Guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches

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This Halloween will be looking different than years past, but Valley pumpkin patches are open to keep the Halloween spirit alive! Here is your guide for everything you need to know about the best local pumpkin patches, but we suggest calling each Pumpkin Patch for hours and admission prices before planning your trip because as we have learned this year, things can change quickly!

MacDonald’s Ranch
Annual Pumpkin Festival

26540 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-585-0239
Open October 3rd – November 1st

A longtime North Valley favorite, this patch is located in North Scottsdale. Take a train or hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick your pumpkins and enjoy the activities.

Pioneer Living History Museum
All Hallows’ Eve Trick-or-Treat

3901 W. Pioneer Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85086
623-465-1052
Open October 24th

Enjoy spooky Halloween fun at Pioneer Living History Museum. Trick-or-treat in the decorated village, take a haunted trolley ride, and so much more!

Vertuccio Farms
Corn Maze and Fall Festival

4011 S. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85212
480-882-1482
Open October 1st – November 1st
With a 7-acre corn maze, duck races, train rides, a petting zoo, giant jump pad, and much more, there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained.

Schnepf Farms
Pumpkin and Chili Party

24610 S. Rittenhouse Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-987-3100
Open Every Thursday – Sunday in October

Throughout October, Schnepf Farms will offer fun fall activities such as hayrides, a 4-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, pig races and, of course, chili. Fireworks light up the sky Friday and Saturday nights.

Mother Nature’s Farm
Halloween Pumpkin Patch

1663 E. Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233
480-892-5874
Open September 26th – October 31st

A pumpkin with every child’s admission at this family-owned farm! After decorating their pumpkin, kids can enjoy the air bounce, a hayride, straw bounce, feeding the animals, and Alexander’s Adventure Maze. You are also able to bring in your own picnic lunch if you don’t wish to purchase food.

Tolmachoff Farms
Corn Maze & Pumpkin Days

5726 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85303
602-999-3276
Open October 1st – November 1st

This West Valley farm has something for the whole family. Admission includes a family & mini maze, petting zoo, play areas, jumping pillow, bounce house and optional train rides.

Rocker 7 Farms
Farm Patch Fun

19601 W. Broadway Rd. Buckeye, AZ 85326
623-208-8676
Open October 9th – October 31st

This family-owned pumpkin patch boasts a crop maze, sunflower field, hay wagon ride, an educational barn and a kid-friendly activity area.  Enjoy a day of not only playing in a pumpkin patch but learn all about farming and agriculture!

At Home Date Night

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Even though restaurants and activities have begun to open up post coronavirus stay-at-home orders, many people are still comfortable staying home. But staying home doesn’t mean you have to skip out on Date Night. Below are 10 fun ideas for at home date nights!

Play the Newlywed Game! See how well you really know one another. Have prizes for every correct answer. Check out some fun questions here.

Make it a theme night! Choose a theme and center everything you do around it. For example, if you choose an Italian theme, you could eat spaghetti and gelato, then watch a movie like The Italian Job or Life is Beautiful. Some other fun theme ideas: Mexican, Asian, Christmas, Kid’s theme, 1950’s (or any decade), etc, etc.

Have a romantic candle light dinner. It doesn’t matter if you are eating hot dogs and macaroni and cheese because anything eaten by candlelight is romantic.

Have a fondue night. Don’t have a fondue machine? No worries! You can melt chocolate or other dipping sauces in a slow cooker or even on your stove top!

Play “Would You Rather?” You will learn a lot about a person that you never knew when they are faced with a crazy question. Find questions here.

Host a Book Club for 2! Check out two copies of the same book at the library and discuss the book as you read it.

Have a movie marathon. Pick a theme of an actor, genre, or series and watch as many as you can. If you fall asleep, you can always pick up where you left off in the morning.

Break a record! Find a record in Guinness Book of World Records and spend the night trying to break it. Try doing it together as a team or make it a competition and compete against each other to see who has the better record.

Write out the story of how you met and fell in love. Or better yet- video tape it! Your kids and future posterity will be so grateful and it is so fun to go back and read (or watch) years down the road. It’s amazing how much you will forget!

Online home shopping. This is our favorite game! (Wink, wink!) Shop homes for sale online and pick out your favorite and least favorite room of each house.

Did you find your next dream home playing “online home shopping”? Give us a call to schedule a showing! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

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Arabian Horse Since 1955 the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been entertaining horse enthusiasts while raising funds for charity. The largest event of its kind in the world is held at WestWorld of Scottsdale and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. The 2020 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show will take place from February 13th to 23rd.

In addition to exciting competitions, gala parties, educational seminars, family-focused events, and an international cuisine court, the event features more than 300 vendor booths, offering everything from lavish jewelry, clothing and works of art. Free activities that cater to the entire family include ‘Meet an Arabian Horse’, ice cream socials, Paint-A-Pony ceramic horse painting, art contests, behind-the-scenes barn tours, educational round pen demonstrations and much more. Additional activities for a nominal fee will include pony-rides, petting zoo entry and camel rides.

There are sessions in the morning, afternoon, and evening. View the full schedule and purchase tickets at: www.ScottsdaleShow.com

Do you know of anyone moving to the Scottsdale area?  We’d love to help you or your friends find a home that meets their needs and lifestyle. Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

67th Annual Parada del Sol

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parada del solThe 67th Annual Parada del Sol Parade will be held in Old Town Scottsdale on February 8th, 2020. The historic parade has the distinction of being known as the World’s Largest Horse Drawn Parade with nearly 150 parade entries marching down Scottsdale Road. The parade takes the streets at Drinkwater Boulevard and Scottsdale Road at 10am, then heads south down Scottsdale Road finishing at Brown Avenue and Indian School Road. Immediately following the parade, enjoy the Trail’s End Festival with live music, food and a kids area with games and pony rides from noon to 4pm in Old Town Scottsdale. See the day’s full schedule at scottsdaleparade.com.

Scottsdale is a wonderful city to live in for year-round events and festivals. Call us to learn more about the City of Scottsdale and to view featured homes for sale! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

 

Barrett-Jackson 2020

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vintage carThe annual automotive event of the year returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale from January 11th to the 19th, as Barrett-Jackson presents its 49th Scottsdale Auction. Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. Widely regarded as a barometer of the collector car industry, the auctions have evolved over the years into world-class automotive lifestyle events.

Highlighting the 2020 Scottsdale Auction’s extended prime time hours on Friday and Saturday are nine prestigious collections, 11 coveted Ford GTs, plus an array of celebrity-owned vehicles and the world’s largest gathering of professionally built Resto-Mods, all selling at No Reserve. Guests wishing to attend the event after 5pm Wednesday, January 15th, through Saturday, January 18th, can get exclusive prime-time ticket pricing online and at the gate.

In 2020 Barrett-Jackson will be increasing its commitment to safety. Security officers will be checking and tagging all bags at the auction entrance, and guests will be screened for weapons and contraband. Also, guests will only be permitted to enter the auction site with clutch purses that do not exceed 6.5” x 4.5” or clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” (or one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags).

To receive more information on becoming a bidder or purchase tickets, visit www.Barrett-Jackson.com.

Are you ready to buy or sell in 2020? Click here to receive your free home value estimate. Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

New Year’s Eve Celebrations!

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happy new yearThe time has come to bid farewell to 2019 and welcome 2020. From Dave & Busters to the Royal Palms, there are celebrations across the valley to welcome the new year!

Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale and Tempe Marketplace will both be open on New Year’s Eve with arcade games, redemption games, an appetizer buffet. Both locations will have a family-friendly party and an adults-only party. For more information, visit: www.daveandbusters.com

Glow All Out – Topgolf
“Swing-in” the New Year from 9pmto 1am with a glow-in-the-dark party at Topgolf in Gilbert, Glendale, and Scottsdale with four hours of Topgolf play, party favors, and a midnight fireworks show. Reservations are required. Each bay can hold up to six people. A “general” reservation is $240-$270, depending on the location, and includes golf and party favors. Drinks, food are additional costs. VIP is $420-$450 and includes access to buffet, unlimited fountain drinks, a sparkling bottle of wine, party favors, and golf. For more information, visit: www.topgolf.com

Medieval Times New Year’s Eve Show
Medieval Times will have a special late-night New Year’s Eve show at 9:45pm at its Scottsdale-area castle with pre-show hors d’oeuvres, party favors, a four-course dinner, champagne toast at midnight, balloon drop, a dj, dancing, and admission to the Museum of Torture. For more information, visit: www.medievaltimes.com

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort New Year’s Eve Party
The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort will have a family New Year’s Eve party from 6pm to 10pm with a dinner buffet, crafts, games, dancing, a photo booth, champagne toast, and a “mocktail” bar for the kids. The cost is $35 for kids and $75 for adults. For more information, visit: www.squawpeakhilton.com

Hindsight is 2020 Royal Palms
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix will be celebrating every decade from 1920 to 2020. A live bank will play the music of the first 50 years, then a DJ will take over to spin tracks from the next 50 years. Tickets are $175 and include two drinks, a raw bar, appetizers, and a champagne toast. For more information, visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/hindsight-is-2020

Is one of your 2020 New Year’s resolutions to buy a new home? Call us to to begin your search today! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Scottsdale Canal Convergence

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scottsdale public artExperience 10 days of wonder along the Scottsdale Waterfront at the Scottsdale Canal Convergence November 8th-17th, 2019. Enjoy the annual confluence of water + art + light. “The Story of Water” is an immersive interaction of art and artists. The free art festival will feature 14 large-scale, light-based installations by innovative local, national and international artists. The art exhibits are best viewed after sundown, but workshops and artist talks begin as early as 4pm. There will also be live music in the beer and wine garden at the Soleri Plaza.

Squidsoup is returning to Scottsdale for the Canal Convergence with two new installations, one at the Scottsdale Waterfront and one at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). The “Standing Wave” artwork installation will use 600 interconnected orbs of light and sound to simulate a wave over the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront. The orbs will act in choreographed harmony to create a series of emotive and enticing environments, referencing standing waveforms in canyons and canals. “Murmuration,” a site-specific artwork at the SMoCA, will use a networked data system to connect hundreds of lights and audio sources, creating a responsive data swarm.

The Scottsdale Waterfront runs from Goldwater Boulevard and Fifth Avenue in the west to Camelback and Scottsdale roads in the east. Public parking is available nearby, including free options at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Scottsdale is a wonderful city to live in for year-round art festivals and museums. Call us to learn more about the City of Scottsdale and to view featured homes for sale! 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!

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