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!

Visit Taliesin West

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Taliesin WestTake a guided tour through the word-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. Immerse yourself at Scottsdale’s only National Historic Landmark as you experience one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural sites. Taliesin West is nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale. Frank Lloyd Wright began building his desert masterpiece Taliesin West in 1937 as his personal winter home, studio, and architectural campus. It was built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, making it among the most personal of the architect’s creations.

To enjoy the grandeur of Taliesin West, there is a wide selection of guided tours offered ranging from one to three hours long. You cannot enter the property unless you are on a guided tour, thus tours of Taliesin West are required. Reservations are strongly recommended for all tours, walk-ins are not guaranteed spots on a tour and tours book up fast. Taliesin West is open year round, but is closed to the public on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Tickets are available for advanced purchase by visiting franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west or calling 888-516-0811.

What is your dream home? Let us know! We are local area experts and can find the type of home that meets your needs and lifestyle. Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Easter Brunch

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Easter Basket
With so many Easter brunches around the valley, how do you choose? Here are a few of our favorite local restaurants for brunch!

Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
6114 – North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Weft & Warp at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows will be going all out this Easter Sunday. From 11am to 3pm delight in an assortment of cheese and charcuterie, slow-roasted prime rib, pan-seared scallops, and so much more! Raspberry coconut eclairs will sugar-coat the entire experience, but go for a Lucky Charms tart to keep the meal festive. Bottomless mimosas are sure to get you buzzing at $25. An egg hunt will be held on property from 10 to 11am, including a special adult hunt with prizes. Brunch costs $75 for adults and $35 for children 7 to 12. Call 480-214-4622 for reservations.

Pomelo at the Orchard
7100 – North 12th Street, Phoenix

Enjoy Pomelo this Easter with an inspired brunch set at one of Arizona’s first citrus farms. Start with a crudite platter with hummus and grilled pita, then keep it fresh with the seared ahi tuna salad. Indulge in the short rib Benedict or breakfast pizza featuring fresh mozzarella, Schreiner’s sausage, breakfast potatoes, and over-medium eggs. Plus, you can rendezvous with rosé all day for $20. Brunch runs from 10am to 3 pm. Call 602-633-2600 for reservations.

Ocean Prime
5455 – East High Street, #115, Phoenix

Treat yourself to seafood and upscale vibes this Easter at Ocean Prime from 11am to 3pm. Easter brunch will be a la carte and feature lobster toast with a sunny-side egg, crab and eggs atop an English muffin with hollandaise sauce, and French toast with mixed berries and candied bacon. Start your meal with a blood orange mimosa for $9, or go all out with Ocean Prime’s signature Bloody Mary with jumbo shrimp for $18. Call 480-347-1313 for reservations.

Once you finish your Easter Egg hunt and you’re ready to begin your house hunt, give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Hiking in Scottsdale

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Pinnacle Peak
Did you know Scottsdale was once named by National Geographic as one of the nation’s top 15 hiking destinations? With more than 400 miles of well-maintained trails in the area, it’s no surprise. If you’re planning a hike in Scottsdale, here are a few popular ones:

Gateway Loop Trail

The Gateway Loop Trail is a peaceful and solitude trail away from the city bustle. The 4.5-mile trail only gains 655 feet in elevation perfect for a nice leisurely walk through the desert or for trail running. The trail loops you back around to your starting point. www.mcdowellsonoran.org

Lost Dog Wash

Once an old jeep tour route, Lost Dog Wash climbs a low ridge into the McDowell Mountains. Spectacular views of surrounding landmarks like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West as well as other mountains like Camelback and Pinnacle Peak can be seen from this trail. The trail only gains about 380 feet in elevation, the out-and-back length of just over 5 miles. www.mcdowellsonoran.org

Go John Trail

If you want to see a desert tortoise? Then you may want to hike the 6-mile Go John Trail. It loops around jasper-studded hills with a few moderate bursts of difficulty. The trail features views of nearby Spur Cross Ranch, and in the spring there are blooming wildflowers throughout. www.maricopacountyparks.net

The Scenic Trail-McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Located near the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Scenic Trail is good for families because it has a wide variety of scenery without too much elevation gain. Enjoy the sights of the Verde River and Superstition Mountains as well as springtime wildflower blooms. If you walk the full trail out and back and you’ll cover nearly 7 miles. www.maricopacountyparks.net

Pinnacle Peak

If you’re ready for a moderate workout, this Pinnacle Peak trail is a great choice. The smooth, wide trail leads you to the summit where you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Valley. Be alert for wildlife, as your hiking partner may be friendly quail, jackrabbits, cactus wrens and road runners. The trail is 3.5 miles out-and-back, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet. www.scottsdaleaz.gov

Spring Training

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Spring Training
Attention baseball fans! It’s that time of year again-baseball Spring Training time. Spring Training 2019 begins this weekend! Baseball under the warm Arizona sun has been a tradition since 1947 when the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants came here to prepare for the season ahead of them. Now, the Cactus League’s 15 teams call Arizona home for Spring Training and Scottsdale is fortunate to be home to the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies and our home team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Baseball fans come from all over the country to warm up and watch their favorite teams play at Scottsdale’s premier baseball facilities.

Scottsdale Stadium was originally built in 1965 and is home to the San Francisco Giants. It has been called “the gem of the Cactus League ball parks” for its awesome location right in the middle of historic and scenic downtown Scottsdale and a short walk to a wide selection of restaurants, clubs and art galleries. Visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov for the Scottsdale Stadium spring training schedule.

The Salt River Fields is the latest and greatest in spring training stadiums and consists of separate training facilities and clubhouses accommodating each team along with an 11,000 seat main stadium with a roof structure designed to provide plenty of shade. The stadium also offers open fan observation area and batting cages. In addition, if you are not into peanuts or cracker jacks, then SRV has you covered. They not only offer traditional baseball fare, but also food for vegetarians, gluten-free options, and high end dining. Visit www.saltriverfields.com for the Salt River Fields spring training schedule.

To view homes for sale in the Scottsdale area before or after a game, give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Love is in the Air!

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Valentines Day

Love is in the air this week for Valentine’s Day. If you are still looking for an idea how to celebrate, treat your Valentine to one of these romantic Valley dining destinations.

Palo Verde Restaurant at the Boulders
February 14th, 2019
4:00pm–10:00pm
$78 per person
Romance and scenic views are on the menu at the Boulders Resort’s Palo Verde Restaurant. They are offering a four-course, pre-fixed Valentine’s Day dinner. Choose from a bounty of delicious options, including fresh seafood, Beef Tenderloin, Osso Bucco and a shareable chocolate dessert for two. www.theboulders.com

Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn
February 14th, 2019
5:00pm–10:00pm
$85 per person
Toast love this year at Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn. Chef Jeremy Pacheco and the Lon’s culinary team have prepared a delicious multi-course menu that pairs perfectly with one of the nearly 700 wines featured on the restaurant’s award-winning wine list. Menu highlights include creamy Lobster Bisque, Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Striploin, Atlantic Halibut, and Dark Chocolate Cake. www.hermosainn.com

T. Cook’s
February 14th, 2019
5:00pm-10:00pm
$135+ per person

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day at Royal Palms Resort and Spa’s most romantic and iconic restaurant, T. Cook’s. Executive Chef Alex Robinson will be preparing a special four-course, prix-fixe menu paired with a Veuve Clicquot Rose toast. Enjoy delicious dishes such as Coffee Rubbed Beef Tenderloin and Basil and Mascarpone Tortellini and end the evening with their Dark Chocolate Cherry Decadence. www.royalpalmshotel.com

Verde Canyon Railroad
February 14-16th, 2019
1:00pm
$129 per person
If you have time for a day-trip, drive 2 hours north of Scottsdale to Clarkdale to enjoy a scenic ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The Chocolate Lovers’ Special features flowing fountains of chocolate, irresistible pastries and desserts, as well as breathtaking views from your cozy seat in the first-class car. Pair your sweet treats with a flight of Verde Canyon Railroad’s private-label wines for an added blush of romance. www.verdecanyonrr.com

When you are ready to look for a new home to fill with LOVE, give us call! Chris 480-754-9477 & Cheryl 480-754-9077

Valley Farmers Markets

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Farmers MarketFarmers markets showcase the bounty afforded us by Arizona farmers, growers and artisans. Lucky us, we have such beautiful winter and spring weather to enjoy the outdoor markets, one of the many reasons we love living here!

Farmers Market at the Mercado
Abby Lee Farms, Blue Sky Organic Farms, Relish This, Sun Valley Bees honey and Big Red’s hot sauce are among the vendors you’ll likely find at this farmers market at the Mercado del Lago shopping center at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale.
Details: Sundays from 9:30am-1:30pm November-February, and 9am- 1 pm March-May. Mercado del Lago, 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com

Fountain Hills Farmers Market
Beef steaks, hard-to-find seasonings from Go Lb. Salt, jam from Grandma Patti’s Kitchen and gourmet popcorn from Gypsy Jane’s are just a few of the things you’ll find at this weekly festival in Fountain Hills. Eat while you shop and visit vendors making grilled cheese and other dishes.
Details: Thursdays from 11am-5pm October-mid April. 16858 Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. experiencefountainhills.com

Scottsdale Arizona Farmers Market
This market in Old Town Scottsdale has evolved into a weekly food festival, with demonstrations to show you how to prepare things farmers are selling. You’ll find dozens of farmers, ranchers and vendors selling coffee, vegan desserts, cheese, crostini, pasta, candy, tamales, soups, wild-caught Alaskan seafood, hummus, tomatoes, spicy pickles, grass-fed lamb, microgreens, frozen entrees, bread and more.
Details: Saturdays from 8am-1pm October-May. 3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. arizonafarmersmarkets.com

Arizona Community Farmers Market
The state’s oldest farmers market offers one of the largest selections of produce, along with fresh chickens and grass-fed lamb. Dozens of vendors sell specialty foods, including cupcakes, jam, jerky, chili pies, wild salmon, tamales, green-chile stew and tortilla soup. The location is at a park with a playground, fishing pond, ducks and geese.
Details: Saturdays from 8am-1pm October-May, and 7-11am June-September. 3502 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com

Barrett-Jackson 2019

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Do not miss the 48th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction at Westworld Scottsdale January 12-20th. While driving through McDowell Mountain Ranch this week, you may notice the many historical and luxury cars in town for the auction, and it’s hard not to notice the big white tents as you are driving by the 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright. I’m always amazed to think under the tents is millions of dollars in auto sales every January.

Barrett-Jackson was established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale. They are recognized for offering only the finest selection of quality collector vehicles, outstanding professional service and unrivaled sale success.

More than 1,800 cars and 1,600 car collector items will be on display for all to enjoy! Even if you’re not a car fanatic, there is plenty to do with more than 200 exhibitors and over 70 food vendor locations offering a wide variety of dining options. There will also be interactive exhibits from over 100 sponsors, and don’t forget the people watching! Visit Barrett-Jackson to view schedule of events, tickets and family day information.

Free Summer Activities in Phoenix

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got water signSummer is around the corner and there’s always something happening in Phoenix to keep you busy! One of the great things about our region is the variety of outdoor activities that are mainly free and are great if you’re on a budget. 

We’ve rounded up our favorite free activities to take advantage of this summer. 

Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Center

With miles of hiking trails and a variety of views, this somewhat challenging trail is great for hiking-enthusiast looking for a summer adventure.  It’s best to go early, right after sunrise.  Don’t forget to bring LOTS of water, sunscreen and a hat.

Phoenix Art Museum 

You might not know that one of Phoenix’s most popular cultural attractions is free every Wednesday evening, from 3-9 p.m. Stop by and check out the latest exhibit and get your fill of art history. 

Mesa Arts Center

This 212,000-square foot arts center is one of the largest in the state, and free to attend. They host performances, have art galleries and offer one of a kind installations. While performances cost money, walk around the area and check out the art gallery!

Arizona Capital Museum

For the history buff, take a trip to the Arizona Capital Museum to get a picture of Arizona’s early statehood. World War II buffs can browse a USS Arizona display and see artifacts specifically curated from Arizona in WWII. 

Smith Mountain Park 

In the largest municipal park in the world, these crisscrossing trails offer a spectacular view from Dobbins Lookout Point at 1,200 feet. From there, check out Happy Valley and go through Spring Mountain Park.

Apache Trail

Looking for a road trip in your own backyard? Check out Apache Trail. One of the most scenic drives in Arizona, it features scenic stops and great desert life along the way. Don’t forget to check out Goldfields Ghost Town for a spooky tour in Arizona’s gold rush land.