Best Ghost Towns in Arizona

/in , /by

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.

Cinco de Mayo 2022

/in , /by

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

68th Annual Parada del Sol Parade

/in , /by

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

/in , /by

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

/in , /by

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

Goodbye 2021 – Hello 2022

/in , /by

It’s time to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022! Here are a few of our favorite places to safely celebrate across the valley:

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse

Ring in the new year with some Asian fusion and sushi at Kasai. Seating begins at 3 to 10:45pm, and reservations are required. They are open on New Year’s Day at 3pm. They will be serving a special menu, including a grilled veal chop for $49, among other items. Daily happy hour is from 3 to 6pm and includes $2 off all beer and wine, $3 off all cocktails, $2 off all appetizers. Teppan happy hour is offered from 3 to 5pm.
Where: 14344 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale

Mirrorball New Year’s Eve Party at Talking Stick Resort

What better way to start 2022 than with a party? This year, you find just that at Talking Stick Resort. The resort has a Bruno Mars tribute show and a Prince tribute show as well. Plenty of other music and drinks are on top for the evening, as well as the champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, of course!
Where: Talking Stick Resort at 9800 E Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale
When: December 31st 9:30pm to 1am
Cost: Starts at $135

The Mexicano New Year’s Eve Party

You can enjoy a mariachi band, fire dancers, a live DJ, and much more at The Mexicano’s New Year’s Eve party this year. There will be plenty of great food and drinks to enjoy as well. And there will be a special toast at midnight!
Where: 4801 E Cactus Road in Scottsdale
When: Starts December 31st at 7pm

ComicX New Year’s Day Character Meet-And-Greet

Want a unique and pretty cool way to start 2022? You sure can at ComicX. You can enjoy their comic-booked-themed restaurant, bar, and store, but on New Year’s, there will be life-sized superhero figurines, video games, and more without any additional cost.
Where: 21001 N Tatum Blvd #95 in Phoenix
When: New Year’s Day from 5pm to 7pm

New Year’s Eve celebration at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Jade Bar at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain this year. There will be a special four-course meal, a bottle of Krug Grand Cuvee Brut, and of course, some New Year’s Eve party favors.
Where: 5700 East McDonald Drive in Paradise Valley
When: December 31st
Cost: $1,500 plus tax for four people, $2,400 for six, varied parties are $300 per person. Reservations are required.

Snow week at the Arizona Science Center

The kiddos can learn all about snow at the Arizona Science Center on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. There will be fun demonstrations, penguin skating, building a snowpal, and other fun activities.
Where: 600 E Washington Street in Phoenix
When: 10:30am to 4pm on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Cost: General admission for adults is $19.95 and $14.95 for kids between the ages of 3 and 17. Children under 3 are free.

New Year’s Eve at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails

Enjoy a tasty five course menu on New Year’s Eve at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails. Dishes include Dungeness crab, organic chicken roulade, roasted prime beef loin, and much more.
Where: 2 East Jefferson Street in Phoenix
When: First seating – 6 to 6:30pm, second seating 8:30 to 9pm.
Cost: $100 to $125 per person

Beat the Heat Water Bottle Drive

/in , , /by

Extreme temperatures affect the most vulnerable in our communities who don’t have refuge or resources.

Help Us Help Others…

Help prevent respite from the heat for homeless veterans, seniors, men, women, youth, and children. Central Arizona Shelter Services distributes over 150,000 bottles of water from May – October.

Chris & Cheryl Park, along with the The Sibbach Team, are hosting a water bottle drive to help the Central Arizona Shelter Services provide heat relief during the summer months.

About Our Partner…

Central Arizona Shelter Services logoCentral Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is the largest emergency homeless shelter provider in the state, including a Downtown Phoenix single adult shelter and Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter in Sunnyslope. Each year, CASS serves over 5,500 homeless individuals and families.

Why You Should Donate…

Dehydration can lead to organ failure, seizures, and death. Individuals who are experiencing homelessness are at great risk for heat-related illness. Last year, there were 172 heat-related deaths in Arizona. So join us, and help save a homeless person’s life.

How You Can Help…

Drop off cases of bottled water (preferably standard 16.9-ounce bottles) to the Sibbach Team offices at 14301 N 87th Street, Suite 215, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We’ll be accepting water donations through the end of August, Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Don’t Forget To…

  • Check-in on neighbors that might be at risk of dehydration or heat-related health issues.
  • Get your friends, family, or neighbors involved by sharing this page with them.

Not able to make it to our offices?

You can also make a monetary donation by visiting this link. All proceeds go directly to the Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) and are tax-deductible. Monetary donations help provide bottled water, sunscreen, flip flops, hats, cool-weather clothing, air conditioning costs at the CASS shelters, financial assistance and eviction prevention for their clients, and other summer-related expenses.

Make a Monetary Donation

One water bottle makes a BIG difference.

beat the heat water drive

4th of July Celebrations 2021

/in , /by

Let’s get ready to celebrate the Red, White and Blue in Greater Phoenix! Classic Fourth of July gatherings with food trucks, fireworks, and air shows are back for 2021! Check out our list of fun things to do for the Fourth of July in the Valley!

Celebrate America 2021 – Lake Pleasant Fireworks Show

Located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, conveniently adjacent to the Phoenix Metro area, Pleasant Harbor hosts this annual fireworks show, as well as food trucks, free kids activities, including water slides, bounce houses and live music. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and activities running through 10:30 p.m.

Pleasant Harbor Marina (Southeastern Shore of Lake Pleasant) – 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria

4th of July Fireworks at Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

Enjoy a brilliant 15-minute fireworks show from Reserved Fire Pits, Reserved Patio Seating, the Oasis Water Park, or from the patio of your guaranteed view suite, available exclusively to resort guests. The Fireworks show will be accompanied by a DJ and Willie’s Taco Truck will be offering delicious eats.

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa – 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix

Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at Westworld

This Scottsdale patriotic celebration features food, fun, and live entertainment and delivers a fireworks show twice the size as 2020, in fact now one of Arizona’s largest fireworks displays. There are three ways to celebrate: VIP Backyard Barbecue ($41 adults, $21 children; Premier Polo Field Parking ($41 per carload); and General Admission Parking ($26 per carload). VIP Backyard Barbecue ticketholders will enjoy free parking, access to the air-conditioned North Hall featuring tables, a buffet-style barbecue, live music by Some Like it Yacht, Brock Pro Patriots Quartet, and Grant Brothers Country Music Duo. For the youngsters, fun activities such as a “snow day in July” with a giant snow slide, face painters, balloon artists, and more are in store. Those with Premier Polo Field Parking tickets can BYOP (bring your own party), watching fireworks in a larger area surrounding their vehicle with room for tailgating. Those with General Admission Parking can also BYOP and view the fireworks from reserved lots north of the North Hall.

WestWorld of Scottsdale – 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

A Star-Spangled 4th of July Celebration

Join Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch for the weekend to celebrate our nation’s birthday, complete with the resort’s signature Red, White and Boom Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday, July 4.  During the day guests can splash into a 2.5 acre water playground with 10 pools, zip down a 30’ high-speed waterslide or hit the sandy beach. The beachside Fun Zone features a putting green, ping-pong, giant chess and giant Connect Four. There are poolside cabanas and daybeds for relaxing and H2Oasis, the poolside restaurant, to fuel and recharge. Continue the fun with a cornhole tournament, watermelon eating contest, slide races, themed crafts and more. And then after dark, enjoy the beauty and tradition of the annual fireworks display.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch – 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale

fireworks

McCormick-Stillman Park Summer Concert Series 2021

/in , /by

Rock and roll at the Railroad Park is back on track for Summer 2021! Enjoy concerts every Sunday evening with a variety of local bands. Recently recognized as one of the best live music venues in Arizona by Best of American Towns, Sundays at The Railroad Park are the place to be in Scottsdale this summer. With Classic Rock, Retro ’80s, Country, Rhythm and Blues and Retro ’90s, there is a little something for everyone. Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Pack a picnic or enjoy something tasteful from one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

Due to COVID-19 and public health recommendations, the structure of this year’s event is changed to provide a safe and socially distanced environment. The Summer Concerts may look different than it has in previous years, but is intend to create a safe and memorable experience for you and your family. All guests are asked to understand and adhere to all public health protocols.

  • The event will feature a limited capacity of 750 people.
  • 120 8’x8′  marked spaces all distanced 6′ apart that can fit up to 6 people.
  • You are asked to remain within your space during the concert unless you are using the restrooms or purchasing food.
  • Masks will be required for anyone six years and older.
  • Multiple hand sanitizing stations will be available at the rides and throughout the event area.
  • All areas and attractions with potential lines will have social distancing stickers in place.

Gates will open at 5 pm. Wristbands will be given to all attendees. The event area will only be accessible to those who have purchased tickets for that specific concert.

Concert Schedule: 

  • May 30 | Mogollon
  • June 6| Rock Lobster
  • June 13 | People Who Could Fly
  • June 20 | Abba Fab
  • June 27 | Piano Men: Generations
  • July 4 | The JJ’s Band
MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
ADMISSION
$30 – 8×8 Space. Includes admission for up to 6 people.  Beer & Wine Permit-$15 (no glass bottles please). For additional information, visit:www.therailroadpark.com
drums

Summer Nights at the Royal Palms Resort

/in , /by

As the sun sets in the desert, the nighttime energy comes alive at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood. Mark your calendars for a themed experience all summer long. Join us on the last Friday of the month, May-August, for an evening filled with specialized menu creations and live music to complete the vibes.

Friday, May 28 – Latin Night

6:30 pm Doors Open

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Live Music from La Dignidad

Friday, June 25 – Reggae Summer Nights

6:30 pm Doors Open

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Live Music from Hourglass Cats

Friday, July 30 – Blues Brews & BBQ

6:30 pm Doors Open

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Live Music from The Sugar Thieves

Friday, August 27 – Jazz Under the Stars

6:00 pm Doors Open

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Live Music from House of Stairs

Admission is $40 per person, inclusive of live music and tapas. No reservations required, tickets are sold at the door the night of each event. Specialty beverages will be available for purchase.

cello