Photo credit: NASA_goddard CC BY 2.0

When we were kids, my sister and I loved the 1980 PBS series Cosmos with Carl Sagan. Something about his deep, soothing voice and that gold cordoroy blazer just drew us in. Well, that, and the fact that as daughters of a NASA spokesperson and an accomplished teacher, we were reared on a steady diet of science, art and philosophy. That was me at age 5.

Now that I’m a mother, I am thrilled that there is an emerging children’s museum in Prescott, Arizona. Located inside Prescott Gateway Mall, the spot… a Child’s Museum is an “emerging” museum in the throes of its fundraising and awareness phase.

Judy Paris, president of the Children’s Museum Alliance and founder of the spot… a Child’s Museum explained, “The museum promotes STEM programs (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics so we are eager to begin our science programs. The initial method will be through Science Saturdays which are comprised of specific topics in the field of STEM presented by an expert. We expect to have these special Sci Sat programs monthly on a variety of subjects.”

the spot’s inaugural Science Saturday is this weekend, Saturday, May 22 from 10:30am until 1:00pm at their space inside the mall (next to Dillard’s.) Children will experience the theme of the event, “Exploring the Solar System” with guest speaker, Stacy DeVeau, who is the Director of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s NASA Educator Resource Center.

“Stacy was involved very early with us, even before we became a non-profit. She was excited to hear we were researching the possibility of a museum since she is a former teacher and now the NASA educator located at ERAU. We have had many chats with ERAU about partnering to bring STEM programs to young children so they are energized to follow careers in those fields. Stacy is passionate about this as well and was a member of our charrette team who developed our primary concepts for the grand vision,” said Paris.

Children will also get to participate in hands-on art and engineering activities. Because the spot is not only focused on STEM principles but also ties in all the fine arts as well as our Arizona heritage and culture, the special event’s activities will also include poetry, literature and art.

“Stacy will introduce children to basic aspects of the solar system,” Paris continued. “Children will be able to identify the planets, learn how they differ, gain knowledge about size, weight and distance. They will design their own planets, create an alien, and use solar system stamps and stencils to create a card or poster.”

Children will listen to poetry about planets by Jen Ulm, author of the children’s book, Planetary Personalities, who will be on hand to do a reading from her book and one-on-one time for literary exploration.

“It should be an out-of-this-world experience!” Paris quipped.

Dr. Sagan once wrote: I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is among elementary school youngsters than among college students.

the spot… a Child’s Museum embodies the same passion for introducing children to discovery-based and inquiry-based learning early in their lives. Research shows that many children (and many adults) learn better when education includes hands-on experiences. Paris explained, “Hands-on learning is absolutely critical to young children. Sometimes it’s better to do something than to read it in a book. Children need to be active and doing things in order to learn and create those experiences in their brains that they can call upon later when they are reading books and they are doing mathematical problems, that they have those experiences to back up the principle.”

Science Saturday is an ideal way to give your child the experiences to back up the principles they’re learning in school. And it’s the first of many events at the spot in which central and northern Arizona families can support their children’s education and their community.

“This is another major step for us at the museum. It is the first in a series of science programs that we want to bring into the lives of young children. It takes energy, time and money to bring these programs to children so we may clearly demonstrate to the community the value of our museum. We continue to be a core group of volunteers who want to enhance the education of children and embrace families through unique experiences.”

Tickets are limited, so be sure to buy online before the event. Tickets are available through ShowUp.com and cost $10 (plus a $2 service fee) per 1 adult + 1 child. The event is targeted toward children ages 5 – 12.

If your 5 year old is anything like the 1980 version of me, I’m certain he or she will be fascinated by this weekend’s Science Saturday. And I’ll bet you a Milky Way bar that your child will say, “This is my spot! My place of discovery. When can we go back to the spot?”

Dear Arizona Travel.
So I’m writing because I’m looking for a family reunion location and Arizona would be a nice central location. We were going to go to a lake in Idaho, but it is too hard to get to. We need a place that is similar to [name redacted] in that it is economical and plenty to do without leaving the resort, especially for kids. The clincher, however, is that it needs to be within an hour of a main airport. We have family coming from several states and we hate to have to spend a good chunk of the weekend commuting to the destination. Any ideas in Arizona?
–Angela, Utah

Great question, Angela! Right off the bat, I can think of two incredible spots that sound just perfect for your family reunion.

Mormon Lake Lodge is near Flagstaff.  It boasts cabins and other lodging, a steakhouse and saloon, game room, petting zoo, playground, volleyball, basketball court, horseshoes and more; great for families and kids.

Mormon Lake Lodge

Plus, there is commercial air service to Flagstaff via Horizon Air (from Los Angeles LAX only) and US Airways (from Phoenix PHX only).If you can only come into Phoenix Sky Harbor, then a 1 hour limit is a toughie because you’d still basically be in the city. Stretch that driving time to 1.5 or 2 hours and that’ll get you to Prescott or Flagstaff and not take anything away from your family togetherness time.

Prescott is also serviced daily by Horizon Air from LAX and is located about 1.5 hours from Phoenix. For your reunion, try Juniper Well Ranch. Four cabins sleep a total of 22 adults. There is a winery, horseback riding and general “exploration of the woods” for the kids.

Juniper Well Ranch

Other woodsy places in Arizona include Payson and the White Mountains area towns like Pinetop, Showlow and Strawberry. A quick Google search for “family reunion” and these city names should point you in the right direction.

Hope that helps!
–ChristinaToo

Here is a photo gallery and more of the story after the bump…

I was so happy that I got to experience this festival in its third year, which translated to not-overwhelmingly-large crowds and easy parking. However, if I am to be completely honest in my review, it was clear to me that Freeman Farms still has some kinks to work out.  We waited an hour for a hot dog and nearly missed paying for our entrance fee and pumpkin take because the ticket booth / pumpkin cashier was set back on the property so that it was not obvious that we would indeed owe an entrance fee ($3 per person.) It wasn’t until we were leaving that we realized we should really get in the (quite long) line to weigh our pumpkins and pay our entrance fee.

Suggestions for the farm for next year: Include a couple weigh-it-yourself stations with honor-system dropboxes for cash owed.  I would have gladly paid far more than the pumpkins’ price just to avoid the line and donate to the cause. Second, they need better signage at the intersection of Road 3 South off of Highway 89 (the farm’s website driving directions said look for signs but I didn’t see any and nearly missed the turn.)

If you go (and you certainly should):

• Driving: If coming from Prescott (or any point south), start looking to turn onto Road 3 South just after the roundabout on Highway 89 entering Chino Valley.
• Food: Bring your own. We had packed a cooler of snacks and drinks and we were glad we did… the wait for concessions was a long one.
• Wear: Sunscreen! It was a gorgeous sunny and warm day, with not much shade to be had.  Wear long pants and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the pumpkin patch.
• Bring: Your own cutting tool for pumpkins and maybe even a gardening glove… Many pumpkins are detached already but you’ll need hand-held lawn clippers to cut those *prickly* pumpkin stems.
• Bring: Cash in small denominations. Food and tickets for entrance, train rides, hay rides, the corn maze and horseback riding lessons are required, and most things are affordable…priced around $3.
• Stay: Make a weekend of it… book your hotel on Prescott.com, find restaurants, other attractions and other events and festivals nearby.

But, I am so super excited for fall to arrive this year – even more than usual – because there are some really cool new 2009 autumn festivities happening around the state of Arizona.  Well, they may not be new to everyone, but they’re new to me and since they weren’t part of our hugely popular Fall 2006 post, I’m gonna go ahead and assume you’d like to hear about them, too.

There’s so much going on around the state that I’m planning this as a multi-parter, starting in the city of Prescott.  Look for future posts for information on what to do in Sedona, Flagstaff and Scottsdale this fall, as well.  And if you have some terrific insight, please oh please feel free to leave a comment here so I can include your contribution in my next post!

Fall 2009 Events in Prescott, Arizona

Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival – Chino Valley: September 26 & 27 and every weekend in October

photo credit: Freeman Farms - azpumpkins.com

THIS is where you must go for the Real Farm Experience.  Freeman Farms touts itself as Northern Arizona’s REAL Pumpkin Patch, and I mean, seriously – they have everything you could expect from a pumpkin patch: farm fresh pumpkins (grown on Freeman Farms); farm fresh produce; horse, animal and wildlife presentations; educational presentations; corn maze; hay rides; horseback riding lessons; petting zoo; entertainment and activities; attractions and concessions; and of course, fun for the whole family!

In case you aren’t familiar with the Prescott tri-city area, Chino Valley is located just 15 minutes north of Prescott.

• When to go: Weekends beginning September 26 & 27 and continuing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October from 9 am to 4 pm
• What to expect: While some pre-cut pumpkins will probably be available, the U-Pick aspect is a big part of the fun! Bring your own cutting utensil.  If you pick it, (or break a stem,) you pay for it. No dogs allowed. Average temperatures in Chino Valley for October are a high of 74.6 degrees F and a low of 56.8… ‘pertinear’ darn perfect.
• Prices: Parking is FREE. Admission: $3 per adult;  $2 per child 2-18 years old;  infants in diapers FREE
• For more information: www.azpumpkins.com for directions or call 928-636-5714.

Old West Oktoberfest – Saturday, October 17

photo credit: scottb211 on flickr.com

Amber fall foliage is perfect when paired with a locally-crafted beer. In it’s ninth year, the Old West Oktoberfest promises to be bigger and better than ever! With more microbreweries participating, expanded events and more areas for whole-family fun, the downtown section of Gurley Street gets closed off so participants can wander the booths, tasting and testing ales, ambers, stouts and lagers.

• When to go:Saturday, October 17 from 1 pm to 6 pm
• What to expect:Large crowds. Be prepared to show valid ID proving you are age 21 or over. You’ll get a souvenir tasting glass and tickets good for five beer samples. Expect ideal fall weather in the mid -70s during the day and light layers needed as the festival comes to a close.
• Prices: $15 per person.
• Don’t drink and drive: Visit hotels.prescott.com to browse, compare and book a hotel room within walking distance or a short, cheap cab ride from downtown Prescott.

Lynx Lake Restaurant – Prescott National Forest: Open Tuesday through Sunday

photo credit: walkingprescott.blogspot.com

A local favorite, this German restaurant overlooks Lynx Lake and shares its space with the Lynx Lake store and boat rentals.  Watch kayakers, paddle boats and trout-anglers as you enjoy a killer breakfast (served 8 am – 2pm) or dinner (served 4 pm – 8 pm) and a great German beer.  Authentic Bavarian fare, great views, and the thrill of being in on a best-kept secret are reasons enough to plan your own personal Oktoberfest and check out the Lynx Lake Cafe.

• When to go: Not Mondays. You’ll get super slow service since they’re not open. Better go Tuesday through Sunday and you’ll get great service.
• How to get there: Take Highway 69 to Walker Road (Look for Costco between Prescott and Prescott Valley) and turn south onto Walker Road. Go 7.6 miles on Walker Road. Right on Eagle Road. Left on Eureka Lane. 4505 E Forest Service Rd (928) 778-0720.

Trick o’ Treating on Mt. Vernon – Halloween: Saturday, October 31

photo credit: giometriks on flickr.com

Mt. Vernon street in Prescott is lined with stately and cute-as-a-button Victorian homes that get all decked out for Halloween. Each year, about 5,000 trick o’ treaters of all ages descend upon Mt. Vernon and line up at the spookily-transformed Painted Ladies to garner ghoulish goodies and marvel at the lawns-turned-graveyards and creepy decor.

• Where to go: Mt. Vernon Street is four blocks east of Courthouse Square, and south of Gurley Street.View Map
• When to show up: Twilight if you have little kids; later if you have older kids or you are an overgrown Power Ranger pandering for candy you could not only afford yourself but also by a sixer to go along with it.
• What to expect: Large crowds, off-site FREE parking in the Granite Street Parking Garage at Gurley and Granite, one block west of Montezuma…and thus an easy five-block walk to Mt. Vernon Street.

Prescott is totally happening during October and November, so be sure to check out this calendar of events in Prescott to stay up-to-date on all the sweet raves and flashmobs… woops, I mean, festivals and art shows going on in town this fall in Prescott.

Got an event to add? Leave your comment here or add it to the Prescott.com community calendar – it’s Free!

Event Poster. More at worldsoldestrodeo.com

The Professional Bull Riders are bucking into Prescott on Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 PM for an evening filled with rank bulls, high scores and big wrecks at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds!  This is the last scheduled professional rodeo event of the year!

The Copenhagen Challenger Tour is part of the PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series, presented by Wrangler and features current and up-and-coming bull riders within the four-tiered PBR series.  The tour is designed to take the best bull riders throughout the course of the competition and use them to stock the 45-man Built Ford Tough Series roster, the tour that leads to the World Finals of professional bull riding in Las Vegas.

Tickets are $16 & $26 and can be purchased by calling 866-407-6336 or 928-445-4320, or online at www.worldsoldestrodeo.com. After the performance, head on over to the Windsock Lounge on Iron Springs Road for music, dancing and libations, featuring great company and great music.

Find overnight accommodations in Prescott (so you can party late into the night and safely cab it to your hotel.)

The key drivers of the decision to cancel this year, as reported on their website, were…

“…lower-than-projected revenues from the 2008 Festival, donations and sponsors — and the current economic environment that is challenging all of us.”

“But,” they promise, “we’re not going away.”

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks reports that they have “already taken significant steps to weather the financial storm, including reducing our administrative costs by nearly 80%.”

“We plan to hold a series of smaller events during the year to build our financial base. We will strategically use this time to rethink, regroup and reinvent Sedona Jazz on the Rocks, with plans to bring the Festival back in 2010.”

Source: prescottjazz.com Photo by Jim Haas

Prescott Jazz Summit is Covering the Basses

So what will local and visiting Jazz and music-lovers do in the absence of this legacy event?

Good news! The 2009 Prescott Arizona Jazz Summit is happening August 28 – 30.  In its 9th season, the Prescott Area Jazz Summit is being headlined by Grammy Award-winning Toni Tennille of the 70s sensation Captain & Tennille, performing on Saturday night, with more than a dozen other renowned musicians filling a variety of downtown Prescott venues with music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including Master of Ceremonies Blaize Lantana, Jazz Director and host of nightly jazz programming on Phoenix’s NPR station, KJZZ 91.5 FM,

Musicians scheduled to perform include Judy Roberts, Reggie Thomas, Carl Saunders, Mike Vax, Scott Whitfield, Gary Hobbs, Greg Fishman, Blaise Lantana, Ginger Berglund, Joel Robin, Tony Vacca, Jack Petersen, Steve Annibale, Ted Sistrunk, Cleve Huff, Denny Garr, Les Czimber, Tom Winker, Larry Kantor and several youth acts, including the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Youth Band.

Come to Prescott where summer temperatures are mild; afternoon temperatures about 80 degrees and evening temps in the 60s. Perfect for kicking back on Courthouse Square, grabbing dinner and drinks in one of the happenin’ downtown Prescott restaurants and bars along “Whiskey Row” and beyond, and shopping in local boutique retail shops and art galleries that frame the downtown epicenter.

Tickets are affordable, with the best deal being the All Concert Pass for just $70. Individual concerts priced around $25 per person and specialty tickets like Meet the Musicians and a Sunday Jazz Brunch are also available.

Buy tickets online at www.prescottjazz.com or order by phone at 925-218-2336.

Tickets also on sale at the Hassayampa Inn and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
Call 928-771-1268 or 925-872-1942

Download PDF

Don’t forget that Horizon Air / Alaska Air has dozens of airline partners, connecting passengers from Prescott, Flagstaff and all of Arizona to the entire world via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX.)

Check out the schedule below and be sure to check out www.alaskaair.com and www.horizonairgetaways.com for great air/hotel packages and super-affordable fares.

From a Horizon Air press release:

Horizon Air today announced several changes to its fall flight schedule, taking effect Aug. 23 and available for sale now.

“We keep in close contact with our frequent fliers, and many of the adjustments to our schedule are being made directly in response to what they shared with us,” said Dan Russo, Horizon’s vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re improving flight times for business travelers and providing additional connection options from our hub cities.”

All flights are operated with the 76-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop or the 70-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet.

Thumb Butte presiding over the Veterans Hospital, formerly Fort Whipple

I was in Prescott this week for a meeting at the Prescott Resort, which is located atop a large hill just before you make the turn southwest into downtown Prescott. I parked my car facing Thumb Butte and looked down into the valley below and saw what I now know is the Prescott Veterans Hospital, formerly the site of Fort Whipple. (I know this because of this great little blog post over at the Prescott Area Daily Photo blog.)

What I thought was most charming about the hospital campus splayed below were the two rows of identical early American farmhouses, as you can see in the photo. I immediately wondered what the houses are now used for, what their history is, and the full history of the hospital in general. (By the way, if you know the scoop, please comment! I’d love to learn more.)

Later, another Prescott discovery (well, okay, I admit… this was a return visit BUT the first time was indeed a discovery and I just had to go back). The Raven Cafe on Montezuma and Willis in downtown Prescott is such a great restaurant, I just can’t say enough about it. Prescott’s only “all green” dining establishment, the Raven Cafe features an organic coffee bar and tons of organic beers on draft and in the bottle.

Quiche of the day at the Raven Cafe (rhyme!) www.ravencafe.com

While I was waiting to order my lunch, I checked out the rotating gallery of what I would describe as indie art, a big bookcase of volumes to borrow while you dine and even a whole bunch of kid-friendly attention-occupiers fill the bottom shelves (as a mom… I totally appreciate the non-verbal cue that kids are welcome, and well-behaved, busy kids are even better.)

Soon, it was my turn to order and I chose one of four special quiches of the day – the boursin and red pepper. An iced tea, too and I toted my order number over to a table by the door. The quiche was spectacular – perfectly portioned and plenty rich to fill me up, with a green salad that I learned was grown in the Raven Cafe’s very own Raven Garden (with offerings from the local farmer’s market, too.)

Please check out the Raven Cafe… From the flyers and chalkboards, it’s clear they are great for lunch and even livelier for happy hour and dinner. Next time I’m in Prescott, I’ll have to force… FORCE myself not to eat at the Raven Cafe and check out someplace new… But you know there’ll be a blog post on THAT discovery, too, so stay tuned.

photo credit: HA! Designs - artbyheather on flickr.com

Looking for a place to honor your mom this weekend?  Check out these Mother’s Day Weekend activities around Arizona.

Sedona

Mother’s Day Brunch at Joey Bistro:

May 10
“Mama mia”… those will be the only two words you’ll be able to speak after celebrating an incredible Mother’s Day at Joey Bistro, thanks to an exquisite menu planned and prepared for “Felice Festa, Cara Mama” by Los Abrigados Resort & Spa Chef de Cuisine Mike Kenyon. Make your reservations now, to Northern Arizona’s finest dining establishment specializing in Southern Italian Cuisine, a retreat away from the ordinary and detour towards delightful delicacies. Trust us, mom is worth it!

For a modest price of $36 per adult, $15 kids 5 through 12, and complimentary under 5, visit the extravagance and taste the culture of Italy at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa’s Joey Bistro. Experience “Felice Festa, Cara Mama,” during one of six seating times: 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1 p.m., or 1:15 p.m., show your love with class and dine on food “ta die for!”

For reservations call Los Abrigados Resort & Spa Concierge Staff at 282-0189. Joey Bistro, located at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa at 160 Portal Lane adjacent to Tlaquepaque, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. For more information, call 204-JOEY (5639).

Prescott

Granite Creek Vineyards 5th Annual Mother’s day Wine & Art Fair

May 09 to May 10
This Mother’s Day treat Mom to tastes of award-winning wines, live music, fresh and barbequed foods, and handcrafted local art, all part of the festivities taking place at the Vineyards. The extraordinary Dublin Soul, with traditional and original Irish music will be performing Saturday; Sunday will feature outstanding vocalist Vyktoria Pratt-Keating. Admission is $8.00 ($3.00 for case club members) and includes wine tasting, a souvenir wine glass, and entry to a memorable day with family and friends.
www.granitecreekvineyards.com

Flagstaff

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Little America Hotel

May 10
Come celebrate Mother’s Day at The Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. Our Mother’s Day brunch brings the whole family together to help celebrate one of the most important days of the year.

Here, a sample of the culinary selections that will be presented:

• Belgian Waffles and Omelets Prepared to Order
• Hot and Cold Seafood
• Carving Stations
• Hot Entrees & Side Dishes
• Chocolate Fountain and Assorted Desserts

Champagne included! Adults are $36.95, Children 7 -11 are $16.95. Children 6 and under are free.

Open seating, no reservations will be taken.

You can even stay the night on May 9 or 10 and receive a coupon for 15% off the Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch!

Visit our website for full menu and more information. Or call 928.779.7979.

Scottsdale

Mother’s Day Concert with Esteban

May 10

Join the Desert Botanical Garden for an annual tradition by bringing mom and the family to enjoy the incredible sounds of Estéban in Concert. Two shows available / 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. OR 4 – 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 for the concert and lunch, or $45 for the concert only.

www.dbg.org
or call (480) 481-8188.

Photo credit: Shap2007 on flickr.com

There’s no amusement park in Sedona.  But that doesn’t mean that Sedona’s not a great destination for families with kids.  There are all kinds of things to do in Sedona – especially in the spring and summer – that appeal to kids and parents alike.  Check out a quick rundown of great things to do in Sedona – or a quick 20 – 60 minute drive away – if you have a child or children under the age of 12:

1) JEEP TOURS – In town, a Sedona Jeep Tour is a great, classic “must-do” for Sedona visitors of all ages. Sedona Jeep tours routinely cater to families with young children. There are several companies to choose from that offer jeep tours in Sedona so visit each one’s website to see what fits your family best.

2) SEDONA TROLLEY – The Sedona Trolley will take your family all over Uptown Sedona for shopping and dining; and a visit up Oak Creek Canyon to Slide Rock State Park is fun for some natural summertime water-play.

Photo credit: kyle simourd on flickr.com

3) STARGAZING – If the kids can stay up a little late, you might check out some Sedona astrological tours (”Sedona by Starlight” is presented by the Institute of Eco-Tourism) on Monday nights and take advantage of seeing Sedona’s beautifully dark skies filled with stars.  For tours any night of the week, check out Evening Sky Tours.  This is what you call family-friendly, natural Sedona entertainment and nightlife!

4) WILD ANIMAL PARK – Just a short 45-minute car ride, near Camp Verde, look for one of the best things to do in Prescott, AZ: Out of Africa wildlife park – a great zoo experience for the whole family.

Photo credit: cogdogblog on flickr.com

5) RIDE THE RAILS – Just a bit south of Sedona, look for the Verde Canyon Railroad (about 20 min from Sedona) for an old-fashioned train ride and sightseeing experience including lots of wildlife

7) SPECIAL EVENTS – There are some really fantastic special events in Sedona happening year-round. See our Sedona event calendar. Depending on the dates of your visit, you may catch the Sedona Arts Festival, one of many music festivals like the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks, live theater like Shakespeare Sedona or the Sedona Film Festival. Several popular fall & winter holiday events like Fiesta de Tlaquepaque and the famous Sedona Luminarias are reason alone to take a family vacation to Sedona, AZ.  And anytime of year during your sightseeing in Sedona, be sure to look for all the “Javalinas on Parade,” a public art installation all around town. Kids love to use their “treasure” maps and go “hunting” for the Javalinas.

Photo credit: eyeliam on flickr.com

8) KIDS EAT FREE – For parents on a budget (read: ALL PARENTS) a Kids Eat Free deal is something to shout about.  Check out Sedona restaurants like Joey Bistro and Stakes & Sticks – both located at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa – where, starting March 29, 2009, Kids Eat Free  every Sunday. Please call Stakes & Sticks at 928-204-STIX (7849) or Joey Bistro at (928) 204-JOEY (5639) for more information.

Enjoy your Sedona family vacation!