We live about 20 minutes south of downtown Phoenix and absolutely love our Arizona. We love the food, the weather, the landscape, the critters,and the people. And cacti - love that too!
When I wake up each morning, I choose to be happy in my adopted home. After 20 brilliant summers, I even believe myself.
I never tire of trying new eateries, or biking the canals. Did I mention that the weather here is absolutely glorious much of the time? There is so much to say about Arizona and then... company comes. What am I going to do with them? Will they enjoy the things that we enjoy? I make lists and I research and plan so everyone is well-entertained and well-fed. Will everyone leave smiling and wanting to return?
Sure hope so!
Last week, it was my great-nephews. And here's the fun we had...
Tempe Town Lake - a glorious marvel of our state's engineering and planning to keep the Salt River from flooding the environs of Tempe. This cool space also provides recreational activities such as peddle-boats, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. There are all kinds of events held year-round at Tempe Town Lake and nearby Mill Avenue. Lots of good eats on Mill Avenue too (www.millavenue.com) A bike/walking path encircles the lake and we enjoyed an easy 4-mile stroll before picking up our Starbucks' beverages. The Starbucks at McClintock and Rio Salado Parkway might be one of my favorites in this area. Great service always available with your name and a smile. If you're in the Phoenix area and are looking for a respite from the city, head on over to Tempe Town Lake. The City of Tempe website at www.tempe.gov has information regarding our fine city and lake events as well.
Old Tucson Studios - I have lived in Arizona for almost 20 years and never visited this place. There had been a fire a few years back and I just never got around to it. But the boys were hankering for a bit of the old west and off we went. the 90-minute drive to Tucson is so much easier thanks to the widening of the highway in several key areas. We stopped into my other favorite Starbucks, the one on University near the university. Love the ambiance of the little houses-turned-business down there. But I digress. The Tucson Studios are situated just outside the gorgeous Saguaro National Forest, near the Sonoran Desert Museum (another great spot to hit my friends.) Think wild-west movie memorabilia, sharp-shooter shows, barbecue, and shopping too. There are horse-back rides, a carousel, mini-train, and photo opportunities galore. Of course I forgot my camera that day, but hey.... you won't! I think there were probably more than 300 movies filmed in these studios over the years. Of course, this ain't Universal Studios pals but it's a great day trip for Phoenicians and their guests. Try it out after searching their website at www.oldtucson.com.
Tucson Eats - We love the food in Tucson. Really truly love it all. You can't go wrong with Cafe Poca Cosa (www.cafepocacosatucson.com) or Mi Nidito (www.minidito.net) or El Charro (www.elcharrocafe.com). We were hankering for a different bite and stopped into El Guero Canelo (www.elguerocanelo.com). Here you'll find flavorful Mexican food ... tortas, burritos, tacos, and the uber-popular Sonoran hot dog. Let me help you make your decision. The grilled dog is wrapped in crispy bacon and situated in a canal boat of a bun. It's topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapeno relish, and a drizzle of mayonnaise. That's right - mayo! This to-die-for treat is certainly something you could make at home, but why? At under $3.00 you can stuff the real deal straight to your hungry tummy. There are other locales throughout Arizona, but this one feels the most authentic to me. But I'll keep doing my due-diligence and find a few more for sure.
The Phoenix Zoo - Best Zoo in the country!! But I'm truly biased. This zoo is so darn walk-able and kid-friendly.
From the petting zoo to the Arizona Trail, and from the squirrel monkey exhibit
to the darling elephants and elderly rhino... On to the deliriously gorgeous African savanna where the giraffes, Watusi cattle, and ostrich are wandering (almost) freely.
There is a grand-sized exhibit for the lions and tigers and maned wolf as well. Seriously - this zoo is the hot ticket in Phoenix. The Phoenix Zoo hosts terrific events for family members of all ages at all times of the year too.
If you love zoos, and I do... don't miss it. Check them out at www.phoenixzoo.org for more information.
Chase Field & the Diamondbacks - The great-nephews are from Los Angeles and the Dodgers were in town. Gearing up to 'Beat LA' was easier for us than for the D-Backs I'm afraid. Alas, we lost. But the roof was open, revealing the evening sky and the post-game fireworks. Of course we heartily enjoyed our hot dogs, peanuts, sodas, and ice cream while viewing the trouncing. There are seats for every price range here at Chase Field from stadium seating to restaurant and club level seats. I'd love to sit behind home plate some night and sense the 90 mph pitches being heaved toward the catcher. That'd be awesome. Check out what's happening at Chase Field at www.chasefield.com or go to www.dbacks.mlb.com for ticketing info and a game night for your family.
By the way, we took the light rail to the game and love the $2.00 all-day fare and the ease of parking before and after the game. Check out light rail transportation at http://www.valleymetro.org/metrolightrail.
Until next time...
Deb :)
