Filed under: Arizona, entertaining, golf, hiking, Shopping
Entertaining Ideas for Arizona Visitors this Spring
If you’ve been reading my posts lately, you’ll realize that I’ve provided interesting facts on the state of Arizona, lists of local festivals and other tidbits that will prepare you for what is every Arizonans right of passage – entertaining out-of-town guests in the spring. Ah yes, no doubt your phone will begin to ring, you’ll receive emails from your old college roommate, and Aunt Edna from Poughkeepsie who just can’t take the winter anymore will ask to visit. Don’t kid yourself they’re not interested in seeing you, they’re using you for a much needed dose of sunshine.
In my opinion, visitors fall into several diverse categories including shopaholics, golfers, nature lovers and kids. Here are my suggestions for keeping every type of visitor entertained.
For Kids of All Ages
One of my more memorable kids day was when my husband and I entertained our friends and their three little girls. () is a fun-filled kids paradise with a bumper boat lagoon, miniature golf, go-kart track and the new bungy dome. For big kids there’s a driving range, batting cage and volleyball courts. Here are a few more adventures that are sure to entertain the kids and keep the adults interested too.
Ra Sushi
Shop Until You Drop
() is a newer shopping development in Scottsdale with unique restaurants; The Greenhouse, Ra Sushi, North and shops like BCBG Max Azria, Bebe, and Brighton Collectibles. It’s a sophisticated and eclectic mix of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences situated in an outdoor urban community with something for everyone. It’s also across the street from where I work and it’s a wonderful atmosphere for browsing. There are many other choices for the hardcore shopper from one side of the Valley to the other. Here are just a few.
Golfers
Even though I’m not a golf enthusiast, I drive a mean cart and can appreciate the many beautiful courses that we have throughout the Valley. Here are some of my favorites and others that have been highly recommended.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hiking outdoors is an activity that I like to share with my out-of-town guests. Coming from a big city, this is not a typical pursuit, but it’s a great opportunity to show off our amazing landscape. I’m a regular at but also enjoy these other outdoor recreation areas and botanical gardens.
Well, by no means is this list complete, but it’s a good start to give your out-of-town visitors a taste of Phoenix. It’s a lot of work being a tour guide so it behooves you to be prepared.
And in the end, why should you care? So, you might have to clean the bathroom a little better than normal, stock the refrigerator with items you’ll never eat or change your routine for a short period of time. Just think of these visitors as a captive audience who you can impress with your unending knowledge of your town. I bet that once they’ve seen our beautiful desert landscape, eaten at one of our finer restaurants and experienced haunts of ole’ cowboy lore they’ll be even more envious of you! And let’s face it, isn’t that the point?
