2023-10-19 03:42:29
With big-city excitement, outdoor adventures and the state’s largest concentration of luxury resorts, the Greater Phoenix area offers the best of many worlds. Explore the lively downtown and quiet neighborhoods, high-end shopping down the road from quirky boutiques, James Beard Award-winning restaurants alongside local dive bars, and world-renowned museums that share the same zip code as independent art galleries and artisan studios. IN THIS REGION Fort McDowell, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Superior, Tempe Area Highlights ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, MESA Spanning continents and millennia, this comprehensive museum delves into the ancient histories of people, land and creatures large and small. See colossal dinosaurs, glittering gems and minerals, archeological excavations and insights into some of the Southwest’s first civilizations. Free tours in American Sign Language are available. WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT, GLENDALE Anchored by Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium, this sprawling complex is a hot spot for entertainment of all kinds. Watch a movie at AMC Theatres, play games at Carousel Arcade Bar or Dave & Buster’s, test your sleuthing skills at Escape Westgate and have a laugh at Stir Crazy Comedy Club — then take your pick from dozens of eateries. WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST, SCOTTSDALE Explore a variety of perspectives on Western culture, history and beauty at this Smithsonian-affiliated art museum that features ongoing and special exhibits in media ranging from paintings and drawings to pottery and jewelry. AGRITOPIA FARM, GILBERT Local flavors intertwine with local makers at this farm-community hybrid. See the orchards at Agritopia Farm and pick up gourmet food items, from artisanal flour to small-batch honey, at the farm store. Then, stroll through maker studios and shops inside Barnone before lingering on a patio with a glass of wine from Garage-East or a craft beer from 12 West Brewing Co. TEMPE BEACH PARK, TEMPE Perched on the southern shore of Tempe Town Lake, this 25-acre urban park offers recreation on land and water. Stroll more than five miles of trails, drop in a fishing line (buy a fishing license at azgfd.com/fishing-2), or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for water fun at Boat Rentals of America. MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, PHOENIX With a vast collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 countries, this museum celebrates the rich diversity of cultures and craftsmanship through the shared language of music. Peruse the galleries, engage with interactive media and watch live concerts to hear sounds of all kinds. CITY LIMITLESS BEERS & BREWS PASSPORT, MESA AREA This free digital passport combines the best of both worlds — craft beer and gourmet coffee — inviting folks to discover nearly 20 places to enjoy these two libations in Mesa and the surrounding vicinity. The program serves as a tour of the breweries, tap rooms, sports bars and coffee shops, and when you check in at each location, you could win prizes. WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB, FORT MCDOWELL Play on two award-winning golf courses set in the scenic Sonoran Desert on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains as you sink your putt. A world-class practice facility is also on-site. HEARD MUSEUM, PHOENIX With an impressive collection of more than 40,000 objects, this comprehensive museum includes intricate Navajo textiles, Zuni jewelry, Hopi Katsina dolls, prehistoric ceramics and contemporary art. See the new permanent video installation Substance of Stars to learn about the connection between celestial bodies and fundamental origin stories. LIGHT BITES poolside BY TAYLOR GARLAND There’s nothing quite like a refreshing dip in a luxurious resort pool, especially when paired with delicious bites and tropical cocktails. Luckily, the Phoenix area boasts an array of upscale pools that offer just that. One of the best spots to indulge is the Sonora Swim Club at Senna House Scottsdale. This stunning rooftop pool features a modern desert vibe, complete with cactuses, palm trees and a dazzling food and drink menu. Think fresh salads, fruit and grilled seafood, as well as inventive cocktails like the S’Ancho Reyes Margarita. Another must-visit pool is The Saguaro Pool at Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. The resort’s seven pools are adorned with colorful tiles and lush landscaping, making it a true oasis in the desert. Offering poolside dining at the two main pools, you’ll find a variety of light bites, including a refreshing watermelon salad and grilled shrimp skewers. Pair your meal with a frozen drink like Frosé or a slushie for the ultimate summer vibe. For another chic rooftop experience, head to Eden Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Phoenix. This trendy spot offers stunning views of the city skyline and a Mediterranean menu to fuel you from day to night. Indulge in dishes like the Tomato Fattoush Salad while sipping on a tropical cocktail such as the Phoenix Rising. The Westin Tempe’s Skysill Rooftop Lounge is the spot for a glamorous experience. This sleek rooftop bar offers a variety of small plates and cocktails, including the popular Sun Devil. Sit back and relax while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding area. Mountain views and an immaculate sunbathing deck surround the serene pool at the Spa at The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn. Savor a health-forward meal at Sprouts, a restaurant offering local flavors and organic cocktails. Bask in the desert sunshine and sip on a refreshing smoothie. No matter which poolside spot you choose, you’re sure to enjoy an inspiring and rejuvenating experience. Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and get ready to soak up the sun in style. GET READY to arrive in style Download the free Visitor Savings Pass with special retailer offers – simply visit the websites below and enter the passcode SAVINGS BILTMORE FASHION PARK LULULEMON ATHLETICA MACY’S EVEREVE RALPH LAUREN SAKS FIFTH AVENUE SEPHORA THE CAPITAL GRILLE GORJANA ANTHROPOLOGIE & BHLDN WEDDINGS ShopBiltmore.com/Savings KIERLAND COMMONS ANTHROPOLOGIE ALO YOGA FREEBIRD VUORI TRAVISMATHEW SHADY RAYS MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB SUNDANCE CHANEL FRAGRANCE & BEAUTY BOUTIQUE KierlandCommons.com/Savings CHANDLER FASHION CENTER APPLE KENDRA SCOTT ANTHROPOLOGIE LULULEMON ATHLETICA THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY COACH SEPHORA URBAN OUTFITTERS COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT SCHEELS ( OPENING SEP 30 , 20 23) ShopChandlerFashionCenter.com/Savings ARROWHEAD TOWNE CENTER APPLE ROUND1 BOWLING & AMUSEMENTS H&M MACY’S LULULEMON ATHLETICA LEVI’S STORE URBAN OUTFITTERS DILLARD’S COACH SEPHORA QUAY AUSTRALIA ArrowheadTowneCenter.com/Savings GORGEOUS GREENS BY TERESA BITLER Dramatic Sonoran Desert landscapes and year-round sunshine make Phoenix one of the best places in the country to tee off. While you have nearly 200 golf courses to choose from in the metropolitan area, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to play these top courses. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top golf courses, Troon North Golf Club features 36 holes of desert golf designed by Tom Weiskopf. Both courses wind along the base of Pinnacle Peak and offer views of saguaros and giant granite boulders. Owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Talking Stick Golf Club challenges golfers at all levels with its two courses: the longer O’odham Course requiring strategic ball placement and the open fairway, tree-lined Piipaash Course. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club at Fort McDowell stands out for its uninterrupted views of the Sonoran Desert. Tee up on the Scott Miller-designed Cholla Course where accuracy is key to a low score. Or, stretch your legs on the Saguaro Course, one of the few walkable courses in Phoenix. In Maricopa, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club’s course ranks among the state’s best and stretches 320 acres — nearly twice the land of a standard course. Don’t let the wide fairways deceive you, though. Rolling hills and frequent sand traps will test your skills. From its elevated tees, Lookout Mountain Golf Club delivers panoramic views of Lookout Mountain, Piestewa Peak and the greater Phoenix area. But the 14-story drop from tee to green on the tenth hole is its claim to fame. Adjoining Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort offers stay-and-play packages. POWER SHOPPING RETAIL DISTRICTS AND MEGA MALLS From renowned retailers to affordable outlets, Greater Phoenix has some of the best shopping you’ll find anywhere in the Southwest. SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE This luxurious indoor mall caters to discerning shoppers and diners with restaurants such as NOBU and Ocean 44; brands such as Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Cartier; and concierge amenities such as luggage storage and valet parking. BILTMORE FASHION PARK High-end retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue and Tumi line the walkways of this open-air mall in Phoenix, where you’ll also find restaurants including Zinburger, True Food Kitchen and The Capital Grille. PHOENIX PREMIUM OUTLETS Stroll more than 90 outlets — we’re talking Cole Haan, Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs — and enjoy discounts of up to 65% off at this retail center in Chandler. DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE Twinkling lights and palm trees set the scene at this outdoor retail center in Phoenix with 50 shops, from H&M to Target, as well as dozens of eateries. TANGER OUTLETS Save on brand-name clothing and home goods (everything from Le Creuset to Saks Off 5th) at this outdoor complex in Glendale. Just hop on the free shuttle to and from area hotels and the Westgate Entertainment District. Fresh Air and Fun Adventures When you’re visiting Phoenix, you don’t have to go far to revel in the beauty of nature. Experience the great outdoors with these quick escapes. The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is the perfect place to unwind. Curving paths cross the grounds, and a 12-foot waterfall adds a relaxing note to the garden as it feeds a koi pond and gently flowing streams. Anchoring the far western edge of the valley is White Tank Mountain Regional Park, a roughly 30,000-acre park with desert lowlands and sharp-rising peaks. Beautiful during the day, White Tank proves equally spectacular once the sun goes down. This is where stargazers come to admire the glittering canopy above. At the base of the Superstition Mountains is Lost Dutchman State Park. Named for a fabled gold mine hidden deep in the volcanic fortress of the mountains, the park is crisscrossed with hiking trails and adorned with wildflowers, most prominently poppies and brittlebush. When the days turn hot, it’s time to hit the water. Go Paddle AZ in Peoria rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Pleasant Harbor Marina on Lake Pleasant, a 10,000- acre reservoir with miles of coastline. Water in the desert attracts wildlife as well as people. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch creates a lush oasis in the heart of Gilbert, providing a welcome habitat for mammals, reptiles and nearly 300 species of birds. PRETTY PALETAS BY TERESA BITLER There’s no tastier way to cool off during an Arizona summer than with a frozen paleta flavored with fruit, ground spice or roasted nuts. Luckily, you can find these tasty Mexican popsicles throughout the region. In Phoenix, AZ Pops specializes in paletas made without artificial flavoring or preservatives and boasts unique flavor combinations like rosemary butter pecan and prickly pear lime. Most flavors are gluten-free and vegan except for a few dairy-based offerings. You can purchase AZ Pops paletas at the company’s Seventh Street storefront, local Whole Foods and several farmers markets. East Valley favorite Paletas Betty makes everything in-house from scratch using family recipes from Michoacán, Mexico. Try arroz con leche, featuring rice, whole milk and cinnamon. Or, sample the fresa con crema, a blend of strawberries and cream. Because the Chandler paletas shop sources only the freshest, ripest produce, the menu changes daily. Paletas La Michoakana keeps Avondale and the West Valley cool with more than 30 paletas flavors ranging from mango to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Watch for local favorites like Fruit Loops and mango with chamoy. The shop also sells ice cream, chocolate-dipped bananas, milkshakes and raspados made with shaved ice and flavored syrups.
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