Spookiest Haunted Houses

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halloweenReady to be spooked? Grab some brave friends to check out the Valley’s spookiest haunted houses! Too busy trick-or-treating on Halloween? Last to be spooked will be Saturday, November 2nd, 2019.

Fear Farm
Fear Farm is Phoenix’s largest outdoor haunted house. There are six themed attractions, including “Bunker: The Arrival”, “Slaughterhouse”, “Pumpkin Witch”, “Fallout”, “The Plague” and “Haunted Corn Maze: The Reaping.” Extras this year: carnival games and mini escape rooms.
Details: 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix. $24.99-$32.99 in advance, $1 more on the day of, $3 more at the door. Add $10 for fast pass, $20 to skip the line.

13th Floor Haunted House
This may be the most intricate haunted house in Phoenix, and it gets a fresh look every year, but some rooms stay the same, including the surprisingly disorienting “tilt room” and a haunted mansion that was preserved from a legendary haunted house in Utah. This year’s attractions are “Rise of the Dead” and “Creature Feature,” an homage to classic movie monsters.
Details: 2814 W. Bell Road, Phoenix. $24.99-$32.99 in advance, $1 more on the day of, $3 more at the door. Add $10 for fast pass, $20 to skip the line.

Scarizona Scaregrounds
Scarizona Scaregrounds has not just one, but five haunted houses: Operation: Zombie Storm, Virtual Terror, Epic Fear, Slayer’s Slaughter House and Startled Darkness. The website warns to skip Startled Darkness if you don’t like things jumping out at you!
Details: 1901 N. Alma School Road, Mesa. $21.95 (one haunt) to $36.95 (all five attractions). Add $10 for fast pass, $20 to skip the line.

Call us when you’re ready to buy or sell your next house (hopefully not haunted)! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran PreserveScottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with celebrations throughout the month of October. The Preserve is managed with a unique partnership between the City of Scottsdale and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. In addition to helping locals and visitors explore the Preserve, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy conducts scientific research in order to better understand and protect the unique Sonoran Desert.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration events include:

Fraesfield & Granite Mountain Trailhead Dedications
Friday, October 18th at 9am – Fraesfield Trailhead
Commemorative activities to celebrate the opening of the Preserve’s two newest trailheads.

Family Storytime
Saturday, October 19th at 10:30am – Appaloosa Library
Children will learn about the Sonoran Desert with stories, music, and counting activities.

Family Sonoran Sunday
Sunday, October 20th at 3:00pm – Gateway Trailhead
Bring the family to learn ten hiking essentials from professionals.

History of the Preserve and the Conservancy
Tuesday, October 22nd at 5:30pm – Mustang Library
Learn about the history of the Preserve and the Conservancy from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy stewards.

Stoneman Road Educational Bike Ride
Tuesday, October 29th at 8am – Fraesfield Trailhead
Learn the military history of Stoneman Road while traveling portions of the actural route.

Are you searching for a home near the Preserve? Give a us a call to find the perfect home in Scottsdale for you! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

AZ Restaurant Week – Fall 2019

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fall 2019 az restaurant weekArizona Restaurant Week is the twice a year statewide dining affair offering foodies a wealth of opportunities and the chance to get outside their own neighborhood and try something new. From sizzling Southwestern and soothing comfort foods to five-star dining and international fare, it’s all on the table during Arizona Restaurant Week. So prepare your taste buds and dig in!

During the Fall 2019 Arizona Restaurant Week from September 20th-29th, 2019, over 200 participating restaurants will offer a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu for just $33 or $44 per person (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted). The carefully crafted menus offer food lovers their ultimate dining experiences.

Check out updates at www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com, where participating restaurants and their menus will be continually added!

A few of our favorite restaurants that are participating:
Ajo Als
Barrio Queen
Chart House
Different Point of View
Dorian
El Chorro
La Locanda
Local Bistro
Paul Martin’s American Grill
Prado
Roaring Fork
The Gladly
True Food Kitchen

When you want a new kitchen to cook your favorite dinner, give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Rattlesnake Safety

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snakeDid you know there are 13 different types of rattlesnakes slithering throughout Arizona? April through October, rattlesnakes can be found anywhere from hiking trails to city streets, so it’s important for everyone to know what to do when crossing paths with a snake.

While snakes aren’t looking to cause trouble, people still must use extreme caution when they come across a rattlesnake. A snakebite has enough venom to cause serious injury or even death. Most snakebite victims have to spend at least two to three days in a hospital and spend weeks rehabilitating the area around the bite in order to regain full range of motion and muscle functionality.

Valley fire departments offer these tips for making your property less hospitable to snakes:
-Eliminate rodents (a snake’s preferred food) from around your home.
-Remove wood piles and junk from your yard to eliminate potential homes for snakes and their prey.
-Walls deter snakes from entering your yard. Solid walls 4 feet high with a four-inch lip angling outward will discourage most snakes. Sink the bottom of the wall well into the ground.
-Install gates snugly against the ground.
-Keep walkways clear of brush.
-Light pathways around your home.

Tips to keep safe when rattlesnake activity is at its peak:
-Stay on the trails. Rattlesnakes are more likely to be found in places with better opportunity to hunt, hide, and stay out of trouble.
-Be aware of your surroundings. Watch your step. Texting while walking has resulted in at least one bite that we know of, and head phones will keep the natural warning system from working.
-If you have a dog, keep it on a leash. Have the dog vaccinated for rattlesnake bites, and have it trained if it’s available in your area.
-If you encounter a snake, take a step (or two or three!) back. Snakes can only strike at a distance of one-third of their full body length, thus a three-foot snake has an effective strike range of 12 inches. The average human stride is 36 inches, so a step back will quickly put you out of harms way. If those seem to be obvious, it’s because they absolutely are. Rattlesnakes are simply not a threat to those who don’t go looking for it. Staying safe is just a matter of knowing better, and if you didn’t before, now you do.

For more information or to speak to a snakebite expert, call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center’s free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Back to School!

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back to schoolSummer vacation was fun, but it’s time to get the kids back to school! Here are some tips for a fun first day back to school and tips for a successful school year.

1st Day of School Traditions

  • Hold a first day photo shoot. Keep the mood fun by suggesting silly faces or letting the family pet join in. Keeping the camera snapping after school and capture your child stepping off the school bus in the afternoon.
  • Bury a time capsule. Fill a box or jar with items that represent your child’s current hobbies and interests. Have your child make a list of their favorite movies, books, and bands and describe first-day fears, friends he or she can’t wait to see!.
  • See how they measures up. Using a growth chart (or the inside of a closet door), mark your child’s current height. Keep track year-by-year to show growth spurts.
  • Plan a bus stop breakfast! Invite all the neighborhood kids to get an early start the day before school begins. Fill a wagon with juice boxes, fruits and donuts. Brint it to the neighborhood bus stop at the usual pickup time as a “dress rehearsal” for the first day of school.
  • Tuck a love note into your child’s lunchbox to show you’re thinking of them. The first day can be nerve racking for everyone, so you may want to go for comfort food when dinner time comes and enjoy a cool dessert as summer vacation comes to an end.

Back to School Study Tips

  • A well-stocked desk in a quiet place at home is key, but sometimes you need variety. A trip to the library, park, or even just moving to the kitchen table will give kids a change of scenery which can prompt their brain to retain information better.
  • Remind your kids to look over their notes each night to make sure they have got all the information they need, then have them highlight the information that they know is the most important.
  • Don’t let a bad grade keep your kid down. A rough start doesn’t have to ruin the entire school year. Remind your kids to take proactive steps by checking their grades regularly and asking for a tutor if they need one.
  • Encourage your kids to make a friend in every class. Having a few friends in each class if always helpful if they have a homework question or had to miss class, then when it comes time to study for exams, they will already have a study group.
  • Keeping a calendar helps everyone plan ahead, but you’ve got more going on than just school so make sure you’re marking your extracurricular, work, and social commitments!

…and before you know it, summer vaction will be here again!

Scottsdale Dog Parks

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dog parkLooking for a place to take your dog to play off leash and make friends? Come out and enjoy one of three Scottsdale dog parks. There are plenty of open spaces, shade and dog water fountains are at every location. Feel free to bring along your own portable chairs and your dog’s favorite toys.

Horizon Dog Park
15444 N. 100th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260
This small dog park is located in a retention basin on the far west end of Horizon Park. It has a large shade structure, a water fountain for you and your dog, and a water feature to control the dust. During winter, you may wish to go home before dusk, because this section of the park doesn’t have lights.

Chaparral Dog Park
5401 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Scottsdale’s most popular dog park includes 3-acres of grass. Chaparral Dog Park has a fabulous array of amenities, including water fountains, seating for owners and play features.

Vista Del Camino Dog Park
7700 E. Roosevelt St.,Scottsdale, AZ 85257
This half-acre dog park has plenty of shade trees, benches and water fountains for you and your dog to enjoy. Also, you will be relieved to know that the park is double gated for your pet’s security.

Rules to remember:
-Owners (or custodians) of a dog are responsible and legally liable for the acts and conduct of the dog at all times when the dog is in a city park.
-The city does not supervise use of the dog park and anyone using the area does so at his/her own risk.
-No more than two dogs per visitor.
-An adult must accompany youth under the age of 16.
-Dogs should be under voice control.
-Please fill any hole your dog digs.
-Owners or custodians of a dog must restrain and control the dog at all times with a leash of not more than 6 feet in length when outside of the dog exercise area.

Do your dogs enjoy going to the dog park? Are you searching for a home near a dog park for your favorite 4-legged family members? Give a us a call to find the perfect home for your family and pets! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

4th of July Fun!

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4th of JulyCelebrate the 4th of July three days in a row this year! Wear your red, white & blue and head out to one of these Valley favorites to celebrate on July 3rd, 4th & 5th!

July 3rd:

ANTHEM’S INDEPENDANCE DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate at Anthem’s Independence Day Celebration with a traditional fireworks display, fun rides, activities and festival food. Families can bring blankets and lawn chairs and sit back to enjoy the spectacular event. ACC Community Park, 41730 N Glavin Peak Parkway, Anthem

July 4th:

FABULOUS PHOENIX 4TH
Fabulous Phoenix 4th will feature one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest! The non-alcoholic, family-oriented event annually attracts 100,000-plus participants every year. Included in this year’s event will be two stages featuring local entertainers, a variety of vendors offering festival-style food and beverage, arts and crafts, interactive exhibits and a classic car display. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix

JULY 4TH TEMPE TOWN LAKE FESTIVAL
Kiwanis Club of Tempe 66th Annual Fireworks Spectacular will present fireworks shot from Mill Avenue Bridge! The spectacular fireworks show will begin at 9:20pm and will be choreographed to patriotic, pop and country music! Gates open at 5pm.Tempe Beach Park, 620 N Mill Ave, Tempe

July 5th:

ARIZONA DIAMONBACKS FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
The Diamondbacks take on the Colorado Rockies at 6:10pm inside air-conditioned Chase Field. Afterwards, the retractable roof will open for a fireworks spectacular! Chase Field, 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix

Are you looking for a new home to fly your American flag? Give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Favorite Places to Cool Off in the Summer

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Musical Instrument MuseumWith Summer 2019 official here, we’re all looking for places to cool off! Here are five ideas to get you started having fun and keeping cool in the Valley of the Sun:

Museums
Summer is the perfect time to check out the Valley’s diverse museum scene. A few of our favorite’s include the Musical Instrument Museum (pictured), The Phoenix Art Museum and The Heard Museum. Spending a few hours strolling in an air conditioned museum is the perfect opportunity to escape the heat while enjoying a fun and educational activity. Be sure to check out the summer concert series at the Musical Instrument Museum near Desert Ridge!

Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale is a massive 200,000 square foot facility which puts it at the largest aquarium in the Southwest. A visit to the aquarium is the perfect way to escape the heat for a few hours. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the enclosed escalator fish tank, the restroom shark fish tank which ranks amongst “the best bathrooms in the US”, and the Living Sea Carousel, a rotating exhibit which takes you past 4 exhibits including a massive shark and sea lion tank.

Waterparks
The Valley is home to several awesome waterparks; Hurricane Harbor in North Phoenix, Sun Splash in Mesa and Big Surf in Tempe. Waterparks are one of the best ways to enjoy a hot summer day while still being outside in the fresh air.

Local Resorts
Most 4 and 5-star luxury resorts offer their best deals during the summer months, because they cannot fill all the rooms since Valley tourism is always down June-August. The fantastic deals are a great way for locals to enjoy a fun and affordable staycation at an otherwise pricey resort. The Arizona Grand Resort is a family favorite with their on-site 7-acre water park. If you’re wanting a more relaxing staycation, spend a weekend at the Montelucia in Paradise Valley.

Ice Skating
When you really want to cool off, head on over to one of the Valley’s ice skating rinks where the inside temperature is always a cool 55 degrees! The Ice Den in North Scottsdale offers public skating times and lessons. They also offer special family deals on Friday and Saturday nights.

Looking for a new home with a pool to cool off all summer? Give us a call to find your new dream backyard pool! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Celebrate Memorial Day

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Memorial DayMemorial Day has become a day for picnics, pool parties and the start of summer vacations, but it’s important to remember the holiday has somber roots. Memorial Day was first held on May 30th, 1868, to honor those lost during the Civil War.  After the United States’ involvement in World War I, the holiday was expanded to honor all killed in any US war. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, this moved the observance of Memorial Day from May 30th to the last Monday in May. Here are some events and activities in the valley to celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who we have lost.

Flags for Our Fallen
More than 200 bikers with 500 American flags will pay tribute to those who have served our country. Camping is available starting Friday, May 24th. Riders arrive at 4am on Memorial Day; the ceremony will begin at 8am.
Details: 5-9am Monday, May 27th. 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Free to participate; $10 each or three for $25 to sponsor flags. ridersusa.net

Memorial Day with Pioneers’ Cemetery Association
The Pioneers’ Cemetery Association presents its annual Memorial Day observance with Marty Manning as master of ceremonies. Free public parking available at Wesley Bolin Plaza. After the ceremony, tour the cemeteries and visit the historic Smurthwaite House.
Details: 9am Monday, May 27th. Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, 14th Avenue and Jefferson Street, Phoenix. Free. azhistcemeteries.org

Blue Star Museums Initiative
The Heard Museum is part of this program which offers free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families from May 27th through Labor Day, September 2nd. That includes active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve members and up to five immediate family members.
Details: 9:30am-5pm Mondays-Saturdays; 11am-5pm Sundays. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free to those eligible members; $7.50-$18 for others. heard.org

Prescott Memorial Day Observance
Head up north to Prescott to join U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli and others at the annual Memorial Day Observance at the Historic Citizens Cemetery.
Details: 9-10am Monday, May 27th. Citizens Cemetery, 815 Sheldon St., Prescott. Free. prescott.org

Arizona Day Trips

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Grand Canyon

As we approach Memorial Day, the summer heat is also approaching fast.  Sometimes the best way to escape the heat is to escape entirely, even if only for a day.  Here are some popular day trips to consider this summer:

Sedona. Pack up up a cooler and head to Sedona for the day.  Sedona is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, golfers, art lovers and shoppers. Everyone who visits enjoys the jaw-dropping views of Sedona’s red rock formations.  First-time visitors to Sedona may want to consider signing up for a Jeep tour which is an exciting, off-road way to experience Sedona.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park.  This gorgeous park is located on Carefree Highway, about 15 miles west of the I-17 freeway.  This 23,000-acre desert park has the beautiful Lake Pleasant as its crown jewel.  There are multiple ways to enjoy this desert oasis.  From fishing, boating and hiking to camping and swimming, there is something for everyone at Lake Pleasant.

Grand Canyon.  The Grand Canyon is only about 4 ½ hours north of Phoenix, so it’s entirely possible to make the Grand Canyon a destination for a day trip.  Assuming you don’t want to hike into the canyon or take a mule trip down its depths, you will have a good 4-5 hours to take in the stunning vistas of this national park without having to find overnight accommodations.

Verde Canyon Railroad.  This is a fantastic day trip any time of year, and you’re sure to see abundant wildlife as well as Indian dwellings.  The train leaves from Clarksdale, about 2 hours north of Phoenix, and is ridden 4 hours (out and back) along the Verde River through the gorgeous Verde Canyon. You may also want to consider taking one of the moonlight trips during the summer months to experience the Sonoran Desert after dark.

Jerome.   This is a must-see for visitors and residents of Arizona.  The historic copper mining town is located only about 90 miles from Phoenix between Prescott and Flagstaff.  This mountainside town, at 5,200 feet elevation, features lots of shopping, dining and art, all within historic buildings.  This fun day trip is suitable for all ages.

Do you have a favorite Arizona day trip? Please share with us so we can it to our summer plans!