Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market
Our media relations intern Andrea attended this year's Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market . She offered to provide her insider’s perspective of this popular Phoenix event.
I had the chance to experience the annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market this past weekend in Phoenix. Having been there before, I knew that it was going to be awesome.
This event is Arizona's largest Indian market, and if you want to experience everything relating to the culture, it's the best place to do it. The market has over 700 of the nation's best American Indian artists, artist demonstrations, music and dance performances and amazing Indian fry bread.
On Saturday morning, I ventured to the museum via the Metro Light Rail, which stops right in front of the fair entrance. When I went last year, the line to the fry bread stand was so long in the afternoon that it took almost 45 minutes before I got my hands on some (which isn't surprising, it's absolutely delicious). This year, I knew better. As soon as I went through the ticket line, I headed straight towards the good stuff. Indian fry bread is so good that it can be eaten plain. I prefer it sweet though so I ordered mine with powdered sugar and honey. It was amazing!
After satisfying my carb cravings, I headed to the tents. The parking lot of the museum housed multiple tents with artists inside. Items included everything from jewelry and pottery to weavings and paintings. The artists are all so incredibly talented and take pride in their work. And it's also cool to see what tribe the Indians come from. A few that I remembered were Navajo, Hopi and Santo Domingo.
During the day, the fair has music and dancing performances. I had the pleasure of watching Navajo dancers show the audience some traditional dances while live music was playing in the background. Some spectators even joined in to learn the dance.
One of the great things about the annual fair is the fact that your ticket gets you into the Heard Museum for free. Visitors are able to experience all 10 exhibits inside and learn more about Indian culture and history, and can even have a tour guide show them around.
This was the museum's 55th Indian fair, and it continues to get better every year. Be sure to check it out next year - you won't regret it! With American Indian food, shopping, music, dancing and entrance to the museum, you're bound to be entertained!
Spring Food and Beverage Festivals in Phoenix
Pick your own peaches at the Schnepf Farms Peach Festival in May.
Spring in Phoenix not only brings Cactus League Spring Training, but it brings out the most delicious events of the year. Here are some of the food and beverage festivals happening around Phoenix this spring. Bon Appétit!
March Events
March 2
The Great Arizona Beer Festival
This craft beer tasting extravaganza will showcase more than 200 brews from more than 60 breweries from across the state, country and around the globe each providing samples of their proudest brewing achievement.
March 9 – 10
The Devoured Culinary Classic is Arizona's premier food festival. Held in the sculpture garden of Phoenix Art Museum, this annual must-do event features chefs and culinary creations from more than 70 of metropolitan Phoenix's best restaurants. Guests enjoy a panorama of inspired edibles and cooking demonstrations, coupled with delicious fare from local artisans, brewers and vintners.
March 9 – 10
Festivities include a marketplace, an island-food court and themed-activity centers. Performances include storytellers, Tahitian drummers, ukulele players and hula dancers. Make sure to bring cash for the food and trinkets at Island Marketplace, where vendors sell woven baskets, carved-bone necklaces and Hawaiian coffee.
March 16
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire
The parade will kick off at Sheridan and Third streets in midtown Phoenix, featuring Irish step dancers, bagpipers, marching bands and more.The faire begins immediately after the parade, with two stages of entertainment including Celtic rock bands and Irish dancers. The kids area will feature a petting zoo, pony rides and face painters. A vendor specializing in genealogy will be on site, working with Irish names and family coats of arms. Fair attendees also will get a sneak peek at the construction progress of the Irish Cultural Center's 15,000-square-foot library, which will focus on genealogy.
March 21 – 24
A celebration of all things Western, Festival of the West is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation, attracting visitors from around the world anxious to immerse themselves in the culture, lore and romance of the American West.
March 22
Rock the Zoo features live music from local bands, beverage sampling, food tasting in the VIP Lounge, and food for sale from Valley food trucks, the Rockin' Raffle and other exciting activities all in the picturesque setting of the Phoenix Zoo.
March 23
The Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival
This event is for the whole family to enjoy. Throw out the lawn chairs and picnic blankets and prepare to witness Chandler’s largest and best BBQ event. There will be live entertainment, an all ages Kid’s Zone, and Bike Show with the traditional backyard BBQ atmosphere. It's sure to be a finger licking good time.
March 24
Guests will again enjoy incredible food and wine selections from the Valley's hottest restaurants, resorts and caterers plus more than 700 great wines, beers, liquors and non-alcoholic drinks from presenting sponsor Bashas’. Bon Vivant will also feature live music, dancing, and a silent auction with golf, dining, and resort packages.
April Events
April 4
This 21-or-older party features food samplings from top Valley restaurants and resorts, along with tastes from boutique wineries and craft breweries. Last year, participating businesses included Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Westin Kierland and Different Pointe of View. Live music and a silent auction will be included.
April 9 – 14
As the longest running festival of its kind in the United States, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities. This year's festival will feature a host of events from cooking demonstrations by some of the nation's top chefs to a one of a kind James Beard out of the house dinner.
April 13 – 14
Get a taste of Polish dishes, such as golabki (cabbage rolls), kielbasa sausage with sauerkraut and pierogi, a dumpling with cheese and potatoes. The free festival, among the largest Polish celebrations in the Valley, includes folk dance and musical performances, an art marketplace, kid's area, informational booths and food court with traditional cuisine and imported beer.
April 20
Between 40 and 60 BBQ teams will be cooking and competing at The Arizona Barbecue Festival. It's a day sure to be filled with food, fun and hot competition. The highlight of the Arizona Barbecue Festival is Pit Row, where the cooking teams will be grilling, smoking and braising in their best effort to be named the champion in their BBQ category.
April 27
My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge
The My Nana's Best Tasting Salsa Challenge is a culinary event featuring restaurants, businesses and individuals competing to make the best salsa in their category. Over 80 competitors prepare fresh salsa on-site in either the mild or hot category. The grand champion will win $1,000 cash prize and attendees can vote for their favorite with dollars through the People's Choice Award.
April 28
Eight's Check, Please! Arizona Festival
Highlighting Arizona's independent culinary scene, the event will showcase eats from over 35 restaurants previously featured on Check, Please! Arizona in addition to craft beer and wine, cooking demonstrations, a James Beard Award winners' panel hosted by Robert McGrath, and a chance for fans to audition for a spot on the show.
May Events
May 18 - 27
For two weekends a year Schnepf Farms opens it's peach orchards for public picking in Queen Creek for its annual Peach Festival. In addition to picking your own peaches, there are plenty of other activities to entertain the whole family include train rides, hay and carnival rides, a peach food-sampling tent, chef demonstrations and of course peach pies, peach cinnamon rolls and their famous peach pancakes complete this peachy festival.
Cactus League Spring Training Guide 2013
Batter up! Cactus League Spring Training is here. We’ve put together the ultimate spring training guide of where to eat and drink before or after the game, where to park, what you can bring in to each ballpark and more below.
Don’t forget to check out our Cactus League Spring Training page on our website for places to stay, a map of all the ballparks, and special spring training packages.
General Information
• Wear sunscreen! This is the first time in months that our skin has seen the daylight. Put on your sunscreen before you head out and bring more to apply during the game.
• Lawn seats can get hot, fast. Make sure to drink plenty of water and bring a hat and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring cash. Many of the concession stands will take a credit card, but you’ll pay extra. There are ATMs at most stadiums, but you’ll get charged a fee to use them.
• Get your tickets early. Popular teams will sell out fast so plan ahead.
• Rules about outside food and drink vary by stadium. Check our tips below and/or the stadium website or call before you go to see what is/is not allowed.
Phoenix Municipal Stadium
Phoenix Municipal Stadium (5999 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix)
Team: Oakland A’s
Places to Eat Nearby
America’s Taco Shop (735 E. University Drive, Tempe)
Bison Witches Bar & Deli (21 E. 6th Street #146, Tempe)
Cornish Pasty Co. (960 W. University Suite 103, Tempe )
Draw 10 Bar & Grill (5444 E. Washington Street, Phoenix)
Essence Bakery Café (825 W. University Drive, Tempe)
Four Peaks Brewing Company (1340 E. 8th Street, Tempe)
Green Restaurant (2240 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe)
Monti’s La Casa Vieja Restaurant (100 South Mill Avenue, Tempe)
Pete’s Fish & Chips (1017 E. Apache Boulevard, Tempe)
Spinato’s Pizza (227 S. Smith Road, Tempe)
The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original Steakhouse (5009 E. Washington, Phoenix)
Additional Info
• You can bring small soft coolers (no bigger than a backpack) and non-alcoholic beverages in a plastic, factory-sealed bottle. No glass bottles or alcohol is allowed.
• Parking is $5 per car.
• On March 17 you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day with green beer that will be served at the stadium.
• Kids can step up to the plate and test their skills in the speed-pitch batting cage.
• Make a day of it and go hiking in Papago Park, visit the Desert Botanical Garden or the Phoenix Zoo.
Maryvale Baseball Park
Maryvale Baseball Park (3600 N. 51st Avenue, Phoenix)
Team: Milwaukee Brewers
Places to Eat Nearby
Coffee and Tea Express (5835 W. Palmaire Avenue, Glendale)
Durants (2611 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix)
El New Yorican (2714 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix)
Fu-Fu Cuisine (3633 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix)
Kiss the Cook (4915 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale)
Original Hamburger Works (2801 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix)
Papa Ed’s Ice Cream (7146-B N. 58th Avenue, Glendale)
Pete’s Fish & Chips (5516 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale)
Pizza a Metro (2336 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix)
Additional Info
• Coolers, backpacks, lawn chairs and soft sided bags larger than 16"x16"x8" are not allowed inside the stadium.
• For seats in the shade, pick the upper rows behind home plate. For seats in the sun, choose seats in any lower section or head to the outfield.
• The first 2,000 fans will get a bobblehead on March 8 (Italian Racing Sausage), March 16 (Aramis Ramirez) and March 24 (Ryan Braun).
• Get an autograph during batting practice along the right field line or when players exit the game.
• Parking is $6.
Photo credit: Salt River Fields
Salt River Fields (7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale)
Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies
Places to Eat Nearby
America’s Taco Shop (9261 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale)
Andreoli Italian Grocer & Deli (8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale)
Blue Burrito Grille ( 7318 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale)
Buzzberry Coffee ‘n Smoothies (5959 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale)
Café ZuZu (6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale)
El Chorro ( 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley)
Four Peaks Brewing Company (15745 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale)
Lox Stock and Bagel (7353 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, Scottsdale )
Rancho Pinot Grill (6208 N. Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley)
Rita’s Kitchen (5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley)
Spinato’s Pizzeria (11108 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale)
Sweet Republic Ice Cream (9160 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale)
Terroir Wine Pub (7001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)
Uncorked Wine Bar (16427 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)
Village Coffee Roastery (8120 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale)
Wildflower Bread Company (15640 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale OR 7001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)
Additional Info
• Children two and under who are sitting in the lap of adult do not need a game ticket. Children three and older must have a valid game ticket.
• Guests are permitted to seek autographs from players along the railing between sections 101 - 104 and 120 - 123 up to 40 minutes prior to game time, or until batting practice, whichever comes first.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks will hold autograph sessions at each of their home games on the left field concourse. The sessions will feature two players each D-backs home game and will run from 11:45 a.m. - noon on day games and 5:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on night games.
• Regulations allow only soft-sided bags and containers 16"x16"x8" or smaller.
• The Cold Stone Kids Fun Field will feature kid-friendly activities. The Fun Field will be open one hour and ten minutes before the first pitch and the close at the end of the 7th inning.
• Outside food or beverages, hard-sided coolers or containers, stools or folding chairs are NOT permitted in the stadium.
• You may bring two factory sealed bottles of water, per person. No larger than one liter in size.
• Following every Sunday game kids have the opportunity to run the bases at no cost. To participate, kids can line up between sections 204 & 205 following the game.
• Check out a bird’s eye view of the games or the McDowell Mountains from observation towers throughout the campus.
Photo credit: Peoria Sports Complex
Peoria Sports Complex (16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria)
Teams: Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres
Places to Eat Nearby
3rd Place Neighborhood Grill ( 15814 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria)
Blu Burger Grille (9828 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria)
Carolina’s (9030 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria)
Cucina Tagliani Italian Kitchen (8349 W. Bell Road, Peoria)
Kabuski Sushi & Grill (8378 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria)
Mercer’s (9720 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria)
The Moon Saloon ( 16554 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria)
Yogurtime (16055 N. Arrowhead Fountain Circle, Peoria)
Additional Info
• Factory sealed, plastic water bottles with non-carbonated, colorless water, juice boxes, baby food, formula, and small bags with food are allowed.
• Parking is $5 for cars $10 for RVs.
• Every Monday (except for March 18) families can take advantage of the Family Four Pack deal that includes four seats, four hot dogs, four bags of chips and four small sodas for $35.
• On Feb. 23, the city is hosting a postgame street festival from 4 - 9p.m. The event features a concert from Mark McGrath and Sugar Ray. If you attend the game that day, concert admission is free.
• On March 9, your pooch is welcome on the lawn with a $4 dog ticket. Proceeds go to the Arizona Humane Society.
• Hot dogs are $2 on Thursdays.
• Scout your favorite player at Autograph Alley, a tunnel that leads players into the field near the right-field corner.
Photo credit: Camelback Ranch
Camelback Ranch Stadium (10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix)
Teams: Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers
Places to Eat Nearby
Baja Loco Mesquite Grill & Cantina (5134 N. 95th Avenue, Glendale)
G’s Food (10328 W Indian School Road, Phoenix)
Ground Control Coffee & Wine Bar (4860 N Litchfield Road, Goodyear)
Mama Gina’s (9380 W. Westgate Boulevard, Glendale)
Saddle Ranch Chop House ( 9375 W. Coyotes Boulevard, Glendale)
Tailgaters Sports Grill & Il Primo Pizza (5110 N. Dystart Road, Litchfield Park)
Thai Orchid Garden (12725 W. Indian School Road, Avondale)
Additional Information
• The famous Dodger Dog and Vienna Beef Chicago Dog are available at every game and come with authentic toppings.
• Players’ autographs may be obtained before the game on the outfield side of both dugouts. Autograph seekers must return to their seats 30 minutes before gametime.
• Prior to games on Feb. 23 (Dodgers) and Feb. 24 (White Socks), there will be pregame and in-game festivities celebrating the history of the team and welcoming alumni.
• Lawn chairs and lawn umbrellas are not permitted.
• Small, soft-sided coolers are permitted as well as one unopened bottle of water per person and food items in small, clear plastic bags.
• Following each Sunday game, kids can run the bases.
• Parking is free.
Photo credit: Goodyear Ballpark
Goodyear Ballpark (1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear)
Teams: Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds
Places to Eat Nearby
Augie’s Sports Grill (15605 W. Roosevelt Street, Suite 101, Goodyear)
Flavors of Louisiana (13025 W. Ranch Santa Fe Boulevard, Avondale)
Native New Yorker (530 N. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear)
Majerle’s Sports Grill (13375 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear)
Taste of Italy Pizza ( 3810 South Estrella Parkway, Goodyear)
TJ’s Homestyle Restaurant (310 N. Dysart Road, Avondale)
Wildflower Bread Company (1360 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear)
Additional Information
• Collect autographs from Indians or Reds players before the game on Feb. 23, 27, 28, March 6 (1:05p.m.), 21 and 26. Tickets for the autograph session will be distributed prior to gates opening, for the session shortly after the gates open.
• Feb. 22 is a charity game with all the Indians' and Reds' proceeds from the game being donated to the Homeless Youth Connection and Arizona in Action.
• Factory sealed, plastic water bottles with non-carbonated, colorless water, juice boxes, baby food, formula, and small bags with food are allowed.
• This ballpark features Midwest-specialty fried-bologna sandwiches, and Cleveland and Cincinnati-style hot dogs.
• In Ohio, chili tops spaghetti, potatoes, salads and fries. Cincinnati fans will be delighted to see Skyline Chili at Goodyear Ballpark and for Cleveland fans there’s Bertman Ballpark Mustard.
• Every game hosts a free kids zone, featuring inflatable baseball activities and a Wiffle Ball field.
• Kids can run bases after every Saturday and Sunday game. Seniors can run the bases after Tuesday games.
• Parking is $5.
Photo credit: Hohokam Stadium
HoHoKam Stadium (1235 N. Center Street, Mesa)
Team: Chicago Cubs
Places to Eat Nearby
Contigo Peru (1245 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa)
Crackers & Co. Café (535 W. Iron Avenue, Mesa)
Sluggo’s Sports Grille (161 N. Centennial Way, Mesa)
Inside The Bungalow Café (48 N. Robson, Mesa)
Los Dos Molinos (260 W. Alma School Road, Mesa)
Lo Fi Coffee (105 W. Main Street, Mesa)
Nunthaporn’s Thai Cuisine (17 W. Main Street, Mesa)
Queen’s Pizzeria & Café (125 W. Main Street, Mesa)
Sun Devil Liquors (235 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa)
T.C. Eggington’s Brunchery (1660 S. Alama School Road, Mesa)
Urban Picnic (218 W. Main Street, Mesa)
Additional Info
• This stadium does not allow coolers, umbrellas, food, beverages or large bags. You can bring a blanket, one 32-ounce bottle of water, baby food or a stroller.
• Parking is $7 per car. (Tip: Arrive two hours before game time for best parking.)
• Watch the game in the shade behind first base – it’s also the best place to get autographs after 11 a.m.
Photo credit: Surprise Stadium
Surprise Stadium (15930 N. Bullard Avenue, Phoenix)
Teams: Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers
Places to Eat Nearby
Amuse Bouche (17058 W. Bell Road, Surprise)
Babbo Italian Eatery (15609 W. Bell Road, Surprise)
Big Buddha Restaurant (16572 W. Greenway Road, Surprise)
The Brookside II Bar and Grill (15170 W. Bell Road, Surprise)
Fresh Wasabi Sushi & Grill (13732 W. Bell Road, Surprise)
Hole ‘n One (13573 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West)
Irish Wolfhoud Pub (16811 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise)
Lucky’s Pizza (15508 W. Bell Road, Surprise)
Vogue Bistro (15411 W. Waddell Road, Surprise)
Additional Info
• Fans can gather along the left-and right-field lines to try for autographs. The practice fields open at 10 a.m.
• Most of the concessions here are cash only.
• You can bring food in clear, sealed plastic bags and one liter plastic water bottle per person. Juice boxes, baby food and formula are also allowed.
• Every Tuesday during spring training, senior citizens can purchase two-for-one plaza-level seats. Every Sunday, military men and women and veterans can purchase two-for-one plaza-level seats.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Tempe Diablo Stadium (2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe)
Team: Angels
Places to Eat Nearby
Dhaba India Plaza (1872 E Apache Blvd., Tempe)
Essence Bakery Café (825 W. University Drive, Tempe)
Four Peaks Brewing Company ( 1340 E. 8th Street, Tempe)
House of Tricks (114 E. 7th Street, Tempe)
Los Dos Molinos (8646 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix)
Morning Glory Café (6106 S 32nd Street Phoenix)
Rustler’s Rooste (8383 S. 48th Street, Phoenix)
Spinato’s Pizza (227 S. Smith Road, Tempe)
Texas BBQ House (5037 S. 24th Street, Phoenix)
Yucca Tap Room (29 W. Southern Avenue, Tempe)
Additional Info
• Get autographs from players near the walking fence in the west parking lot between the stadium and practice fields or in the stadium on the right-field line near the team’s locker room.
• You may bring backpacks, soft-sided coolers, homemade sandwiches, cut fruit, chips and one sealed bottle of water per person.
• Parking is $5
Photo credit: City of Scottsdale
Scottsdale Stadium (7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale)
Team: San Francisco Giants
Places to Eat Nearby
5th and Wine (7051 E. 5th Avenue, Scottsdale)
Arcadia Farms (7025 E. 1st Avenue, Scottsdale)
Atlas Bistro (2515 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)
Baratin (7125 E 5th Avenue Suite 31, Scottsdale)
Big Earl’s BBQ (7213 E. First Avenue, Scottsdale)
Café Forte Bistro (7032 E. Main Street, Scottsdale)
The Cider Mill (7240 E. Main Street, Scottsdale)
Citizen Public House (7111 E. 5th Avenue, Scottsdale)
Cowboy Ciao (7133 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale)
Daily Dose Old Town Bar & Grill (4020 Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)
Echo Coffee (2902 N. 68th Street, Scottsdale)
Lee’s Cream Liqueur (7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale)
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles (2765 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)
Orange Table (7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale)
Petite Maison (7616 E. Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale)
POSH Improvisational Cuisine ( 7167 E. Rancho Vista Drive, Scottsdale)
Su Vino Winery (7035 E. Main Street, Scottsdale)
Additional Info
• This stadium carries beer from San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company and garlic fries, a fan favorite at the Giant’s home stadium.
• You can bring towels and blankets to sit on in the grass, but lawn chairs are not allowed.
• Get an autograph by getting to the game early and hang out along the rail behind the first-base line near the Giants dugout.
• Parking is free, but very limited. Catch a trolley to the stadium - there are four different routes with nearby parking to choose from.
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Phoenix
(Photo credit: Hot Air Expeditions)
Don't be caught without plans for your special someone on Valentine's Day. We've put together a list of 10 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Phoenix.
1. Romantic dinner out
Probably the most popular way to spend Valentine’s Day is a romantic dinner out with that special someone. Plenty of Phoenix area restaurants have special menus planned for Valentine’s Day with bonus like live romantic music and flowers that come with dinner.
Phoenix area restaurants offering Valentine’s Day dinners
2. Romantic getaway
Phoenix area resorts have put together special Valentine’s Day packages which include special perks like champagne, chocolates, spa treatments and more.
3. Chocolate
Flowers, chocolate and champagne have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day, so we put together a handy list of the best places in Phoenix to get chocolate.
Best Places in Phoenix to get Chocolate
4. Baked goods
So maybe your Valentine isn’t a chocolate fan - try satisfying their non-chocolate-loving-sweet-tooth with Valentine themed baked goods from local bakers like Urban Cookies, Barb’s Bakery, or Tammy Coe Cakes (they have chocolate dipped strawberries!)
5. Anti-Valentine’s Day
Don’t want to celebrate Valentine’s Day? The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs is having a Singles Valentine’s Ball, Hula’s Modern Tiki is throwing an Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration and Changing Hands Bookstore is hosting an “I Hate Valentine’s Day” party.
6. Mix up a romantic cocktail
The Amore Smooch from Sassi Restaurant is sure to make your Valentine smile.
7. Local love
Remember when you were a kid and exchanged actual Valentines -like, the cards? We’ve seen some super cute Valentine options at local boutiques, Frances and Bunky.
8. Arizona wine
Did you know that Arizona’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day? Celebrate with a bottle of Arizona wine. We’ve heard that a sharing a bottle of Sparkles Peach from Sonoita Vineyards with your sweetheart is a perfect way to celebrate. (You can find Sparkles Peach at Sphinx Date Ranch).
9. Desert by air
What’s more romantic than a sunrise hot-air balloon ride with champagne? Or a sunset helicopter ride with sweeping views of the desert? This Valentine’s Day, explore the desert by air with your special someone.
10. Watch a sunset together
Grab a bottle of something sparkling (see above) and catch one of our spectacular sunsets, which paint the desert sky on a nightly basis. We know the best places to see a Phoenix sunset and are happy to let you in on the secret.
Best places to see watch a sunset in Phoenix
Best places to watch a sunset in Phoenix
Want a true Phoenix experience? Make sure to catch one of our spectacular sunsets, which paint the desert sky on a nightly basis. We know the best places to see a Phoenix sunset and are happy to let you in on the secret.
Head up to Dobbins Point on South Mountain (you can drive there) and take in sunset views of the downtown Phoenix skyline from the top of the largest municipal park in the U.S.
Lustre Bar at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix
A great place to catch a sunset before a night out downtown, Lustre Bar has a hip and comfortable atmosphere, which is made even cooler by its poolside lounge seating.
When you make a reservation, ask for a table by the window to take full advantage of the 360-degree view at Arizona’s only revolving rooftop restaurant.
Arrive early to explore the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden, then top off your visit by watching the sun set against a backdrop of desert flora and red-rock peaks.
Four Season Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
End your day with a margarita in hand on the large and comfortable patio at Four Seasons Resort. This elevated perch (which is 1,000 feet higher than downtown Phoenix) offers picture-perfect views of sunset-warmed Pinnacle Peak.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Phoenix This Spring
Spring might be the best time to visit Phoenix. Here are our top 10 reasons why.
Top 10
- The average high temperature is 70 degrees (21 Celsius) in February, 75 degrees (24 C) in March, and 83 degrees (28 C) in April.
- Cactus League Spring Training has games scheduled every day in March
- A daytrip to the Grand Canyon won’t include summer crowds.
- Resort swimming pools.
- Blooming cactuses and wildflowers reveal why the Sonoran Desert is among the lushest deserts in the world.
- It’s food-festival season. Taste the best of Phoenix at events like the Devoured Culinary Classic.
- River sports. Spring is the prime season for kayaking, canyoneering and paddle boarding.
- Dining outdoors. One dinner under the springtime sun or stars, and you’ll understand why so many of Phoenix’s restaurants have patios.
- Golf. Phoenix’s signature desert courses are in pristine condition.
- The lack of April showers. It rains about an inch all spring, so don’t bother packing your umbrella.
