The Phoenix Traveler

December 2nd, 2008

We hardly knew ye

You’ve probably heard about the recent store closings (Mervyn’s, Circuit City, Linens & Things), but this economic downturn is affecting other Metro Phoenix venues as well, especially the young ones. 

MOSS WELLNESS SPA

I didn’t even have time to write about Scottsdale’s first luxury eco spa–less than a year old–at the Scottsdale Waterfront. It was LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, a unique place for the socially conscious. I had made a mental note to go and try out the coffee wrap treatment. It sounded like a much better way to start a day than at Starbucks. But, too late. The spa is now closed. A message on its Web site says it’ll still be honoring gift certificates, though.

TANEKO TAVERN

I did write about this new concept in Japanese American dining. Founded by P.F. Chang’s, the Borgata-based restaurant got off to a false start and then a redesign before making any progress with diners. But I liked it and wrote about it for US Airways Magazine. I even celebrated a few happy hours there. The three-year-old venue offered communal dining in the bar and a special appetizer where you cooked mini bits of steak, fish and chicken on hot rocks. I loved that. Not everyone did, apparently. I dined at PF Chang’s at Kierland Commons this weekend and found out Taneko is now closed.

RIP

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December 2nd, 2008

All you need is…art…and a Beatles song

Mill Avenue in Tempe hustles and bustles with pedestrian traffic year-round. It’s not the place to go if you want peace and quiet. And though I’d say the majority of the people you’ll see milling around are Arizona State University students, urbanites from all over the Valley of the Sun head over on evenings and weekends to shop, dine at the many restaurants, hang out in the taverns, and walk, ride bikes or rollerblade over to Tempe Town Lake.

This coming weekend, however, pedestrians will flock to Mill Avenue–one of America’s “ten great streets” (American Planning Association, 2008)–for one of the city’s most popular attractions: Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts.

Since the Beatles had its #1 hit, “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” on the radio 40 years ago, this festival has been the event holiday shoppers love to attend. I’ve been several times and still recall the gift I purchased for my sister the first time I went in 1988 (the 20th anniversary year). It was a hand-crafted Christmas Elf.

I don’t know if that booth’s still around, but here’s a sample of what I know you’ll experience while there this year:

_250,000 visitors, more or less, with lots of them pushing strollers, so watch out.

_more than 400 juried artists’ booths (woodwork, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, fountains, photography, textiles and more), so you know you’ll see quality work.

_food and beverages to purchase at the Food Court on 6th Street near Mill.

_street performers (stilt walkers and mimes, for instance).

_live entertainment (past performers have been local bands, including Gin Blossoms, Margo Reed, Walt Richardson and others).

_hands-on crafts and activities for kids, thank goodness.

_Arizona Wine Festival with tastings from several Arizona wine growers.

If you attend on Friday, stick around after hours for an added treat this year: the Anniversary Beatles Tribute. It takes place at the Arizona Wine Festival Jazz Stage, with Beatles tribute music played by cover band Apple.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: 40th ANNIVERSARY FALL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

WHEN: December 5-7, 10 a.m. to Dusk

WHERE: Mill Avenue in Tempe

ADMISSION: Free

PARKING: Free at Rio Salado Parkway & Hardy Drive, just east of Priest Drive on the north side of Rio Salado Parkway. A free shuttle runs every 15 minutes. (map it)

If you don’t want to hassle with that, nine paid parking garages or lots surround the downtown area, closer to the festival. But still, plan for a lot of walking and wear comfortable shoes.

(Photo of Mill Avenue Festival courtesy of Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau.)

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December 1st, 2008

Red Ribbon events in Phoenix

Today, December 1, marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988, to provide governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals the opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.

Worldwide special events take place to continue this mission. Here’s what’s happening in Phoenix:

_Planned Parenthood offers HIV/AIDS testing today at half the regular price, from $70 to $46. Call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to make an appointment or to find out where the nearest health center is to you; they’ll accept walk-ins.

_Join folks at 2 p.m., at Steele Indian School Park. They’ll be there to help form a gigantic AIDS ribbon and help break the Guinness Book of World Records. Mayor Phil Gordon is expected to attend.

_The 10^th Annual “Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise” celebration for World AIDS Day runs until 2 p.m., today, at the Phoenix Indian Health Center. It is sponsored by Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, Native Health, Phoenix Indian Medical Center, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation, Gila River Health Center, Arizona Department of Health Services, and the Heard Museum. The itinerary includes a health fair, entertainment and keynote speakers. Call 602-248-4195 for details.

_Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS has partnered with two Arizona State University student groups (Seeking Justice, Ending Poverty, and ONE ASU) to create an awareness program at the Tempe campus on the Hayden Lawn. It runs till 9 p.m., and includes information tables and a question-answer session with AIDS experts. Volunteers will hand out agency information and prevention/education materials. Organizations will share information about travel programs to various countries affected by the AIDS epidemic. Opportunities to sign up for local service will also be available.

_An awareness event with LIFEbeat, the Music Industry Fights AIDS takes place till 8 p.m., at the Phoenix Virgin Megastore (5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Space 590, Tempe). Information about HIV/AIDS prevention, services, hotlines and referrals will be distributed.

(Logo above used with permission by Bloggers Unite.)

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November 30th, 2008

November 2008: top five picks

In celebration of my first milestone here at The Phoenix Traveler–my 100th post–starting this month, I’ll be posting a list of my favorite posts of the month. I’ll post my top five picks at the end of each month. It might be a handy reference guide for those of you who are new to the blog and might have missed them. Or, it might be be helpful for those of you who could use a reminder about all the great sites, resources and venues not to miss when in Arizona or visiting Phoenix.

If you’d like to weigh in to agree or disagree, please post your comments below.

November’s picks are:

http://www.thephoenixtraveler.com/garden-arts/

http://www.thephoenixtraveler.com/arizonas-newseum-opens/

http://www.thephoenixtraveler.com/vineyards-in-the-verde-valley/

http://www.thephoenixtraveler.com/something-else-coming-soonlight-rail/

http://www.thephoenixtraveler.com/author-interview-christine-bailey-gushes-about-phoenix-and-areas-beyond/

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November 28th, 2008

This pass could have your name on it

Imagine your name on this brown piece of paper. It’s the ticket to statewide recreational fun. The Arizona State Parks Annual Pass costs just $50, and it’s good for the entire family–all year-long.

This holiday season, it could be the affordable gift that keeps on giving as it’s the economical way to travel and explore Arizona’s 27 state parks. Pictured above, the Standard Day-Use Entrance Pass is good for the family’s non-camping day-use and includes all the Parks except Colorado River Parks on weekends and holidays.

At Kartchner Caverns State Park, the pass is good for the entrance to experience the Discovery Center, picnicking and trails, but does not apply toward the two cave tour opportunities.

Special programs within the parks may have special related fees not covered by this entrance pass; however, most of the nature walks and interpretive programs are included in the day-use pass.

What can you do at Arizona State Parks? Camp, fish, hike, take part in interpretive environmental programs, sign up for a moonlight star gazing walk, ride horseback, watch historic reenactments, picnic with the family, take a guided pontoon boat tour at Sonoita Creek Natural Area, and root for friends in the water skiing tournaments at Lake Havasu or Lyman Lake. The list goes on.

The state park system even celebrates special events, such as Earth Day in April (events scheduled at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Red Rock and Catalina), and the annual “Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival” and “Verde River Days” at Dead Horse Ranch.

If you plan to frequent the park system this year, opt to buy the Premium Annual Day-Use Pass for $125. It adds those weekends in parks along the Colorado River, and more of your family members or friends can go with you.

HOW TO PURCHASE THE PASS?

By mail:

Arizona State Parks
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

In person: 

State Parks main headquarters, or at any of the Arizona state parks.

By fax:

Visit the Web site to print and fill out the Gift Shop order form.

More Information:

Call 602-542-4174. If out of area, call 800-285-3703 (toll free).

(Photo of pass provided and used with permission by Arizona State Parks.)

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November 27th, 2008

A greeting card for you…

May you be blessed with family and friends.

May you be surrounded with laughter and joy.

May the bounty at your table sustain you.

May you respond to it all with love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yours,

The Phoenix Traveler

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November 26th, 2008

Author Interview: Christine Bailey gushes about Phoenix and areas beyond

As the soon-to-be-author of Backroads & Byways of Arizona (Countryman Press, Fall 2009), I’m a big believer in promoting guidebooks. As your editor here at The Phoenix Traveler, I’m also a big believer in helping you find the resources that could help you navigate the city and beyond. So from time to time, when I hear about a new book coming out that could be useful to you–and I can get access to the author–I’ll post an interview. My first was with Sam Lowe, author of several books about Arizona travel. (An update: His latest book, New Mexico Curiosities, is out now.). Today, we hear from Christine Bailey.

A few posts back, I mentioned the ArtFest of Scottsdale. I managed to fit in a quick trip there last weekend and met two Arizona-based travel writers. They were both selling and signing their guidebooks. I bought both and managed to snag an interview with Christine.

Author of Great Destinations: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona & Central Arizona–A Complete Guide, Christine took the time, via e-mail, to answer a few questions for me so I could share her experiences with you:

Since this is your first guidebook, what did it take to sell the idea to the publisher?
Countryman Press was already looking for an author to write the book. They had posted an ad on Craigslist. When I read the description of the author they were looking for, I felt I was perfect, but I was nervous because I had never written a book before and wondered how they could ever pick me. I almost decided not to respond! Instead I reminded myself that the worst thing that could happen was that I wouldn’t hear back from them. So, I sat down that night and responded with my clips and a resume. And the next day they asked for a proposal and a sample chapter. I was thrilled. I researched how to write a book proposal, wrote about some of my favorite places, and submitted it by the deadline. They liked it and awarded me the contract. I gave it a shot, and I’m glad I did. It was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.

Your book’s title is misleading. It actually covers much more than Phoenix and her surrounding cities. With side trips included, you cover quite a big chunk of Arizona.                                                                                                                I agree; however, I’m fine with the title. While the side trips chapter has enough information to pique people’s interest about visiting some of the locales and makes suggestions on places to try, it doesn’t provide enough details to say the book is about all of Arizona. It’s about what you can do when you visit the Valley and the short trips you can take from there.

Why do you think the Phoenix metro area is a “Great Destination”?
There is so much to do here–and so much of it is outside. The weather, the mountains, they all add to the experience. Even though I live here in Phoenix, I feel like I’m always on vacation. I may be driving to work, but I see palm trees and mountains, and I recognize that I’m somewhere exciting and different. I get to be in an urban setting (I’m from Chicago, so I like a big city), but I get to enjoy nature, too. It’s close by and so accessible.

For instance, I can get to three of my favorite hikes (Piestewa Peak, South Mountain and Camelback) in less than 20 minutes. And pool season can last from April until the end of September. I think that’s why so many people are drawn here–They like the idea of integrating their play life and their work life. And I think that’s why so many people come to visit–They want to feel, if only for a short time, that their priorities are perfectly balanced. I think that’s the Valley’s charm–the perfect balance of ruggedness and luxury. Where else can you spend three hours climbing a steep mountain and then spend your afternoon beside a pool, mountain views around you, frozen margarita in hand?

What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching our country’s fifth largest city?
Phoenix barely has any history. I was stunned by how little happened in the Valley between the time the Hohokam left in the mid-15th century and when Phoenix was settled in the late part of the 19th century. As the largest city in the state and the fifth largest in the country, it is amazing to me just how young Phoenix is. But, that’s part of its charm. It’s still growing up…

Did you have a specific audience in mind when you wrote the book? Who was that?
Not necessarily. So many different types of people are attracted to this part of Arizona, and for a variety of reasons: golfing, spas, hiking, rock climbing, shopping, resort settings, families, couples, singles. The people and their reasons run the gamut, so instead of speaking to a specific audience, I tried to write the book as if I were talking to friends and sharing with them all of my favorite things to do or places to see and why I thought they, as a golfer, shopper, mom, would like them.

In your transportation section, you mention cabs. I have to ask, have you ever taken a cab in Phoenix?
I have! Several times. But, it’s not a typical cab-town, such as New York City where you can hail a cab on the go. Not here. Unless you’re at the airport or an occasional hotel or resort, you’ll need to call one; that’s why I provided numbers in the book. You’ll never find one when you need one.

I see that you didn’t include Light Rail, but it’ll be right here in Phoenix at the end of the year. What are you thoughts about Light Rail in Phoenix–do you plan to ride it?
When I was researching the book, much about the light rail was up in the air. Originally, I had a lot more to say about it; however, I felt it best to refrain from including any details since it was likely that they would change. I did mention it in the bus section, since the buses and light rail are meant to work together.

And I do plan to use it! As a big city girl, I’ve seen first-hand how a good transportation system makes a city more accessible to its tourists and its citizens. It was a controversial plan on the part of supporters; however, I hope to see it open up the highways and get people to our downtown! There’s so much room for growth and it would be nice to see the light rail help to make that happen. A strong downtown is good for all of us, even those of us who live in other cities. Plus, it should help funnel visitors to other city hubs, like Mesa’s Main Street and Tempe’s Mill Avenue.

As you know, Phoenix is known for all the fine resorts and golf courses, which you feature in your book, but we don’t get a lot of media attention when it comes to shopping. Yet, I think we have a lot to offer. Where would you send a visitor for the local bargains or unique finds?
That’s funny you should say that. While I was writing my book, I heard quite a bit about our antique shopping options; however, most of it seemed to come from other travel writers rather than anything I had read.

For local bargains, hmmm….if they’re antique shopping they can hit Glendale’s downtown area which has a number of little shops; McDowell between 17th and Central avenues; for unique art galleries, try Old Town Scottsdale. I really like the shopping at the Biltmore at 24th and Camelback–It has a great combination of upscale national chains with a couple of great local shops that carry high-end merchandise.

My favorite shopping experience is at Kierland, north of the 101 Loop on Scottsdale Road. I like the combination of upscale shops and local and national restaurants. Plus, it’s laid out kind of like a town square and makes for a pleasant outdoor shopping experience.

Of all the hotels you were able to tour, what would you say was the most unique and why?
Hands down the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. I’ve been there for several types of occasions, events, dinner, etc. I like its intimate setting, beautiful Old World décor, the casitas, the hidden gardens and paths, the pool, the views of Camelback Mountain, its location between the Biltmore area and Old Town Scottsdale, and most of all, the service. Even when I go there for dinner, I feel as if I am their favorite customer and that was before I wrote a travel guide.

If you could have 48 hours to do whatever you wanted–but it had to cover the areas you wrote about–where would you most want to spend your time and why?
Oh…this is a tough question! Okay, let’s start with a rugged, wet and wild canyoneering trip through Salome Canyon with 360 Adventures. Leave North Scottsdale at 7 a.m., return about 6 p.m., shower, dress and get ready for dinner at Lon’s at the Hermosa, patio seating, of course. What could be better than an amazing dinner beneath the stars? After a rigorous day, a fairly early bed time at the Royal Palms. Early morning breakfast at La Grande Orange at 40th and Campbell, southeast of the Biltmore shopping district. Breakfast would be outside, of course, beneath the mesquite trees in full view of majestic Camelback Mountain; it changes colors as the sun rises. Head up north to the Westin Kierland for the works: full body massage and body wrap at Agave Spa, and then shopping and lunch at Kierland. Followed by a late afternoon beside the pool back at the Royal Palms. A nap and a late dinner at My Florist Café in central Phoenix–an eclectic dinner with wine, set to live piano music. And then again, a full night’s rest at the Royal Palms.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Christine. 

If interested in buying the book–it would make a great holiday gift–visit Countryman Press.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

(Photo and book cover used with permission by Christine Bailey.)

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November 25th, 2008

Have you visited Travel Photo Daily?

If not, take a look. It’s Jon Rochetti’s blog. Travel Photo Daily is exactly what he’s titled it–a travel photo, daily, along with information about the photo posted. Today, he’s posted one of mine from my New England journey taken last month. The photo on your left is a teaser. By the way, Rochetti also edits The DC Traveler. 

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November 24th, 2008

Answer: Last week’s "Can you name this place?"

You’re right, Becky. When you posted your comment last week, you guessed correctly. The name of the mountain where we saw Post Creek is called Mount Graham. We drove up the Swift Trail to see it.

Located in Graham County in southeastern Arizona, the mountain is home to many things recreational, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, birding and one of the world’s largest telescopes.

The Graham County Chamber of Commerce can tell you more.

(Photo by Jackie Dishner, used with her permission.)

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November 24th, 2008

Hidden bike path

I’ve ridden the bike path along SR 51 (Piestewa Freeway) many, many times, but it’s been a few years. Today, I rode it again and found a surprising addition…and more miles to ride.

I haven’t taken this path since long before the city of Phoenix opened the Indian Bend Wash Park at the northwest corner of 36th Street and Sweetwater last year. But that’s where the path would always end. If I wanted to continue riding, I’d have to take 36th Street up north to Roadrunner Park and ride miles around the park there.

Now, however, I see that the city has actually paved the left-hand side of the wash all the way over to Stonecreek Golf Course, just west of Paradise Valley Mall. The beauty of this is that now this bike path connects the park through the wash to the border of Paradise Valley, near 52nd Street and Shea Boulevard. Since there aren’t many people in a the area (You’ll see a few joggers, dog walkers, and maybe another cyclist or two, but that’s it.), it’s also a quiet ride.

For this trip, which began as far north as Reach 11 (and I stopped to turn around at the golf course instead of going all the way to 52nd and Shea), I wound up with a 14-mile ride this morning. When I used to ride this path before, I might get 10 miles out of it, if I rode around the park a few times. With those extra miles paved in the wash, this is so much better.

For the Phoenix travelers–local or not–looking for a safe place to ride a bike in a quiet setting, and if you’d like a decent bit of exercise, I recommend this path. All you have to do, pretty much, is follow the 51. (Map it.)

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