I don’t claim to be the expert at celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Phoenix; but yeah, I enjoy it quite a bit and all of my friends know it. It’s the one holiday I can really get into.  Maybe it’s because I grew up at an Irish Catholic school here in The Valley, where the nuns taught me to Irish dance and the priests sang “Seven Drunken Nights” with the students’ parents at the school’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish Hooley.  (Don’t worry! It was for adults only, but I was part of the Irish dancing entertainment so I learned these drinking songs young but didn’t understood them until years later!) Maybe I like this holiday because the spirit of the the Irish saying, “There are no strangers in Ireland, just friends you haven’t met yet,” comes to life whether you are here in Phoenix or in Dublin.  Or maybe I like it because, really,  I honestly just enjoy an excuse to drink copious amounts of my favorite beer with hundreds or even thousands of other people who are doing the same thing while doing little jig to the sound of a fiddle. After years of dancing in parades and visiting pubs on St. Patrick’s Day with the McTeggart Irish dancing troupe as a grade school girl, I have compiled a list of pubs that I enjoy on this fine day.

WARNING: Being that St. Patty’s Day is on a Saturday this year, it will be incredibly, even obnoxiously crowded at any place that sounds remotely Irish (or British for that matter. Go figure.)

These are just my personal recommendations. Be safe, have fun, and don’t blame me for your choices.

Slainte!

Arizona Chrissy

Vintage Guinness Advertisement

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2012

Best Family Celebration

• ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & FAIRE

29th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Faire
This Year’s Theme is “Arizona Irish 100 Years and Going Strong”

-Parade 3rd Street from Sheridan south to Margaret T. Hance Park 10AM
-The Faire starts immediately after at Hance Park West side of Central at the Irish Cultural Center
-Admission $10.00 adults 13 & older Kids 12 & under FREE. Senior (55 & over) and Military $8.00

2 Stages of Irish Music and Dancers, Kids Area, Food and Beverages, Crafters.  Free Shuttle from 1850 North Central Avenue (West side of Central Ave & Palm Lane) to the Faire.  TAKE THE LIGHT RAIL TO THE ROOSEVELT STREET STATION.

Free parking at the garage at 1850 North Central Avenue. The Parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, police and fire vehicles, government dignitaries, floats, the 2012 Arizona Irish Colleen / Arizona Rose with her Court and a whole lot more.
This year’s Grand Marshall is Seamus McCaffrey who is from Belfast and is the owner of Rosie McCaffrey’s Pub in Phoenix as well as being a Founder of the Irish Cultural Center.  The Irish Persons of the Year are Sean and Patricia Prior who are from Counties Cavan and Waterford respectively.  The Priors are Founders of the Irish Cultural Center and have been heavily involved in the Irish Community for many years.  Sean is a docent at the ICC and Patricia is the Executive Director.  For further information call (602) 280-9221 or visit www.phxirish.org

Best Pint of Guinness

• Pat Murphy’s
  3215 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix
  602-522-0669
• O’Connor’s Pub
  2601 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix
  602-997-7714
  St.Patrick’s Day Schedule

Phoenix Local Favorites

• Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub
  18 W. Monroe, Phoenix
  602-253-6081
  Opens 9AM
  St. Patricks Day Schedule
• Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub
  906 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
  602-241-1916
  Opens 7AM
  St. Patricks Day Schedule
• The Turf
  705 N 1st St
  Phoenix, AZ 85004
  (602) 296-5043
  St. Patrick’s Day Schedule
• Dubliner Irish Pub
  3841 E. Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix
  602-867-0984
  St. Patrick’s Day Schedule
• Casey Moore’s Oyster House
  850 S. Ash, Tempe
  480-968-9935
• Rula Bula
  401 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe
  480-929-9500
  St. Patrick’s Day Schedule

Worth Mentioning – (Scratch N’ Sniff Irish Pubs)

• O’Donoghue’s
  20469 N. Hayden Rd.
  Scottsdale, AZ
  480-858-6329
  http://www.scottsdaleirishpub.com/
• Skeptical Chymist
  15688 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
  480-609-8677
  St. Patrick’s Day Schedule
• Tim Finnegan’s (same owner as Skeptical Chymist)
  9201 N 29th Ave., Phoenix
  602-997-2323
  St. Patrick’s Day Schedule
• Fibber Magee’s (same owner as Skeptical Chymist)
  1989 W. Elliott Rd., Chandler
  480-722-9434
  St. Patrick’s Day Schedule

I Want to Drink, Listen to Pseudo Irish-ish Music, Meet Pretty People & Enjoy the Sunshine

• FLOGGING MOLLY
  Part of St. Patrick’s Day 2012
  Sat., March 17, 1:00pm @ Tempe Beach Park
  54 W. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85281

I Want to Chug Green Beers and Throw Leprechauns

• Padre Murphys (Though, this pub has earned it’s place in Local Favorites as well)
  4338 W Bell Road
  Glendale, AZ 85308
  (602) 547-9406
  St. Patrick’s Day Schedule
• Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery
  (multiple locations)
  http://www.tiltedkilt.com/
• Mulligans
  7318 E Stetson Dr
  Scottsdale, AZ 85251
  (480) 947-8188

The Grand Canyon State (a.k.a The Valentine State) turns 100 years on February 14, 2012, and you bet there’s a lot of celebrating going on. From parades and festivals to lectures and outdoor adventures, Arizonans are celebrating all that makes Arizona the great state that it is. With such a rich cultural history and diversity in interests, there will be no shortage of things to do.  Events are going on year round, but you won’t want to miss the official day of the Centennial Celebration.

February 14, 2012 Arizona Statehood Day!

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. (Phoenix City Hall)

Arizona Native American Sunrise Ceremony (Sunrise Is At 7:12am)

 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (begins at Phoenix City Hall)

Reenactment of Governor George W.P. Hunt’s Walk to Capitol

 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Senate & House Lawns)

Happy 100^th Birthday Arizona!

• Happy Birthday Ceremony w/ Governor Brewer (9-9:45am)
• USPS First Day Issue Ceremony (10-10:30am)
• Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest Winners & Award (1-2pm)
• Wayne Newton (2-3pm) 

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES:

• USPS First Day Issue Stamp Sale & Cancellation
• Non-stop Arizona Entertainment
• Legacy Projects & Official Centennial Event EXPO
• Centennial Merchandise
• Phoenix Food Trucks
• Birthday Cake

Other upcoming events:

64^TH ANNUAL GOLD RUSH DAYS & RODEO, Wickenburg | (February 16-19,2012) Admission to: Rodeo, Melodrama, Barbeque, Family Carnival, contests, and Webb Center concerts. Free admission to arts/crafts faire, 4th largest parade in AZ on Saturday, old mining contests on Sunday. Award winning signature event celebrating Wickenburg’s mining and ranching heritage. 2012 is the 64th anniversary celebration. The event has been named twice by the Arizona Office of Tourism as the Best Rural Event in Arizona; and the Library of Congress named Gold Rush Days as one of the Legacy events.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES PARADE & FESTIVAL GOODYEAR AND AVONDALE CELEBRATE ARIZONA’S CENTENNIAL, Goodyear (February 25, 2012) | On Saturday, February 25, 2012, the cities of Goodyear and Avondale will host a joint parade through both cities. This inaugural parade and festival will be a celebration of Arizona’s Centennial which is being celebrated throughout 2012 beginning on the state’s 100th anniversary – February 14, 2012. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on February 25th on Litchfield Road, travel east on Thomas Road and end at Dysart Road. Depending on the number of entrants, the parade is expected to last anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. We are currently seeking parade entrants – floats, bands, vintage cars, horses, gymnastic troops, dance troops, or other entertaining parade entries. An outdoor, family-focused festival called Trains, Planes and Automobiles, celebrating 100 years of transportation, will take place at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) following the parade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun-filled event will feature gourmet food trucks, light musical entertainment, antique car displays, arts and crafts, bouncers, a Kids Zone, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, and caricature art.

ROOSEVELT’S RIDE, Apache Junction (February 24 – 26, 2012) | The project will feature a President Theodore Roosevelt re-enactor who will be the Grand Marshall for the annual Lost Dutchman Days Parade. He will be riding in an era-specific vehicle. After the parade he will drive to more locations on the historic Apache Trail where he will speak about the building of the road to carry materials for the construction of the Roosevelt Dam.

THE FOUR HIKES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, Oro Valley (TBD) | The hiking event will focus on the beauty of the natural environment and education. A celebration at the historic Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley will involve activities for all family members and will focus on the historical aspect of the property and the heritage of Arizona.

TOWN OF PAYSON MOUNTAIN HIGH GAMES, Payson  (June 3-5, 2011) | The Payson Arizona Mountain High Games are the Southwest’s largest celebration of adventure sports combined with ATV trail rides, and a massive outdoor expo. Professional and amateur athletes from all over the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest will converge upon the mountain community of Payson to compete in 9 different competitions for cash and prizes. This year’s sporting events include: Mountain Biking, 5K Trail Run, Dutch Oven Cooking Contest, Archery Competition, ATV Rodeo, ATV Trail Rides, The Sawdust Festival, and an old fashioned horse shoe tournament.

Arizona Facts:

Arizona is located in the Southwestern United States and is one of the Four Corners states. Arizona is the sixth largest state in area and all New England plus the state of Pennsylvania would fit inside the state.  Only 15% of the land is privately owned, while the remaining area is public forest, park land, state trust land and Native American reservations. Due to the large area of the state, Arizona has several different climates. Phoenix is known for it’s triple digit heat in the summer, but its eight plus months 60 degree to 75 degree weather keeps the city’s population growing consistently.  Arizona has 3,928 mountain peaks and summits—more mountains than any one of the other Mountain States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) with Mt. Humpheys in Flagstaff peaking at  a height of 12,643 feet. The main industries in Arizona can be summarized as the “Five C’s”: Cattle, Copper, Citrus, Cotton, and Climate.

For more Arizona Centennial Celebration events and information, go to http://www.az100years.org/

The romantic sentiment that comes with castles didn’t get left behind as early settlers traveled to the Wild West. The open land, pink sunsets, beautiful land formations and free spirit invited the opportunity for dreams to come true. Just as medieval castles were built to provide family protection, comfort and luxury, while making a statement to those outside the walls; these selected castles in Arizona are no different. Behind each castle wall is a story of the love, labor and an aspiration to make a dream come true.

1. Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle, Phoenix AZ Photo by Kaila White

In the 1930′s, Seattle native, Boyce Gully, moved out to Arizona without his family after being diagnosed with tuberculosis in effort to save  them from the suffering all would endure due to his illness. He was told he only had six months to live, which turned out to be 15 years. Gully was sad about having left his family and had decided to built a castle for the daughter hoping to show her how much he really loved her. Using recycled building materials and random objects like wheels and spokes, Gully had successfully built his “little princess” a castle stone by stone. This castle consists of 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces and is over 8,000 square feet. A year after news of his death, his wife and daughter, Mary Lou, moved into the castle. To this day, Mary Lou still lives in the castle built by the father who loved her so much. Visitors can take a tour of the castle, though tours times are lessening as she now in her 70′s. This grandeur statement of affection holds intimations of a father who wanted his daughter to know him; yet the need to protect her from his illness was greater.

2. Montezuma Castle

This well-preserved cliff dwelling was once the home to the Pre-Columbian Sinagua people dating back to about 700AD. Located on the way to Sedona near Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle has been a home to many for generations. This five-story stone and mortar homestead contains 20 rooms and would house about 50 people at a time. Its high postition in the cliffs offered the cliff dwellers protection from both enemies and the elements. Though it is believed that the area was briefly abandoned due to the ash form the Sunset Crater Volcano. It was last occupied in 1425AD and the reasons for abandonment of their habitation sites are not yet known; but warfare, drought, and clashes with the newly-arrived Yavapai people have been suggested.

Follow I-17 to exit 293 (4 miles north of the exit for Montezuma Castle). Continue through the towns of McGuireville and Rimrock, following the signs for four miles to the entrance to the Well. There is no fee to enter Montezuma Well.

 3.  Copenhaver Castle

This castle is a private resident located on the south side of Camelback Mountain, a popular place for residents to hike as it is a beautiful mountain located in the heart of the city.It was modeled after an old Moorish fortress in Spain that the designer and builder had remembered seeing in a movie when he was a child. The castle was built over a twelve-year period by Phoenix orthodontist, Dr. Mort Copenhaver.
Dr. Copenhaver was known to have donated money to missions in Mexico, and in exchange some of the Hispanic missionaries had come and helped him with building the castle. Dental patients also bartered construction projects for dental services. The interior of the 7,000 square foot castle was built using eight levels, with ten balconies providing a great view of the valley. It has twenty rooms, including five bedrooms, seven and one half bathrooms, four fireplaces, and three garages and carports. The living room has a seventeen foot waterfall that cascades above the fireplace. The Great room features a spa that seats twenty people. Above it is a retractable roof for views of the famous Arizona blue sky, or a wonderful view of the stars. The dungeon can be accessed through one of the many secret passageways in the home, and a helicopter pad is located on the roof for easier travel to the airport. There is a drawbridge, and a moat, and almost everything one would expect from a moorish castle. There’s even slots to shoot arrows through. The massive stone walls and solid construction of the building is a guarantee of its ability to still be standing on Camelback Mountain centuries from now.

5050 E. Red Rock Road Phoenix, Arizona

4. Sibley Castle

Sibley Castle located in the Galiuro Mountains of Arizona, About 100 miles southeast of Phoenix in what was once a old mining camp called Copper Creek. The castle is a two story structure which was built around 1908. The home once contained 20 rooms and polished oak floors. E. Roy Sibley was the manager of the Copper Creek Mine and his wife, Belle, was the postmaster at the post office  that was estableished on March 6, 1907. The town consisted of about 500 people, which included a physician, stage line, mansion, and many other buildings, much of which was built on tiers as the town was in a canyon. Today much of the town site remains and can be explored.

Copper Creek, Arizona – Take the road from town up the creek. Accessible by walking.

5. Agua Verde

This castle is a private residence built by Duane Durham. He built this castle for his wife and daughters in Vail, Arizona, which is about southeast of Tucson. Very few people have actually been inside this castle, but it is rumored to have extraordinary decor as each room has a differnt theme. There is a train that travels around the perimeter that the children once rode on. Though this house is not one visitors can tour, it is quite beautiful to see. It’s perched at the top of a hill, mysterious and ripe for legendary tales to be made.

6. Castles -n- Coasters

Alright, so maybe this isn’t a real castle, but this is a favorite among the kiddos. Castles and Coasters is located in central Phoenix and is a great place for the kids to have an afternoon doing their thing. From miniature golf and bumper boats to rides and even a full scale roller coaster, Castles -n- Coasters is sure to be a good time for the whole family.

9445 Metro Parkway East
Phoenix, AZ 85051
602-997-7575

Thanks to http://www.dupontcastle.com/ for the collection of castles and information.

The South Rim is the most popular destination at the Grand Canyon

Which should you visit – the South Rim or the West Rim of the Grand Canyon? It’s a question more and more visitors are asking each year. The answer depends on several factors and ultimately comes down to whatever makes the most sense for your vacation. Read on for some questions and answers to help you figure out what you expect to get out of you Grand Canyon visit, and choose the Rim that’s right for you.

#1 Where will your trip originate? Nevada or Arizona?

If your trip will originate from Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sedona or another Arizona city, you’ll most likely want to choose the South Rim. It will probably be a shorter drive by several hours and hundreds of miles, giving you more time to enjoy the views at the rim instead of a view of your steering wheel. On the other hand, if you’re starting from Las Vegas, it probably makes the most sense to see the West Rim. Just a 3.5 hour drive (122 miles) from the glittering desert oasis lies Grand Canyon West, home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk and dozens and dozens of tour options.

#2 How much time do you have to spend at the Grand Canyon? A half-day or 1-2+ full days?

Because the entire Grand Canyon – regardless of West or South Rim – is in a remote part of Northern Arizona, half-day driving trips to the Grand Canyon are nearly impossible.  Half-day Grand Canyon trips are do-able from Las Vegas, Williams, Flagstaff, Sedona and Phoenix when you book a helicopter or airplane tour.

Again, your origination point will influence whether you’ll see the West Rim or the South Rim. If you’re coming from Las Vegas and you have just a half-day to see the Grand Canyon, definitely plan on taking a helicopter or airplane tour and seeing the West Rim. The vast majority of Las Vegas helicopter and air tours land at the Grand Canyon West airport. If you’re coming from Sedona or Phoenix, you can take a helicopter tour straight to the South Rim. If you’re coming from Flagstaff or any other Arizona departure point, plan on driving 2 hours or more to the South Rim, then taking a 30- 45 minute helicopter tour from Grand Canyon Airport, located in the village of Tusayan.

If you have one full day to see the Grand Canyon, those driving from Las Vegas will likely choose the West Rim (a 10 hour day, including drive time) over the South Rim (an 18 hour day.) Likewise, folks coming from all points Arizona will likely want to visit the South Rim (a 12 hour day) versus the West Rim (an 16-20 hour day.)

Needless to say, if you have multiple days to see the Grand Canyon, either Rim – or even both – is do-able as long as you plan nearby overnight accommodations. The vast majority of visitors choose to stay overnight in or around the South Rim since there are far more lodging choices and room availability at the South Rim than the West Rim.

#3 What kind of view do you expect? Deep and narrow, or wide and expansive?

The South Rim views are the classic Grand Canyon views with which you’re probably familiar.  Wide, expansive, and panoramic – the Grand Canyon as seen from the South Rim is an almost surreal, unbelievable sight that will leave you changed forever. The view of the Grand Canyon from the West Rim is impressively deep, with narrower canyon walls plunging downward to the Colorado River below. Many visitors delight at the unique view of the Grand Canyon available only at the West Rim; the view from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The view straight down through the glass cantilevered bridge offers a sometimes dizzying perspective on the Grand Canyon and the rocky chasm floor 4,000 feet down.

#4 What kind of activities do you want to do? Hiking, river rafting, a helicopter tour or train ride?

At the West Rim, one can drive or take a helicopter or air tour from Las Vegas, land at Grand Canyon West, walk the Skywalk, fly down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, ride down the Colorado River in a pontoon boat, and go back up to the Rim for a horseback ride. At the South Rim, you’ll find helicopter tours, Jeep tours, bus tours, light walking and hiking, heavy-duty backpacking and overnight backcountry camping, and the ever-popular Grand Canyon Railway train ride. Upper and Lower Canyon river rafting trips typically end and begin, respectively, at Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim.

#5 Is your vacation budget a factor? Could cost make a difference?

The cost of seeing the West Rim differs from the cost of seeing the South Rim. In short, the South Rim is less expensive with regard to entrance fees, parking and shuttle costs (about $25.) The West Rim, which is not part of Grand Canyon National Park but is owned and operated by the Hualapai native American tribe; the Hualapai collect fees for entrance to the West Rim (a minimum of $43, not including tickets to walk on the main attraction, the Grand Canyon Skywalk.)

#6 Do you follow the majority or the minority of visitors?

Simply put, the majority of visitors come to the South Rim each year. Compare 4 million annual South Rim visitors to 200,000 visitors at the West Rim. There is a good reason people flock to the South Rim; it’s actually part of Grand Canyon National Park; it’s stunningly beautiful; it’s more developed by way of visitors centers and services; there’s more lodging nearby; you can hike, backpack and camp; it’s easier to access and is more centrally located for Arizona visitors; and it offers more activity and tour variety.

The West Rim is emerging as a destination so it offers fewer options for lodging, services, visitor centers and variety when it comes to activities and tours. Because it’s not a part of Grand Canyon National Park but actually owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe on tribal land, Grand Canyon West is more a tour destination and pay-for-admission attraction than the National Park.  It’s proximity to Las Vegas, unique Skywalk attraction, beautiful rugged views and plethora of Las Vegas tour packages make the West Rim a fantastic choice for more and more of the Grand Canyon-bound each year.

Fourth of July Fireworks from Tempe 4th - Presented by Kiwanis Club of Tempe

Arizona is proud to present Fourth of July 2011 events all around the state. Here’s a vibrant burst of Arizona 4th of July events, listed by region or city, exploding all over our great state:

(All events below will occur on Monday, July 4, 2011 unless otherwise noted.)

Northern Arizona

• Grand Canyon – No fireworks in or around the National Park.
• Williams – Home Town Fourth of July. The celebration on July 4th and will include a fabulous parade, local BBQ, ice cream social and family activities. Visit www.williamschamber.org.
• Flagstaff – The 15th Annual Flagstaff Fourth of July Parade and Fire-Safe Fireworks – Celebrate the most spirited community events in Flagstaff. More info, visit flagstaffarizona.org
• Sedona – No fireworks in Sedona.
• Showlow – FreedomFest 2011 – Annual 4th of July Parade, festival events & the best fireworks display on the mountain. For more, visit showlowfreedomfest.com.

Central Arizona

• Tempe – Tempe Town Lake Festival or “Tempe 4th” on Tempe Town Lake. Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, this huge event at Tempe Beach Park opens at 4pm and will feature live music, family fun, a splash zone, an inflatable village, impressive food court and of course, the 60th Annual Kiwanis Club of Tempe Fireworks Spectacular – best fireworks show in the Valley – shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music and begins at 9:10pm. Get details on parking, tickets and attractions at tempe4th.com.
• Prescott – City of Prescott’s Fourth of July Celebration at Pioneer Park, located off Commerce near Willow Creek Road. All-day carnival, live music and the largest fireworks display in the tri-city area. Free admission for music and fireworks; pre-sale carnival wrist bands can be purchased for $12 or at the gate for $15. Fireworks show begins at 9:00 pm. For more information on tickets, attractions, events and parking, visit cityofprescott.net/events.
• Phoenix – Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth is the largest free fireworks event in the state. Come down to Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Three stages of local entertainment, Kids’ World, classic car exhibit, food and refreshment vendors; the fun begins at 6pm. Expect large crowds and be sure to bring your blanket, lawn chairs and coolers. Even-bigger-than-before Fabulous Fireworks start sparking at approximately 9:30 pm.

Southern Arizona

• Tucson
  • ‘A’ Mountain Fireworks Show Desert Diamond/City of Tucson/Pima County fireworks show from“A” Mountain at Tucson Convention Center parking lot, with food vendors, beer garden, car show. Visit tucsonaz.gov for more information.
  • Let Freedom Sing’ Concert Arts Express celebrates America’s birthday with a concert of patriotic songs staged at Centennial Hall, University of Arizona. Visit arts-express.org for information.
  • Tucson Padres Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Tucson Padres vs Reno Aces holiday baseball game features All-American fun and food followed by a fireworks display at Kino Stadium. For information and tickets, visit web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t549
• Benson – Benson July 4th Celebration Benson will celebrate the 4th of July with its annual parade, a water fight between volunteer fire departments, and a family dance at Lions Park. See bensonvisitorcenter.com for details.
• Marana – Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Arizona Pavillions hosts Marana’s fireworks show, with children’s fun, ice cream stations, live music, and beer garden. Learn more at marana.com
• Tombstone – July 4th Celebration with Fireworks Enjoy a family-style July 4th celebration with a round robin softball tournament, food booths, and street entertainment – all starting at noon. Free admission; sponsored by Knights of Columbus and Tombstone Vigilantes. Come to Medigovich Field and Allen Street at dusk for fireworks presented by the Tombstone Fire Department. Visit tombstonechamber.com for a map and details.
• Tubac – Tubac Golf Resort’s Independence Day Extravaganza with Fireworks Tubac’s annual fireworks celebration features family activities, food vendors, kids’ face painting, DJ and live music, fireworks, and special VIP packages for guests at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa – tubacgolfresort.com.

If you have additional events to share, please feel free to post them in our comments!

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are driving from Phoenix to Sedona in Oct’11 this year and are trying to work out what the weather will be like? Do the roads get affected at this time of year and also is it still a good time of year to see the Grand Canyon?

Appreciate your assistance.
Regards – Nicole R.

Colored Leaves in Sedona - Jeff Johnson

Hi, Nicole.  I’m willing to bet you’ll have smooth sailing the entire trip.  Phoenix is often still in the high 80s/low 90s in late October, and Sedona about 10 – 15 degrees cooler during the day, certainly cooler at night, but you should not have trouble with snow on the roads.  Yes, the Grand Canyon is still a great destination at that time of year (it always is) but particularly with regard to road conditions.  I doubt you’ll have trouble with snow that early in the fall/winter season at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, though the temperatures will merit wearing several light layers you can add and remove as the weather dictates (high temps are around 60 degrees at the end of October.)

(I am assuming you mean the South Rim, as it’s the most accessible from Sedona. The North Rim will be closed by mid-October.)

Here are links to average annual temps and snowfall for the three cities you mentioned (you may have to scroll down to see the weather tables):

• Scottsdale Weather
• Sedona Weather
• Grand Canyon Weather

Enjoy your trip, Nicole!

– ChristinaToo

There’s really nothing quite like Spring Training in Arizona. In many other parts of the country, snow still sits on the ground, while Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale invite you with sunshine, baseball -America’s favorite pastime-, cold beer, happy people (regardless of who is winning the game), hot dogs, peanuts, family…you get the point. Spring Training is the time and place where people from all over the country get together and genuinely appreciate all the wonderful things being to be experienced all in one place.

Spring Training Locations

View Arizona Spring Training Map – Greater Phoenix Spring Training Sites in a larger map

• Glendale Stadium
• Goodyear Ballpark
• Hohokam Stadium
• Maryvale Baseball Park
• Peoria Sports Complex
• Phoenix Municipal Stadium
• Scottsdale Stadium
• Surprise Stadium
• Tempe Diablo Stadium
• Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Hotel Theodore 7353 East Indian School Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 The Hotel Theodore is your getaway to the extraordinary. This sophisticated Scottsdale oasis offers a spectrum of amenities sure to astound even the most seasoned traveler. More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

3 Palms Hotel 7707 East McDowell Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257 When you enter our stunning yet intimate lobby, the desert stone accents set in the hand laid white crystal granite warn you to expect something special including a level of service that some people… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

W Scottsdale 7277 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Sizzling hot and sparkling cool, W Scottsdale is infused with natural water elements flowing with meditative energy surrounded by exhilarating arts, sophisticated shopping, destination golf and a… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hilton Scottsdale Resort Villas 6333 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250-5428 Located in Scottsdale Arizona the Hilton Scottsdale Resort – Villas hotel offers impeccable accommodations in a beautiful resort-style setting. A warm welcome and exceptional luxury awaits whether… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hotel Indigo SCOTTSDALE 4415 North Civic Center Plaza Scottsdale, AZ 85251 New Boutique Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale, Arizona Boasts Affordable Luxury Hotel Indigo Scottsdale is a new boutique hotel located in trendy Old Town Scottsdale, within walking distance of the… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel · Packages Available!

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites SCOTTSDALE 3131 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 You are invited to Stay Smart and enjoy resort style amenities beyond your expectations at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsdale. Whether you are coming in on business or just to get… More Info · Details on this Spring Training Hotel · Packages Available!

The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician 6000 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Valley of the Sun. Located in Scottsdale surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert is one of America’s most luxurious resorts. Recipient of the AAA 5 Diamond Award, Phoenician Residences, Luxury… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town 7324 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85251 Free Internet (Wired, Wireless and Public Wi-Fi) Come and experience deluxe accommodations a relaxed atmosphere and true Southwestern hospitality at the Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town hotel in Arizona. Located in the heart of Old Town our… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tours

This week, we have a two-part email that we received from a visitor to GrandCanyon.net, our newest guide toGrand Canyon tours. We thought it might be helpful to other readers looking for Grand Canyon tours from Scottsdale or Phoenix, whether to the West Rim or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you still have questions, or have any other recommendations to add, please feel free to comment here.

Dear Arizona Travel: Hey! I plan to drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon (West Rim) and return to the Comfort Inn (at Kingman) for 1 night stay before heading to Las Vegas the following day. Noticed that most helicopter tours starts from Las Vegas, is there any helicopter tours that starts from Phoenix? If yes, do you think it makes more sense for us to start the helicopter tour right from Phoenix to Grand Canyon directly? and who are the tour companies offering that? Otherwise, is there any helicopter tour which you can take directly at the Grand Canyon (West Rim) itself? Appreciate your advice. Thank you.

Sophia – Germany

Hi, Sophia.

Unfortunately, the helicopter tours that start from Scottsdale/Phoenix go to the South Rim, the most popular of the three rims. Yes, you can take a helicopter when you get to Grand Canyon West. The Hualapai Indian Tribe will be happy to offer this additional tour/charge to the price of the West Rim admission package, starting at about $56 per person if you want to also walk on the Skywalk (the helicopter tour is about $129 additional for a 12-15 minute flight.)

Since you asked for my advice, I suggest driving to the South Rim instead and taking a 30 – 45 minute helicopter tour with a company like Maverick or Papillon. You’ll spend less money overall and get more for your money. Plus, the drive from Phoenix to the West Rim is a good 6 hours, 15 minutes… and that, coupled with the 2.5 hour drive back out to Kingman, adds up to nearly 9 hours of driving. Why not drive 4 hours to the South Rim, then stay overnight in Williams? Even if you keep your stay in Kingman, the 3 hour drive from the South Rim to Kingman is still a better way to break up the day and still have enough time to actually see and enjoy the Grand Canyon.

That’s my two cents… hope it helps you!

Take care,
Christina

Here is part two of Sophia’s question:

Dear Arizona Travel: Hey Christina, thank you for your prompt advice.

As we would also like to visit the Skywalk in the West Rim, can you recommend if there are any helicopter tours which also covers the Skywalk at the West Rim if we take the tour that departs directly from the South Rim? I have searched for a few tour companies such as Maverick or Papillon, however, the flight time is mainly 45 minutes and depart from South Rim, but does not touch on the Skywalk at West Rim at all. There are also some tour packages which covers road + boat + air tour but that takes too many hours and we may have time issue of driving back to Kingman late at night (FYI: Our accommodation at Comfort Inn is already booked and confirmed).

Would be great if you can recommend.

Warm Regards,
Sophia

Hi, Sophia. As you discovered, your West Rim / Skywalk + helicopter tour packages that start at the West Rim are limited to those provided by the Hualapai tribe at Grand Canyon West. There are no helicopter tours that begin at the South Rim and fly over / land at the West Rim to include the Skywalk.

So, you’ll drive yourself to the West Rim as planned. You should be able to get to the Grand Canyon West entrance (the Grand Canyon West airport) by early afternoon if you depart Scottsdale/Phoenix in the early morning (say, by 6 am.) Because you will have limited time at the Rim, definitely buy your package ahead of time and reserve your helicopter flight and time now. Go to www.grandcanyonwest.com or call 1-888-868-WEST(9378) or 928-769-2636 to make your reservation and buy directly from the Hualapai Tribe and choose the Legacy Silver Package (includes the Skywalk) and then on the right hand side, enter the number of tickets you need in the box next to the Flight of the Eagle helicopter tour.

Enjoy your trip, Sophia! Let us know how it goes and feel free to share pictures through email and/or on our Arizona Travel Facebook page!

– Christina

Okay, your turn folks… any other questions or suggestions to add?

As a second installation to my Arizona Fall Follies story (see the first chapter on Prescott) I thought I’d turn to my own community of Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area.

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the nation, so no doubt there are tons of things to do in the Valley of the Sun over the next couple of months. Here, I highlight five don’t-miss fall activities that span the city from north to south:

Fall 2009 Events in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch – North Scottsdale: Daily, October 3 – 31

Mule-drawn hayride at MacDonald's Ranch

This North Scottsdale mainstay offers families classic pumpkin patch experiences like horse and mule-drawn hayrides, petting zoo, hay maze and sack races. But they also offer unique activities like a gem mine and a western golf game. And the fact that they allow you to pack a picnic lunch (save $$$) and they’re open 7 days a week sets them apart from the weekends-only pumpkin patches and festivals elsewhere in the state.
MacDonald’s Ranch is located at Jomax and Scottsdale Road, just 5 miles north of the Loop 101. Click to download their Pumpkin Patch flyer, or call 480.585.0239 for details.

Mariposa Monarca at Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix/Scottsdale: Daily, September 26 – November 15

Mariposa Monarca exhibit. See www.dbg.org for more.

This annual event is one of the Desert Botanical Garden’s most popular exhibits and it’s no wonder why. Stroll through the Marshall Butterfly Pavillion now through November 15, 2009 and surround yourself with hundreds of live Monarch butterflies.

This engaging experience features interpretive displays about the lifecycle, migration patterns, environmental threats, and conservation efforts of the monarch butterfly.

Ongoing daily at Desert Botanical Garden 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway – (on the shared borders of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe)
Free for members and children under three. $3 for General Public with paid Garden admission.
Email monarchs@dbg.org or call 480-481-8128 for more information. www.dbg.org

Annual Fall Festival at Saints Simon & Jude Cathedral – Phoenix: October 25

The Annual Fall Festival at Saints Simon & Jude is a favorite community event that doesn’t get all the fanfare and spotlight of local news coverage, but certainly deserves it. This Catholic community and school’s fundraising event welcomes all who enjoy delicious foods, family-friendly games, raffles, activities and happy memories of your childhood church bazaar. Located in Central Phoenix at 6351 North 27th Avenue (27th Avenue between Maryland and Bethany Home Road), there’s ample free parking and inexpensive food and raffle tickets. Be sure to check out two special features of the festival: Sister Raphael’s Irish Tea Room and Father Clement’s Touch Down Lounge! Call the parish office at (602) 242-1300 or visit www.simonjude.org.

Arizona State Fair – State Fairgrounds: Daily/Nightly Except Mondays October 16 – November 8

Arizona State Fair - Oct 16 - Nov 8

A fall events post would be incomplete without the Arizona State Fair. This long-running event is an autumnal favorite and an impressive showcase of headline concerts and entertainment, delicious food, exciting rides, shows, demonstrations, exhibits and more. Be sure to try the Fair’s (in)famous adventures in fried foods, and see big, big performances by Bob Dylan, Stone Temple Pilots, The Black Crowes, and Raven-Symone.

Visit the Arizona State Fair website – www.azstatefair.com – for comprehensive information on daily discounts, parking, directions, map, hours, prices, tickets, rides, food and more.

Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms – Queen Creek: Every Thursday – Sunday in October

This is the big time when it comes to pumpkin festivals. Voted “”Arizona’s Best Family Fall Experience” by Phoenix Magazine, the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party offers hay rides, miniature golf, 4 acre Sonic Burger Maze, country road rally, honeybee adventure, carousel rides, petting barn, Hillbilly Bob’s Pig Races, carnival rides for children young and old, Pumpkin Launch, Witch Mountain giant slide, Arizona’s only gravity roller coaster (must be 32″ tall to ride), SRP Earthwise interactive experience, rock climbing wall, live entertainment, bonfires & marshmallow roasting (6:30pm), Lil’ Farmers play yard, Schnepf Family Museum, sweet shop, country store, gift shops, holiday gift tent and a spectacular fireworks show on Friday & Saturday nights to celebrate 68 years of farming!

The key to enjoying this huge pumpkin and food festival is to skip the tickets line and save $2 on admission by purchasing discount tickets in advance at any Fry’s Food Stores location. You’ll pay $14 per person over the age 2 versus the $16 regular price.

There’s tons of information about times, activities, food experiences, entertainment, showtimes and more on the Schnepf Farms website www.schnepffarms.com

Our group. That's me in the pink hat on the far right.

“Was it scary?” my friend and co-blogger, Chrissy, asked me when I returned to the office on Monday after a weekend whitewater river rafting trip down the Class III/Class IV Upper Salt River.  “Nope. Not scary at all.  It was thrilling!”

Thrilling, exhilarating, heart-pounding; these are the words I use to describe my first-ever river rafting experience.  It’s fitting, then, that the adventure company with which I did this trip is called Exuberance Events.  Rafting on the Upper Salt River, about 45 minutes north of Globe, Arizona (about 2.5 hours east of Scottsdale) was not only a day filled with unrestrained joy, it left me with a hangover of happiness for the day or two following.

Thirteen Exuberance participants hopped in a van and drove from Tempe to the Upper Salt River around 6 am. Our Exuberance trip guide, owner Ann Mullins Bulka, had healthy, gourmet homemade breakfast treats laid out for us before we departed – a great touch and one of her signatures.  The van was abuzz with anticipation as we began our 2.5 hour drive in great spirits.

After a beautiful scenic drive up highway 60 past Globe, toward Showlow, we crossed a large bridge over the Salt River and arrived at our destination.  We met with our trip guides from Wilderness Aware Rafting, and our Trip Leader, AJ, led us through a thorough safety talk and the other guides got us fitted with life jackets and helmets.  Soon after, we headed down to the put-in spot and met with our individual guides. Our group took two boats, adeptly guided by Miles and Glenn, two of the country’s best and most accomplished river guides.

A quick paddling lesson and we were off! Photos: exuberanceevents.com

Under clear blue skies and bright sun, we got a few lessons in paddling “Forward 1! Forward 2!” and then we were off! The Upper Salt River Canyon meanders through over a dozen Class III rapids; our group’s favorites included Maytag Chute, Mother Rock, and the powerful waves of Exhibition Rapid and Mescal Rapid.

At midday, we pulled off to the side of the river to our lunch spot. A shaded ramada, hors d’ouevres and a hot lunch of delicious sizzling fajitas made for a tasty and satisfying reprieve. Our guide, Glenn, offered to take our group on a short hike to Travertine Falls, a beautiful shaded oasis tucked into the cliffs the preside over the Salt River. We all enjoyed this leg-stretching hike and were eager to return to the river.

The second half of our day on the river included thrilling rapids, some fancy maneuvering and heart-pounding “surfing” on an eddy in the midst of the powerful Mescal Rapid. All too soon, our day had come to an end and it was time to head back on the bus to our starting point. We climbed aboard the Wilderness Aware “vintage” bus ending our day that was, as described by the guides,  “a Class III river trip with a Class V ride home.”

I’m really looking forward to doing this trip again next year.  If you’re interested in this kind of trip or even this specific trip for Spring 2010, check out Exuberance Events for more information about their outdoor adventures, hikes and yoga events in the Phoenix area.