cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

This resort boasts 500 culturally themed rooms, 36-hole Troon North Golf Club, 100,000-square-foot casino and a Western theme park. wildhorsepassresort.com

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment Tucson

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

Bucky’s Casino With more than 525 of the most exciting and entertaining slot machines and the clear skies and cool pines of Prescott, you just can’t lose. buckyscasino.com

Casino Del Sol Resort Mediterranean architecture surrounds the gaming space, featuring 1,000 nickel, quarter, $1, $5 and multi-denominational slot machines. casinodelsol.com 46

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The casino floor is packed with the hottest slot machines and table games. ddcaz.com

Gila River Casinos Gila River Casinos are overflowing with excitement at its three locations — Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino and Lone Butte Casino. wingilariver.com

Located east of Flagstaff, this is northern Arizona’s premier casino resort destination, offering luxury amenities and best-in-class gaming. twinarrows.com

We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center This refined casino and resort offers a pair of 18-hole golf courses, a 24-hour casino and a day spa. wekoparesortandconferencecenter.com

Cranking out the hits for over 40 years

Az Business Magazine | Ranking Arizona | AZRE | Az Business Leaders | Play Ball

to the tune of 700,000 hits a month turn your dial to azBIGmedia.com

Experience AZ | Az Business Leaders | Home & Design | Az Business Angels

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AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY & PATIO RESTAURANTS

THINGS TO KNOW: OpenTable put El Chorro on its list of the 100 Best Al Fresco

Restaurants in America for 2018. And it’s no wonder. El Chorro allows patrons to savor exquisite local Arizona flavors amid the majesty of Paradise Valley’s Camelback Mountain.

Originally built in 1934 as the Judson School for Girls, El Chorro was converted to a restaurant in 1937. As one of the Valley’s longest operating restaurants, it has hosted Clark Gable, Milton Berle and even the infamous Marlboro Man. Few places around town have a history this rich and few places offer the breathtaking desert views that El Chorro offers from its base at Camelback and Mummy mountains.

EL CHORRO

DON’T MISS: Take advantage of the top-notch happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, where you can get El Chorro’s famous sticky buns for $6, Wagyu beef sliders for $8, $3 bottled beer and $5 well drinks, house wine and margaritas. Be sure to sit on the patio and order from the extensive wine list and soak up the scenic views, abundant desert plant life and enjoy the fireplaces.

INFORMATION: elchorro.com

CHELSEA’S KITCHEN

RUSCONI’S AMERICAN KITCHEN

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare and a patio overlooking the canal. chelseaskitchenaz.com

This bustling local favorite serves woodfired New American dishes in a chic, contemporary setting. rusconiskitchen.com

This outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare and a clubby, refined setting. thecapitalgrille.com

GERTRUDE’S

T. COOK’S

WINDSOR

Desert Botanical Garden’s relaxed bar and restaurant serves sustainable, refined American meals with amazing views from the patio. gertrudesrestaurant.net

T. Cook’s offers two patios and a courtyard with a fountain, fireplaces and impressive views of Camelback Mountain, surrounded by citrus trees. tcooksphoenix.com

Windsor is a neighborhood bar and restaurant that serves global comfort food and retro cocktails in one of the most hip, romantic restaurants in Central Phoenix. windsoraz.com

LON’S AT THE HERMOSA

TARBELL’S

THE VIG

Upon entering the patio, you’ll see a fountain, trees, tables, beautiful views of Camelback Mountain and a cozy fireplace. lons.com

The magical and upscale restaurant and bar serves American fare paired with global wines in a chic space. tarbells.com

Head over for bocce ball and a beer or take on some tough choices from the mouthwatering menus and experience some of the best nation dining in Arizona. thevig.us

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CASINO RESTAURANTS

AHNALA MESQUITE ROOM Located at the Wekopa Resort, the Southwesten restaurant offers a casual location for romantic dinners with majestic views of Four Peaks Mountain. wekoparesortandconferencecenter.com

APACHE PRIME STEAKHOUSE Apache Gold Casino’s restaurant has a mouth-watering menu, where you’ll find all your favorite cuts served with western hospitality. apache-gold-casino.com

ARTISAN RESTAURANT Cocopah Casino’s restaurant offers a great selection of an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, an a la carte lunch and an amazing dinner menu that features mouth-watering steaks. cocopahresort.com

CHOP, BLOCK & BREW Featuring gourmet burgers and a woodburning mesquite grill, the rustic and relaxed environment at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino serves amazing pure-aged steaks, prime rib and seafood. caesars.com

DITKA’S RESTAURANT

CHOLLA PRIME STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE

Ditka’s Restaurant features signature dishes like “Da Rok Chop” and the “Fridge” burger along with steaks, ribs, seafood and more. wingilariver.com

KAI The recipient of the Coveted AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Five-Star Award, Kai, meaning “seed” in the Pima language, features a menu rich in creativity and Native American culture. marriott.com

THINGS TO KNOW: Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge has been called the hidden

KO:SIN KI BUFFET

gem among Phoenix steakhouses. Cholla offers one of Scottsdale’s best fine-dining experiences in an intimate, upscale environment. Located just off the gaming floor inside Casino Arizona in Scottsdale, Cholla’s top chefs are known for creating steakhouse classics such as filets and lamb chops, as well as crab-stuffed prawns and elk tenderloin. Cholla is the ideal fine-dining destination for every occasion. It has been the recipient of TripAdvisor’s prestigious “Certificate of Excellence” for two years in a row.

Looking for variety and a great deal?

Desert Diamond Casino’s Ko:Sin Ki has a full menu of options to satisfy everyone in your group. From Sunday brunches to seafood dinners, Ko:Sin Ki has it all. ddcaz.com

DON’T MISS: Unlike the adjacent room of slot machines, dinner at Cholla isn’t a gamble, thanks to healthy portions of robustly-flavored meat and seafood, savory appetizers and sides, and delectable desserts. Favorites include the bleu cheese-crusted New York steak and the 14-ounce pan-seared ribeye. The rich double chocolate mousse and a full-bodied cup of coffee are an excellent way to end the meal.

ORANGE SKY

INFORMATION: casinoarizona.com

Orange Sky features new American plates and an award-winning wine list presented in a 15th-floor dining room with beatiful sunset views of the Valley. talkingstickresort.com

PY STEAKHOUSE With the finest cuts of meat, fresh seafood and a wine list second to none, PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol Resort boasts an elegant dining experience. casinodelsol.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

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.

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SOUTHWEST DINING BARRIO CAFE Acclaimed Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza serves authentic southern Mexican meals, prepped with a subtle French twist at times. barriocafe.com

ELOTE Chef Jeff Smedstad prepares food inspired by 15 years of visiting Mexican markets and serves it at his very popular Sedona restaurant. elotecafe.com

FUEGO BISTRO Flavors from Oaxaca, Cuba, and Yucatan add depth to the menu at Fuego Bistro. fuegobistro.com

RICHARDSON’S CUISINE OF NEW MEXICO Richardson Browne has been dishing up hearty New Mexican-inspired fare since 1988. richardsonsnm.com

TACO GUILD Housed in a stunning 1940s church, Taco Guild has one of the most unique, yet alluring concepts in Arizona. Order the Yucatan Shrimp New School Tacos. tacoguild.com

TEXAZ GRILL

SIERRA BONITA

This steakhouse plates homestyle food in kitschy digs full of Texas memorabilia.

Don’t miss the chicken-fried steak. texazgrill.com

THINGS TO KNOW: You know a restaurant is pure Arizona when patrons have

THE MISSION

included the late Gov. Rose Mofford, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Arizona historian Marshall Trimble. Sierra Bonita puts new and inventive twists on a Southwestern menu to create a perfect blend of Mexican, Native American and cowboy cultures and create something new and delicious. The results are nothing short of a stampede of flavors.

DON’T MISS: The restaurant pays homage to the Sierra Bonita Ranch, founded in 1872 and one of the oldest cattle ranches in the United States. The restaurant’s walls and corners are adorned with dozens of Western paintings, photographs and sculptures, each connected to the ranching lifestyle and each depicting Arizona and the three prime groups that helped build the West — Mexicans, Native Americans and cowboys.

INFORMATION: sierrabonitagrill.com

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In a sophisticated yet casual setting, chef Matt Carter and Brian Raab mix tradition and ingenuity in their signature dishes and hand-pressed cocktails. themissionaz.com

Z’TEJAS SOUTHWESTERN GRILL From seasoned chicken topped with nopalitos salad to green chile barbacoa, the meat entrées are outstanding. ztejas.com

VINCENT ON CAMELBACK Vincent’s has been a Valley favorite since the 1980s, when Chef Vincent Guerithault pioneered his unique brand of Southwestern-inflected French cuisine. vincentsoncamelback.com

VoteD BeSt SoutHwestern reStaurant in q VaLley!

A uniquely Arizona restaurant serving a rustic fusion of cowboy and Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Happy Hour Daily

$12 WeekDay LuncH SpeciaLs

private Dining roomS

Saturday p Sunday Brunch

6933 N. 7th St. | Corner of 7th St. & Glendale (BEHIND WELLS FARGO) Additional parking available in the adjoining lots just east of the restaurant

602-264-0700 ~ www.sierrabonitagrill.com

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ITALIAN

THINGS TO KNOW: This opulent example of Italian food at its finest has won itself

local, national, and even international fame. The head chef, Nina Vincent, is so skilled in her creations, that you will hear locals say that “food turns holy in Nina’s hands.” Every night, in addition to the regular menu, the chef showcases four specials that are available for purchase. The menu includes hot and cold appetizers, pasta dishes (including gluten-free options), meats, fish, and desserts.

TUTTI SANTI RISTORANTE

BY NINA

DON’T MISS: Customers rave about the veal cannelloni, which consists of baked homemade cannelloni pasta filled with ground veal, cheese, and vegetables. Don’t forget to try the caprese salad; which, if you’re not a fan of tomatoes, they will gladly substitute with roasted red peppers upon request. Every Thursday, the specials include a mouthwatering veal ossubuco, and every Friday, the freshest of Italian branzino fish. And finally, if you’re looking for a tiramisu to match anything you’ve had in Italy, this is the place to be. Don’t forget to make a reservation first: the place is very popular, and often crowded.

INFORMATION: tuttisantiristornante.com

DAHL & DILUCA RISTORANTE ITALIANO

MARCELLINO’S

PARMA ITALIAN ROOTS

The dining room has an element of mystique, a magical aura that will take your breath away upon entering. dahlanddiluca.com

Many of Chef Marcellino Verzino’s offerings are grown on his personal farm in Arizona or in the herb garden outside the restaurant. marcellinoristorante.com

Parma serves artfully prepared, West Coast-influenced Italian cuisine in a comfortable, easygoing ambiance. parmaitalianaz.com

MORA ITALIAN

For more than 40 years, Tomaso’s has been a destination restaurant in the Central Camelback Corridor in Phoenix. tomasos.com

EVO SCOTTSDALE EVO is both upscale and comfortable; ideal for Sunday supper with the entire family or a romantic dinner with the one you love. evoscottsdale.com

FRANCO’S ITALIAN CAFFE This down-to-earth restaurant serves up elevated Italian pastas and main courses in a comfortable, yet elegant space. francosscottsdale.com

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Chef Scott Conant, a Food Netwrok star and judge for the cooking competition TV show called “Chopped,” presents this stylish Italian osteria. moraitalian.com

NORTH ITALIA North’s staff understands that there’s an art to the handcrafted experience, so its menu is handmade from scratch daily. northitaliarestaurant.com

TOMASO’S ITALIAN CUISINE

VIRTU The menu is constantly changing, with an emphasis on creative cuisine and easy-toshare dishes that harken to Chef Gio Osso’s Italian roots. virtuscottsdale.com

20 years of authentic Italian food and service at our Scottsdale location!

HAPPY HOUR

Monday through Thursday 4:30pm to 6pm

For Reservations, please call

(480) 951-3775

www.tuttisantiristorante.com

6339 E. Greenway Rd., Scottsdale, 85254

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LOCAL FAVORITES

BLUE HOUND KITCHEN & COCKTAILS A decadent menu free of butter and heavy cream brings big taste without that heavy feeling afterward. It also saves room for dessert. bluehoundkitchen.com

CITIZEN PUBLIC HOUSE Known for its amaro meatloaf, don’t miss The Original Chopped Salad, which is so good, it has its own Facebook page. citizenpublichouse.com

ELEMENTS From its extraordinary views of Paradise Valley to its acclaimed innovative offerings, elements is a highlight among Scottsdale’s luxury dining options. sanctuaryoncamelback.com

LITTLE MISS BBQ This local hot spot with a retro vibe specializes in Central Texas–style BBQ and traditional sides. littlemissbbq.com

LOS DOS MOLINOS Los Dos Molinos is an iconic, family-owned Phoenix restaurant that features festive decor and a kick of spice in its dishes. losdosmolinosphoenix.com

SUMO MAYA

FRANCO’S ITALIAN CAFFÉ THINGS TO KNOW: Franco’s is the creation of Tuscan-born Franco Fazzuoli, who had three wildly popular Italian restaurants in Phoenix starting in the 1980s before leaving the Valley in 2006 to follow his daughters to New York, where they were studying ballet. While in New York, he opened a well-received Italian restaurant in Greenwich Village. Luckily for Arizona diners, Franco came back and is more creative and innovative than ever. Franco’s creates the perfect blend of traditional and progressive. The pastas are all homemade, but they are done in ways that you have never experienced.

DON’T MISS: Go to Franco’s with a group of friends and let everyone order something different. Ask for an extra plate if you need to and then sample everything. The parade of palate pleasers will have you scrambling for a thesaurus so you can figure out different ways to say, “Wow.” INFORMATION: francosscottsdale.com

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This hip hot spot does a delicious job deconstructing traditional Mexican and Japanese dishes and re-imagining them to make them their own. sumomaya.com

TARBELL’S The magical and upscale restaurant and bar serves American fare paired with global wines in a chic space. tarbells.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. stockyardssteakhouse.com

WEFT & WARP Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen is a stylish, all-day New American kitchen for locally sourced, shareable plates and craft cocktails. andazscottsdale.com

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

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PIZZA AND MEXICAN FOOD BARRIO CAFE Acclaimed Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza serves authentic southern Mexican meals, prepped with a subtle French twist at times. barriocafe.com

ELOTE Chef Jeff Smedstad prepares food inspired by 15 years of visiting Mexican markets south of the border. elotecafe.com

HUMBLE PIE Good wine, tasty starters and memorable pizzas make Humble Pie — with nine Arizona locations — worth a visit. humblepieusa.com

LA GRANDE ORANGE GROCERY & PIZZERIA Amazing pastries, creative breakfasts and gourmet pizzas star at this chic bakery/ cafe with a grocery section. lagrandeorangepizzeria.com

LA HACIENDA

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA THINGS TO KNOW: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has more than 100 years of pizza-

making traditions and is famous for pizzas baked to perfection in the signature coal-burning oven. In the world of pizza, Grimaldi’s is an institution that has earned more awards than any other pizzeria in the country, with more celebrity sightings than most five-star restaurants. Using only the freshest ingredients, a “secret recipe” sauce, homemade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza (as it began in Naples, Italy) in an upscale yet casual, family oriented environment. Grimaldi’s was awarded The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences’ Five Star Diamond Award, which was given to the pizzeria for its excellence in gastronomy, attitude, quality, cleanliness and overall service.

Grimaldi’s is the first family-owned, multi-location upscale pizzeria to be bestowed the Five Star Diamond Award.

DON’T MISS: Sink your teeth into The Don, a traditional pizza topped with Italian sausage, meatballs and pepperoni. It is made with fresh ingredients, handmade mozzarella, “secret recipe” dough and pizza sauce that comes together for the perfect pie that melts in your mouth.

INFORMATION: grimaldispizzeria.com

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Savor classic Mexican recipes in enticing new ways, featuring fresh, indigenous ingredients, lighter dishes and unexpected pairings of traditional foods. fairmont.com/scottsdale

MACAYO’S Woody Johnson, founder of Macayo’s, claims he first invented the chimichanga several decades ago (although there are other restaurants that make a similar claim). macayo.com

PISA LISA Acclaimed Chef Lisa Dahl Pisa brings you the best wood-fired pizza in Sedona, surrounded by beautiful resorts and the famous red rock views. pisalisa.com

PIZZERIA BIANCO Chef Chris Bianco started making artisinal pizzas in the back of a grocery store in the ‘80s. Now he’s earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest. pizzeriabianco.com

SOL COCINA Inspired by coastal Baja, SOL Cocina is an upscale, accesible Mexican restaurant in the heart of Scottsdale Quarter — a popular shopping district. solcocina.com

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SEAFOOD

BLUEWATER GRILL

THINGS TO KNOW: Celebrating more than 20 years in business, Bluewater Grill’s mission is to serve great food in a casual, relaxed environment by friendly and knowledgeable people at a fair price. Bluewater Grill operates its own swordfish harpoon boat, the Pilikia, and serves the finest quality harpooned swordfish in season. Bluewater Grill’s fish are always the most pristine quality available as the restaurant purchases directly from fisherman, in season, at the peak of quality and freshness. Being fishermen at heart, the experts at Bluewater Grill want to ensure the future availability of seafood and make responsible seafood purchasing a core value of its operation.

DON’T MISS: Bluewater Grill offers more than 40 varieties of seafood annually, with

oysters on the half shell, award-winning chowder, a kid’s menu approved by the Kids LiveWell program of the National Restaurant Association, patio dining, full bar and wine list, brunch, and happy hour. Bluewater Grill even has boat docks and bike racks at its locations.

INFORMATION: bluewatergrill.com

ADA’S FISH FRY

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB

RA SUSHI

A hidden gem in the West Valley, the batter on Ada’s Fish Fry’s signature haddock is light and perfect. Don’t miss the Hush Puppies and calamari. adasfishfry.com

The restaurant’s menu features an impressive array of fresh upscale seafood, including the three-tiered iced Seafood Tower and a one-of-a-kind warm butter cake. mastrosrestaurants.com

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. rasushi.com

OCEAN PRIME

This fine dining spot in Scottsdale is an amazing destination for sashimi, nigiri and sushi rolls. rokaakor.com

BUCK & RIDER Raw bar fare, meat dishes and craft drinks offered in a stylish dining room with patio seating. buckandrider.com

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood and steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz. eddiev.com

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With stunning settings, a vibrant energy and an impressive menu of seafood and steaks, this is an ideal place to socialize and indulge. ocean-prime.com

PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD KITCHEN Convivial chain dishing up hearty portions of New Orleans-style seafood, steaks, salads and more. pappadeaux.com

ROKA AKOR

SALT CELLAR While it serves amazing seafood, it’s the funky atmopshere — the dining rooms, bar and kitchen are underground — makes Salt Cellar a must-visit restaurant. saltcellarrestaurant.com

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STEAKS & CHOPS DESERT ROSE STEAKHOUSE Capitalizing on the boom of backyardstyle restaurants and bars, Desert Rose is housed in a hip renovated Glendale welding facility. desertrosesteakhouse.com

DON & CHARLIE’S A hot spot for sports fans, Don & Charlie’s serves amazing food and also enjoys showing off its collection of sports memorabilia. donandcharlies.com

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR Fleming’s pairs a passion for service and seasonal ingredients with the finest USDA Prime beef. flemingssteakhouse.com

J&G STEAKHOUSE J&G Steakhouse offers a sophisticated menu of steakhouse classics as interpreted by Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. jgsteakhousescottsdale.com

LINCOLN, A JW STEAKHOUSE Lincoln’s menu boasts hand-cut Prime butcher’s steaks perfectly seared at 1,200 degrees in the Valley’s only Josper Charcoal Oven from Spain. lincolnrestaurantpv.com

THE STOCKYARDS RESTAURANT

MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE

THINGS TO KNOW: This Southwestern culinary landmark originally opened in 1919 as the world’s largest cattle feedlot. With the addition of a steakhouse in 1947, it’s been serving culinary aficionados ever since. It’s famous for both the role it played in Arizona’s cattle industry, as well as its stunning architectural design, and was even recently placed on the City of Phoenix Historical Register. Stockyards offers lunch, dinner, and happy hour menus, as well as a wine list. Stockyards is willing and able to accommodate large groups, ranging from 15-225. The three banquet rooms — the Rose Room, Cattleman’s Room and Gold Coast Room — are perfect for any and all occasions.

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE

DON’T MISS: All customers are treated to a traditional relish tray and a heaping basket of baking soda biscuits and cornbread muffins. After savoring these, don’t miss out on the filet mignon, served with whiskey peppercorn demi-glace bearnaise sauce, or house steak butter on the side. If steak isn’t really your thing, go for the skillet salmon with citrus-chile glaze and rice pilaf. And for dessert, try the citrus burnt cream (their version of creme brulee), a subtle and delectable way to finish off your evening.

INFORMATION: stockyardssteakhouse.com

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Mastro’s is recognized for its combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine and elegant yet energetic atmosphere. mastrosrestaurants.com Morton’s steakhouse is widely regarded as the best place for prime steak anywhere. mortons.com

RUSTLER’S ROOSTE Every cowboy loves a good steak, and this is the place to go to let out your inner cowpoke in a truly western atmosphere. rustlersrooste.com

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. thecapitalgrille.com

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CHEFS Derek Biazo, chef de cuisine DESEO “Freshman year, my life changed forever when Kingman High became one of the first schools in Arizona to offer a fine food arts program.”

Lisa Dahl, executive chef DAHL RESTAURANT GROUP “Most nights, you can find me at any of my four restaurants greeting guests and getting to know the customers that come through our doors.”

Jean-Christophe Gros, chef VOILA FRENCH BISTRO “I have cooked French food for more than 30 years, but I LOVE American dishes, especially barbequed ribs and fries.”

Razz Kamnitzer, chef and owner RAZZ’S RESTAURANT AND CATERING “For 17 consecutive years, we have been voted the No. 1 Fusion Restaurant by Ranking Arizona.”

Joey Maggiore, executive chef THE MAGGIORE GROUP “I grew up watching my father, Tomaso Maggiore, the master, make Italian cuisine look easy. I decided to follow in his footsteps.”

Scott Mortensen, executive chef ROARING FORK

MARTIE SULLIVAN SWEET BASIL GOURMETWARE AND COOKING SCHOOL

THINGS TO KNOW: Martie Sullivan established Sweet Basil Gourmetware and

Cooking School in 1993 with a recreational approach to cooking in mind. In this model, people can come and learn as much as they want about cooking — whether that’s taking a single class or participating as a student in the cooking school. In addition, Sullivan wanted a store in the same location that would offer items needed for cooking. Sullivan combined the two, and Sweet Basil was created.

DON’T MISS: Sweet Basil offers classes taught by six instructors on a regular basis that include making pizza from scratch, cake decorating techniques and learning how to create dishes from cuisines from around the world. In addition to certain types of food, Sweet Basil also has classes that teach cooking techniques such as baking, knife skills or sauce making, and how to use gourmetware like cast iron and silicone to create tasty dishes.

INFORMATION: sweetbasilgourmet.com

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“My first restaurant job was working at Denny’s as a dishwasher at 15. I grew up watching culinary shows and have always wanted to work as a chef.”

Tandy Peterson, chef MOWRY & COTTON “My family and I had a ranch of about 100 cattle. As a child, I named all my cattle after spices – my first three being Salt, Pepper and Sugar.”

Colin Ribble, executive chef HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO RESORT “My first passion in life was not to cook, but play baseball. After a series of tragic events food became my true passion.”

Samantha Roberts, executive chef RIOT HOSPITALITY GROUP “I live on a working farm with chickens, a turkey and horses that I raise and train.”

Shop • Dine • Learn

Cookware, dinnerware, bakeware, barware, linens, gadget, and more!

Cooking school for recreational classes, team building, private parties, kids and teens.

Market Café is open for Lunch & Takeout Monday - Saturday 11am - 3pm

Everything you need for cooking & entertaining | gifts for everyone at home | Local Arizona products

sweetbasilgourmet.com 10749 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480.596.5628

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AIR ADVENTURES

THINGS TO KNOW: This top-notch organization is the largest hot-air balloon business

in the Southwest, and their professionalism and attention to detail make for an overall excellent experience. In Phoenix, they offer sunrise balloon rides, sunset balloon rides November through March, and private rides as well. They also offer balloon ride gift certificates, which are valid until one year from purchase. The day of the ride, you meet them at their North Phoenix office and are driven over to the launch site. To commemorate the adventure, you’ll be presented with a flight certificate upon conclusion.

DON’T MISS: Before each ride, you’ll get the chance to observe and help out with the

RAINBOW RYDERS FLAGSTAFF EXTREME ADVENTURE COURSE There are rope swings, wobbly ladders, monkey bars, tunnels, bridges and nets, all ending with a zip line. flagstaffextreme.com

HOT AIR EXPEDITIONS You’ll have an unobstructed 360-degree view to take excellent photographs of the Arizona mountains and desert. hotairexpeditions.com

iFLY Ever wondered what it was like to fly? This indoor skydiving operation lets guests enter a 14-foot wide wind tunnel and be propelled into the air. iflyworld.com 68

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inflation process, and even take pictures. Sunrise riders are treated to a Sonoran Sunrise Gourmet Breakfast afterwards, with fresh fruit, organic greek yogurt parfaits, and delicious muffins. If you decide on the sunset ride instead, you’ll feast on a Saguaro Sunset Charcuterie platter, with homemade hummus, meats and cheeses, and freshly grilled artisan bread. Both sunrise and sunset riders are treated to signature prickly pear cactus mimosas.

INFORMATION: rainbowryders.com

MAVERICK HELICOPTERS

SEDONA AIR TOURS

Maverick offers helicopter tours that will take you deep into the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. maverickhelicopter.com

Tours allow guests to see great parts of Sedona and the Grand Canyon that you’d never be able to see by hiking or taking a jeep tour. sedonaairtours.com

PAPILLON GRAND CANYON HELICOPTERS Since 1965, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has been showing guests the majesty of the Grand Canyon. papillon.com

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM The museum features a display of nearly 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 acres. pimaair.org

SKYDIVE ARIZONA Home to the world’s largest drop zone, Skydive Arizona is the best way to fall.

Tandem and solo jumps are available. skydiveaz.com

SUPERSTITION ZIPLINE AT GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN Get whisked away at 30 mph along a cable on a quarter-mile ride 120 feet above Goldfield Ghost Town. superstitionzipline.com

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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. bearizona.com

BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND Occasionally, a butterfly or two will land on an unsuspecting visitor. Here’s a tip: Wear bright colors to attract the butterflies. butterflywonderland.com

DOLPHINARIS Forget that you’re in the middle of a desert and make your dream of swimming with the dolphins come true at Dolphinaris. dolphinaris.com

HERITAGE PARK ZOO This wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals. heritageparkzoo.org

NAVAJO NATION ZOO The Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park is the only Native American ownedand-operated zoo in the country. navajozoo.org

ODYSEA AQUARIUM

OUT OF AFRICA WILDLIFE PARK THINGS TO KNOW: The employees at Out of Africa stress one thing — this place is not a zoo. Rather, it’s an immersive experience that allows one the sensation of being in a real-life African bush safari. Animals from all over Africa and Asia wander about in spacious habitats, and visitors will be surprised by how up close and personal you’ll be able to get. Take a fence-free photo from the expertly placed photography platforms, and make sure to check out the free-roaming safaris and splendid habitats.

DON’T MISS: Out of Africa boasts the world-renowned Tiger Splash show, where

Bengal tigers interact with each other and their keepers in a large aquatic play land.

Right next to the Tiger Splash arena, you’ll find the Jungle Hut Eatery, where you can savor offerings like the Black-Bean Chipotle Burger and the Pilgrim Sandwich (glutenfree bread is available upon request). Then, upgrade your safari experience by taking the Predator Zipline tour — a 2.5-hour (or shorter, depending on your needs) flight that takes you across the whole park as a guide narrates your journey.

INFORMATION: outofafricapark.com 70

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The aquarium has a vast repertoire of “ambassador animals” that are available for human interaction, adding the potential for a surprise each visit. odyseaaquarium.com

PHOENIX ZOO The zoo is divided into four themed areas — the Arizona Trail, the Africa Trail, the Tropics Trail and the Children’s Trail, which includes a petting zoo. phoenixzoo.org

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. reidparkzoo.org

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO & AQUARIUM This attraction takes pride in its exotic animals, including kangaroos, rare white alligators, a flightless emu and white rhinos. wildlifeworld.com

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ART GALLERIES

BONNER DAVID GALLERIES A remarkable selection of traditional and contemporary artists. bonnerdavid.com

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District is the artistic manifestation and architecture constructed by Ettore DeGrazia. degrazia.org

EXPOSURES INTERNATIONAL GALLERY OF FINE ART The largest fine art gallery in Sedona, Exposures is among the finest, most unique fine art galleries in the world. exposuresfineart.com

JEROME ARTISTS COOPERATIVE GALLERY This gallery offers a wide variety of original artwork from some of Northern Arizona’s most talented artists. eromecoop.com

MONORCHID The gallery features an entirely open floor plan, several modular gallery walls and a cycloramic backdrop. monorchid.com

RENEE TAYLOR GALLERY

WESTERN SPIRIT —

SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST THINGS TO KNOW: Explore the history, art and rich cultural heritage of the West at one of TripAdvisor’s most highly rated Scottsdale attractions. From exhibits of Hopi pottery masterworks to rare posters starring silver screen cowboys and Indians, you’ll discover the unique stories of the people, places and events of the 19 states of the American West and the bordering Canadian provinces and Mexican states.

DON’T MISS: In addition to its regularly changing exhibitions, the museum offers entertaining events, gallery tours, and educational activities. The awardwinning, contemporary museum building is located in Old Town Scottsdale, within easy walking distance of the Main Street art galleries and other popular downtown Scottsdale destinations. It is located on the Downtown Scottsdale trolley route.

INFORMATION: scottsdalemuseumwest.org

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Contemporary jewelry and fine art featuring Lyman Whitaker, Alex Sepkus, Loet Vanderveen, Hearts on Fire, Peter Skidd at Tlaquepaque. reneetaylorgallery.com

SON SILVER WEST GALLERY The finest Western and traditional art in a very unique setting in Sedona. sonsilverwest.com

THE MARSHALL GALLERY OF FINE ART Exceptional art presented in an open and relaxed gallery space, which is perfect for browsing the ever-changing collection. themarshallgallery.com

ZELMA BASHA SALMERI GALLERY The gallery of Western American and American Indian Art at Bashas’ corporate office in Chandler is open to the public, free of charge. bashas.com/bashas-art-gallery

Come see the Women of the West @ SMoW! New Beginnings:

An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West Oct. 16, 2018 - Sept. 2019 Art credit: Dorothy Brett, Desert Indian, c. 1932–1937, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe, NM.

Charles M. Russell: The Women in His Life and Art Nov. 20, 2018 April 2019

Art credit: Charles M. Russell, Lady Buckeroo, c. 1920–1925, watercolor, pen and ink on paper; Montana Historical Society, Mackay Collection, Helena, Mont.

Experience two fresh new exhibitions including many female artists & artworks featuring women in Western roles Visit the Nation’s Best Western Museum* and use code ExperienceAZ to receive 20% off admission. Offer expires May 31, 2019.

3830 N. Marshall Way  Scottsdale, Arizona  480-686-9539  scottsdalemuseumwest.org

*True West Magazine, 2018 Readers’ Choice

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AUTO EXPERIENCES

THINGS TO KNOW: This hub of the motorsports scene was originally built in 1964 as Phoenix Raceway. Today, it’s known as ISM Raceway, and delivers more action, fun, and thrills than ever before. The track hosts some of the biggest events in racing year-round, including the IndyCar weekend and the spring and fall NASCAR weekends, as well as the Phoenix Grand Prix. There are spacious areas available for regular parking and RV camping, and you can rent the track for driving lessons or other events that are sure to be unforgettable.

ISM RACEWAY

DON’T MISS: The all-new Fan Zone, which debuted in November 2018, lets you get up close to your favorite drivers and teams as they work live on their cars or walk the red carpet to the drivers’ meeting. While watching the races, go the extra mile and rent a FanVision controller to see 10 channels of live video with eight in-car cameras, a radio scanner, and other special NASCAR content. Make sure to hit up the Trackside Bar & Grill, open at no additional cost to all fans attending ISM Raceway events. And be on the lookout for special driver and celebrity appearances; they show up often to take selfies and offer autograph signings.

INFORMATION: ismraceway.com

ARIZONA SPEEDWAY

CRACKERJAX

PENSKE RACING MUSEUM

Dirt track race fans can get all the action they will ever need with races featuring a host of makes and models. arizonaspeedway.net

This Scottsdale hub has double the gokarting with two tracks, including the 1,200-foot CrackerJax Speedway. crackerjax.com

The Penske Racing Museum chronicles the career of one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports. penskeracingmuseum.com

AUTOBAHN INDOOR SPEEDWAY

K1 SPEED

WHITE MOUNTAIN FAMILY FUN PARK

Fly around this Tucson track like the cars that fly down the famous German motorway system of the same name. autobahnspeed.com

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

A family track allows kids who are at least 54 inches tall to test their skills behind the wheel. whitemountainfamilyfunpark.com

BONDURANT RACING SCHOOL

OCTANE RACEWAY

Channel champion race car driver Bob Bondurant while learning tricks to make you a better driver. bondurant.com

The self-proclaimed largest indoor racetrack in America features two quarter-mile tracks and go-karts that drive up to 45 mph. octaneraceway.com

WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK

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This venue features a quarter-mile dragstrip, a road course, an off-road course, and motorboat racing lake. racewildhorse.net

A NEW ERA OF RACING

Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of NASCAR in Phoenix.

Experience more connectivity, more comfort, and more convenience at the all new ISM Raceway.

NOV. 9/10/11, 2018

OPENING WEEKEND +SEMI FINAL

MARCH 8/9/10, 2019

TICKETGUARDIAN 500

Get tickets NOW AT ISMRaceway.com

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CASINOS

THINGS TO KNOW: Apache Gold Casino Resort is owned by the San Carlos Apache Tribe,

APACHE GOLD CASINO RESORT

whose tribal land covers over 1.8 million acres in eastern Arizona, from the Sonoran desert to Ponderosa pine forests. The Tribe’s ancestral lands once stretched across Arizona into New Mexico. Historically, the San Carlos Apache were hunters, and they have deep cultural and spiritual ties to the land. The tribe has made the decision to keep most of its land in a natural state, which protects the habitat for big and small game and allows the Apache to preserve their special and personal relationship with the natural world.

DON’T MISS: Apache Gold Casino, located five miles east of Globe on Highway 70, features 600 of the newest slot machines, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll be able to discover the most penny slots in the state, along with exclusive games like Apache Ponies.

Find state-of-the-art video and reel slot machines and progressives as well as Black Jack.

Play at the casino’s 200-seat bingo hall that’s open five days a week. Enjoy it all in a friendly and casual atmosphere that promises more uninterrupted play, which means more chances to win. Join Apache Gold’s Player’s Club to win valuable points for prizes and perks, like rounds of golf, hotel stays and dining.

INFORMATION: apache-gold-casino.com

BLUEWATER RESORT & CASINO

CASINO DEL SOL

Arizona’s only riverside casino and resort has everything from live concerts to an 18-hole golf course and indoor water slide. bluewaterfun.com

Mediterranean architecture surrounds the gaming space, featuring 1,000 nickel, quarter, $1, $5 and multi-denominational slot machines. casinodelsol.com

BUCKY’S CASINO Bucky’s offers a 24/7 non-smoking poker room with cash games and tournaments. buckyscasino.com

CASINO ARIZONA This casino offers more than 100,000 square feet devoted to gaming and entertainment, including 52 table games and 1,026 slot machines. casinoarizona.com

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CLIFF CASTLE CASINO HOTEL Cliff Castle has been voted Favorite Arizona Casino 15 years in a row. cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

COCOPAH CASINO At Arizona’s Cocopah Casino, you’ll experience all the excitement of a Las Vegas casino in a friendly, hometown resort setting. cocopahresort.com

DESERT DIAMOND CASINOS & ENTERTAINMENT TUCSON The casino floor is packed with the hottest slot machines and table games. ddcaz.com

DESERT DIAMOND WEST VALLEY CASINO Located in the vibrant Westgate Entertainment District, this is Glendale’s home for lucky days and electric nights. ddcaz.com/west-valley

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CASINOS

FORT MCDOWELL CASINO Slots, keno, bingo, poker, black jack, 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. caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

HON-DAH RESORT CASINO Hon-Dah is surrounded by the great Northwoods and you can expect the finest hotels in the White Mountains of Arizona. hon-dah.com

MAZATZAL HOTEL & CASINO Discover over 600 slot machines, black jack, table games, and live poker. mazatzalcasino.com

TALKING STICK RESORT AND CASINO With more than 50 table games, 800 slot machines and poker tournaments almost every day, it’s thrilling gaming all in one place. talkingstickresort.com

GILA RIVER CASINOS THINGS TO KNOW: Gila River has three casinos in the Phoenix area, each convenient to

parts to the Valley of the Sun including west, east and south portions of the metro area.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is the largest casino in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area south of Phoenix near Chandler and Ahwatukee. Lone Butte Casino is located just south of the 202 freeway in Chandler. It is just southeast of Phoenix. You can merge with the 202 from Interstate 10 going southeast. Lone Butte is the only Gila River Casino that does not have live action poker or hotel accommodations. Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino is located in the southwest section of the Phoenix area in Laveen.

DON’T MISS: All three Gila River Casinos feature a wide variety of slot machines, table games, and black jack. Vee Quiva and Wild Horse Pass have live action poker rooms.

Lone Butte and Vee Quiva have bingo. All three casinos have a wide selection of dining venues, bars, and lounges. You can enhance your visit with one-of-a-kind experiences including spa, adventure, shopping, adrenaline and culture. Be sure to check out Gila River Casinos’ calendar for a comprehensivie schedule of the amazing events across three properties.

INFORMATION: playatgila.com

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TWIN ARROWS NAVAJO CASINO RESORT Located east of Flagstaff, this is northern Arizona’s premier casino resort destination, offering luxury amenities and best-in-class gaming. twinarrows.com

WE-KO-PA RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER This refined casino and resort offers a pair of 18-hole golf courses, a 24-hour casino and a day spa. wekoparesortandconferencecenter.com

YAVAPAI CASINO The casino has a 6,000-square-foot gaming floor with 235 slots and a cantina. 80 of the games are located in a new non-smoking game room. buckyscasino.com

WHEN YOU CAN DO THINGS YOUR WAY

There’s only one place in the Valley where you can have your kind of fun.

A place where you drink to genuine and the people are certified authentic.

At Gila River Hotels & Casinos, you can do things your way. So, You Do You. WinGilaRiver.com | 800-WIN-GILA Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community

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CENTRAL ARIZONA EXPERIENCES

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS The Desert Botanical Gardens features a variety of desert plant life and offers education programs for students and adults. dbg.org

DOLPHINARIS ARIZONA The Deluxe Dolphin experience is what allows you to dive right in with your newfound finned friends. dolphinaris-arizona.com

FIRST FRIDAY Enjoy the culture and spirit of downtown Phoenix as you mingle with thousands of other residents and visitors during the First Fridays Art Walk. artlinkphoenix.com

MYSTERY CASTLE The castle is made largely of stone and other odd pieces that were recycled into use. The house has all kinds of whimsical features and inlaid pieces. mymysterycastle.com

SALT RIVER TUBING Enjoy a floating picnic and experience the natural wonders of the Salt River in beautiful Tonto National Forest near Mesa. saltrivertubing.com

TALIESIN WEST

ODYSEA AQUARIUM THINGS TO KNOW: OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest

United States. It holds more than 2 million gallons of water and spans more than 200,000 square feet. There are more than 30,000 animals and 500 different species in 50 exhibits. The aquarium offers educational, interactive and entertaining experiences for guests of all ages. The aquarium offers a 3D movie, SeaTREK underwater ocean walking and a Living Sea Carousel, which takes guests through the Open Ocean, Sea Turtle, Sea Lion/Seal and Shark exhibits. Its features include nine massive globe-shaped aquariums suspended from the lobby ceiling, a giant martini glass shaped aquarium, and a submerged escalator allowing guests to descend deep into the ocean while surrounded by thousands of aquatic animals.

DON’T MISS: At OdySea Aquarium, the adventure is all around you — even in the

restrooms. During the early stages of design, OdySea knew it wanted to create jawdropping moments for its guests at every corner. That’s why designers opted out of the typical mirror over the sinks and instead installed an enormous acrylic window leading straight into Shark Waters – its largest exhibit. Where else in the world can you stare a 9-foot lemon shark in the eye as you wash your hands?

INFORMATION: odyseainthedesert.com 80

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Visit a national historical landmark constructed in the 1930s and designed after the surrounding desert by Frank Lloyd Wright. franklloydwright.org

TOPGOLF Topgolf is the premier entertainment and event venue with fun point-scoring golf games for all skill levels, upscale bar food and drinks, great music and more. topgolf.com

TORTILLA FLAT Tortilla Flat is an authentic remnant of an old west town and is the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail. tortillaflataz.com

TOVREA CASTLE The “Jewel in the Desert” has intrigued people in the Valley of the Sun for 90 years and is a Phoenix Point of Pride and on the National Register of Historic Places. tovreacastletours.com

LIMITED TIME

OdySeaAquarium.com | 480.291.8000 | 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

IN INTHE THE

Rainforest Nov 23rd-Dec 28th

ButterflyWonderland.com | 480.800.3000 | 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

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CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

Photo: Gary Haakenson

THINGS TO KNOW: If you really want to have an experience, visit the Town

Dump. It is a quirky little shop that has a variety of different items that fill every inch of the store with miscellaneous stuff. Not only is the inside of the store filled with miscellaneous stuff, but so is the outside. There is a lot of unusual things that you will find here that you will not find anywhere else. So, if you are looking for something unusual, then you must visit the Town Dump.

THE TOWN DUMP

DON’T MISS: A blast from the past, The Town Dump is an awesome place to pick up rare, age-old items in Cave Creek. Sharpen your artistic eye with a little help from this store as even the most impressive artists are dazzled by the stunning pieces on display. Art lovers can easily color their day with a splash of artwork from the store.

INFORMATION: towndump.net

ANTIQUE SUGAR

ICONSIGN STORES

RETRO RANCH

Antique Sugar is as cute as the name leads you to believe and features amazing clothing from different eras and fun accessories. antiquesugar.com

iConsign Stores has all the top name brands and an eclectic mix of classic, modern, vintage, high-end and “new to you” used furniture and home decor. iconsignstores.com

Offbeat vintage store with an eclectic collection of furniture, housewares, apparel and accessories. retroranch.net

BUFFALO EXCHANGE

MY SISTER’S CLOSET

Hip chain that buys, sells, and trades trendy vintage and used clothing and accessories for men and women. buffaloexchange.com

Really great clothing and shoes — with name brands ranging from Chanel to Lululemon and everything in between — in great shape and at amazing prices. mysisterscloset.com

Sweet Salvage is a four-day shopping event, open the third Thursday through Sunday each month. Unique vintage and collectible items for everyone. sweetsalvage.net

FROCKIFY One of the most popular vintage shops on 7th Avenue, Frockify offers high-quality, expertly curated vintage at reasonable price points. frockify.com 82

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POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL This is an upscale resale boutique specializing in high end and in style items mixed with locally made pieces. poorlittlerichgirlresale.com

SWEET SALVAGE

THE BEE’S KNEES The Bee’s Knees offers quality resale clothing for men and women for super sweet prices. facebook.com/thebeesknees2222

AZ TOTEM ART

Custom Bird Feeders and Totems made from repurposed architectural materials

aztotemart.com

By Appointment Only • 602.677.5999

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DAY SPAS

ALVADORA SPA AT THE ROYAL PALMS RESORT & SPA Eight treatment rooms are steeped in Mediterranean beauty, and many spill into serene, private indoor-outdoor courtyards. royalpalmshotel.com

BODY BEAUTIFUL Body Beautiful provides exceptional medical spa and day spa services at a great price and was voted No. 1 in Ranking Arizona 2014-2017. bodybeautifulspa.net

HOTEL VALLEY HO Unwind at Hotel Valley Ho’s full-service VH Spa and spoil yourself with soothing treatments including hot stone massages, antioxidant facials and fab nail services. hotelvalleyho.com/vh-spa

JOYA SPA AT THE OMNI SCOTTSDALE RESORT & SPA AT THE MONTELUCIA This spa takes the word extraordinary and elevates it to the highest standard. omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdalemontelucia/spa

KALOLOGIE 360 SPA

WELL & BEING SPA

AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS THINGS TO KNOW: You’ve yet to have fully meet relaxation unless you’ve visited the Well & Being spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It has all the much-needed amenities perfectly matched to a desert environment such as a wet steam room, eucalyptus inhalation room, cold plunge pool, and Swiss shower, combined with an equally accommodating spa menu. You may want to save the deeply relaxing, hydrating body wraps, massages, facials and aromatherapy sessions, however, until after an intimate, fun, energizing fitness option such as aerial Hammock Yoga, Aqua Fitness, and the famed Booty Barre Fitness class. You can even unwind with acupuncture and a soothing meditation session.

DON’T MISS: While a range of eclectic fitness classes are available for the taking, treat yourself to one of the more unique options such as the Surfset Circuit, complete with weights, resistance bands, Bosu ball, kettle bells, and yes, an actual surfboard! Invigorate and unwind simultaneously with the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage designed to soothe sore muscles, remove toxins and provide overall balance. Accompany your blissful state with The Well & Being Facial full of enzymes that will make your skin bright, smooth, and ready to embrace the desert elements. And, no Well & Being spa experience is complete unless you weave your way through the co-ed grotto waterfall – it may not be the fountain of youth, but its beauty and playfulness will ignite a youthful spirit.

INFORMATION: fairmont.com/scottsdale/spa

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Named one of America’s Top 10 Spas by Elle Magazine, Kalologie 360 Spa offers a full array of rejuvenating spa services. kalologie.com

MII AMO The setting, extraordinary. The treatments, inspiring. The service, impeccable. Mii amo is renowned for providing all that you need to rediscover your true self. miiamo.com

MIND, BODY & SOUL — PRESCOTT ARIZONA DAY SPA This is a retreat where men and women can escape the rigors of daily stress and replenish the spirit. prescottazdayspa.com

MIRAVAL ARIZONA RESORT & SPA Miraval’s award-winning spa was designed to honor nature and inspire you with life-enhancing services. miravalresorts.com

SANCTUARY ON CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN Indulge in signature experiences like the Sanctuary Luxury Facial, Sumatra Coconut Body Ritual, or the In Harmony Massage. sanctuaryoncamelback.com/spa-fitness

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EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES

THINGS TO KNOW: The 64th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show will take place

Feb. 14-24, 2019. Since 1955, the Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world. It has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2,400 horses, bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world competing for a chance at winning. A win at Scottsdale can mean big money in the breeding barns.

ARABIAN HORSE SHOW

DON’T MISS: Next to watching the superstar horses, the barn tours are the mustsee experience. Attend on a weekday if you want a less crowded tour, but the barns can fit you in because they are huge and speakers allow people to hear. The guided talks start with a walk on the WestWorld grounds with a primer about the horse show as you walk toward the barn. Once inside the barn, a horse is trotted out and a trainer takes over. The trainer discusses the attributes of an Arabian and how it gets ready for a show.

CAVE CREEK TRAIL RIDES

MACDONALD’S RANCH

SNOWY MOUNTAIN STABLES

The horses are gentle and family friendly.

These are safe horseback rides that are perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike. cavecreektrailrides.com

Located in the tranquil Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, MacDonald’s Ranch is the premier horseback riding stable in the Valley. macdonaldsranch.com

Go horseback riding or take a sleigh ride with guides with Snowy Mountain Stables who take you on hidden trails you can only see on horseback. sunriseskiparkaz.com

COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK

MTM RANCH

TURF PARADISE

Come enjoy a leisurely guided Western trail ride through scenic La Posta Quemada Ranch. colossalcave.com

At MTM Ranch, amateur and long-time horse enthusiasts will be thrilled with their specially chosen trail ride mount. mtmranch.com

M DIAMOND RANCH

PONDEROSA STABLES

Turf Paradise is a thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack. During the off-season it hosts American Flat Track motorcycle racing. turfparadise.com

The M Diamond Ranch provides the only horseback rides permitted by the Coconino National Forest in the Red Rock Ranger District. sedonahorsebackrides.com

Enjoy the peace and quiet as you meander along the vast system of trails at beautiful South Mountain Park. arizona-horses.com

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INFORMATION: scottsdaleshow.com

WINDWALKER EXPEDITIONS Horses provide riders, whether they are novice or advanced, with the confidence and security they need to experience wilderness trails. windwalkerexpeditions.com

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FAMILY FUN SPOTS

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. azscience.org

AZ ON THE ROCKS This family-friendly facility features more than 14,000 square feet of climbing terrain, and offers bouldering, top-rope sport climbing, and lead sport climbing. azontherocks.com

BIOSPHERE 2 Tour the entire world in a manner of speaking at this research facility owned by the University of Arizona. b2science.org

BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND Walk through a rainforest ecosystem and the largest butterfly conservatory in the country. butterflywonderland.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX Designed for children up to the age of 10, this is the kind of museum where visitors are encouraged to touch everything. childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

PHOENIX ZOO THINGS TO KNOW: Visit the Phoenix Zoo and explore a wondrous world of

curiosity, imagination and discovery. For more than half a century, the Zoo and its animals have amazed guests from across Phoenix and around the globe. Whether you are on the lookout for awe-inspiring Asian elephants, on safari to spot the great Sumatran tiger or seeking towering giraffes roaming the savanna, a day at the Zoo offers adventures like no other place in the Valley. With cafes, shops, lush gardens and exciting experiences like Stingray Bay, Giraffe Encounter, Monkey Village, Safari Train, 4-D Theater and many more, your visit to the Zoo will be memorable for the entire family. The Phoenix Zoo is one of the nation’s largest non-profit zoos, committed to conservation and providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including 30 species that are endangered or threatened.

DON’T MISS: ZooLights is a magical event that will illuminate your holiday season. The nightly evening viewings feature millions of lights, hundreds of sparkling displays throughout the zoo and more activities and performances.

INFORMATION: phoenixzoo.org

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DAVE & BUSTER’S This venue 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

I.D.E.A. MUSEUM The i.d.e.a. museum is a children’s museum where your child can explore his/her imagination through design in art, science and technology. ideamuseum.org

MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT Gravity ropes, laser tag, karaoke, bowling, rock climbing, mini golf and video games are among the highlights. mainevent.com

OUT OF AFRICA WILDLIFE PARK The Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde allows visitors to discover and learn about a variety of native African species. outofafricapark.com

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FESTIVALS DECEMBER 25TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE LOVERS’ WALK, DEC. 1 928-649-3038 or oldtown.org

31ST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT BESH-BA-GOWAH ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK, DEC. 1 928-425-0320 or globeaz.gov/visitors/ besh-ba-gowah

CANYON CHRISTMAS TRAIN ON THE VERDE CANYON RAILROAD, DEC. 1-23 verdecanyonrr.com

14TH ANNUAL MESA ARTS FESTIVAL, DEC. 8-9.

480-644-6500 or visitmesa.com

SCOTTSDAZZLE GOLD PALETTE ARTWALK, DEC. 13 scottsdalegalleries.com

SEDONA NORTHERN LIGHTS – 3D ART PROJECTED ONTO CAMELHEAD ROCK. DEC. 13-16 visitsedona.com

PHOENIX BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER, DEC. 13-23 602-262-7272 or phoenixballet.org

HOLIDAYS IN PRESCOTT

30TH ANNUAL CHEEZ-IT BOWL, DEC. 26

THINGS TO KNOW: Prescott was labeled “Arizona’s Christmas City” in

JANUARY

1989 by Gov. Rose Mofford. With an attractive four-season climate — including cooler temperatures in December and a slight possibility of snow — historic Victorian architecture, and a whole lineup of festive holiday activities, Prescott claiming the Christmas title comes as no surprise. In the city’s historic downtown after sunset, you’ll find families in Courthouse Plaza, marveling at the thousands of lights illuminating the majestic columns of the Yavapai County Courthouse. It all warrants a comparison to the small-town Christmas feel of Bedford Falls in Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

DON’T MISS: During the holiday season, Prescott is most well known for

its extravagant lighting ceremony at the Yavapai County Courthouse, an event in which more than a 100 trees are sparkling with nearly a million colorful holiday lights. This year marks the 64th lighting, which kicks off on December 1 with a parade, a reading of the “Christmas Story” and holiday carols. Even if you can’t make it to the opening ceremony, you must plan a time this holiday season to stroll around the festive grounds of the plaza. The lights stay up until mid-January, so you have plenty of time to plan a visit.

INFORMATION: visit-prescott.com

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480-350-0911 or fiestabowl.org

48TH ANNUAL NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA FIESTA BOWL PARADE, DEC. 29 fiestabowl.org

QUARTZSITE POW WOW GEM & MINERAL SHOW, JAN. 1-FEB. 28 928-927-6325 or qiaarizona.org

BARRETT-JACKSON CLASSIC CAR AUCTION, JAN. 12-20 480-421-6694 or barrett-jackson.com

GATHERING OF THE GUNFIGHTERS, JAN. 12-13 928-783-4771 or facebook.com/ Gatheringofthegunfighters

WINGS OVER WILLCOX, JAN. 17-20

520-384-2272 or wingsoverwillcox.com

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ARIZONA MARATHON, JAN. 19-20 800-311-1255 or runrocknroll.com/arizona

WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN Jan. 28-Feb. 3. wmphoenixopen.com

“Arizona’s Christmas City,” Prescott, Arizona!

See why Prescott was given this honor by the Governor in 1989.

Christmas comes alive in Prescott.

866.878.2489

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FESTIVALS

FEBRUARY 3JOGS TUCSON GEM & JEWELRY SHOW, JAN. 31-FEB. 11 jogsshow.com

GILBERT ART OF CHOCOLATE A’FAIR, FEB 1-3 carefreeazfestivals.com

29TH ANNUAL PHOENIX CHINESE WEEK’S CULTURE AND CUISINE FESTIVAL, FEB. 8-10 phoenixchineseweek.org

66TH ANNUAL SCOTTSDALE PARADA DEL SOL PARADE & TRAIL’S END FESTIVAL, FEB. 9 scottsdaleparade.com

34TH ANNUAL WINTERFEST, FEB. 9-10 havasuchamber.com

9TH ANNUAL WHITE TANK MOUNTAINS ARTS FESTIVAL, FEB. 16-17 friendsofwhitetankpark.org

STRONG BEER FESTIVAL, FEB. 19, 2019 arizonabeerweek.com

ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL THINGS TO KNOW: Take a unique trip back in time to the Arizona

Renaissance Festival. Not even in her wildest dreams would Queen Elizabeth have imagined a celebration such as this taking place in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. One of the largest events of its kind in the United States, this special event is a place to revel in the atmosphere of a 16th century European village. Join in the revelry every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from Feb. 9 through March 31, 2019, including Presidents’ Day Monday, rain or shine. The Festival’s 30-acre village is filled with 13 stages of nonstop entertainment, music, comedy, falconry, dance, mermaids and acrobatics. Foolish pleasures mix with artisan treasures as you shop, eat and mingle with a cast of nearly 2,000 colorfully costumed characters. Explore the village marketplace with more than 200 storybook shops, studios and galleries filled with unique arts and crafts, handmade wares, kitchens and pubs, games and people-powered rides.

DON’T MISS: Kids love the interactive games and people-powered rides — Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, the Slider Joust, Piccolo Pony (a rocking horse bigger than an elephant), the Dragon Climbing Tower, Castle Siege, the Maze, archery range and much more. The live jousting tournaments are one of the festival’s most popular attractions. Armored knights on charging steeds take up their lances and battle for the queen’s honor. Cheer on your favorite armored knight at one of the three daily jousting tournaments in the 5,000-seat arena. In addition to the revelry, the festival offers food fit for a king. Attend the Pleasure Feast and be treated like a true royal while you savor five courses of fine food, ample drink and enjoy an hour and a half of raucous Renaissance entertainment at its best.

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MARCH MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL, MARCH 1-3, 2019 m3ffest.com

17TH ANNUAL BLUEGRASS ON THE BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL, MARCH 1-3 golakehavasu.com

55TH ANNUAL PHOENIX SCOTTISH GAMES, MARCH 2-3 arizonascots.com

31ST ANNUAL OSTRICH FESTIVAL, MARCH 8-10 ostrichfestival.com

FOUNTAIN O’GREEN ARTISAN MARKET, MARCH 15-17 carefreeazfestivals.com

ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT AT MORTIMER FARMS, MARCH 23-24 mortimerfarmsaz.com

16TH ANNUAL ARIZONA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, MARCH 30-31 azdba.org

APRIL 28TH ANNUAL LAKE HAVASU BOAT SHOW, APRIL 5-7 hgolakehavasu.com

GILBERT GLOBAL VILLAGE FESTIVAL, APRIL 6 gilbertaz.gov

ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL, APRIL 13 tucsonastronomy.org

9TH ANNUAL VERDE VALLEY BIRDING & NATURE FESTIVAL, APRIL 24-28 verderiver.org/birding-festival

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GARDENS & AGRITAINMENT BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM STATE PARK Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden, the Arboretum was founded in the 1920s. arboretum.ag.arizona.edu

CAREFREE DESERT GARDENS One of the most prized plants and one not to be missed at this crown jewel of Carefree, is the crested saguaro. carefree.org

HAYDEN FLOUR MILLS Hayden Flour Mills is a family business that is devoted to making the freshest and most flavorful flours from the world’s oldest varieties of wheat. haydenflourmills.com

JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN OF PHOENIX The garden encompasses 3.5 acres and includes a tea garden and tea house. japanesefriendshipgarden.org

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL Tour, shop, eat and repeat at Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill. queencreekolivemill.com

RED ROCK LAVENDER

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN THINGS TO KNOW: Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled

amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of Sonoran Desert plant life, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees.

Delve deeper to learn more about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness and more through the Garden’s various lectures and workshops. Enjoy specialized tours, special events, seasonal exhibits, concerts, family activities, dining options and the Garden’s gift and plant shop.

DON’T MISS: Be a part of a Southwestern holiday tradition and experience Las Noches de las Luminarias Dec. 1-23 and Dec. 26-31. This year will be more vibrant in sound and light than ever, as Electric Desert | A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective sets the stage for holiday magic. Each evening will feature more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags, thousands of white twinkle lights and the pulse of Electric Des. INFORMATION: dbg.org

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Visit Red Rock Lavender Farm, where lavender is grown in the pristine climate of the White Mountains of Arizona. redrockfarms.com

SCHNEPF FARMS A family owned and operated fourthgeneration farm known mainly for its fall pumpkin festival and its you-pick peaches. schnepffarms.com

THE FARM AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN Contemporary American farm cuisine made from ingredients featuring Arizona’s finest farmers, herdsmen, and artisans. thefarmatsouthmountain.com

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS Named one of the Top 10 Gardens to visit in North America and one of the Best Secret Gardens in America by Reader’s Digest. tucsonbotanical.org

SPONSORED BY:

M E D I A PA R T N E R S :

TICKETS ON SALE | NOW

DESERT, LIGHT AND SOUND UNITE IN A MESMERIZING DISPLAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

SPONSORED BY:

Partial funding provided by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

TEMPE TOURISM OFFICE

S U N S TAT E E Q U I P M E N T C O .

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

dbg.org

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GOLF EXPERIENCES

LEGACY GOLF CLUB

THINGS TO KNOW: Legacy Golf Club’s championship course features lush, green fairways, forgiving rough and strategically-placed hazards. Dramatic elevation changes provide extensive views of nearby Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak and the Phoenix skyline. The resort itself features 328 suites with kitchens, a practice facility, pool, fitness center and tennis court. The facility also includes a fully stocked pro shop and a golf academy. The course measures 6,966 yards from the back tees and carries a 125 slope rating, so it’s no pushover. But it’s nuanced enough to accommodate a range of skill levels.

DON’T MISS: Legacy Golf Club was voted the No. 1 public golf course in Phoenix, is the site

of Golf Channel Academy and is known for hosting exceptional golf outings. The Legacy Golf Club, rich in heritage and history, is an 18-hole par 71 championship golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Gary Panks. Located on what was once Dwight B. Heard’s 7,500acre ranch, the golf club is rich in Arizona heritage and history. The original two grain silos, built in 1902, still remain along the 18th fairway and were once the tallest structures in Maricopa County. The Sierra Vista House, which marks the 1st tee, was visited on occasion in the early 1900s by Theodore Roosevelt and Pancho Villa.

INFORMATION: golflegacyresort.com

GRAYHAWK GOLF CLUB

TALKING STICK GOLF CLUB

TROON NORTH

Grayhawk has become one of Arizona’s most celebrated daily-fee golf clubs with two exceptional 18-hole golf courses – Talon and Raptor. grayhawkgolf.com

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, together as a design team, created the magic of Talking Stick. talkingstickgolfclub.com

Troon North Golf Club embodies the Scottsdale desert golf experience with two 18-hole courses stretching through the foothills of Pinnacle Peak. troonnorthgolf.com

MCCORMICK RANCH GOLF CLUB

The Boulders Resort & Spa was named “Best Golf Resort in the Southwest” by Golf Digest magazine. bouldersclub.com

This beautiful club offers two courses, the Palm and Pine Courses, that are beloved by amateurs and professionals alike. mccormickranchgolf.com

THE BOULDERS

QUINTERO GOLF CLUB

THE SHORT COURSE AT MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

Located in northwest Peoria, Quintero Golf Club is described as the “Purest Golf Experience” in the Southwest. quinterogolf.com

Nestled in the foothills of Camelback Mountain, the Short Course offers a scenic layout and a challenging round of golf. mountainshadows.com/golf

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WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB The course made Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” for the 2017-2018 season. wekopa.com

WICKENBURG RANCH GOLF & SOCIAL CLUB The Big Wick Course has been voted No. 1 in the United States for Course Conditions

by Golf Advisor. wickenburgranch.com

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GRAND CANYON & NATURE ARIZONA OUTBACK ADVENTURES AOA specializes single-day to multi-day guided hiking, biking and backpacking in the Grand Canyon and Havasupai. aoa-adventures.com

ARIZONA RAFT ADVENTURES You will see places you have never seen, do things you’ve never done and awake every morning to breathtaking images that will last a lifetime. azraft.com

CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT Steep canyon walls cradle hundreds of ancient pueblo ruins. Get up close with a hike or plan a guided tour to see even more scenic views. nps.gov/cach/index.htm

GRAND CANYON TRAIL RIDES The half-day mule trip descends 2,300 feet down the North Kaibab Trail to the Supai Tunnel. canyonrides.com

MONUMENT VALLEY The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding. navajonationparks.org/htm/ monumentvalley.htm

GRAND CANYON SKYWALK THINGS TO KNOW: Located at Grand Canyon West, this 10-foot-wide glass

platform that extends 70 feet over the Canyon’s rim is a wonder all of its own.

Strong enough to hold seventy 747 passenger jets at once, it easily bears groups of almost any size who want a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon floor. In fact, you can see right through it, all 4,000 feet down. It’s been featured on the National Geographic channel, The Today Show, and CNN, and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Grand Canyon visitor.

DON’T MISS: After exploring the Skywalk, available with ticket purchase, congratulate yourself on your bravery with a delicious meal at Sa’ Nyu Wa, a oneof-a-kind restaurant that combines Southwest, Asian, and traditional Hualapai cuisine to create a memorable dining experience. Then, take a self-guided tour through the authentic Native American village, where you’ll observe traditionally built houses, ovens, and sweat lodges built by the Hualapai tribe. Finally, stop by the Native American gift shop, where you can purchase handcrafted jewelry and weavings made by the Hualapai, Hopi, and Mojave tribes.

INFORMATION: grandcanyonwest.com 98

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PAINTED DESERT For an unforgettable encounter with Arizona nature, enter into the Painted Desert, where art comes to life. nps.gov/pefo

PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK Take in the spectacular scenery in the land where the surroundings have aged for 225 million years, turning wood into stone. nps.gov/pefo

PHANTOM RANCH Phantom Ranch, a lodge designed in 1922 by architect Mary Colter, provides a beautiful and restful respite for hikers at the bottom of Grand Canyon. nationalparks.org/phantom-ranch

SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK It’s the world’s largest city park, and an essential destination for all those who love hiking, nature and history. phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/ south-mountain

CARTER’S Men’s Clothing

Samuelsohn ♦ Heritage 34 ♦ Peter Millar ♦ Johnny O ♦ Ballin Reyn Spooner ♦ Gitman Bros ♦ Samuel Hubbard ♦ Alden ♦ Olukai

5045 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018 602-952-8648 | cartersmensclothing.com Mon-Sat: 9am - 6pm | Sun: 10am - 2pm

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KIDS EXPERIENCES ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER There are interactive exhibits, a planetarium and an IMAX theater to encourage the learning process. azscience.org

BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND Thousands of butterflies and exotic moths freely flutter between flowers and trees in the country’s largest butterfly conservatory. butterflywonderland.com

CASTLES N’ COASTERS The approximately 10-acre park features four outdoor 18-hole miniature golf courses, several rides and an indoor video game arcade. castlesncoasters.com

DAVE & BUSTER’S This venue 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 features a Lego brick pool, building classes, a Lego ride and a 4-D cinema legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona

MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO

Gravity ropes, laser tag, karaoke, bowling, rock climbing, mini golf and video games are among the highlights. mainevent.com

THINGS TO KNOW: This Arizona landmark opened in 1984, and has been servicing

ODYSEA AQUARIUM

the public ever since. Its 215 acres, located in Litchfield Park, are host to the largest collection of exotic animals in Arizona, including many endangered species. The zoo is divided into several areas based on the animal habitats, and there are several rides and restaurants stationed throughout the park. In addition, the four-building public aquarium, the first of its kind in Arizona, displays varieties of marine life from around the world.

DON’T MISS: The zoo offers several opportunities to get up close to the animals and

feed them, too. Don’t miss the Lory parrot feeding station, the first ever built in the nation, where flocks of gorgeous birds swoop in and land on your arm to munch on apple slices. If you get hungry, stop at Dillon’s K.C-style BBQ restaurant, where you can munch on dill pickle fries or a prickly peach salad while flamingos stroll by on the patio. And plan on staying at the park for a while; if you’re there at sunset, you’ll hear the lions roar.

INFORMATION: wildlifeworld.com

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Largest aquarium in the Southwest, holding more than 2 million gallons of water and spanning more than 200,000 square feet. odyseaaquarium.com

PANGAEA LAND OF THE DINOSAURS Highlights include 50 life-size dinosaurs, about 40 other animatronic creatures, a fossil dig and obstacle course. pangaealandofthedinosaurs.com

PHOENIX ZOO Home to more than 1,400 animals, including komodo dragons, with a 2.5mile walking path on which to visit with each animal. phoenixzoo.org

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LAKE EXPERIENCES

ANTELOPE POINT MARINA Lake Powell is a wonder of water sport recreation, glorious views, spectacular hiking, rich cultural and geological discovery. lakepowellhouseboating.com

BARTLETT LAKE MARINA Located in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, Bartlett Lake Marina offers fishing, boating and watersports. bartlettlake.com

BLUEWATER JET BOAT TOURS You’ll see places like Devils Elbow, interesting rock formations and 3,500-year-old Indian petroglyphs. coloradoriverjetboattours.com

LAKE MOHAVE MARINA Rent ski boats, patio boats, fishing boats or personal watercraft and then stay at the 51-room Lake Mohave Lodge. lakemohavemarina.com/

LAKE POWELL RESORTS & MARINAS Take a boat tour, a dinner cruise or rent a powerboat to explore or to have a picnic with your family on a secluded beach. lakepowell.com

MORMON LAKE LODGE

DOLLY STEAMBOAT THINGS TO KNOW: Dolly Steamboat tours on Canyon Lake in Tortilla Flat have been around since 1983, and they just keep getting better and better. This beautiful ship can carry up to 142 passengers, and is staffed by a crew of 3. Each crew member is vessel emergency training qualified, and will leave you feeling safe and at peace from beginning to end. They offer several tours, from the Astronomy Dinner cruise to the Desert Bighorn Sheep cruise. They also are available for charters, and will gladly be the setting for your wedding, private party, or corporate event.

DON’T MISS: Bighorn sheep are often spotted on these cruises, and your painstaking guides will backtrack if needed so that everyone can get a better look.

Take some binoculars to catch the full majesty of the wildlife and views. The trip is fully narrated, and the captain’s comments will leave you both entertained and informed. They offer gift certificates for adults and children, and infants get in for free. A snack bar is available on board with snacks, soda, and other beverages.

INFORMATION: dollysteamboat.com

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The 80-year history of Mormon Lake Lodge began in 1924 in the heyday of ranching and logging in Northern Arizona. mormonlakelodge.com

ROOSEVELT LAKE MARINA It’s the largest lake in Central Arizona, consisting of 112 miles of shoreline and 22,000 acres of surface water. rlmaz.com

SAN CARLOS RECREATION AND WILDLIFE Discover pine forests and high Sonoran desert, secluded lakes and the wild beauty of the Black River. scatrecreation.org

TEMPE TOWN LAKE This is a two-mile boating wonderland.

Rent a paddleboat or stand-up paddleboards for a fun-filled afternoon. tempetourism.com

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

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MUSEUMS

THINGS TO KNOW: This landmark art museum, the largest in the southwestern United

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM

States, has a permanent collection of more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, western American, modern, and contemporary art, including photography and fashion design. Phoenix Art Museum’s mission is to “connect people to great art from around the world to enrich their lives and communities.” Phoenix Art Museum also hosts several educational programs and special events, including lecture series with exemplary contemporary artists. The museum also hosts the restaurant Palette, which serves healthy and delicious seasonal fare.

DON’T MISS: There are several times when museum admission is free, including Wednesdays from 3 p.m.-9 p.m., and First Fridays from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Some of the most popular exhibitions include Yayoi Kusama’s You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies, a walkable mixed-media installation covered with thousands of LED lights, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms, where guests can take in twenty different miniature rooms that replicate periods and designs from all over the world. Don’t forget to check out one of the Museum’s best-kept secrets, the Gene and Cathie Lemon Art Research Library, that is the largest specialized fine arts library in the region and holds more than 40,000 books, periodicals, artist files, and more.

INFORMATION: phxart.org

ARIZONA COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE MUSEUM

HEARD MUSEUM

At the only combat aviation museum in Phoenix, you’ll take an edu-venture through history from World War I to present. azcaf.org

Experience the myriad cultures and art of American Indians in 10 world-class exhibit galleries, plus enjoy sculpture courtyards and superb dining. heard.org

ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

Home to more than 350 permanent handson exhibits, the Center provides 400,000 annual visitors with interactive experiences. azscience.org

Be prepared to spend more time than you anticipated at this multi-level museum for music and culture lovers. mim.org

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

This is a 98-acre zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, publisher and art gallery founded in 1952. desertmuseum.org 104

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This museums is one of the largest air and space museums in the world and the largest non-government funded aviation museum. pimaair.org

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 This museum celebrates the art, history, culture and unique stories of the 19 states comprising the American West. scottsdalemuseumwest.org

TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM Near Tucson is a former top-secret location, now the only remaining Titan II missile site of 54 across the U.S. titanmissilemuseum.org

ARTS

|

CULTURE

|

WORKSHOPS

+

LECTURES

SEE ART HERE. SEE MORE HERE. SEE YOU HERE. FILM + ENTERTAINMENT | SHOPPING + DINING

1625 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Carlos Amorales, Black Cloud (detail), 2007. Paper.

The Collection of Diane and Bruce Halle.

@phxart phxart.org

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NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCES

THINGS TO KNOW: 800 years ago, this village southwest of Globe (the name is translated

BESH BA GOWAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK AND MUSEUM COCOPAH MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER See traditional clothing such as bark skirts and leather sandals, traditional tattoo designs and the Cocopah warriors’ display. cocopah.com/museum

COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES MUSEUM The museum houses cultural artifacts, exhibits and provides an overview of CRIT and its people. crit-nsn.gov

FORT MCDOWELL ADVENTURES Visitors learn about the Yavapai Nation and Southwestern culture through bus and horseback riding tours. fortmcdowelladventures.com 106

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as “place of metal”) was occupied by the Salado people. Now, these ruins stand as a testament to this ancient civilization and how they lived. Visitors can walk around and explore the fascinating ruins, learning more about this fascinating culture and people.

Around the ruins, there’s a museum that carries Salado pottery and artifacts, botanical gardens, and a gift shop. The site is available for student field trips.

DON’T MISS: As you enter the museum, you’ll be treated to a brief film showing the

history of Besh Ba Gowah, and will leave feeling far more informed than before. You’ll see firsthand how well-restored is the archaeological site: a point of pride for all those interested in preserving and maintaining Native American ruins. If you pass by Besh Ba Gowah in December, you can’t miss the Annual Festival of Lights, where the ruin walls are painstakingly covered in 2300 luminaries to celebrate the season’s magic, and where the Yellow Bird Dance Group performs their famed brand of entertainment.

INFORMATION: globeaz.gov/visitors/besh-ba-gowah

FRY BREAD HOUSE Get a taste of Native American culture at the first Native American restaurant to receive the James Beard American Classics Award. facebook.com/frybreadhouse

NAVAJO NATION HOSPITALITY ENTERPRISE The Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise owns and operates three properties in the heart of Indian Country. explorenavajo.com

HEARD MUSEUM

PUEBLO GRANDE MUSEUM

Don’t miss one of Phoenix’s top cultural attractions and destinations for learning about Native American arts and cultures. heard.org

A fully accessible 2/3-mile trail takes you through a prehistoric Hohokam archaeological village site. pueblogrande.org

HUBBELL TRADING POST

RIVER TRADING POST

Feel the old wooden floor squeak beneath your feet as you enter the oldest, continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. nps.gov/hutr

Navajo textiles and Hopi Kachina are sprinkled among baskets, pottery, jewelry and artifacts on display at this shop. rivertradingpost.com/scottsdale

Journey into the ancient past of Arizona and discover what life was like more than 700 years ago.

Annual Festival of Lights

Saturday, December 1st, 2018 5-9 pm This years event will showcase 3000 glowing luminaries placed along the ruin walls lighting the way for visitors to celebrate the magic of the season. The festival will offer cultural entertainment by the famed Yellow Bird Dance Group as well as a small variety of food and craft vendors. Admission is FREE for this event. Parking is limited. Visitors are encouraged to use FREE shuttle services being offered. Shuttles will run every 15-20 minutes. Shuttle parking and pick up is located at the Historic Train Depot 230 S. Broad St., Globe, AZ 85501.

The most accessible ancient ruins in the Southwest Open Daily 9-4:30 Summer Hours: July 1 - September 31, Closed Monday & Tuesday Adults $5 â—? Seniors (65+) $4 â—? Children 12 and under FREE We are a pet friendly facility

1324 S. Jesse Hayes Rd. Globe, AZ 85501 928.425.0320 | globeaz.gov/visitors/besh-ba-gowah Photography provided by: Lee Kinnard and Rick Hossman

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NORTHERN ARIZONA EXPERIENCES

HAVASU FALLS The waterfalls in the Grand Canyon are known for their natural pools, vivid bluegreen color and natural travertine dams. havasupai-nsn.gov

HOOVER DAM The Bureau of Reclamation started conducting tours through the Hoover Dam — the highest concrete dam in the U.S. — in 1937. usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam

LAVA RIVER CAVE This mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock and is as cool as 42 degrees even in summer. fs.fed.us

LONDON BRIDGE In 1968, London Bridge was put up for auction and sold to Robert P. McCulloch, who spent $7 million to move the bridge to Lake Havasu City. golakehavasu.com

LOWELL OBSERVATORY In 2011, the observatory was named one of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places” by Time magazine. lowell.edu

METEOR CRATER

VERDE CANYON RAILROAD THINGS TO KNOW: This historical railroad is as old as the state of Arizona and is

truly a cherished piece of history. Originally built to service the mining community of Jerome, it now takes passengers on a spellbinding nature show through the heart of the Verde Valley. Two FP7 locomotives (only 10 exist in North America) transport you on a four-hour journey in one of three classes: coach, first-class, or the private caboose.

DON’T MISS: In the Locomotive Ride-Along, be the lucky one who sits with the

engineer and conductor inside the cab, with a complimentary lunch at the Copper Spike Cafe and a framed photograph of you and the crew all dressed in Verde Canyon Railroad gear. Or if you’re looking for a romantic adventure, try the Saturday Night Starlight Ride, where you’ll bask in the fresh mountain air as the train winds through red rock formations and under the stars. December through May, take advantage of the incredible opportunity to see bald eagles in their breeding and nesting season as you travel through an otherwise closed-off canyon.

INFORMATION: verdecanyonrr.com

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See the breath-taking result of a collision between an asteroid traveling at 26,000 mph and planet Earth approximately 50,000 years ago. meteorcrater.com

PAYSON Considered the Festival Capital of Arizona, Payson is situated in the world’s largest group of Ponderosa pines. paysonaz.gov

PRESCOTT You’ll be awed by the hometown atmosphere, perfect weather and a myriad of things to do in Prescott, host of the World’s Oldest Rodeo. visit-prescott.com

SLIDE ROCK This takes its name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek, which is surrounded by tall red rock formations. azstateparks.com/parks/slro

r u o Y t Le n o i t a n i g a m I t h g i l F e Tak

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AMERICAN GOLD PROSPECTING ADVENTURES You will learn the techniques you need to prospect for gold in the deserts and mountains of Arizona. americangoldprospectingadventures.com

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM STATE PARK Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden, the Arboretum was founded in the 1920s. arboretum.ag.arizona.edu

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

FORT MCDOWELL ADVENTURES Choose from adventures including a City Slicker Cattle Drive, Segway tours in the desert, kayaking or riding the trail. fortmcdowelladventures.com

HAVASU CANYON TRAIL The strenuous eight-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop to the water forces you to earn the spectacular views of Havasu Canyon’s waterfalls. waterfallsofthegrandcanyon.com

AZ ATV ADVENTURES

KINISHBA RUINS

THINGS TO KNOW: This one-of-a-kind group schedules ATV tours in both Sedona

Take two- to five-hour tours exploring ancient ruins, notable rock formations, or pair your off-roading tour with horseback riding with a combo tour. pinkjeeptourssedona.com

and on the Phoenix-Tucson border that are sure to be fun for the whole family.

Trained tour guides will customize the group’s experience based on skill and experience levels, so you’ll know you’re doing something that’s safe and perfect for you. The company has been in the Arizona outdoor adventure business for more than 25 years, and is the largest and most experienced ATV tour company in the state. Before your tour, you’ll get the best hands-on training in their custom-built ATV training course, and will be evaluated for safety before the tour begins.

DON’T MISS: The West Sedona Canyon Tour is the most popular option, and takes you on a three-hour ride through some of the area’s best scenery. You’ll get a pristine view of the Verde Valley from the top of Skeleton Bone Mountain and might even see antelope running by your side as you drive. On the Phoenix-Tucson Box Canyon Tour, you climb up and over the front range of the Pinal Mountains near Florence as your guide points out ancient Native American petroglyphs. You’ll even see the old Butterfield Route way station that once serviced the Pony Express.

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Explore the remains of a pueblo village built between 1250 and 1350 A.D. by the pre-Columbian Mogollon Culture. wmat.nsn.us/fortapachepark.htm

PINK JEEP TOURS

SPUR CROSS STABLES Spur Cross Stables is a guided horsebackriding ranch located on the site of an 1870s gold mine near Cave Creek. horsebackarizona.com

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. paysonrimcountry.com

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SHOPPING & JEWELRY

SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE THINGS TO KNOW: From Prada and Tiffany & Co. to Bath

and Body Works and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Scottsdale Fashion Square has everything you’d imagine from an upscale shopping and entertainment experience. With 200-plus retail, dining, and entertaining-focused establishments inside and surrounding the perimeter of Fashion Square, you could literally spend the entire day and still not see all there is to see. In addition to being one of Arizona’s premier metropolitan centers of commerce, Scottsdale Fashion Square couldn’t be a more perfect place to escape the summer heat in style.

DON’T MISS: Looking for an activity to do? Scottsdale Fashion Square has no shortage of specialized and ongoing events. From the comfort of the enclosed mall, guests have access to activities such as cooking classes at Sur La Table and Sushi and Sake at the Kona Grill on Thursdays (until December 2018) to special children’s events, fashion shows and more.

INFORMATION: fashionsquare.com

BILTMORE FASHION PARK

CORNELIS HOLLANDER

SCOTTSDALE QUARTER

The original luxury shopping destination in Phoenix is a newly polished classic.

Think: Saks, Ralph Lauren, Escada, Apple and more. shopbiltmore.com

Modern, house-designed diamond rings, earrings, pendants and more, plus pieces with colored gemstones. cornelishollander.com

The hip, urban destination sits on 28 acres and restaurants, specialty and fashion retailers include Sephora, Pottery Barn, H&M, Apple and more. scottsdalequarter.com

CHANDLER FASHION CENTER

London Gold prides itself on providing affordable luxury at prices always better than a sale. londongold.com

Chandler Fashion Center is the second largest mall in the Phoenix metropolitan area with more than 180 stores. shopchandlerfashioncenter.com

COFFIN AND TROUT FINE JEWELERS Stylish, contemporary store featuring a selection of fine jewelry, cufflinks and Rolex watches. coffinandtrout.com

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LONDON GOLD

MOLINA FINE JEWELERS Molina Fine Jewelers services some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people, from members of royal families to the Hollywood elite. molinafinejewelers.com

TANGER OUTLETS WESTGATE Find great savings on merchandise from your favorite designer and name-brands direct from the manufacturer. tangeroutlet.com/glendale

TEMPE MARKETPLACE This open-air marketplace features a movie theater, a variety of restaurants, shops and activities for families and adults looking for a night out. tempemarketplace.com

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SNOW ADVENTURES ELK RIDGE SKI AREA The family-oriented skiing, snowboarding and tubing recreation area totals 37 acres with a top elevation of 8,150-feet. elkridgeski.com

FLAGSTAFF SNOW PARK Located at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff Snow Park has everything from groomed tubing runs and kiddie hill to outdoor fire pits and food and drink. flagstaffsnowpark.com

HITCHIN’ POST STABLES SLEIGH RIDES Try a sleigh ride through the snowcovered Coconino National Forest between November and March. potagoldadventures.com

MACY’S EUROPEAN COFFEEHOUSE After a day in Flagstaff’s snow, 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

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

MOUNT LEMMON SKI VALLEY The sky ride to the summit takes about ½ hour and covers approximately one mile. skithelemmon.com

OAK HILL SNOW PLAY AREA

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL THINGS TO KNOW: 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 skier or boarder, as well as for people who just want to stay on the bunny slope. Fuel up for a day of skiing with a delicious made-to-order breakfast, an amazing lunch, incredible dinner or many grab-and-go options that are available at Snowbowl’s multiple dining options.

DON’T MISS: If skiing isn’t your thing, everyone can experience the beauty of Snowbowl on the round-trip scenic chairlift rides for just $20. Chairlift rides are available on select dates.

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Situated just outside Williams off Route 66, Oak Hill Snow Play Area is a great stop for beginner skiers and budding sledders. recreation.gov/camping/poi/238026

POLAR EXPRESS The classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg comes to life on the Grand Canyon Railway, where Santa and his reindeer await. thetrain.com

SUNRISE PARK RESORT Sunrise is located in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and offers outdoor fun for all experience levels. sunriseskiparkaz.com

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA EXPERIENCES

THINGS TO KNOW: This world-famous observatory has the largest array of optical

and radio telescopes in the world, and has been around for more than 50 years. At the Kitt Peak Visitors Center, these decades of science and exploration are literally at your fingertips. The Center offers both daytime and nighttime programs, with guided tours and exhibits during the day and discovery/observation programs at night. They also offer a private, overnight telescope observing package.

KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY

DON’T MISS: There is an actual solar time machine at the Center, built to tell time through

the sun’s position and seasonal changing. When you’re done checking that out, trek over to see the first major optical telescope on Kitt Peak, that observed the first pulsating white dwarf star. If nighttime’s more your specialty, don’t miss events like Meteor Mania or Night of the Marvelous Moon, that will introduce you to the wonders of the galaxy and leave you feeling spellbound. For those who like to keep it simple, the Center also offers a nightime Binocular Stargazing Tour in the nearby Saguaro National Park West.

INFORMATION: noao.edu/kpvc

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM

OLD TUCSON STUDIOS

TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM

This Sonoran Desert experience includes a fusion zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium and art gallery. desertmuseum.org

Visit the setting of more than 300 Old West movies and television productions filmed at the location since 1939. oldtucson.com

This one-of-a-kind museum gives visitors a rare look at the technology used by the United States to deter nuclear war. titanmissilemuseum.org

KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

TOMBSTONE

Discovered in 1974, these caverns feature stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations and walking trails. azstateparks.com/parks/KACA

This incredible slice of history features more than 300 historical aircrafts, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. pimaair.org

MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC

RAMSEY CANYON PRESERVE

The name Tombstone creates images of gunfights, whiskey, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and a plethora of old Western movie scenes. cityoftombstone.com

This brilliant white structure is considered the “Sistine Chapel of North America” for the intricate paintings on the walls and ceiling. sanxaviermission.org

This amazing attraction offers incredible hiking options and serves as a haven for more than 170 varieties of birds. nature.org

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TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS Enjoy an experience that includes displays of rocks and minerals from the collection of Harrison Yocum. tucsonbotanical.org

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WESTERN ACCESSORIES CAVE CREEK COWBOY COMPANY Old West-themed store offering Western apparel, hats, buckles, jewelry, leather goods and home decor. facebook.com/ cavecreekcowboycompany

COWBOY CORRAL Authentic 1800s Western cowboy apparel, clothing, accessories, guns, gun leather, gifts and antiques. cowboycorral.com

COWBOY SHOP The Cowboy Shop has been outfitting the Arizona Cowboy since 1983 with the finest western wear, western boots and cowboy hats to be found. cowboyshopusa.com

DRUMBEAT INDIAN ARTS This business offers authentic Native American recordings and is a major supplier of American Indian religious herbs, craft supplies and books. drumbeatindianarts.com

GILBERT ORTEGA NATIVE AMERICAN GALLERIES

CIMARRON RIVER COMPANY THINGS TO KNOW: Cimarron River Company’s collection of authentic Native Indian

This business has been selling different types of Native American jewelry, fine art and crafts since 1958. gilbertorteganativeamericangalleries.com

GREY WOLF GALLERY Authentic Native American jewelry from the Southwest. Everything is handmade, unique and one-of-a-kind by First Nations tribal people. greywolfgalleryaz.com

jewelry is second to none. All of Cimarron River Company’s American Indian items are hand selected by the owners and are picked for quality and superior design. Cimarron River Company’s Native Indian artists use solid sterling silver and genuine turquoise, coral, spiny oyster, mother of pearl, opal and more in their jewelry pieces. Cimarron River Company has added horn sofa tables, lamps and decorative Southwestern accessories to its home decor section. Painted ponies are also trailing through the store.

RIVER TRADING POST

DON’T MISS: Be sure and look for Cimarron River Company’s “Native Indian

SABA’S WESTERN STORE

Presentations” and let Cimarron River Company’s experts help you with your gift giving ideas. Cimarron River Company offers wonderful sterling silver baby and children’s gifts, along with an amazing display of home décor.

INFORMATION: cimarronrivercompany.com

Extensive collections of authentic vintage and contemporary Native American art including jewelry, weavings, pottery, beadwork and more. rivertradingpost.com This apparel outpost is part of a longtime local chain, specializing in cowboy boots for men, women and kids. sabas.com

VICTORIAN COWGIRL Women’s boutique selling Old West– influenced dresses, jeans, tunics, corsets, boots and more. victoriancowgirl.com

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YOUR GUIDE TO

WillcoxWineCountry.org

ADVERTISMENT

Explore the Land of Legends BENSON – 3:00 pm

TOUR THE BIG ROOM AT KARTCHNER CAVERNS Enjoy the wonders of a living cave named “Best Arizona Attraction”

by USA Today Readers Choice Awards. Marvel at the extraordinary formations, like “Kubla Khan,” the largest cave column in Arizona.

This tour is 1/2 mile in length and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

520.586.4100

BENSON – 5:00 pm

DINNER AT THE HISTORIC HORSESHOE CAFÉ Since 1936, this quaint restaurant has greeted diners along Benson’s main drag. Cowboy artist Vern Parker (1899-1978) created murals inside and out, and wooden posts showcase brands from ranches across southern Arizona. You will enjoy stories of mysterious shadows and voices inside the café, friendly service, and hearty meals. 520.586.2872

SATURDAY

SIERRA VISTA – 9:00 am

HIKE WORLD-RENOWNED RAMSEY CANYON PRESERVE The Nature Conservancy’s 280-acres is a haven for 170+ varieties of birds, including 14 species of hummingbirds. It’s no wonder Sierra Vista is the “Hummingbird Capital of the United States”! The area’s unique interplay of geology, biology, topography, and climate create a diverse habitat for plant and animal life alike. Remember your camera the views are glorious. 800.288.3861

SIERRA VISTA – NOON

LUNCH AT OUTSIDE INN This fine dining place is tucked off Highway 92 in a converted ranch house. The rambling rooms make for intimate dining, where patrons enjoy out-of-this-world meals that could compete with big-city dining—and at just half the price! The lunch menu offers scaled down versions of the dinners with still-huge flavors. Start with marinated ahi tuna appetizer, served alongside sweet pepper slaw, then add a short rib Philly with slow braised beef, onions, mushroom ragout, and gruyere cheese; zucchini pappardelle (perfect for vegetarians); or mussels in white wine, house bacon, and garlic is a broth worthy of bread-sopping. Save room for dessert; the house-made treats are a slice of heaven!

520.378.4645

BISBEE – 3:00 pm

photo credit: Arizona State Parks

QUEEN MINE TOUR Retired Phelps-Dodge employees are your official tour guides as you head 1,500 feet into the mountain delving underground and back in time. Decked out in a hard hat, miner’s headlamp, and yellow slicker, you will discover daily tasks and risks that came with mining life. 866.432.2071

BISBEE – 4:30 pm

SHOPPING Spend a couple hours touring fascinating Bisbee. Swing by the infamous Brewery Gulch, once home to dozens of saloons during Bisbee’s mining heyday. Today, it buzzes with shops and galleries, and little pieces of art hidden between the houses. Plus, there is easy access to Bisbee’s legendary staircases.

DOUGLAS – 8:00 pm

HOTEL GADSDEN & ENJOY A DINNER TOUR Built in the early 1900s, the Hotel’s marble staircase, gold-leaf embellished ceilings, and 40-foot long Tiffany and Co. stained glass window the only Southwest scenes the company ever created will make your heart skip a beat. Legend holds that Mexican banditturned-revolutionary Pancho Villa once rode his horse up its marble steps. There is even a chipped stair to prove it! 520.364.4481

SUNDAY

DOUGLAS – 8:00 am

VISIT CHURCH SQUARE Located on East E Avenue, this is believed to be the only place in the world where four churches, of different denominations are situated on four corners of the same block. The architecture is worth the short trip.

WILLCOX - 11:00 am

WINE TASTING OFF RAILROAD AVENUE Willcox produces 75 percent of Arizona’s wine grapes! It is also the source of the most highly rated Arizona wines by Wine Spectator.

You can bet there’s plenty of great wine to taste, especially with 11 wine tasting rooms in the Willcox area, and 5 of them near Railroad Avenue. Grab a glass and take a sip of something special.

WILLCOX – 1:30 pm.

LUNCH AT LA UNICA Prepare your taste buds for an authentic Mexican dining experience, tucked next to a bona fide tortilleria. Enjoy a beautiful buffet lunch on the open patio with great prices and flavorful food.

520.348.0100

TOMBSTONE – 4:00 pm

TOUR TOMBSTONE COURTHOUSE HISTORIC STATE PARK Built in the shape of a Roman cross in 1882, this two-story Victorian structure once housed the sheriff, recorder, treasurer, board of supervisors, jail, and courtrooms of Cochise County. Today, the 12,000 square foot Tombstone Courthouse is a museum filled with the glitter and guns of those who tamed the territory. Get a glimpse of the true old West through its authentic interpretive exhibits.

520.457.3311

TOMBSTONE - 5:30 pm

TOMBSTONE BREWING COMPANY Kick back in the “Town Too Tough To Die” with a cool pint of a

world-class ale or lager. The brewery boasts an average of six new beers a month. 520.222.6781

VINTAGE Willcox wineries attract visitors who want to experience Cochise County’s wine country

By ALYSSA TUFTS

S

urrounded by acres of land as far as the eye can see with no buildings in sight, it’s a welcome change to the bustling heavily-populated environment.

In Willcox, Arizona, you may pass only a few cars on the road and buildings are few and far between. Driving to a winery in Willcox is a lengthy, but worthwhile trip. You’ll see at least a few wineries on your way and keep following the signs — they’ll guide you to turn down a seemingly endless road, and assure you’re going the right direction and a winery is ahead.

After following the many signs, three miles down a dirt road surrounded by acres of a thriving vineyard, Pillsbury Wine Company comes into view. It’s isolated — save for the cottage tasting room, equipment and a few outdoor storage

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structures, one filled with barrels of aging wine, air-conditioned travel trailers filled with fermenting and boxed wine, and reds aging in oak barrels. The quiet atmosphere is part of its appeal — visitors can relax and enjoy the experience.

Sam Pillsbury, owner of Pillsbury Wine Company, is a well-known winemaker and filmmaker. He is a character with enthusiasm for his craft and business.

Since Pillsbury opened the winery in 2006, it has garnered critical acclaim, winning numerous awards and medals for his 20plus wines.

“By far the biggest factor to making a great wine is where you plant your grapes,” says Pillsbury, who produces 22 wines under the Pillsbury Wine Company label at his 100-acre Willcox Bench Vineyard and

Winery. Pillsbury grew up in New Zealand, where he began his career as a filmmaker.

He moved to Arizona after working on films in Los Angeles. He started looking for the right place to open a vineyard and after tasting a Chardonnay from a vineyard in Willcox, he knew it was where he would build his business.

TASTY DESTINATION Willcox has become a destination for wine tasting. Residents and visitors can enjoy tasting various reds, whites and rosés at one of nearly a dozen vineyards, some within a few miles of each other. In addition to the tasting rooms and vineyards in Willcox, some wineries have tasting rooms in the Metro Phoenix area and their wines are sold at restaurants and stores

VISIT throughout the Valley. Pillsbury says each of the wineries is unique because each has their own farming techniques that work best for the wine they want to create.

“I know what kind of wine I want to make,” Pillsbury says. “I think what I’ve learned both in filmmaking and winemaking is the most important thing is to be clear on what you’re trying to achieve and you can always figure out how to get there. I make food wines. I want them to enhance and pair with food. We make wine from grapes we grow, and ferment most of the wines with wild yeast that comes from here. We barrelage our reds, and ferment our whites in stainless steel and neutral oak. I want to make wines that are complex and nuanced rather than just big.”

To gain a full appreciation of the vineyard and Willcox, taking a day drive to taste local, freshly-made wine is worth the trip.

“The perceived negative is that it’s a long way away,” Pillsbury says. “It’s actually no further than Sonoita, which has for many years been the wine destination in Arizona.

There’s a whole cluster of vineyards and wineries here and some of them are making really fine wines and it’s a really great place to grow wine grapes.”

The Willcox wine growing region of Southeast Arizona grows 74 percent of Arizona’s wine grapes. It was also recently granted AVA (American Viticultural Area) status, which means the area is now recognized as a unique and distinctive wine growing region in the United States.

MORE THAN JUST WINE Although it’s a little more than a threehour drive and 192 miles from Phoenix and 81 miles from Tucson, there’s plenty to keep you occupied once you’ve visited the vineyards. Willcox brings to life its rich western history as it’s the hometown of television, movie and radio star Rex Allen. Willcox celebrates “Rex Allen Days” in October with a parade, country fair and rodeo. Willcox also hosts the Wings over Willcox nature festival that celebrates the great outdoors, The Willcox West Fest Chuckwagon Cook-off and Ranch Rodeo in May, and the annual Willcox Western Christmas Festival in December.

In addition to celebrating its western roots, other things to do and see that can only be found in Willcox include the

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Chiricahua National Monument, Apple Annie’s Orchard, and the Rex Allen Cowboy Museum.

You can also try local dining — the Mexican gem is La Unica Restaurant & Tortilleria or try a visit to Tapas Lounge at Coronado Vineyards.

“Coming to Willcox is an amazing experience with its legendary history — from Cochise and Geronimo to Wyatt Earp and more,” says Alan Baker, executive director of the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. “The area is an American Viticulture Area. Not only are most of Arizona’s grapes grown here, but there is incredible agriculture all around.

Willcox is the world’s second-largest producer of pistachios.”

In addition, specialty crops such as apples, peaches and pecans thrive in the Willcox basin.

“Combine all of this with scenic beauty and a temperate climate to explore the wineries and tasting rooms and Cochise County is an amazing adventure to experience,” Baker adds.

VISITORS LOVE WILLCOX Willcox wineries have increased tourism in the area and draw people to the city to visit.

Willcox Wine Country, a committee of the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture that was created in 2012, is a resource and directory for wineries and festivals. The proceeds from the wine festivals go into marketing for Willcox Wine Country, says Baker.

“Having Willcox Wine Country has increased tourism by hundreds of fold,” Baker says. “The change is absolutely stunning. One cannot overstate the economic impact the wine country has brought to us. This industry has brought enthusiasm and new energy to the area. Willcox Wine Country is a major tourism driver and it is growing, bringing excitement about this Southeastern corner of Arizona.”

According to a 2017 Arizona Wine Tourism Industry study, the wine industry in Arizona creates an estimated $56,178,643 in total economic output, 126

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Carlson Creek Wines creates an estimated 640 full-time equivalent jobs, and approximately $3.6 million in local and state taxes are generated from Arizona wine tourism expenditures, indirect effects and induced effects.

The study also found Arizona wine tourism is largely driven by in-state visitors, with approximately 58 percent of all Arizona wine tourists traveling from somewhere within the state. Wine visitors from the greater Phoenix and Tucson Metro areas comprise more than 77 percent of wine tourists originating from Arizona.

Per the study, the Arizona wine visitor population is 600,000 visitors at Arizona wine establishments per year.

THE WINE EXPERIENCE Visiting a tasting room can be intimidating if people aren’t familiar with wines or the wine industry, but Pillsbury says not to worry.

“When people walk into our tasting rooms, I want them to feel comfortable and relaxed,” Pillsbury says. “Wine has tended to become a refuge for people who make you feel inferior and make you feel like you don’t know enough about wine and they’re the experts. We won’t let that happen. I want wine to be something to drink and get pleasure from and have with food, share with your friends. It’s to be enjoyed. It’s a magical potion that tastes great and makes you feel good.”

Pillsbury says Willcox’s tasting rooms are inclusive and informative. Those who work in the tasting rooms pouring and selling the wines are involved in every aspect of the winemaking process: from picking the grapes, pruning and harvesting, to blending and winemaking.

“They know what we’re trying to achieve and why we’re doing it, and they can talk to people about that,” Pillsbury says. “I think it’s a way of educating about wine, which shouldn’t be a mystical refuge of a few experts. So I think you’ll find us friendly and open.”

“All of us at Pillsbury enjoy pouring wine for people and watching their face

Sam Pillsbury light up when they taste and sniff it.

Watching them get great pleasure from it makes you feel good that you’ve made something people like. It’s a nice feeling making people happy.”

Baker hopes Willcox Wine Country will continue to boost Cochise County in the future through its ongoing development of tourism and economic strength. Willcox Wine Country has brought investment and some of the supporting infrastructure will come in time and people will follow, Baker says.

“I have seen an exponential growth in the wine industry in the last 10 years,” he says.

“One of the great things about this ongoing benefit is that it preserves the hometown and rural lifestyle that Cochise County is.

One can still get in on this industry here because it is so new and has reasonable investment costs. It is not very often that rural America gets an opportunity like this and I hope we embrace it for all that it can be for the generations to come. One of the vineyard owners said to me, ‘Having a vineyard takes old money and young enthusiasm.’ That is the hope it brings now and in the future.”

A GUIDE TO

WILLCOX

WINERIES

Arizona’s wine industry is flourishing in Cochise County with the opening of new vineyards and tasting rooms. The majority of Arizona’s wines are produced from Cochise County grapes. Here is a guide to Cochise County’s amazing wineries, in alphabetical order.

4. ARIDUS WINE COMPANY Aridus has two tasting rooms where you can sample their award-winning wines. The first is at its custom crush facility on Haskell Avenue, where other area wines are made, and the second is its own tasting room on Railview Avenue. The Haskell Avenue tasting room also features the portfolio of local wines made at the facility.

Cochise County tasting room: 145 N. Railview Ave., Willcox, AZ Information: ariduswineco.com Phone: (520) 766-9463 8. BODEGA PIERCE Bodega Pierce highlights wines made exclusively from grapes grown at the family’s estate vineyard in Willcox.

The wines are designed to express the high desert terroir of the Willcox Bench that are unsurpassed in producing spectacular world class wines. Bodega Pierce aims to provide Arizona wine drinkers with a consistent product that over-delivers on quality.

Cochise County tasting room: 4511 E. Robbs Rd., Willcox, AZ Information: bodegapierce.com Phone: (602) 320-1722

2. KEELING-SCHAEFER VINEYARDS Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards offers exclusively estate grown and bottled wine from its 21-acre vineyards in the Chiricahua Mountain foothills. Keeling-Schaefer opened its tasting room in downtown Willcox in February 2010 and is open Thursdays through Sundays.

Cochise County tasting room: 154 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox, AZ Information: keelingschaefervineyards.com Phone: (520) 766-0600

5. KIEF-JOSHUA VINEYARDS Kief-Joshua Vineyards offers a magnificent view of the beautiful mountain ranges of Sonoita and is the perfect setting to taste their acclaimed wines. Public tastings are offered daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Elgin tasting room. Kief-Joshua offers five wines for tasting at a cost of $10, which includes a 3. CARLSON CREEK VINEYARDS souvenir glass with your wine or $7 if you bring a glass.

Carlson Creek features wine varietals from the Carlsons, a family owned and operated business. Family members have Cochise County tasting room: 4923 E. Arzberger Rd., Willcox, AZ completed viticulture and winemaking classes at University Information: kj-vineyards.com of California-Davis. Their varietals include syrah, sauvignon Phone: (520) 455-5582 blanc, sangiovese, chardonnay, and a red blend.

6. PILLSBURY WINE COMPANY Cochise County tasting room: 115 N. Railview Ave.,Willcox, AZ In a quaint vineyard cottage on a rustic working vineyard Information: carlsoncreek.com in the Sulphur Springs Valley, Pillsbury Wine Company’s Phone: (520) 766-3000 tasting experience at their tasting room is as unique as its 1. CORONADO VINEYARDS Coronado Vineyards’ winery and on-site vineyard offers daily tasting hours in its wine and tapas lounge. Coronado Vineyards has a variety of unique wines, from a sweet white table wine to a dry red wine, all from Arizona-grown wine grapes.

Cochise County tasting room: 2909 E. Country Club Dr., Willcox, AZ Information: coronadovineyards.com Phone: (520) 384-2993 9. GOLDEN RULE VINEYARDS Golden Rule Vineyards, nestled along the eastern edge of the Gunnison Hills and at the northern tip of the Dragoon Mountains, is a part of the Willcox Wine Country. It offers guests an opportunity to indulge in premium Arizona wine and experience authentic naturally produced Arizona pistachios.

Cochise County tasting room: 3525 N. Golden Rule Rd., Cochise, AZ Information: goldenrulevineyards.com Phone: (520) 507-3310

rural locale. Pillsbury’s crisp, light, and refreshing wines are all made in the Rhone style. The wide-open spaces surrounding the tasting room are perfect for hanging out and enjoying mountain views.

Cochise County tasting room: 6450 S. Bennett Place, Willcox, AZ Information: pillsburywine.com Phone: (520) 384-3964 or (310) 508-3348 7. ZARPARA VINEYARD Zarpara Vineyard is located on the “Willcox Bench” – an Arizona premier wine-growing region just 15 minutes from downtown Willcox. Zarpara Vineyard began planting vines in 2010. Its tasting flight features exceptional, hand-crafted wines. Zarpara Vineyard has breathtaking views of the Dos Cabezas Mountains.

Cochise County tasting room: 6777 S. Zarpara Lane, Willcox, AZ Information: zarpara.com Phone: (520) 222-7114 Learn more at azBIGmedia.com

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SPORTING EVENTS

ISM RACEWAY WHAT: ISM Raceway, formerly known as Phoenix International Raceway, is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale. It currently hosts two NASCAR race weekends annually, one of 13 facilities on the NASCAR schedule to host more than one race weekend per year, and the Verizon IndyCar Series. Phoenix Raceway has also hosted the IndyCar Series, CART, USAC and the Rolex Sports Car Series.

TRACK HISTORY: The raceway, originally opened in 1964, was

constructed with a 2.5-mile road course that ran both inside and outside of the main tri-oval. In 1991, the track was reconfigured with the current 1.51-mile interior layout. In 2004, lights were installed around the track following the addition of

the second annual NASCAR race weekend. Then the track completed its first major paving project in 2011, including new variable banking to ensure immediate side-by-side racing. Work was recently completed on a $178 million modernization project that makes the complex one of the most fan-friendly and technologically advanced entertainment venues in the country.

SPRING RACE WEEKEND: Don’t miss your opportunity to

experience NASCAR Goes West with champions Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch taking on young guns like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott on the track during the TicketGuardian 500, a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series stock car race. Race weekened is March 8-10, 2019.

PLAYSTATION FIESTA BOWL

WHERE: State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale 85305 WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1 at 11 a.m.

TICKETS: fiestabowl.org GAME IMPLICATIONS: The PlayStation Fiesta Bowl is one of

the nation’s premier college bowl games and is an integral part of college football’s postseason.

SEATING: 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 patrons. All seats are individual chairs with arm rests and cup holders.

PLAYING SURFACE: Natural grass STADIUM: Encompassing over 1.2-million square feet, State

Farm Stadium was completed in August of 2006 and set the

standard for multi-purpose NFL facilities. The basic form of the design takes its cue from a barrel cactus and offers alternating vertical slots with smooth panels. Its retractable roof uses two large panels to uncover the entire field and the retractable grass field, which sits on a 12-million-pound tray, is rolled-out of the stadium until game day for maximum sun exposure and nourishment. The multi-functional stadium is home to a variety of events including Arizona Cardinals home games, the annual Fiesta Bowl, international soccer matches, motorsports, trade & consumer shows, and corporate and social functions.

FUN FACT: The 2011 BCS National Championship game had 78,603 fans in attendance, which was the largest crowd in the history of State Farm Stadium.

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SPORTING EVENTS

WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN WHAT: “The People’s Open” is the best-attended golf tournament

in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA Tour. The 2018 tournament broke several attendance records, including a PGA Tour record 719,179 fans for the week. The 2019 edition will mark the 84th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA Tour) and the 10th as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

BACKGROUND: 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 but was discontinued after the 1935 tournament. The rebirth of the Phoenix Open came in 1939 when Bob Goldwater, Sr. convinced fellow Thunderbirds to help run the event. The Thunderbirds, a prominent civic organization in Phoenix, were not as enthusiastic about running the event as he was, leaving Goldwater, Sr. to do most of the work in getting a golf open started. The event was played at the Phoenix Country Club in Phoenix, both in its earlier incarnations and after Goldwater resuscitated it. 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.

WHERE: TPC Scottsdale WHEN: January 28 – February 3, 2019 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 and enthusiastic partying, the Birds Nest has earned a reputation on the PGA Tour.

It offers a show all its own and is totally unlike anything else associated with professional golf. In fact, the Birds Nest shares much more in spirit and style with the best concert venues in the country than a golf tournament.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS MONDAY, JAN. 28 Practice Rounds for PGA Tour pros only; Monday ProAm, 9:30 a.m., TPC Stadium Course TUESDAY, JAN. 29 Practice Rounds for PGA Tour pros only; R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day Activities, 10 a.m. with motivational speeches by PGA Tour professionals, trick shot show and junior golf clinic presented by PING; Special Olympics Open, TPC Scottsdale Putting Green, 11 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 31 Waste Management Phoenix Open 1st round, 7:30 a.m.; Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens, 3:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 1 Waste Management Phoenix Open 2nd round, 7:30 a.m.; Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens, 3:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 2 Waste Management Phoenix Open 3rd round, 7:30 a.m.; Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens, 3:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEB. 3 Waste Management Phoenix Open 4th round, 9 a.m.

MONDAY, FEB. 4 Post Open Pro-Am, TPC Stadium Course

Waste Management Phoenix Open 16th Hole 130

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RESPECT THE FANS RESPECT THE PLAYERS RESPECT THE GAME

T HE P E O P L E ’S OP E N 2019 JAN. 28 – FEB. 3 TPC SCOTTSDALE

WMPHOENIXOPEN.COM

SPORTING EVENTS

CACTUS LEAGUE BASEBALL GUIDE

HISTORY: Surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Sonoran

Desert, Cactus League baseball games are played in Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe. Spring training in the 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 season. Today, 15 teams train in the Phoenix Metro area. 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.

WHEN: February through April, 2019 INFORMATION: cactusleague.com

SPRING TRAINING FACILITIES CAMELBACK RANCH: The spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. The stadium holds 13,000 people.

There are eight full suites, four mini-suites, one press box, one suite-level party deck and a series of outfield terraces.

LOCATION: 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix 85037 GOODYEAR BALLPARK: The current spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. 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 85338 HOHOKAM STADIUM: The spring training home of the Oakland

Athletics. 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 85201

MARYVALE BASEBALL PARK: The spring training home of the

Milwaukee Brewers and their minor league affiliates. The stadium holds 7,000 people and features a recessed playing field and shaded concourse, which provides an uninterrupted view of the action.

LOCATION: 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix 85031

PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX: The spring training home stadium of both the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. It consists of the main baseball stadium and 12 practice fields. It is also one of five facilities to host Arizona Fall League games.

LOCATION: 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria 85382

SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK: The spring training facility home for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. The stadium complex is located in the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. The complex represents the first MLB park to be built on Native American Indian land.

LOCATION: 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale 85258 SCOTTSDALE STADIUM: 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.

LOCATION: 7408 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale 85251 SLOAN PARK: The spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. The $99 million complex 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.

LOCATION: 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Mesa 85201 SURPRISE STADIUM: The spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. The stadium was designed by HOK Sport, built in 2002 and holds 10,714 people.

LOCATION: 15930 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise 85374

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TEMPE DIABLO STADIUM: The spring training home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. 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.

LOCATION: 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe 85282

The preferred partner of the Cactus League

For more information call 602.277.6045

10 things to do during a

SAN DIEGO getaway

SAN DIEGO SAILING TOURS

BROTHELS, BITES, AND BOOZE: A CULINARY TOUR OF THE GASLAMP QUARTER

By EMILY GADBERRY

When summertime temperatures climb into the triple digits, many Arizonans opt for a summertime ocean breeze. For those thinking about making the short drive to Southern California, here is a list of 10 attractions and events to consider.

GET AN ADRENALINE RUSH WITH SAN DIEGO SPEED BOAT ADVENTURES

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Experience the adventure of a lifetime on a San Diego Speed Boat Adventures tour, a San Diego Harbor sightseeing boat tour with a twist. Or take the wheel and become captain of your own speed boat. speedboatadventures.com

ADVENTURES WITH SAN DIEGO SHARK DIVING San Diego Shark Diving offers both certified and non-certified divers of all ages the opportunity to swim with great white sharks. They offer a wide range of experiences from July through October on three different ships. sdsharkdiving.com

AFRICA ROCKS - SAN DIEGO ZOO

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This show-stopping new exhibit takes you all around the African continent, from the island of Madagascar to the South African coast. Looking for the perfect vacation photo? This exhibit’s 65-foot Rady Falls boasts San Diego’s largest manmade waterfall. africarocks.sandiegozoo.org

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If your idea of a good time involves fascinating history, delicious food, and designer drinks, then this tour is a must.

Explore the infamous streets where Prohibition-era gangsters and women ruled the roost. Fill up on deliciousness from four of the area’s most popular restaurants. To top it off, enjoy a sample from one of the many available cocktail bars and breweries. sodiegotours.com/tours/brothels-bitesand-booze/

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BIKE & KAYAK TOURS IN LA JOLLA SHORES Experience La Jolla by bike or by water as never before. Kayakers will paddle by the sea cliffs and caves of La Jolla’s Ecological Reserve, and bikers will visit the Crystal Pier and the historical Cave Store. Experts guide each of these tours, ensuring you see the best there’s to offer. bikeandkayaktours.com

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LEGOLAND DEEP SEA ADVENTURE

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Set off on an authentic submarine designed after the LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure line of toys and embark on an exploration of a sunken shipwreck for lost treasure. This new attraction will open this summer, so be one of the first to attend. legoland.com

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San Diego Sailing Tours offers a variety of sailing packages that let you enjoy the many sights on the sea, including the wildlife. If you’re looking for something a little more private, there are also private sailing trip packages for two to six people. sandiegosailingtours.com

TEMECULA VINE AND VINEYARD TOUR Fifty minutes away from Central San Diego lies the Temecula Valley, the jewel of SoCal Wine Country. Embark on a guided tour of several top wineries, complete with three to four tastings at each winery and an exquisite sit-down luncheon. temeculawines.org

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SEAWORLD’S ELECTRIC OCEAN Have an under-the-sea experience at SeaWorld, where it hosts its electric nighttime celebration of light, color and sound from June 16-Sept. 2. The show won the Brass Ring for Live Entertainment Excellence at the 2017 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo. seaworld.com

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USS MIDWAY MUSEUM Get to know the world’s most visited ship museum. The USS Midway was the largest ship in the world when it was built just after World War II. The USS Midway was the longest-serving U.S. aircraft carrier of the 20th century and is the home to attractions ranging from flight simulators to an ejection seat theatre. midway.org

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AZ Big Media is the only provider of official plaques for Most Influential Women in Arizona and People and Places To Know.

Don’t be fooled by out of state plaque vendors.

ONLINE STORE

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LOCALLY SOURCED, SONORAN INSPIRED Camelback Mountain provides the perfect backdrop for Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen. Book a private dining space, join us for live music every Thursday-Saturday from 5pm-8pm, or reserve a seat at one of our monthly Chef ’s Dinner Series, featuring a special four-course dinner and beverage pairing.

For more information, visit andazscottsdale.com/dining

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