Turkey Trots 2022

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There is no denying that the most anxiously anticipated part of Thanksgiving for many people is the food. But after a pre-feast sweat, seasonal dishes might be even more gratifying! Why not participate in a turkey trot or one of the other holiday fun runs in the metro Phoenix area to kick off your holiday?

For adults and children, these non-competitive runs span from short lengths up to 10K. At some events, prizes are given out along with delicious treats like cookies and hot chocolate.

Many Thanksgiving and holiday runs raise money for regional charities. To find out where the money from your run goes, visit its website. And most races offer fun swag for runners. You could go home with a T-shirt, medal or finisher’s certificate!

Arizona Road Racers Thanksgiving Day Classic: Thursday, Nov. 24. 1 mile, 5K and 10K. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave. $15-$45. https://runsignup.com.

Gilbert Turkey Trot: Thursday, Nov. 24. 1 mile and 5K. SanTan Village, 2218 E.  Williams Field Road, Gilbert. $18.95-$24.95. https://runsignup.com.

Mesa Turkey Trot: Thursday, Nov. 24. 1 mile, 5K and 10K. Red Mountain Park, 7745 E. Brown Road, Mesa. $15-$30. https://www.mesaturkeytrot.com.

Phoenix Turkey Trot: Thursday, Nov. 24. 1 mile, 5K and 10K. Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $8-$50. https://www.phoenixturkeytrot.com.

Fat Turkey Trail Run: Saturday, Nov. 26. 5K and 10K. Linear Park in Tempe, just west of Tempe Town Lake Marina. $38-$79. http://www.aztrailrace.com.

Best Ghost Towns in Arizona

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From an abandoned copper mining outpost to deserted camps where visitors can stay the night, there are plenty of towns filled with haunted histories in Arizona.

VULTURE CITY

This settlement near Wickenburg was established during the Civil War to support Vulture Mine, Arizona’s most productive gold mine. The population quickly swelled to 5,000. But when World War II broke out, the mine was shuttered to ensure resources were directed toward military efforts. The town was soon abandoned. Today it is filled with an assortment of photogenic rusty trucks, weathered wooden buildings, and rumored paranormal activity, set against a backdrop of saguaros.

SWANSEA

In the early 1900s, a railroad brought buzzing activity to this remote outpost. The 750-or-so residents frequented Swansea’s saloons, barbershop, auto dealership, and moving picture house. But the mining companies began to sputter, and the Great Depression sounded the death knell for Swansea. Today, the town is preserved by the Bureau of Land Management. Visitors can stand atop grate-covered mine shafts, see an earthquake-damaged smelter, and roam around the workers’ cottages—shells of buildings where, shockingly, up to six miners shared the tiny space.

KENTUCKY CAMP

Nestled in the “sky island” mountains north of Sonoita, Kentucky Camp offers a rare chance to spend the night in an abandoned ghost town that once was a thriving gold mining town. The U.S. Forest Service rents a restored adobe cabin onsite, giving guests an intimate experience with deserted buildings set amidst the silence of the grasslands and the grandeur of a star-filled sky.

OATMAN

Oftentimes called a “living ghost town,” this Route 66 town in Northwestern Arizona is home to around 100 people, that’s a steep decline when the population in the 1920s and 1930s reached 10,000. Thanks to repeated gold strikes between the 1860s and 1910s, the town boomed with prospectors and businesspeople. But like many mining towns, Oatman suffered the vagaries of ore prices, and during WWII, the mines were deemed non-essential to the war effort and closed. In the 1950s, when Interstate 40 bypassed Oatman, the town was left in the dust. Still, Oatman is worth a visit for its fascinating cast of characters including the local wild burros who are descended from donkeys brought to town by miners and now wander the streets like they own the place.

Scottsdale Celebrates the 4th of July!

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Be Red, White, and COOL at WestWorld of Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration!

★ Bull Riding is back for 2022!
★ Mutton busting for children
★ Mayor Ortega presents “The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show” featured on America’s Got Talent
★ Live Performances of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from feature film Encanto and more!
★ Lively games such as the Cha Cha Slide, chicken dance, & more!
★ Balloon Artists and face painters!
★ Good old-fashioned cake walks ​
★ Parade of Heroes honoring outstanding community leaders in the fields of Safety, Fire Safety, Veterans, Neighborhood, Healthcare and Community
★ And of course, at the end of the night, the largest fireworks display in Scottsdale!

For 2022, WestWorld of Scottsdale in McDowell Mountain Ranch is excited to work with Scottsdale Community Partners. If you would like to leave a donation on their website, you could assist people in the local Scottsdale community with healthy food, emergency services, and more. DONATE HERE

For parking and details, visit: scottsdale4th.com

Ready to move to McDowell Mountain Ranch in North Scottsdale? Give us a call to preview homes for sale! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

 

Cinco de Mayo 2022

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Phoenix’s top places for tacos!

Carolina’s
1202 E Mohave St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 – 602.252.1503

Carolina Valenzuela is the O.G. of the Phoenix’s Mexican food scene. Since 1968, the smell of freshly made tortillas has attracted diners far and wide. After more than 60 years, having only three options for tacos — shredded beef, chicken, and machaca (the one to get, featuring dried meat mixed with spices and rehydrated) — has not slowed business in the least.

Fry Bread House
4545 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013 – 602.351.2345

Phoenix residents have long argued over whether or not fry bread counts as a taco, but Arizona’s indigenous peoples had customized and mastered the “Indian taco” long before it was introduced to modern audiences. Fry Bread House owner Cecilia Miller of the Tohono O’odham Nation has made her Melrose District spot the epicenter of Indian fry bread, which serves as a soft and filling blanket for homemade refried pinto beans with cheese and lettuce.

Taco Chelo
501 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 – 602.368.5316

While most are drawn to the Instagram bait that covers the walls, Monterrey-born Chef Suny Santana does an impressive job bringing the taqueria flavors to trendy Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix. A classic carne asada will satisfy, thanks to the handmade flour or corn tortillas, but the barbacoa is what makes the trip worth it — especially with some frijoles a la charra or chicharrones on the side.

Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th St #1205, Phoenix, AZ 85006 – 602.636.0240

Alongside Chris Bianco, Barrio Cafe’s Silvana Salcido Esparza is the face of the Phoenix food scene. The James Beard Award winner has gone against the grain of the usual northern Mexican food in the Valley with Barrio Cafe, which features an array of Mexico’s southern delicacies. While her chiles en nogada (a traditional stuffed poblanos dish) have become synonymous with her cooking, Esparza’s Tecate-battered fish tacos are crisp but light, making them a must-have dish.

Crujiente Tacos
3961 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 – 602.687.7777

Chef Richard Hinojosa has said that his Arcadia joint isn’t a Mexican restaurant. Upon first glance at the menu, his statement rings true: Hinojosa’s innovative take on dishes include a Korean fried chicken taco topped with gochujang and mojo de cebollin (a sauce made from chives), and handmade tortillas fused with ingredients like cilantro or cardamom. The potato taco is equally noteworthy thanks to its legitimately spicy taste, which stems from a secret hot sauce and mashing of poblano chiles in the potato.

Tacos Huicho
1941 E Oak St, Phoenix, AZ 85006 – 480.398.6766

If a taco shop’s litmus test is how nondescript the location seems, Tacos Huicho takes the cake. Situated in a dead-end street against the massive wall of the 51 freeway, Cuernavaca natives Maria Torres and Mauricio Mena make the best al pastor in the city. The couple layers their pork with chiles and pineapples and throws it on the spit twice a week to roast and carve, where it can weigh up to 80 pounds.

La Santisima
1919 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006 – 602.254.6330

Maybe it’s because owners Felipe Guzman and Cristina Meillon are from Guadalajara, one of the most metropolitan cities in Mexico, that La Santisima offers such a wide array of regional dishes. The seemingly endless menu options, huge salsa bar, and gigantic servings may be overwhelming at first, but it’s hard to go wrong. Noteworthy tacos include the Andalucia, with potato and chorizo, the Baja Sur dogfish shark taco, or some surprisingly impressive vegan and vegetarian options like La Condesa, with poblano and mushrooms.

Cocina 10 at Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – 602.716.222

Pizza legend Chris Bianco’s time in Phoenix has rubbed off on him, and it can be seen in his development of the menu at downtown Phoenix’s Crescent Ballroom. The music venue and bar offers Mexican food that can stack up against any taqueria, with standouts like the barbacoa, al pastor, or fish tacos. Regardless of the order, ask for their molcajete salsa, always perfectly mixed with a kick.

Ta Carbon
2929 N 43rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85019 – 602.682.7701

Ta’Carbon is almost worth visiting purely for its name, which is a play on words of the Mexican saying, “Está cabron” (used amongst friends to mean anything from “that’s awesome” to “that’s tough”). But the true reason people come to this westside restaurant is almost exclusively for the carne asada. Behind a flurry of employees at the counter, heaps of smoky, well-cut carne are piled onto tacos from the mesquite. This can only be improved by ordering the Taco Hazz, a mix of melted cheese and green chile.

Tacos Jalisco
3060 N 68th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 – 480.941.9095

Old Town Scottsdale is covered from head to toe in flashy restaurants that prefer to be labeled as “concepts,” so the traditional taqueria style of Tacos Jalisco is a welcome respite. Despite the growth of the surrounding area, the spot has been a neighborhood favorite since 1996, thanks to the Reyes family’s carne asada. Its standout taste is thanks to the red adobo salsa in which it’s cooked, though the family has refused to reveal how it’s made.

After you enjoyed the perfect taco, let’s find your next perfect home! Call/text us today to get started! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Disc Golf Tournament in Scottsdale

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The 34th Annual Memorial Championship Disc Golf Tournament is coming to Scottsdale’s Vista del Camino Park March 3rd-6th, 2022.

The top disc golfers in the world will compete for cash and prizes at one of the biggest tournaments of the year! Fans are encouraged to come out and watch the tournament for free and enjoy some beautiful Scottsdale sunshine.

For more information on the tournament, visit DiscGolfScene.com.

Goat Yoga in Gilbert

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Goat yoga is one of those things that sound like a joke. But it is very real! Spend an hour specially trained goats in costumes, doing yoga with you!

Take your yoga to the next level while enjoying a class with specially trained goats. Start your day off cuddling with furry friends! Head to the outdoor venue in Gilbert to join a Goat Yoga class accompanied by furry costumed friends. The class is suitable for guests of all ages and no prior yoga experience is required.

The sweetest Alpacas are available for a hugging booth throughout class. Special guests included- Maisy the Cow, James the Camel and Desert Tortoises.

Schedule your Goat Yoga session here: www.goatyoga.com

 

2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open

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The Waste Management Phoenix Open, also known as “The People’s Open” and “The Greenest Show on Grass”, returns to TPC Scottsdale February 7th-13th, 2022 with all of the great golf, along with the iconic 16th Hole coliseum and evening concerts at the Coors Light Birds Nest.

Here’s everything you need to know about tickets, the celebrity Pro-Am tournament, and who’s performing at the Birds Nest:

-The Phoenix Open will be again be held at TPC Scottsdale, 17020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, in Scottsdale.

-There is no admission cost for the first two days of the event, Monday and Tuesday, February 7th & 8th. Golfers will be out on the course for practice rounds ahead of the tournament.

-The Annexus Pro-Am, which pairs pro golfers with athletes and other notable people, will be held on Wednesday, February 9th. The PGA tournament will run Thursday – Sunday, February 10th-13th. General admission is $50 on Wednesday (Pro-Am), Thursday, and Sunday, and $75 on Friday and Saturday. There is no admission cost for kids 15 and younger when accompanied by a paid adult. Tickets can be purchased via wmphoenixopen.com/tickets.

-Parking passes are required for the reserved lots nearest the tournament and are typically part of sponsorship packages. However, there are three free parking lots at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, and Lot H with a free shuttle to the Phoenix Open.

-Once the tournament play ends on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the Birds Nest concert venue opens outside the tournament gates. This is an adults-only 21+ concert venue and an additional ticket is required. Diplo, Sam Hunt, Macklemore, and Kygo will each headline one night of the Birds Nest concert series. General admission starts at $75, and increases as the event gets closer. VIP tickets start at $285. Tickets can be bought at https://coorslightbirdsnest.com.

68th Annual Parada del Sol Parade

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It’s time again to put on your western attire, grab your lawn chairs, and family to head out to the 68th Annual Parada del Sol Parade! The parade and Trail’s End Festival is coming to Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, February 5th, 2022.

The Parada del Sol Parade has been a Scottsdale, AZ tradition since 1953. The streets of Old Town Scottsdale welcome over 30,000 spectators and nearly 150 Parade entries marching down Scottsdale Road. The parade provides an opportunity to showcase the history of Scottsdale, local school groups, bands, live musical entertainment, and great shopping. Plan on a fun-filled day in Old Town Scottsdale with your family and friends to experience Arizona’s old west entertainment. Groups and bus tours are welcome and there is plenty of parking for large vehicles. Immediately after the Parade is the Trail’s End Festival – a huge block party for all ages, featuring live concerts, food, and fun!

For more information, visit: scottsdaleparade.com

Barrett-Jackson Celebrates 50 Years

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Barrett-Jackson, one of the most recognizable names in the automotive world, is counting on strong demand from a car buying public tired of being cooped up inside to power its 50th-anniversary auction, taking place this week in Scottsdale, Arizona. Though 2022 is technically Barrett-Jackson’s 51st anniversary, the pandemic put a damper on festivities in 2021.

Barrett-Jackson was established in 1971 and is headquartered in Scottsdale. Company CEO Craig Jackson has been integral in building the auction events we see today, with a heavy television presence and a variety of big-name cars, including first production units auctioned off for charity. The focus this year may be on an anniversary event, but Jackson knows better than anyone that folks tune in for the cars over everything else. To that end, the Scottsdale auction will be one of Barrett-Jackson’s most eventful to date, with over 1850 cars to cross the block, all of which feature no reserve. Jackson notes that 2022’s auction will be televised as usual but says that the planned 38 hours of live coverage is unprecedented. The History Channel will run coverage of the event, and the most anticipated cars will be auctioned off in primetime.

The event runs from Saturday, January 22, through Sunday, January 30. The anniversary festivities will include special video memories and other throwback segments throughout the event. Additionally, automakers and other sponsors will be on hand with vehicle experiences, product demonstrations, thrill rides, and live music.

WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE
16601 N. Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

January 22nd-30th, 2022

For tickets, visit: barrett-jackson.com

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Comes to Scottsdale

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From creators of the blockbuster exhibit seen by over 2 million visitors in Paris and after a sold-out run in Toronto, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit makes its mark at a super-secret location in the heart of Scottsdale!

The breathtakingly imaginative experience is presented in astonishing scale that allows you to experience Van Gogh’s art in a completely new and unforgettable way. Lose yourself in 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s art. 

The digital art experience, originating in France from creative director and Italian producer Massimiliano Siccardi, brings to life the works of Van Gogh using moving projections to put you into the center of every piece. You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.

The art installation will be in Scottsdale now through March 13th, 2022, with tickets starting at $40 each.  www.vangoghphx.com