Noteworthy Happy Hour Places in Scottsdale

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happy hour photoNorth Scottsdale is a place for having good leisure time. It is widely known to have some of the finest golf courses which attract numerous people across the planet. However, beyond the golf courses and the beautiful landscape and real estate scene, North Scottsdale also has a long list of wonderful locations where you can visit together with your friends and co-workers. These locations, called happy hour places, offer drinks, meals, and other shopping and leisure activities at very good prices within a stipulated period of time. To help you grab seats with ease, we have compiled the best happy hour places in North Scottsdale. Check them out and visit when you can.

  1. Market Street Kitchen

Located in the DC Ranch area, Market Street Kitchen offers happy hour every day for a period between 4-6pm. Here, their happy hour specialties include grilled fish tacos, summer melon salad dressed in a sweet tea, grilled chile pork stew, and more. The regular prices for these meals could range from $8 to $14. However, during happy hour, these prices are slashed by half. They also have drinks which range from Three Olives flavors to craft beers at $5.

  1. Sapporo Scottsdale

Sapporo Scottsdale is located in Southern Kierland, with happy hour offerings running from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, happy hour is slated for 10pm-close. More interestingly, Sapporo Scottsdale offers happy hour specials throughout the summer – every day during the summer. Beverages could start from $5 while wines have a price range of $5-$12 including pineapple martini, ginger bourbon lemonade, and more. The available specials are beef sliders, hoisin bbq ribs, tuna lettuce wrap, et cetera.

  1. Armitage Bistro

Armitage Bistro can be found at DC Ranch. At Armitage Bistro, they offer happy hour every day of the week starting from 4pm to 7pm. The offers include spirits, martinis, wine, and food such as Armitage fries, Margherita flatbread, grilled artichoke, and toasted ravioli. They take $1 off drinks and beers, and the wine offering ranges from $5-$14.

  1. North Italian Farmhouse

The North Italian Farmhouse is also located in Kierland. Unlike most happy hour locations, North Italian Farmhouse run their happy hour specials every hour of the day on Sundays. On Mondays to Fridays, happy hour specials are available between the hours of 3pm-6pm. The eats include chef’s board, salads, Zucca chips, chef’s pizza of the day, and spiced nuts. Drinks include sangria, beer and well drinks which could cost from $2-$5.

  1. Twisted Rose Winery

Located off Northsight, Twisted Rose Winery has similar happy hour schedule as North Italian Farmhouse, but it is more organized and entertaining. Happy hour specials are available at Twisted Rose Winery from 3pm-6pm Mondays to Fridays. The Twisted Rose Winery menus combine handcrafted wines, martinis, and beers with twisted up dishes that give a wine focus. They have daily offerings from Mondays to Fridays which implies that specific specials are available on specific days. For instance, on Wineastic Wednesday, all bottles of wine become available at half the original the price; TGIF Friday is entertainment-focused with wine-tins of $7 and lots more.

  1. Brio Tuscan Grille

Brio Tuscan Grille is located around Scottsdale Quarter with happy hour offers that last Monday to Friday between 3pm-6:30pm. Brio Tuscan Grille is more flexible than other locations in its happy hour specials as it also becomes available in the bar on Mondays to Thursdays by 9pm-close. For a tasty treat, you will have to start with $3.95 for eats such as Brio burger, Tuscan tasters, and Pepperoni Flatbread.  Drink specials for sangria, cosmos, mojitos, and more start at $5.

 

Conclusion

North Scottsdale is a place where you can easily find top restaurants serving really delicious meals at good prices. During their happy hours though, you just won’t want to miss out because of the varieties of meals and drinks plus the discounts and unbelievable low prices they come with. The next time you are thinking of a good happy hour location in North Scottsdale, just scroll through this article, visit anyone of your choice, and let us know what you think.

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Best Golf Courses in Scottdale 

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golf photo

With more than three hundred and thirty days of sunshine each year, Scottsdale certainly provides the best weather for a fun recreational golf game. If you are a golf lover already living in Scottdale, you are probably familiar with some, or all of the golf courses. While playing golf, one thing all of us want is to have as much fun as possible, even professional players can attest to this simple truth.  But, you cannot have a fun game on a bad course – that will only frustrate you.  Also, how can you enjoy a good golf game on a course where you have to spend more than half of the time of play looking for your balls or your opponent’s? That will rub off all the fun from the game. These golf courses listed here gives you enough room to hit your ball and find it easily off the tee. This makes the game more interesting and fun. Remember the aim is to have as much fun as possible!

The following courses are some of the more popular golf courses in Scottdale but that’s just our opinion, we’ll like to hear yours especially if you’ve ever played in a golf course in Scottdale.

1. Troon North ($189-$249)
Troon North is one of the courses in Scottdale. This public course is made up of two courses – Pinnacle Peak course and Monument course. The Pinnacle Peak course is set at the base of a Pinnacle while the Monument course which is considered the better of the two is named after the Monument under the third hole. The Troon North golf course has 36 holes, all designed in desert style by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morris. Both courses provide spectacular views and with tees placed high above fairways. The course also have a few carries and good vistas from the tees making it easier for balls to be found. The Troon North also provides extensive practice facilities, so if you will like a little warm-up before the actual game, you can do so with ease.

2. TPC Scottdale ($108-$299)
The newly renovated TPC’s Champion Stadium and Stadium Course at TPC Scottdale is a course everyone should at least visit once in a while. With great Clubhouses, golf instructions, PGA tour level golf and lots of practice equipment, TPC Scottdale is more than just a golf course, it’s a whole new experience. What’s even more exciting about this course is the finishing stretch which includes two risk-reward holes – one over water (the par-5 15th) and the other drivable (par-4 17th), making every game as dramatic as possible.

3. Camelback Golf Club ($100-$200)

The Camelback golf course features two courses – the Padre course and Ambiente course both of which were recently renovated by Jack Snyder, Hurdzan Fry Environmental Golf Course Design. The renovation have made the courses more Eco-friendly, which is one of the major aim of the renovation in addition to improving the course layout, making it easier for players to keep up with their games. The course features rolling terrains, undulating fairways and cutting drop in elevation. There are no forced carried in any of the courses making it friendly almost every golfers especially beginners.

4. Grayhawk Golf Club 

Grayhawk Golf Club features two great desert courses – the Raptor Course and Grayhawk’s Talon Course. The Raptor course seen as the better of the two courses was designed by Tom Fazio and has been used to host major PGA tour events. The Grayhawk’s Talon Course was designed by David Graham and Gary Panks and features the par-3 17th and the drivable par-4 13th.

Scottsdale provides you with the best clear whether any golfer will ever hope for to play in. So, if you’re planning on visiting Scottsdale or even already in town, don’t miss this opportunity to play in some of the best golf courses in the country.

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Popular Farmers’ Markets Around The Northeast Valley

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Carefree Farmers market banner photoIf you live in the Northeast Valley or in any of the neighboring areas, maybe you are wondering where you can go to find the best farmers’ markets in the area. After all, farmer’s markets are a great opportunity to find locally-grown high-quality fruit and vegetables as well as cuts of meat, eggs, and homemade goods that are created and sold by your neighbors. Buying from a farmer’s market gives you the chance to support local merchants and help give back to your community by keeping your spending local. But it’s hard to do all that if you don’t know where the best markets are! Take a look at our list of the best farmer’s markets in the Northeast Valley to help you plan your next shopping day.

Scottsdale

  • Old Town Farmers’ Market: If you’re looking for the true farmers’ market experience in Scottsdale, Old Town Farmer’s Market is the way to go. This is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s a large market packed full of all sorts of different types of food for sale from local vendors.  Even the parking is easy at this one, but make sure to arrive early so the vendors don’t run out of high-quality organic produce!
  • Singh Farms: Stop by on Saturdays during the open farmer’s market season to visit Singh Farms in Scottsdale. Here, you can find all sorts of fruit and veggies as well as locally-made dips, spreads, cheeses and more. Be sure to keep your eyes open for homemade bread and pick up some excellent jams or jellies to eat with it while you’re there. Take note, however, that dogs aren’t allowed in this market.

North Phoenix

  • Uptown Farmers’ Market: The Uptown Farmers’ Market in North Phoenix is another favorite among the locals, and it’s picking up a lot of steam with visitors to the area, too. You can find a variety of different ethnic foods at this market as well as plenty of your favorite locally-grown vegetables too. Be sure to check out the vendors that sell lunch and snacks on the go if you get hungry while exploring everything this market has to offer!
  • Open Air Market: The Open Air Market is a year-round farmers’ market that takes place every Saturday at the Phoenix Public Market in North Phoenix. This is a smaller market than the others listed here, but it’s still worth checking out if you’re looking for somewhere to buy sustainable and locally-sourced food from the region. Be sure to check out the café next door if you get hungry while you’re there, too!

Paradise Valley

  • Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market: The Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market doesn’t have as many arts and crafts vendors as some of the others listed here might have, but if you’re looking for a great selection of food from the area, be sure to check it out. You can find lots of breakfast and lunch options among the quality fruit and vegetables, too.

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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.