Hike the Peak in North Scottsdale
... trails later in the day after sunset.
One of the most picturesque hikes in the Valley is Pinnacle Peak, a 150-acre park in the Troon area of North Scottsdale. The route is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet.
The park is an ideal habitat for a variety of native plants such as saguaros, cholla cactus, and for creatures such as bobcats, gila monsters and western diamondback rattlesnakes. Different plants are marked along the trail.
The trail skirts around the prominent...
May 23rd, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: featuredphoto, hiking, outdoors, Scottsdale
Start Your Engines at the Penske Racing Museum
Get up to speed on the fast and famous racecars of Indy and NASCAR lore at the Penske Racing Museum in North Scottsdale.
The museum, one of the area’s best-kept secrets, is located within the Scottsdale 101 Auto Collection, between the Jaguar and Bentley dealerships. It contains a collection of Indy 500 winning cars surpassed only by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. And according to Pat Hozza, the museum curator, gives speed car fans an up-close and personal experience...
May 21st, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, museum, race cars, Scottsdale
Small Bites in Phoenix
... for people on a budget and more interested in the quality of food than the quantity.
One of my favorite places to enjoy Happy Hour is at Brio at the Scottsdale Quarter (map). They have two locations in the Valley, the second is in Gilbert (map).
Their theme is based on La Dolce Vita, which is Italian for “The Sweet Life.” The restaurants design is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa with wood floors, grand archways leading into different areas and a beautiful outdoor patio. It’s a nice change...
March 13th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, food and beverage, happy hour, Scottsdale
Get Ready for Spring at 5 Phoenix Festivals
... Phoenix (map)
480-657-7333
$65 advance single day
$90 advance two day ticket
$75 single day at the door
Ming Tsai of "Simply Ming"
5. Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Saving the best for last, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is the longest running festival of its kind in the United States, drawing more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities (not to mention idyllic weather!).
As always, cooking demonstrations by some of the nation’s top chefs take...
February 25th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: arts festival, beer, featuredarticle, festivals, Scottsdale, Tempe, wine
Out of the Chute – Parada del Sol Rodeo
Are you up for some heartpounding fun? The 57th annual Parada del Sol Rodeo barrels out of the chute February 26-28 at Westworld in Scottsdale.
But wait, before you see Scottsdale’s version of the running of the bulls, consider taking part in the other events that lead up to the main show.
Ballet Folklorico Alegria Dancers
Parada del Sol means “walk in the sun.” What a perfect name for a month-long celebration that takes place during the best time of year where we Phoenicians can be outdoors...
February 16th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Bull Riding, featuredarticle, rodeo, Scottsdale
The Greatest Show on Grass
... access to the Ketel One Vodka VIP area. VIP guests are treated to a complimentary catered dinner provided by Sushi Roku (amazing sushi from the W Scottsdale), complimentary drinks and access to a premium viewing area for the show. Here are more details.
What’s In a Name?
Over the tournament’s 75 year history, the Open has been known by many names, including the Ben Hogan Invitational, the FBR Open and now the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The TPC Scottsdale (map) has been the home course...
February 9th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: golf, PGA Tour, Phoenix, Phoenix Open, Scottsdale, top-feature
The Arabians Prance into Scottsdale
Celebrating its 55th year, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show February 11 – 21 is an amazing and unique event for anyone with the slightest interest in horses. As a city girl who now lives amongst the horse farms of North Phoenix, I’m thrilled anytime I see someone riding a horse in the desert terrain. My enthusiasm for these amazing creatures only increased when I saw my first Arabian horse show at West World.
Growing from 50 horses to 2,200 of the world’s most beautiful Arabians,...
February 2nd, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Arabians, featuredarticle, horses, Scottsdale
Romance Simmers in Phoenix
... charge.)
Quiessence Restaurant
Located on the Farm at South Mountain
6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix (map)
602-276-0601
The Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale at Troon North offers tasting menus at both of their award-winning restaurants Talavera and Crescent Moon. From Talavera you can enjoy dramatic views of Pinnacle Peak while enjoying a three-course tasting menu with option wine pairings for $48 or $59 per person. Their Valentines Day menu is six-courses with rose champagne and a gift for each guest...
January 29th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 3Filed under: featuredarticle, Phoenix, Restaurants, Scottsdale, valentine's day
Arizona Getaways for Lovers
... dining credit for Reds Restaurant. The total cost for the package is $760 which includes room tax. Visit this site to book the package.
Phoenix and Scottsdale
The cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale are the urban heart of the state projected against a rich backdrop of several mountain ranges and desert terrain. The sun shines over 400 days a year or at least it seems that way. What else can you ask for in a romantic getaway?
The lobby at Hotel Valley Ho
The host of Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood’s...
January 24th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson, vacation getaways
Stroll Through Scottsdale’s Civic Center Mall
... to me when I went to see Unexpected Wegman, an exhibit of William Wegman’s, known for his photographic portraits of Weimaraner dogs, at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Yearlings, a sculpture in Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.
in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or SMoCA (map) as referred to by locals, was founded in 1999. This is a small museum with five galleries dedicated to presenting exhibitions on contemporary and modern art, architecture,...
January 12th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 3Filed under: boutiques, park, Restaurants, Scottsdale, top-feature
Insider Guide to Barrett-Jackson
... granddaddy of American car auctions, has been held every January for nearly four decades, bringing international acclaim and collector vehicles to Scottsdale.
Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett joined forces back in 1967 to produce their first show, the “Fiesta del los Auto Elegance.” By 1971, they were producing the now famous classic car auction, which has grown to a two-week event attracting 225,000 attendees.
Barrett-Jackson has been recognized worldwide for offering the finest selection of quality...
January 11th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: auction, Barrett-Jackson, classic cars, Scottsdale
Scottsdale Hotel Ranked one of the “World’s Coolest Pools”
The OH Pool Bar + Cabanas at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale was ranked as one of the “World’s Coolest Pools” in the December 2009 issue of Travel + Leisure.
The Pool is among only fifteen others around the world to make the list and the only pool in Arizona.
The review notes the Pool’s unique retro-style furnishings and martini glass design. An interesting tidbit, celebrities including Katy Perry and John Legend have performed poolside. Also known as a haven for old-time...
January 8th, 2010 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: pools, Scottsdale, Travel + Leisure
Review: Enter the Ring of Fire at Dos Diablos
Restaurants and bars in North Scottsdale are not known as entertainment centers with live music and dancing, but a new addition, Dos Diablos aims to change all that with their New Mexican inspired cuisine and hot, steamy locale.
Co-owners David Stone, Patrick Melson and Carlton Cull, all motorcycle enthusiasts which is apparent by the heart on fire logo, worked with local Phoenix architects to design an event-ready space inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s “From Dusk Till Dawn” vampire thriller. ...
December 30th, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: happy hour, live music, Mexican food, private dining room, Scottsdale
Party Like It’s 1959 at Hotel Valley Ho
... rode horses around their property? Today, Hotel Valley Ho is still a playground for the Hollywood elite but also a funky, trendy spot in Old Town Scottsdale that has something for everyone.
View from Sky Line Rooftop
I’ve been to Valley Ho several times since its renovation in 2005, but during the holidays I had the opportunity to visit the property on two separate occasions prompting me to share my experiences about this hip landmark.
As I enter the lobby I’m always struck by the flashes...
December 27th, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 3Filed under: hotel, landmark, Scottsdale, top-feature
Scottsdale Dive Bar Oozes Holiday Spirit
On the fringe of Old Town Scottsdale near Scottsdale Road and Indian School sits an ordinary brick building with clapboard siding and an out-of-date bar sign from the 1960’s. The Coach House who recently celebrated their 50th anniversary reminds me of Martini’s bar from...
December 26th, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 3Filed under: Christmas decorations, Dive Bar, featuredarticle, Scottsdale
New Year’s Eve Bashes in Phoenix
... N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale
Dec. 31. 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$30 package with admission to Coyotes game, $20 at the door, $10 in advance 623-772-4000
Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party
DJs spin tunes on the street and in bars, including Acme and Dos Gringos, Upper Deck Sports Grill and Whitehouse. Hear live music from bands Dirty Heads, Metal Elvis, Letters to Lovers and Hair Force. Proceeds benefit Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS), a non-profit organization created...
December 21st, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Cave Creek, Doobie Brothers, Glendale, New Year's Eve, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe
Win a Guided Tour of Phoenix from Open Road Tours
... out-of-town guests during the holidays? Or taking time off to enjoy the season yourself? Either way, consider a guided tour of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s best sights!
In celebration of the holidays, Open Road Tours is giving away their Valley Area Highlights tour for two people. This is a $120.00 value.
In business since 1986, Open Road Tours knows Arizona like the back of their hand! A full service tour operator based in Phoenix and with an additional office in Flagstaff, they specialize...
December 11th, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 8Filed under: guided tour, Phoenix, Scottsdale
John Cleese Performs at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Need a good laugh? You’re in luck because actor and comedian John Cleese is performing at the new Virginia Piper Theatre at The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Old Town Scottsdale on December 10 and 11.
Fans will remember Cleese as a member of the outrageously funny Monty Python troupe and through his many roles in television and film, from the classic British series Fawlty Towers and film A Fish Called Wanda to his charming and witty appearances on Will & Grace and cameo as ‘Q’...
December 1st, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 2Filed under: comedy, featuredarticle, John Cleese, Scottsdale
12 Days of Spaaah in Scottsdale
... to enjoy a little time for yourself? Yes, it is! Indulge in the 12 Days of Spaaah tour, presented by Arizona Spa Girls, where each day a featured Scottsdale spa will offer exclusive specials, prizes, free services, super discounts and much more.
What a great way to sample some of the most chic salons in Scottsdale. Whether it’s a 3,000 square foot mega spa at a resort or a local mom and pop, each spa will spoil you with what they do best, be it a massage, manicure or haircut and blow dry. And...
November 27th, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 2Filed under: Luxury Spas, Scottsdale
Enticing Meals Made Easy at Phoenix Cooking Schools
... with a wine tasting and dessert.
Check out their November schedule and get cookin’!
Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School
10749 North Scottsdale Road #101, Scottsdale
Northeast Corner of Scottsdale & Shea
Tel: 480-596-5628
AndyFood, a culinary studio
Andy Broder, owner of AndyFood started out as an attorney in Phoenix who always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. He graduated from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and has become a celebrated speaker and columnist for various publications...
November 2nd, 2009 | Heather Wright Schlichting | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: cooking-classes, featuredarticle, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale
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