December in Scottsdale... Need we say more?

Come to Arizona this winter! Where else can you play golf and snowboard IN THE SAME DAY?!? Read on for Arizona winter vacation tips for Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott and Scottsdale, including ideas on annual events, what to do, what to pack and typical weather and temperatures for each area.

Flagstaff

Top Reasons to Visit in Winter:

• Skiing and snowboarding! From the time the first snow hits in early December through about March, the Arizona Snowbowl located above Flagstaff on Mount Humphries is abuzz with skiers and snowboarders, locals and tourists, families and individuals.
• The fewest crowds of the year at the Grand Canyon South Rim (the North Rim is closed in the winter.) Picture the Grand Canyon dusted with white – spectacularly peaceful.

What to Pack

As with any snowy destination, a warm coat, boots, hat and gloves are a safe bet. To manage the temperature swing as you move from outdoors in, be sure to wear layers you can peel off and put back on as needed. Expect high temperatures in the 40s and lows in the teens. Flagstaff receives annual snowfall of approximately 99.5 inches – truly a winter wonderland.

Area Events

Be sure to participate in the handful of area holiday events like the Holiday Lights Display at the Little America Hotels; a tour of Riordan Mansion, adorned in turn-of-the-century decor and fragrant boughs; the Grand Canyon Railway’s “Polar Express” from Williams (an easy 39 miles west of Flagstaff) and more.

Flagstaff Winter Weather

Sedona

Top Reasons to Visit in Winter

• The fewest crowds of the year, red rocks dusted with white, but very little snow on the ground in town which makes driving and other outdoor activities easily do-able.
• Sedona’s winter weather still hits relatively warm highs of the mid-50s and 60s with chilly evenings perfect for sitting at your bed & breakfast’s fireplace.
• You can golf and ski in the same day! Play golf at one of Sedona’s picturesque golf courses in the morning, and hit the slopes north of Flagstaff – just 60 minutes away – in the afternoon.

What to Pack

Pack your camera and be sure to take photos of Sedona and Oak Creek covered in ice and snow… at about 5,000 feet in elevation, Sedona is beautiful in winter. Layers are the way to go with long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sweaters, fleece pullovers or sweatshirts. You may want a light jacket as a top layer. Shoes or boots are the best choice of footwear.

Things to Do

There are relatively few visitors to Sedona in the winter months, but there’s no reason to stay away! In fact, Sedona couldn’t be better when you have the destination practically all to yourself! Do spend your holidays in Sedona… let the hosts of a quaint Sedona bed & breakfast wow you with festive decorations, food and hospitality. Be sure to participate in the handful of holiday events like the Red Rock Fantasy festival of lights, the lighting of 6,000 luminarias at Tlaquepaque, Christmas caroling, or the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Santa Claus-themed train ride (in Clarkdale; 23 easy miles southwest of Sedona) and more.

Sedona Winter Weather

Prescott

Top Reasons to Visit in Winter

• Prescott is known as Arizona’s Christmas City, so winter visitors will delight in seeing the white granite courthouse sparkling in snow and twinkling lights.
• With gentle snowfall averages of 5 – 6 inches per month in December, January and February, Prescott is an ideal winter playground. Winter visitors can anticipate average high/low temperatures of 55/22 in December, 51/21 in January and 54/24 in February.
• January and February are a great time to come to Prescott. The crowds are fewer and there are some great lodging deals to be had.

What to Pack

Be sure to pack for winter weather, including thin, warm layers and a waterproof outer layer. You’ll want boots or shoes with a decent tread to allow you to walk around downtown or even do some light hiking in safety and warmth.

Things to Do

There are plenty of days filled with sunshine and crisp temperatures, an ideal combination for hiking, mountain biking or riding your motorcycle up to Jerome and Sedona. Nearly every weekend year-round, visitors and locals delight in the incredible special events in Prescott. Prescott is becoming known as a special events city, largely due to a month’s worth of December events in Prescott, “Arizona’s Christmas City,” including a huge annual Christmas Parade, lighting the tree on Courthouse Plaza, the Acker Musical Showcase, and “Dickens of a Christmas,” and continuing weekends packed with music, art, food, cultural, and car and aeronautical festivals on Courthouse Square.

Prescott Winter Weather

Scottsdale-Phoenix

Top Reasons to Visit

• Weather! Scottsdale’s winter weather is the stuff of legends. 75 degree, sunny, perfect days are the norm – quite the welcome respite from Midwestern snow drifts and Nor’Easters.
• Signature annual events are parties such as the P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Marathon, the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, the Phoenix Open and other golf tournaments, and many, many more. Participate or spectate; either way, you’re almost guaranteed to have a great time and return to work with a tan

What to Pack

Locals take the winter months as an opportunity to dig out sweaters and boots, but you’ll be happy to leave those at home and pack shorts, pants, short sleeves and light layers (and don’t forget a swimsuit and coverup!). Expect crisp mornings, sunny, warm afternoons and chilly evenings that will have you adding and subtracting layers all day long. Scottsdale – though an upscale resort town – rarely requires anything more than casual “resort wear” attire.

Things to Do

In addition to the aforementioned annual events, believe it or not, you’ll probably want to log some time at your resort or hotel’s pool or (better yet) spa. Take time to stroll around Old Town Scottsdale, for kitschy souvenirs to fine art; you can spend an afternoon shopping and peeking in galleries, grabbing meals at some top-notch eateries. Check out Scottsdale Fashion Square for luxurious and upscale retail therapy, or (need we say it?) play 18 or 36 holes at one of the 100 area championship golf courses.

Scottsdale Winter Weather

Thank you to all our Veterans and the brave families that support them. I am proud to be an Arizonan and an American. How are you showing gratitude to our troops today? Share your comments.

One of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, does this joke about Easter:

“Easter:  the day Jesus rose from the dead, what should we do?”

“How ’bout eggs?”

“Well, what does that have to do with Jesus?”

“Alright, we’ll hide ‘em.”

“I don’t follow your logic.”

“Don’t worry, there’s a bunny.”

Make Easter brunch plans now. Photo credit: thebittenword on flickr.com

But whether you celebrate Easter as a Christian high holy day or a secular sugar festival, it’s simply a perfect time to commemorate spring, the earth’s renewal, friends, family and food.

There’s no better place in Arizona to get up close to the spectacular beauty of Mother Nature in all her primavera glory than Sedona.  Spend your Easter holiday surrounded by gorgeous red rocks, blooming flora and fabulous food.

Check out Los Abrigados Resort & Spa’s two restaurants’ Easter brunch offerings.  Joey Bistro and Stakes & Sticks are collaborating to offer five different seatings with a virtually endless menu created by Chef Mike Kenyon.

A sampling of the bountiful menu will include:
Red Rock Springs Farmers Market Fresh Fruit Palm Tree
Home Style Belgium Waffles with Berries and Whipped Cream
Omelet Station
Maryland Spiced Peel and Eat Shrimp
Seafood Sautee Station
Bourbon Peach Glazed Ham
Lemon Basil Roasted Chicken
Roasted Leg of Lamb & Prime Rib Carving Station
Dessert Station

The annual Easter Brunch Celebration is $38.00 per adult, $15.00 children 5 – 12, and complimentary under five-years old.

Joey Bistro seatings: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.  followed by a re-opening at 5 p.m. with a regular menu and Easter specials.

Stakes & Sticks seatings:  11 a.m. and 1 p.m. followed by a re-opening at 3:30 p.m. with a regular menu and Easter specials.

For more information or reservations, call 928-282-0189. Located at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa at 160 Portal Lane, adjacent to Tlaquepaque.

Tickets are now available for the Grand Canyon Railway’s enormously popular The Polar Express for its ninth season.  Based on the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, this Christmastime attraction will run in 2009 and early 2010 on selected dates from November 13, 2009 through January 9, 2010.  Tickets for The Polar Express sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your tickets for 2009 now, available exclusively at 1-800-THE-TRAIN  or on the Grand Canyon Railway website, www.thetrain.com.

• November 13-15, 19-23, 25, 27-30, 2009
• December 2-7, 9-14, 16-23, 2009
• January 2-3, 8-9, 2010
  

  Santa visits with those who Believe on the Polar Express. Photo credit: Philms on flickr.com

Tickets are still available for the Grand Canyon Railway’s fervently popular The Polar Express in its seventh season.  Based on the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, this seasonal attraction runs this year on selected dates from November 2 through January 12, 2008.  The Polar Express is a fast sell-out so be sure to reserve your tickets for 2007 now, available exclusively at 1-800-THE-TRAIN  or on the Grand Canyon Railway website, www.thetrain.com.

What if you can’t get your desired 2007 dates?  Start planning for next year; 2008 Polar Express dates have been released:

• Nov 6-10
• Nov 12-17
• Nov 19-27
• Nov 30-Dec 1
• Dec 3-8
• Dec 10-15
• Dec 17-22

Photo source: www.thetrain.com Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express

A classic Christmas story comes to life on the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express. Here, we’ve collected information about the Polar Express into a handy fact sheet. (Information source: www.thetrain.com)

What is The Polar Express?

Experience the magic of The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs the Williams Depot for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the “North Pole.” Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children’s faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift.

2007 Polar Express Schedule:

The Polar Express runs twice per evening – at 6:30pm and 8:00pm – on these 2007-2008 season dates:

November: 2, 3, 8 – 12, 14 – 19, 25, 26, 28 – 30
December: 1 – 3, 5 – 10, 12 – 22
January 2008: 4 – 6, 11, 12

Tickets – Pricing, Availability and How to Purchase

Pricing
Individual Tickets*
Adults: $26 Children (2 – 16): $14

*Individual tickets are available only after packages sell out for the requested evening. Please call 1-800-THE-TRAIN to check the status of packages and individual ticket sales. Please have multiple travel dates in mind, in case your first choice is not available.

Polar Express Package – Starting at $289 for two adults and two children includes:

• Polar Express train trip from Williams, Arizona to the North Pole
• One night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams next to the train depot
• Dinner and breakfast for each person at the Railway’s Max & Thelma’s Restaurant
• $10 retail certificate per adult (maximum $20 per package) for use in Railway Gift Shops

The package is $309 for two adults and two children on Fridays and Saturdays in November and December and from December 15 – 22.
Price is based on adult double occupancy and does not include tax. Options available for all family sizes!

Grand Canyon Railway Daily Ride Combination Package Discounts
Grand Canyon Railway is offering Polar Express package customers 50% off Coach Class or 50% off the cost to upgrade any class of service. This special offer is valid for travel December through February, excluding 2/15 and 16.

Availabilty – Tickets are still available for selected 2007 dates. Tickets sell out very quickly. TIP: Weekends closest to Christmas are the most popular dates. Weeknight and January dates are a good bet. Please call 1-800-THE-TRAIN to check availability. Please have multiple travel dates in mind, in case your first choice is not available.
2008-2009 Availability – Can’t get your desired 2007 dates? Advance reservations for the 2008 Polar Express season if paid in full. Click here for the 2008-2009 Polar Express schedule.

How to Purchase Tickets
Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-THE-TRAIN.

Where Does The Polar Express Start?

The Polar Express departs from the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams, Arizona. Williams is located 32 miles west of Flagstaff off of Interstate 40. Take Exit 163 and drive south 1/2 mile to the Train Depot.

Where Does The Polar Express End?

Closely following The Polar Express book, this nighttime trip from Williams through the starlit wilderness to the “North Pole” features a special reading of The Polar Express while passengers enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. After arriving at the “North Pole” – a Christmas light village featuring an Aurora Borealis – Santa Claus and his reindeer welcome passengers before boarding the Polar Express for the return trip to Williams. Santa then boards the train and makes his way through the historic Pullman passenger cars, greeting every child and presenting each one with a special gift – a jingle bell signifying their belief in Santa Claus. The round trip journey is a little more than an hour in length.

What Should We Wear?
Why, warm, snuggly pajamas and bathrobes, of course! TIP: Dress warmly for Grand Canyon winter weather, as the evening low temperatures are often in the 20s.

Anything Else We Should Know?
You can help the Grand Canyon Railway give back to the community and make the holidays special for a less-fortunate child.

[Bring] a new, unwrapped toy to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot when you come to ride The Polar Express. All items collected are donated to Northern Arizona Law Enforcement.

More Information
is available at www.thetrain.com

This year my mother and I joined my long-time Main Squeeze’s family for a Thanksgiving just east of Scottsdale along the Verde River. I have lived here for over 20 years and never knew that there was a beautiful river about 30 minutes away from my backyard!

My parents moved to Arizona in the 1970′s from the Philippines and have always enjoyed the tales of the Wild West as children. I call them my Desert Pilgrims. It so happens that Mr. Main Squeeze comes from a deep rooted ranching family in northern California. His parents moved to Arizona in 1983 to an area in the middle of Phoenix, which was surrounded by Arabian horse stables at the time. They look like what you would expect business professionals to look like, but they still love the outdoors just as much. Well, needless to say, our two families often bond over the love of Cowboy Cookouts and stories told around campfires – and that’s exactly how I spend this Thanksgiving.

The Verde River was a easy drive east along Dynamite Road and a bit of optional off-roading for some extra seclusion. We chose a spot on a moderately high cliff overlooking the river with tall reeds growing along the banks, while expansive hills spread into the distance. Although I have enjoyed most of my Thanksgivings in the past, being outside in the middle of nature made me feel a little closer to the real meaning of the holiday.

We created a little dining room with an Easy-up to help provide some shade, but it was a beautiful 72 degrees. We had a little portable gas stove to cook all the fixings, and even set up a full wet bar for the whiskey, vodka, and assorted beers! We pre-cooked the turkey this year, but usually they smoke it at the campsite. While we cooked, we played games and told stories, and enjoyed a few cocktails in the process while inhaling the fresh air surrounding us. It was just the break I needed from the construction and rapid growth of metro Phoenix.

Often times I get bored living in Arizona – but that’s absolutely ridiculous! With a Natural Wonder of the World just a handful of hours away and a river just down the street with golf courses and small artist communities everywhere…It’s time for me to be thankful.

Thanksgiving Weekend was glorious down in the metro Phoenix area. With temps in the mid-70s, sunshine and clear skies, it was a perfect time to spend with family and friends outside.

I stayed away from the malls and big box stores on Black Friday, but did check out one of my favorite locally owned children’s boutiques to take advantage of a big sale. Twinkle Toes, located at the Scottsdale Waterfront across from Scottsdale Fashion Square, is owned by a good friend and carries the most amazing duds for children, toddlers and babies. Good stuff.

I also ventured out on Saturday to the Biltmore Fashion Park which, I was pleasantly surprised to discover, was buzzing with activity but not ridiculously crowded. After lunch with a friend and her daughter at Cheesecake Factory, we spent some time basking in the aforementioned ideal weather on the mall’s main grassy courtyard. There was a live band and complimentary espresso and kettle corn – very festive!

Sunday, I uncovered a delightful secret; while everyone else is shopping, it’s a great time to visit the Phoenix Art Museum. I am a member of the museum and try to visit at least once a quarter – there are truly fascinating exhibits rotating there year-round that typically draw significant crowds six days a week – and was giddy to find we had the museum practically all to ourselves! My friend and I toured the New Mexican “retablos” exhibit – religious art circa the 18th and 19th centuries – and had a fabulous lunch at the Art Museum Cafe, a restaurant run by local favorite, Arcadia Farms.

If you’d like to check out any of these places in Phoenix and Scottsdale, note these upcoming events and more:

Biltmore Fashion Park

SUPER TASTE OF THE VALLEY EVENT

Sunday, December 2, 2007
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Click above for information and tickets

Phoenix Art Museum – Upcoming Exhibitions

Illuminated Manuscripts
Steele Gallery
December 11, 2007 – March 9, 2008

Richard Avedon: Photographer of Influence
Norton Photography Gallery
January 12, 2008 – April 13, 2008

Masterpiece Replayed: Monet, Matisse and More
Katz Wing, Main Level
January 20, 2008 – May 4, 2008

Source: www.travelvideo.tv
Nov 03, 06 | 1:40 pm

Tickets for Grand Canyon Railway’s 2006 presentation of The Polar Express are still available. As of Nov. 1, 85 percent of the available tickets for The Polar Express have been sold. Approximately 10,000 tickets are still available and evenings with the most availability, include Nov. 13 – 16, 27 and 29, Jan. 5 – 7 and Jan. 12 – 13.

This is the sixth year that Grand Canyon Railway will bring the magic of the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg to life. What began as a weekend adventure with 5,600 people has grown into one of Arizona’s most treasured holiday traditions with an anticipated 75,000 people traveling aboard The Polar Express in 2006.

“We’ve ended up expanding our dates into January to accommodate demand,” said Robert LaCivita, Polar Express committee chair and executive vice president of Grand Canyon Railway.”We weren’t sure how popular they’d be initially, but found last year that parents got really creative with the gift giving – often wrapping the tickets for The Polar Express and then putting them under the tree as a special invitation from Santa to visit his home at the North Pole.”

The Railway’s journey is a nighttime trip from Williams through the starlit wilderness to the “North Pole.” Along the way, passengers are treated to a special reading of The Polar Express while enjoying hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.

Once at the “North Pole” – a Christmas light village featuring an Aurora Borealis – Santa Claus and his reindeer welcome passengers before boarding the Polar Express for the return trip to Williams. After boarding the train, Santa makes his way through the historic Pullman passenger cars, greeting every child and presenting each one with a special gift – a jingle bell signifying their belief in Santa Claus.

Grand Canyon Railway’s The Polar Express kicks off Nov. 9, 2006 and continues select evenings through Jan. 13, 2007. The round trip journey is approximately an hour in length. Most evenings, Grand Canyon Railway offers two trains, with one departing Williams Depot at 6:30 p.m. and a second train departing at 8 p.m.

Approximately 10,000 tickets are still available for the 2006 season. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children. Packages start as low as $269 for two adults and two children, and include the trip The Polar Express, one-night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, breakfast and dinner at Max and Thelma’s Restaurant and a $10 retail gift certificate per adult. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-THE-TRAIN.

Families can also add a wintertime Grand Canyon experience aboard Grand Canyon Railway, which returns well in advance of the 6:30 p.m. The Polar Expres train. Recreating the historic trip by rail to the South Rim, Grand Canyon Railway covers 65 miles of classic Old West territory, including high desert plains with endless vistas, small arroyos and portions of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest.

Grand Canyon Railway operates daily train service between Williams, Ariz. and the Grand Canyon. The Railway offers five distinct classes of service, as well as money-saving packages featuring the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Overnight stays at the Grand Canyon also can be included in the packages. Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and the Kaibab National Forest. For more information, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).

Update: Come see our recent 2009 post for updated fall events!

It’s nearly October in Arizona and along with fall foliage, Halloween tricks and treats and cooler temperatures, there are lots of family-friendly activities happening all over the state. Here’s a list of the best fall activities for families in Arizona:

1. Prescott-area: Young’s Farm Annual Pumpkin Festival…October 7-9, 14-16 and 21-23 in Dewey – Young’s Farm Young’s Farm is closing–don’t miss this final year’s fall event! Pick your very own Halloween pumpkin right out of the patch. Hayrides and activities start around 9:00 a.m. and go until 4:00 p.m. The restaurant will be open until 8:00 p.m. on Friday and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Kids can enjoy games, wagon and train rides, pumpkin bounce, pony rides, a petting zoo and so much more. Dozens of beautiful craft booths for your shopping convenience, home-cooked meals of BBQ chicken, and beef, plus our oven-baked pies, breads and desserts. Stroll around our Produce Stand while you listen to live music and sample some of our fresh apple cider. $4 per person. (928) 632-7272; www.youngsfarminc.com/Events/PumpkinFestival

2. Sedona – The Annual Safe and Fun Trick or Treat…October 31 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm – This annual event is held on Halloween along Sedona’s Main Street. Uptown Merchants welcome all good ghouls and ghosts to visit their stores along Hwy 89A in Uptown for little tricks and great treats! These merchants have a seventeen-year tradition of good will, providing this safe and free Halloween tradition for the entire community.

3. In Clarkdale, between Sedona and Prescott – Haunted Halloween Express on the Verde Canyon Railroad…October 31 at 12:00 pm – Ghosts and goblins, witches and warlocks – pint sized and full grown – are invited to join in the Verde Canyon Railroad’s frighteningly good fun. In addition to the specatcular fall foliage, a costume contest will be featured. Prizes will be awarded for the best, funniest and scariest costumes worn by a child and adult. Special Tuesday train ride! For more information: (800) 293-7245; www.verdecanyonrr.com

4. Phoenix-area – Fall Starlight Concert Series…October 1-31 – Arizona is known both for its stunning night skies and as a great venue for outdoor concerts. Stop by Arrowhead Meadows Park to take in songs and starlight. (480) 782-2735; www.chandleraz.gov

5. Phoenix-area in Scottsdale – Mariposa Monarca…October 1-November 1 - Come meet some monarchs…butterflies, that is. Monarch butterflies, arguably the most recognized, studied and loved of all insects; command attention from scientists and naturalists alike. Learn more about these inspiring insects at this exhibition featuring live monarch butterflies, tagging demonstrations and interpretive displays about the life cycle, migration patterns, environmental threats and conservation of monarchs. Desert Botanical Gardens (480) 941-1225; www.dbg.org

6. Phoenix-area in Queen Creek – 11th Annual Schnepp Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party…October 1-31 – Join the fun at one of Arizona’s best family festivals while helping out local charitable clubs and organizations. This five-weekend festival features live entertainment, outdoor family movie nights, hayrides, marshmallow roasts, scarecrow creations, a roller coaster, petting barn, chili and chicken dinners and the famous Hillbilly Bob’s pig races. (480) 987-3100; www.pumpkinandchiliparty.com

7. Between Prescott and Sedona in Jerome – 4th Annual Jerome Ghost Walk…October 7 – Jerome airs its dirty—or spooky—laundry in this walk through haunted brothels, a murder on “spook hill” and more in a reveling nod to its one-time reputation as the “Wickedest Town in the West.” Bring a flashlight along on this tour suited for older children and adults. (928) 634-1066; www.jeromehistoricalsociety.org

8. In the Prescott-area in Chino Valley – Chino Valley Haunted House…October 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28 – Old Home Manor Haunted house, live music, concessions stand and spooky photo booth (have your picture taken with the actors). Admission: $6, discount coupons available at Fry’s grocery stores and www.cvhaunt.com

9. In Prescott – Eighth Annual Ghost Walk…October 28 – Sharlot Hall Museum Guided trips through tales from Prescott’s folklore, told by costumed storytellers. Co-sponsored by West Yavapai Guidance Clinic and the Prescott Fine Arts Association. Tickets are for walks beginning at 6, 7, 8 and 9 pm. 928-445-3122; www.sharlot.org

10. In the Prescott-area in Chino Valley – Trick or Treat Tailgate Party and Fall Fest…October 31 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm – Old Home Manor Photo booth, Dr. Ooze Slime Laboratory, wacky maze, treasure hunt and haunted hay ride. Event is free to public; www.chinoaz.net