Fun Things to Do In Scottsdale

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Scottsdale Phoenix statueIn the Scottsdale area, there are plenty of incredible events and activities you might not even know are going on. In the month of September, you can check out lots of excitement and take part in the culture and life of the Scottsdale area. Well within driving distance of anyone living in and around Scottsdale, these activities are sure to keep you and your family entertained and happy throughout the month of September. Check out our list and see which ones you’re most interested in visiting so you can make a plan for how to spend your time this month!

Phoenix Cooks!

Food loves in the Scottsdale area, get ready! This is an exciting opportunity for you to join your fellow foodies and participate in a food tasting and sampling event that incorporates dishes and drinks from a wide variety of local restaurants. During this event, you can also participate in a cooking class if you choose, and you can learn a lot about how to create the perfect tasty bites to enjoy at home on your own time, too. This event is $85 per person and takes place at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale.

Children’s Learning and Play Festival

If you’ve got little ones in your family, don’t forget to check out the Children’s Learning and Play Festival at WestWorld of Scottsdale. On September 9, this event will provide children with lots of fun activities to participate in while adults can enjoy checking out vendors, lectures, information and much more from the world of childcare and parenting. Take your time exploring this fun event with your kids and you might find out about some local organizations or stores you didn’t even know existed!

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

At WestWorld in Scottsdale, antique lovers and thrifters alike can come together to shop for vintage items and clothing at the Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. This event takes place from September 15 to 17 costs $65 per person for the whole weekend or $25 per person for Saturday only. If you’re searching for that perfect vintage find, don’t hesitate to check out this incredible collection of vendors selling odds and ends all weekend long at this exciting event!

As you can see, there’s a lot to do in Scottsdale! There are plenty of other great events going on this month in the area, so don’t forget to check them out via local community calendars. There could be something thrilling going on right around the corner—so why not check it out?

Summer Festivals Not to Miss in the Valley

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When summertime rolls around in the Valley, you may find yourself wondering what you’re going to do to pass the time. Luckily for you, there are plenty of great summer festivals that are just around the corner. You’re sure to find something you love to do among the excellent festivals that take place in and around the Phoenix area.

  1. Red, White and Boom – This is the annual fireworks celebration held in Phoenix every year. This is a huge event with a massive turnout, so plan to get there early and stay late for the exciting fireworks show! This festival doesn’t always take place directly on the Fourth of July, so be sure to check the schedule and find out when it will be going on.
  2. All American Festival – In Peoria, this festival kicks off the summer and offers lots for kids and adults both to take part in. Participate in a food eating contest or just stick around for the fireworks at night. This is a good old-fashioned Fourth of July festival that’s sure to please the whole family.
  3. Glendale Summer Band Concert Series – Do you love music? Who doesn’t? At this concert series, you can hear some of your favorite bands and maybe even discover some you’ve never paid attention to before, too. This concert series goes all summer long, so check out the schedule to plan your next night out.
  4. Scottsdale Art Walk – This is technically a weekly event and it doesn’t happen only in the summertime, but it deserves a mention because it’s a great chance to take a stroll and enjoy looking at beautiful works of art from local artists, too.
  5. Carnival of Illusion – This is a unique performance that’s based on old Vaudeville routines and is sure to surprise and delight adults and kids both. It’s shows once or twice per summer in Phoenix, so don’t miss it.
  6. Warped Tour – While you’re experiencing all the sights and sounds of summertime, don’t forget to catch Warped Tour when it hits Phoenix. This is a popular tour, so be sure to pick up your tickets ahead of time if possible.
  7. Arizona Community Short Film Festival – If you love short films or just like to support local artists, head to this annual event in Phoenix to get your fix. You may discover something about your own creative side while you’re there, too.

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Visit the Wild West

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Cave Creek Frontier Town photoIf you’re interested in visiting some of the iconic Old West sites, there are definitely some places worth paying a visit in Arizona. For example, a kid-friendly attraction, Rawhide is a fun destination. This theme park is styled after a real Wild West frontier town, complete with a general store, a saloon, a blacksmith, and a photo emporium. There are also attractions such as a petting zoo, hay rides, gold panning, a shooting gallery and live-action stunt shows. While there is no charge to enter Rawhide, there is a price per attraction (or you can buy an all-inclusive wristband). Rawhide closes for the summer, but is now open during the fall, winter and spring seasons.

A few hours south of the Valley of the Sun is the town of Tombstone. Known as “the town too tough to die”, this historical town is centered around the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. This two-story museum houses several historical documents and memorabilia which describe the O.K. Corral gunfight between Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and the cowboy fugitives. The museum also is home to a reproduction of the sheriff’s office, courtroom and gallows. Also in Tombstone are the Bird Cage Theatre and the Boothill Cemetery (with its humorous headstones). Every second, fourth and fifth Sunday of the month, the Tombstone Vigilantes re-enact gunfights on Allen Street, and on the fourth Saturday of the month, shops stay open late for Tombstone at Twilight. Consider also stopping at Old Tucson Studios on your way back home. This 320-acre Western town/movie set and theme park recreates the Wild West as seen in more than 300 TV shows and movies, including 3 John Wayne westerns. You’ll have your choice of performances and stunt shows, you can pan for gold, take a trail ride around the property or watch living-history presentations. Old Tucson Studios is open only on the weekends from October 1 through September 5 (closing for the month of September).

If you’re interested in more natural views of the Wild West, check out Monument Valley, located on the Arizona-Utah border. Monument Valley, located on the Navajo reservation, features scenes of breathtaking natural beauty that will be recognizable to anyone who has watched a Western movie. Check out Goulding’s Lodge & Trading Post, which has a free (donations accepted) museum featuring movie stills, call sheets, movie posters and other memorabilia, as well as a detailed map featuring specific movie locations around Monument Valley.  You can also hire a Navajo guide for a personal tour, who will share the stories and legends behind each rock formation. For more history about mining in Arizona, head to Goldfield Ghost Town, located in Apache Junction at the base of the Superstition Mountains. You can take a 25-minute tour of a mine shaft, and also tour the town with its museum, bordello, a church, livery stables as well as a reptile exhibit. Other activities include a zip line, a shooting gallery, panning for gold, riding a train and horseback rides. Gunfights are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Finally, the Yuma Territorial Prison is located in a State Historical Park, and is home to a museum which details what life was like for those incarcerated at the turn of the 20th century. The first prisoners in 1876 were the ones who built the cells in which they were imprisoned. You can visit the former mess hall and walk around inside of the original cell block.

March Festivals in The East Valley

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Scottsdale Waterfront monument photoOne of the perks of living in Arizona during the spring season is there’s no barrier to outdoor festivals, thanks to our fabulous, sunny and mild weather in March.  If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy this amazing time of year, here are a few fun activities to consider.

The annual Parada del Sol Rodeo takes places March 9-12 and is an outdoor rodeo competition with lots of extras such as pony rides, a petting zoo, a kids’ area, beer garden, a hoedown, professional bull riding contents and country music dancehall parties.  This event is open from 7 p.m. March 9 until 2 p.m. on March 12, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, located at 16601 N. Pima Road.  The rodeo offers both reserved and general admission/bleacher seating.

If the arts are more your speed, you may enjoy the Scottsdale Arts Festival which features over 170 national artists.  With an online bidding auction (proceeds benefit the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts), you can take home your favorite pieces.  The festival will also host live music, gourmet food and family-friendly art events.  March 10-12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Scottsdale.  There is an entry fee for adults, but this event is free for children younger than 12.

One unique festival is the 15th annual Kite Flying Festival in Fountain Hills on March 11th.  This event is presented by the Pakistan Information and Cultural Organization, and features food, music, arts and crafts and kids’ activities all by the famous fountain.  You will be able to purchase kites to join in on the fun.  From 11 am to 6 pm, in Fountain Park at 12925 N. Saguaro Boulevard.

Finally, another cultural event to consider is the 23rd annual Aloha Festival on March 11-12th at Tempe Beach Park, located at 80 W. Rio Salado.  This free festival features a celebration of the cultures of the South Pacific Islands, with performers, artists, crafts for kids, as well as a marketplace with foods and handiwork for sale.

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Spa Days!

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Montelucia Resort Spa photoWhether you’re looking for a gift for Valentine’s Day, birthday or anniversary, you typically can do no wrong when you give a gift certificate for a spa day to that special someone.  Here are some of the top picks by Yelp!  Reviewers for day spas in North Scottsdale . . .

One of the top picks by Yelp! Reviewers is the New Serenity Spa located at 15609 N Hayden Rd.  This day spa is in the moderate price range and offers services ranging from facials to massage.  There are at least a dozen different massage packages.  New Serenity also offers a wide range of facials, from anti-aging and chemical peels to teen facials.  If you are looking to surprise your loved one with a spa day, there are also several combination packages offered.

Next up is Well & Being Spa, located inside the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess Resort.  This luxury spa offers a full spa day experience, thanks to spa visitors being permitted to partake of the resort amenities such as the fitness center, the lounge facilities and the resort pools.  Services offered by this spa include a dozen different types of massages, body scrubs and wraps, several different facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, haircuts and hair color.

Another popular day spa option is the Spa810 Scottsdale located at 23425 N Scottsdale Rd.  This spa features a detailed menu of services from many types of facials, massage, laser hair removal and chemical peels.   North Scottsdale spa-goers appear to be fans of the Millennium Day Spa, located at 7609 E Pinnacle Peak Rd.  This moderately-priced spa and salon offer a deep range of services from haircuts, color and style, to manicures/pedicures, makeup services, spray tanning, massages, waxing and facials.

High-Speed Adventures

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Penske Racing Museum photoSometimes, dinner and a movie just isn’t going to cut it.  Sometimes, we feel the need for a high-speed adventure.  Here are a few places to consider paying a visit, to feel that wind in your hair:

  1. Located in Eloy, approximately a 30 minute drive from Phoenix, is SkyDive Arizona, which is one of the largest sky diving facilities in the world.  You can try tandem jumping, attend ground school to learn how to skydive solo, or for those who aren’t quite as daring, enjoy indoor skydiving in the vertical wind tunnel, where every minute in the tunnel is equal to a minute of free-fall skydiving time.
  2. Located in Scottsdale just west of the 101 freeway, Octane Raceway features a 1/3 mile indoor/outdoor track where you can race one of 32 electric Sodi RTX racing karts from Europe.  These karts have 10,000 RPM for maximum torque and a top speed of 45 MPH. Minimum height requirements are 54 inches, so even those under the age of 16 can join in the high-octane fun.
  3. Another go kart option can be found at K1 Speed, centrally located near the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  The 20HP electric carts reach speeds up to 45 mph and racers will enjoy the large track.  Junior racers must be at least 48 inches tall.
  4. For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience some REAL speed, check out the Bondurant High Performance Racing School.   Located in Chandler, AZ, Bondurant features a 1.6-mile, 15 turn multi-configuration race track on a 60-acre facility, designed by world champion driver Bob Bondurant.  Known as “The Fastest 60 Acres in America”, Bondurant also has access to the 3 racing tracks at Firebird International Raceway.  Drivers have access to over 200 cars equipped for racing on the tracks, and will receive full instruction and safety training before beginning one of multiple programs and passes available.  Bondurant also has a SuperKart Track for go karts, perfect for group outings, corporate kart leagues, for anyone at any skill level.

Be sure to check out www.groupon.com and www.livingsocial.com for coupons and deals for the above attractions.

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Birthday Party Spots

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There are literally dozens and dozens of fun locations where you can host your child’s next birthday.  Thinking outside of the box means lots of fun for the birthday guest of honor and all of their guests:

  1. Phoenix Zoo – Let your birthday kiddo be wild at the Phoenix Zoo with one of their hosted birthday party packages for ages 1-12.  The packages include admission for up to 10 kids and 12 adults, printable invitations, a reserved party ramada with party host, plus party favor bags, ice cream, lemonade and a T-shirt for all guests.  Admission to Stingray Bay or a carousel ride is included with the package.  Several add-ons include pizza and private animal presentations.
  2. Castles n’ Coasters – This outdoor amusement park is located near Metrocenter Mall off I-17 and Dunlap Avenue.  With a 10-guest minimum, and only 24-hours minimum notice, your birthday boy or girl can enjoy 18 holes of miniature golf and all-day unlimited rides (bumper boats, roller coasters, log ride, ropes course and go-kart racing) with their party guests, with some of the various packages offered.  All packages include a party room with soft drinks, pizza and ice cream.
  3. Sea Life Arizona Aquarium – Is your birthday child a fan of sea life?  Then this place is a perfect fit with its 161,000-gallon aquarium complete with underwater tunnel.  Birthday packages for ages 4-12 include a host, decorated party room, all-day admission for 15-20 guests plus goody bags.  The birthday gift for the birthday child is included thanks to the included annual pass!  Deluxe add-ons include supervised crafts, party games and a mermaid or pirate party host.
  4. AZ Air Time photoAZ Airtime – A surefire party pleaser is this indoor trampoline park, which features an extra-large free jump space, trampoline basketball, two trampoline dodgeball courts and a giant foam pit, all for jumpers 7 and up.  For jumpers 6 and younger, there’s a separate jump area with a 1,500-square foot trampoline as well as two bounce houses with slides.  Birthday packages include the use of a party room or reserved party tables, as well as jump time and a party host. Some add-ons include pizza, unlimited soft drinks, decorations and extra jump time.
  5. Childsplay – For a truly unique birthday party experience while supporting the local theatre, consider the Childsplay birthday experience.  This birthday party experience offers discounted seating for parties of 10 or more to a chosen play.  A VIP button for the birthday child, birthday sign and happy birthday wishes from the stage are also included.  Add ons include a backstage tour as well as themed toys and books.

Scottsdale Community Golf Courses

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desert highlands golfWhether you are an accomplished golfer or a beginner still learning the ropes, Scottsdale is truly a mecca for the sport of golf.  While Scottsdale is host to world-renowned designer courses, there are also several public or community courses, perfect for all levels of players from the novice to the expert.  Here are some public courses to check out in Scottsdale:

  1. Phoenician Resort Golf Course—Canyon, Desert and Oasis Courses.  With 3 different 9 hole courses, the combinations of these Homer Flint and Ted Robinson Sr designed courses are endless.
  2. Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club—This 18-hole, par 70 course was developed in 2000 by the Gilmore-Graves Architectural Design Company.
  3. Talking Stick Golf Club—North Course and South Course.  These two courses were designed by Bill Core & Ben Crenshaw.  The Golf Club also features a 17,000-square foot driving range.
  4. TPC of Scottsdale—Champions Course and Stadium Course.  Home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, these courses are also open to the public.  The Champions Course was designed by Randy Heckenkemper, while the Stadium Course was designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf; both are par 71 courses.
  5. Camelback Golf Club—Padre Course and Ambiente Course.  The Padre Course was designed by Arthur Hills, and its 6,903-yard, par 72 design features some challenging water holes.  The Ambiente Course is a Jason Straka design, with 4 par 5 holes.
  6. Coronado Golf Course—This affordable (cash only) community golf course features a 9-hole course, as well as lighted driving range, putting and chipping greens.  Opened in 1966, this charming 1,850-yard, par 31 course is perfect for beginners!
  7. Grayhawk Golf Club—Raptor Course and Talon Course.  The Raptor Course features 7,090-yards, and this par 72 course was designed by Tom Fazio.  The Talon Course was designed by Gary Panks and David Graham, and this 6,973-yard course is also a 72 par course.
  8. Kierland Golf Club—Ironwood, Acacia and Mesquite Courses form 27 holes of golfing fun.  The Ironwood is a Scott Miller design with 3,539-yards and is a par 36 course.  Acacia is also a Scott Miller design, with 3,435 yards.  The Mesquite is 3,478-yards and is also a par 36 course.
  9. McCormick Ranch Golf Club—Palm Course and Pine Course feature 36 yards of golf play, all with gorgeous mountain views.  Both courses were created in 1972 by Desmond Muirhead.
  10. The Orange Tree Golf Club—This beautiful, tree-shaded course near Camelback Mountain was developed in the 1950s and features 18 holes in a par 72 course.

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Holiday Excursions Perfect for Children

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christmas tree photoIt’s that time of year again, and what better way to get your kids in the mood for celebrating than an excursion up north?  One of the most popular holiday events is the North Pole Experience.  This interactive experience is set in the “North Pole” which is entered via a trolley ride through a magic portal in Flagstaff, Arizona.  Families will board the trolley from the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, and after a short ride to the portal, families will alight from the trolley at the North Pole.  Elves will whisk the trolley passengers away to Santa’s Workshop, where families will work side by side with elves making toys for Santa to take to children around the world.  Each room of the expansive workshop features a different activity, snack or story.  This experience lasts about 90 minutes and ends with the children sitting on Santa’s lap.

To continue this magical experience, consider staying at the Little America Hotel, which beginning in mid-November, decorates its hotel and grounds with millions of holiday lights, making for one of the largest light displays in Arizona.  The hotel also offers a special breakfast with Santa as part of its partnership with the North Pole Experience, so your little ones will get to spend additional time with the big guy.

Another popular holiday experience that’s perfect for families with younger children is the Polar Express.  Hosted by the Grand Canyon Railway, this highly interactive train ride is based on the Polar Express children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, and is an adorable hour-long adventure to the “North Pole”.  Families will board the train at the train depot in Williams, Arizona at 5:30 or 7:30 p.m. and will return back to the depot.  The depot is adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, which also offers special booking rates to Polar Express passengers.  Be sure to check out the adorable gift shop too!

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Popular Halloween Haunted House Attractions-2016

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happy-halloween clip artCan you believe it’s already October?  While the chill of fall may not quite be in the air, the time for ghosts, goblins and glittery princesses will be here before you know it.  To that end, here are some upcoming Halloween haunted houses that will be around the Valley of the Sun this year.

First up is AZ Field of Screams, a maze in a haunted corn field, which was planted over an old cemetery.  Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and this attraction is not recommended for children under 10 years old.

Next, is Fear Farm, which features 30 acres showcasing 5 different haunted experiences, including: Mouth of Madness, Legends: Goatman, Undead, Slaughterhouse and The Bunker.  This year there is also a Haunted Hayride attraction.  This is considered a PG-13 attraction, so is not recommended for small children.  (Located at 2209 N. 99th Avenue in Phoenix, beginning September 23.)

The Crypt offers a trio of haunted attractions: The Asylum, Chaos Maze and The Crypt.  These are not recommended for children under 10.  (Located at Fiesta Mall, 1445 W. Southern Avenue in Mesa, beginning September 23.)

Consider checking out 13th Floor Haunted House, with two attractions spread out over 60,000 square feet.  This haunted house is not recommended for small general, and sports a PG-13 general guideline.  (Located at 2814 W. Bell Road, beginning September 23).

Scarizona Scaregrounds is home to two different haunted houses: Epic Fear and Slayer’s Slaughter House.  An interactive paintball attraction, Operation Zombie Storm, features 16-passenger military trucks which are driven through a wave of zombies.  Scaregrounds also hosts live music on the weekends, as well as a beer garden and other entertainment.  (Located at 1901 N. Alma School Road in Mesa, beginning September 23.)

Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill is an indoor, two-story live interactive experience, with parental discretion advised.  (Located at 3401 W. Greenway Road, beginning September 30).

The Gauntlet at Golfland Fright Nights features a terrifying maze, and a multi-level haunted house featuring animatronics and skilled actors, all mostly indoors.  This attraction isn’t recommended for children under 13 years old.  Children may enjoy  Spooktacular Golf, a miniature 18-hole golf course full of spooky and festive decorations.  (Located at Golfland, Mesa, beginning September 30).

Finally, Zombie WarZ is a zombie apocalypse where you fight off zombies in a Zombie Assault Vehicle using “flesh-eating” Zombie paint slugs   This attraction is recommended for adults and teens, but parents may choose to bring younger children (minimum age is 5).  (Located near Rawhide in Chandler.  GPS directions given on the website).

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