Arizona Best Fest
This weekend the Arizona Centennial Commission and 2012 Foundation hosts its premier Signature Event – Arizona Best Fest Phoenix, Saturday, February 11, noon-10pm; and Sunday, February 12, noon-6pm. There will be a FREE street extravaganza of mainstage headliners, educational traveling museums, cultural villages, a Western town — even the climactic destination of the Arizona Centennial Motorcycle Ride – along with an Arizona storytellers theater, Arizona wines and craft beers, Arizona 100 art show, family fun zone and much more — all brought to residents and visitors alike, by a bevy of proud private sponsors and donors.
The “best of Arizona” celebration overtakes the Arizona State Capitol complex and its streets from 10th Avenue on the east to 17th Avenue on the west, traversing along Washington Street, aka “Centennial Way,” and rounding the bend from 17th Avenue onto Jefferson.
Cooper Dome Main Stage Schedule - A Showcase of Arizona Entertainment
Saturday, February 11th
12:30pm Marshall Trimble
1pm Dolan Ellis
1:45pm Rex Allen Jr.
2:45pm Dennis Rowland & the Extreme Decibel Big Band
5:30pm ‘Salute to Arizona’ with Governor Janice K. Brewer & Dierks Bentley (Celebrate Arizona Centennial Official Mascot Copper Chopper completing its 17-month tour; plus HOME Official Song of the Centennial Commission, plus Premier Cultural Performances from Villages and Western Town)
6:30pm Jerry Riopelle
7:45pm Michelle Branch
9pm Gin Blossoms
10pm Fireworks
10:15pm Arizona Best Fest Phoenix Closes
Sunday, February 12th
Noon Arizona Cultural Performance Showcase
1pm Ronstadt Family Traditions
2pm Rex Allen Jr.
3pm Esteban
4:30pm Copper Chopper Final Drawing- 4:30 pm
4:45pm George Benson
6pm Arizona Best Fest Phoenix Closes- 6 pm
Educational Pavilions, Cultural Villages, Western Town and Sports Zone
Arizona Best Fest attempts to bring the ‘best of Arizona’ through a series of educational pavilions featuring the Stevie & Karl Eller Arizona History Pavilion; a Military History Pavilion; the University of Arizona Science & Future Pavilion; the Resolution Copper Natural Resources Pavilion; an APS Renewable Energy display; the Shamrock Farms Family Fun Zone; the Giant American Indian Village; the ARSARCO Hispanic Village with Zumba and traditional equestrian dancers; the Discount Tire Western Town with gunfights, saloons, cowboy gear, and re-enactments; an Arizona Cardinals/Arizona Diamondbacks/Phoenix Suns Sports Pavilionand even a rich verbal history of the Arizona Experience in The Arizona Republic Arizona Storytellers Theater.
Arizona food, wine, fine art and craft beer
What Arizona event is complete without a showcase of wineries presented by the Arizona Wine Growers Association; craft beers by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild and the AZ 100 Fine Arts show.
Parking
Guests are encouraged to take the Light Rail and connect with city buses to the east main entrance of Arizona Best Fest Phoenix, at 10th Avenue and Washington. Additional buses are planned from the Light Rail station to the east entrance.
Arizona Centennial Ride and Copper Chopper Drawing
The Signature Event of the Arizona Centennial Commission on Saturday, February 11, 2pm, sponsored by Law Tigers, is a historical motorcycle tour, already pre-registered with 750 enthusiasts and begins at Mesa Riverview where participants are expected to gather for registration 11am – 2pm. Participants must register in advance.
The Ride to the Arizona State Capitol rolls out at 2pm, led by Phoenix native and “Ride” Honorary Chairman Dierks Bentley, along with official mascot of the Arizona Centennial, the Copper Chopper which will ceremonially complete its 18-month tour to every corner of the state raising high levels of awareness and enthusiasm during the Countdown of the Arizona Centennial, and will be driven by its renowned designer and Arizona resident Paul Yaffe.
The Arizona Copper Chopper will be given away in a final drawing Sunday, February 12 at 4:30pm. To enter the bonus drawing at Arizona Best Fest, one must enter at the Arizona Copper Chopper display on Saturday, February 11the from noon until 8pm.
Gov. Janice K. Brewer will greet the top 48 riders in the Arizona Centennial Ride (48 being significant because Arizona is the 48th state admitted to the Union) at 17th Avenue in front of the Capitol itself, welcoming Bentley, and providing official closure to the Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper Tour, which she christened for its maiden statewide outing in October 2010 at the Arizona State Fair. The majority of riders will park their choppers along Jefferson, resulting in massive rows of diverse and colorful motorcycles for Best Fest visitors to review and admire as well.
Surrounding Sites
As Arizona’s Capitol complex becomes the destination for Arizona Centennial weekend, two stops are a must in the surrounding neighborhood:
Pioneer & Military Memorial Park Cemetery
This historic site is open during Best Fest, at 14th Ave. and Jefferson. See the graves of such pioneers as Jacob Waltz of the famed Lost Dutchman mine, Darell “Lord” Duppa, credited with naming the villages of Phoenix and Tempe, Tom Graham, the last man killed in Arizona’s Pleasant Valley War, the first and many of the earliest Maricopa County Sheriffs, and many more of our pioneers. Also tour Smurthwaite House Museum built in 1897 and home to memorabilia and antiques of local Arizona Territory pioneer families. FREE.
Arizona Capitol Museum & Museum Store
Open Arizona Best Fest weekend Saturday & Sunday February 11th and 12th from noon – 3pm, and on 100th Statehood Day, 9am-4pm. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, construction began in 1899 when Arizona was still a territory to serve as the capitol building. It was dedicated in 1901, 11 years before statehood. Today the building serves as the Arizona Capitol Museum and continues as part of a multi-site capitol complex. The stunning USS Arizona silver service is on display; all four floors will be open to the public, including the 3rd floor House Chamber of the museum which was the site of the 1910 Arizona Constitutional Convention. Walk the halls of those who framed the state’s constitution.
Nostra Style House
I’m always excited to find a new local boutique to shop at, and near my office at that! Last weekend, while running some errands I noticed that a new boutique had opened up next door to Butter Toast Boutique in downtown Phoenix, so I stopped in to check it out.
Nostra Style House carries a mix of contemporary new designer clothing, locally designed jewelry and carefully curated vintage from Annie Boomer Vintage. Stop in and check them out!
Isn't this vintage evening gown fabulous?
Nostra Style House is located at 906 North 6th Street, Phoenix
Rum Bar at The Breadfruit
After my last trip to The Breadfruit , I knew I needed to head back asap to try their Rum Bar. This past week I finally made it. With a collection of over 108 rums from around the world, you are sure to find your rum at Rum Bar.
I’ve always loved the vibe at The Breadfruit, friendly and welcoming. I've always felt at home and relaxed. That’s how I felt at Rum Bar, almost like I was over at a friend’s house, hanging out and having a good time. I started out with a Dark and Stormy at the bartender’s recommendation. Spicy and bold, not to mention a generous pour, was just what the doctor ordered.
Dark and Stormy
The full Breadfruit menu is available at Rum Bar, but I was looking for something light so I ordered the featured appetizer of the day, Mediterranean mussels smoked over pimento wood and drizzled with a sweet, spicy mango and Appleton V/X rum reduction, yum. I also decided to order the Rum Glazed Shrimp and Roti Flatbread. The shrimp was very spicy, but delicious. I went with a second traditional rum cocktail, a mojito, to cool down the burn.
Mmm, mussels...
Rum Bar will be hosting a series of rum tasting events soon. We don’t have the dates yet, but you can follow Visit Phoenix on Facebook and Twitter and we’ll be sure to share the dates when we know.
Rum Bar is located at 108 E. Pierce Street in Phoenix. See more photos from our visit to Rum Bar on Flickr.
Crave Sandwich Café
Tired of the same old turkey sandwich? Crave Sandwich Café, located in the ASU Mercado has the cure. From Turkey Cranberry to the Turkey New Mex made with green chiles, provolone, lettuce and chipotle mayo, the sandwiches from Crave will rescue your boring lunch.
Crave is small inside, so grab your lunch and enjoy it at one of the outdoor tables in the ASU Mercado courtyard.
A co-worker and I walked over to Crave last week for lunch. The shop is small, but has plenty of options on the menu – I even noticed that they have quite the vegetarian sandwich selection. Your sandwich comes with Lays potato chips, which you can sub out for Sun Chips for $1. You can also purchase fountain or bottled drinks, and a variety of snacks, fruit and baked goods.
The Ham & Brie. Hungry yet?
I went with the Turkey Brie which includes turkey breast, brie, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard on a soft baguette. My co-worker got the Ham & Brie. We walked back to our office to eat, but when the weather is nice there are tables in the Mercado courtyard that you can sit and enjoy your lunch.
Save time and order ahead.
Since the shop is so small, I would recommend using Crave’s online ordering system if you are in a hurry.
Crave Sandwich Café is located at 541 East Van Buren Street in the ASU Mercado. You can find more photos from our visit to Crave Sandwich Café Flickr.
Things to do for Labor Day in Greater Phoenix
BBQ
Celebrate the holiday weekend with some delicious BBQ. Pick up pre-marinated meats for fajitas from La Tolteca , premium steaks from Hobe Meats, or locally made sausages and brats from Schreiner’s Fine Sausages .
Free things to do
This Friday (September 2nd) is First Friday so admission is free at the Phoenix Art Museum (6-10pm) , the Arizona Science Center for Adults Night Out ( 5:30-9pm, no kids, just adults acting like kids) and the Children’s Museum ( 6-10pm, lines can get long so get there early).
On Saturday and Sunday, Bank of America customers can get free admission to the Phoenix Art Museum and Musical Instrument Museum through the Museums on Us program.
More free things to do in Greater Phoenix.
Stay and play with special Labor Day packages
Take advantage of the many Labor Day packages that area resorts and attractions are offering this weekend.
Events
There are always plenty of events going on in Phoenix, especially over a holiday weekend.
If you are a foodie, don’t miss Phoenix Cooks this Saturday at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This indoor event has opportunities to learn, cook, taste, sip, and experience the pleasures of the culinary lifestyle.
Spend the holiday weekend floating down the Lower Salt River rapids for the end-of-the-summer bash with four local radio stations playing your favorite tunes.
This is the last Saturday to catch a fireworks show at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Get there early to get a good seat by the pool, or make reservations at one of their fabulous restaurants for a pre-fireworks meal. Fireworks start at 9:15pm.
Pretend you are in paradise this Sunday at Zog’s Tiki Lounge Party at the Rhythm Room. This fun event features entertainment, tunes from surf rock bands, tiki carving and tiki art. Of course there will be tiki drinks and food from the Hey Joe Filipino food truck.
Have a great weekend!
Join the fiesta at Ranch Market in Phoenix
The three taco combo at Ranch Market. I liked the pollo (chicken) the best.
One of the top ten places that we take our out-of-town guests to is Ranch Market. It’s always fun to see their faces when we pull into the parking lot, “You’re taking us to…a grocery store?” Well, yes, sort of. Ranch Market isn’t your typical grocery store - it’s a fiesta; it’s an assault on the senses; it’s a Phoenix must.
When you walk into Ranch Market, the first area you encounter is the bakery. You’re greeted by colorful birthday cakes, conchas (Mexican sweet bread), pastries, cookies, breads, and tres leches cake - so many sinfully delicious temptations. Even if I hold my breath and swear to skip straight through to the salsas and aquas frescas, I always end up back in the bakery, picking up some pink conchas to enjoy with my morning coffee. I am defenseless against Ranch Market’s pastry goodness.
Conchas (Mexican sweet bread) cannot be resisted at Ranch Market.
Once you’ve moved past the bakery, the store opens up in all of its colorful glory. Straight in front of you are the aquas frescas (fresh fruit drinks) and just past there is La Cocina (the kitchen, or basically a mini food court of sorts). To your right, you’ll see a salsa bar with various salsas and ceviche sold by the pound. Then, next to that is the ice cream case filled with colorful and handmade ice cream with flavors like mango, coconut and blue bubblegum.
So colorful, so delicious.
Let me give you some advice here. First, Ranch Market is an experience so you need to prepare and fuel up appropriately. So make your first stop the aquas frescas hut then move on to La Cocina for an inexpensive and authentic Mexican meal. Next, brush up on that high school Spanish. While you can get by with English only, it’ll help to know some of the basics like numbers, fruits and certain foods.
Cool and refreshing aquas frescas are a must. Have fun and mix flavors!
Once you’ve fueled up, you’re ready for the full Ranch Market experience. Make sure to browse the produce section with huge piles of jalapenos, onions, limes, etc. Check out the regional and specialty items like nopales (prickly pear cactus). Ranch Market also makes its own tortillas in different sizes and grains (wheat, flour, corn). You might blink and miss the Cremeria, but this is the most important section of the store when we visit. The sour cream at Ranch Market will change your life. It’s the best we’ve ever had. Try it and thank us later.
Fresh sour cream - just do it.
For the rest of the Ranch Market experience you can stick to the outer areas of the store. The seafood selection is amazing and doesn’t smell fishy, telling us that it’s fresh. If you’re craving some fish, they’ll filet it and cook it right there if you wish. The Carneceria (butcher) is impressive with tons of meat and different cuts. You can even pick up some pre-marinated steak or chicken for fajitas. As you round out the store, they usually have roasted Anaheim or Hatch Chiles near the registers depending on the season.
Ranch Market is a fun place to visit for lunch, for the refreshing aquas frescas, and to stock up on Mexican meal essentials. We hope you’ll enjoy the Ranch Market fiesta as much as we do.
Ranch Market has various locations around the Valley. For this post, we visited the Ranch Market located at 1602 East Roosevelt Street in Phoenix. You can find more photos of our visit to Ranch Market on Flickr.
