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

Electric Desert at Desert Botanical Gardens

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Desert Botanical Garden

Two months remain to enjoy the Desert Botanical Garden’s newest exhibit! Now through May 12th, 2019 the cactus and desert become a living canvas during the new Desert Botanical Garden nighttime experience. The dancing lights will enage visitors on an immersive journey through the Garden using lights and original music. Electric Desert, by Klip Collective, includes seven site-specific locations, with each experience inspired by and related to the Garden.

Founded in 2003, Klip Collective is an experiential video shop that uses virtual reality, projection mapping, storytelling and soundscapes to create captivating, immersive sensory experiences on behalf of institutions, corporate clients and cultural partners. Philadelphia-born but globally based, Klip Collective has created projection experiences in a diverse array of environments across the world.

Dates: through May 12th, 2019

Electric Desert-
Adults ages 17+ : from $24.95 – $29.95
Youth ages 3-17 : from $12.95 – $15.95
Children under 3 : FREE

Daytime + Electric Desert-
Adults ages 17+ : $34.95 – $39.95
Youth ages 3-17 : $19.95 – $22.95
Children under 3 : FREE

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: dbg.org

2019 Phoenix Open

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Phoenix Open

Starting this weekend, thousands of Arizona residents and visitors will head to North Scottsdale for the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Last year, the popular PGA Tour broke its attendance record by almost 64,000 people, reaching a total of more than 719,000 for the week! With next week’s weather forecast to be 70 and sunny, will they break the record again?

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
January 28th: Practice rounds, Kadima.Ventures Pro-Am
January 29th: Practice rounds, Kadima.Ventures Pro-Am, R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day, trick shot show
January 30th: Annexus Pro-Am, Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory
January 31st: Round 1
February 1st: Round 2
February 2nd: Round 3
February 3rd: Round 4

ADMISSION & DISCOUNTS
“Ford Free Days”: There is no admission cost on the first two days of the Phoenix Open, Monday and Tuesday, January 28th & 29th. The pros will be out on the course for practice rounds.

General admission: Admission is $45 on Wednesday, January 30th, Thursday, January 31st, and Sunday, February 3rd; and $60 on Friday and Saturday, February 1st & 2nd .

Free child admission: Individuals 17 and younger are free all week with paid adult admission.

Military, vets and first responders: Military members (active duty, reserved, retirees and veterans) and police officers, firefighters and EMTs can get free (there is a $1 verification fee per person who applies)
admission for himself or herself, and a guest each day of the tournament. You have to register through “Birdies of the Brave” to claim the tickets.

FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS
Food and drink is a big part of any event and the Phoenix Open will not disappoint!

El Rancho- Located on top of the hill near the 12th hole green, El Rancho has bleacher-style seating that has vantage points of the 12th green, 13th tee-box and 6th green and fairway. This year, El Ranch is expanding to 18,000 square feet. There will beer and tequila tasting, tables and umbrellas, and food.
Craft Beer Haus at 7: Opening on Wednesday, Craft Beer Haus will feature MillerCoors-owned craft beers, including Blue Moon and Leinenkuge. There will also be food and backyard-style games. It is located between the 6th hole fairway and 7th hole green.
FanZone: The FanZone is near the 9th green and is home to Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Zinburger and Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. Dierks will have a chicken wrap sandwich, chicken tenders and fries. Zinburger’s menu includes hamburgers, a crispy chicken sandwich, a double cheeseburger, and fries.
Bottled Blonde: Located near the 18th fairway, Bottled Blonde will have wrapped sandwiches, drinks and bottle service.

DATES January 28th – February 3rd, 2019
LOCATION TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, 17020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Visit wmphoenixopen.com and coorslightbirdsnest.com for more information.

For more information on North Scottsdale real estate, give us a call at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077.

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.

Spooktacular Halloween Activities Across the Valley

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Ghouls and Goblins of all ages are excited for the fun Halloween activities happening throughout the month in the Phoenix area.  Here are our top five Halloween events in the Valley for the whole family to enjoy. 

Howl-O-Ween at The Phoenix Zoo

A great event for the all ages, Howl-O-Ween at The Phoenix Zoo will be held October 26 and 27, from 6pm to 10:30pm. If you love sweets, keep an eye out for Trick or Treat doors around the park offering tasty treats. There will also be a character meet and greet, with your favorite superheroes, princesses and Star Wars characters! Other activities include an Extinct Animal Graveyard, Monster Bash Dance Party and House of Hazards. Tickets can be brought online or at the gate. Get more information by visiting The Phoenix Zoo website.

Salt River Fields Spooktacular Balloon Festival

pumpkin photoHead to Scottsdale, October 26 and 27, from 5pm to 9:30pm for an exciting Halloween event. The Spooktacular Balloon Festival will feature over 20 hot air balloons and 4,000 pounds of candy! The event will also include a haunted trail, fireworks and costume contests. Learn more here. 

Halloween Spooktacular 

Chandler’s Halloween Spooktacular is a family friendly Halloween event, with free admission! The event will be held on October 26, at the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park-Stage Plaza from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Activities will include games, creepy crafts, face painting, concessions and more. Plus, don’t miss out on a showing of Hotel Transylvania 2! Get all the details here. 

Halloween in the Hills

For over 10 years Fountain Hills has thrown a fun and safe Halloween carnival. This year’s Halloween in the Hills be held on Halloween Night from 4pm to 8pm, on the Avenue of the Fountains. The event will feature carnival games, costume contests, a Fountain Hills Fire truck candy drop, and so much more! Learn more and see pictures from previous years here. 

Legoland Brick or Treat

Legoland Discovery Center in Tempe will hold several Brick or Treat events throughout October. Brick or Treat activities will include trick or treat scavenger hunts, pumpkin Lego mask builds and more. Get all the details and dates by visiting the Legoland website. 

Contact Chris & Cheryl

Living in Scottsdale: Summertime Family Fun Activities

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Summer break is winding down and people look for things to do locally.  This is a good time to get the whole family together and explore your community before school starts up again. It may be hot, but there’s tons of fun to be had in Scottsdale during the warmer months. From community events to desert adventures, we’re sharing our favorite Summer activities in Scottsdale!

Scottsdale ArtWalk

Scottsdale ArtWalk is a long-standing tradition in the community. The ArtWalk takes place every Thursday from 6:30pm – 9pm, in Downtown Scottsdale’s art district. The event gives everyone the opportunity to explore local galleries and artists, while enjoying refreshments, music, carriage rides and more.

Shopping

There’s no shortage of great shopping in Scottsdale, and it’s a great way to beat the heat while finding something special!  Explore local boutiques in Old Town, popular department stores in Scottsdale Fashion Square or unique gift shops in Cave Creek and Carefee. Plus, there are fabulous restaurants around the city to grab a bite in between stores!

Outdoor Adventure Scottsdale

The Northeast Valley has plenty of trails for every fitness level to explore the breath-taking Sonoran Desert. Popular trails include Pinnacle Peak Park and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Horseback riding is another fantastic summertime activity the whole family is sure to love. MacDonald’s Ranch offers guided horseback rides that let you experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in an unforgettable way. Go early in the morning.  Don’t forget to wear a hat and bring plenty of water!

Scottsdale Library

The Scottsdale Library hold numerous events during the summer for both children and teens. It’s a great way for you to meet other families in the area and make new friends! Visit the Scottsdale Library website to see a full list of upcoming events.

There’s a ton of things to do all around the valley.  Keep checking our blog as we share tips and info for locals and visitors.

Click here to learn about Scottsdale Neighborhoods.

Unique Restaurants Throughout The Valley

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food festival photoThe Valley Of The Sun is home to many restaurants – from posh rooftop dining, patios overlooking scenic golf courses, old cowboy steakhouses to multiple ethnic eateries.  On weekends, Cheryl and I enjoy scoping out unique and interesting dining experiences.  Here’s our favorite list:

The Hangar Café

This Café is very close to the Chandler Municipal Airport and as such offers customers an eat and view airplanes taking off or landing.  Not only is the view unique, the food is delicious! The restaurant is known for amazing homemade comfort breakfast and lunch meals.
Hangar Cafe
1725 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286

Rustlers Rooste Steakhouse

Rustlers Rooste is one of the oldest restaurants in Phoenix. This popular restaurant which began operating in 1971 is a family-owned Cowboy-themed steakhouse and bar with a banquet hall. The restaurant is seated at the top of the South Mountain, giving customers a gorgeous views of Phoenix’ skyline.  There’s plenty of entertainment, portion sizes are very generous.  It’s a great place to take your out of town visitors.
Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044

Organ Stop Pizza

If you are looking for and oddity, Organ Stop Pizza is the place to visit. The family friendly restaurant has been open since 1972.  The restaurant is open all week for dinner only and is notable for having the largest pipe organ in the world, the Wurlitzer pipe organ.  Besides pizza, they also serve salads, desserts, and sandwiches.
Organ Stop Pizza
1149 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204

Noble Eatery

For the best-baked foods, Noble Eatery in Arcadia is our top choice and you’ll find many locals visiting this bakery every day of the week.  They use old European techniques and recipes for their bread and pastries using organic, GMO free flour abd sea salt.  The menu includes sandwichens, soups, salads and changes daily.
Noble Eatery
4525 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Compass Arizona Grill

This restaurant is located at the top of the Hyatt Regency Hotel and offers customers a good place to view downtown Phoenix and the surrounding mountains. This posh launch/restaurant is unique for its 360-degree movement and is not really family friendly.  It’s a great place for a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion.  The menu is American southwest cuisine with local flavors and ingredients. All tables have fantastic views of downtown Phoenix.
Compass Arizona Grill
122 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

The Yard

The Yard is a collection of outdoor restaurants and gets its name from the backyard aura of the patio. The restaurants serve several delicacies including contemporary ones and include a complete bar. Popular restaurants here include Barrio Urbano and Culinary Dropout. Perfect place for larger group to meet for happy hour and a fun night out.
Culinary Dropout – The Yard
5632 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014

There are many more we want to write about but this is a good start if you are lookin for ideas to try something new and unique.  We love living and working in Scottsdale.  Let us know when you are looking to move to the northeast valley.  We will find a home for you that meets your needs and lifestyle.

Contact Chris and Cheryl