Art & Culture
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) collection is truly global, with 10,000 instruments and artifacts. Each exhibit includes high-quality audio/video so guests can see and hear instruments being played in their cultures of origin. Visitors can play instruments in MIM’s Experience Gallery. And MIM’s Music Theater is the best place to attend concerts by world-renowned artists. Another popular MIM attraction is the Artist Gallery, which features iconic instruments from celebrities like John Lennon. Located at Tatum, just off the 101. Call us at 480-478-6000 or visit www.theMIM.org.
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright’s TALIESIN WEST is sited on the beautiful Sonoran desert in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in northeast Scottsdale. Here visitors experience firsthand Wright’s brilliant ability to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. Guided public tours are offered daily beginning at 9 am until 4pm. Tour info: 480-860-2700 ext. 494/495. Enter at Cactus Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in Scottsdale. Visit us at www.franklloydwright.org.
Heard Museum
For more than 65 years, visitors from across the globe have made it a point to visit the Heard Museum and its word class collection of Native American art. The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum is one of the best places to experience fascination vultures and art of the Native Americans of the Southwest. Visit the Heard Museum, tours offered daily, 602-252-8840 or visit www.heard.org.
Desert Botanical Garden
Nestled among the landmark red rocks of Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden allows you to experience the beauty that is the Sonoran Desert. The Desert Botanical Garden brings together the many wonders of the desert. Discover saguaros, prickly pears, agaves and desert wildflowers along the trails. Enjoy tours, classes, concerts, seasonal exhibits, festivals and unique Garden gifts. Located at 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix. Call us at 480-941-1225 or visit www.dbg.org.
Dining & Nightlife
Grimaldi’s
In the world of pizza, Grimaldi’s is an institution. Using only the freshest ingredients, “secret recipe” pizza sauce, homemade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves award-winning, hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas, calzones and house made salads and desserts in an upscale yet casual, family-oriented pizzeria. For more information please visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.
Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge
Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge, located inside Casino Arizona at Salt River, offers an elegant dining experience with a difference. What sets it apart from other steakhouses is the diverse regional southwest menu ranging from seafood to wild game. Each dish is created with one idea in mind – use the freshest products with the highest quality ingredients. Cholla is open Sunday-Thursday 5pm-11pm and Friday and Saturday, 5pm-midnight. For more information or reservations, visit www.casinoarizona.com.
Rawhide Western Town
Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse has earned an award-winning reputation as Arizona’s family steakhouse. Enjoy mouth watering BBQ Baby Back Ribs, The Gunslinger’s Filet Mignon and more served up to live music and line dancing in our Steakhouse & Saloon. Enjoy the town and all that Rawhide has to offer, from the world renowned Steakhouse & Saloon, unique shops, stunt shows, live entertainment and attractions. We look forward to welcoming you to our 1880′s western frontier town. Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse 5700 W. North Loop Road Chandler, AZ 85226 480.502.5600 or visit www.rawhide.com.
Attractions
Bearizona
Nestled among the peaceful pines of Arizona’s Kaibab National Forest, Bearizona Wildlife Park provides serenity for travelers and its animal residents alike. From the comfort of your own vehicle, you can watch as a wolf crosses the road and greets another pack member with a playfully submissive posture. Black bears climb trees and bison graze under the cool ponderosa canopy. The memorable journey through the park is ripe with photo opportunities of North American wildlife. Just off I-40, Exit 165 in Williams, AZ. Call 928-635-2289 or visit our website www.bearizona.com.
Biosphere 2- University of Arizona
Come experience Biosphere 2 for yourself and find out why Time Life Books just named it one of the 50 must-see wonders of the world! Tours take you inside the world’s largest living science center dedicated to exploring future life on our planet. Beneath 6,500 panes of glass live a rainforest, coastal fog desert, marsh, savannah, million-gallon ocean and much more. Just 90 minutes south of Phoenix and 20 minutes north of Tucson, take a trip to where science lives! Guided tours daily. Call us at 520-838-6200 or visit www.B2science.org.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
If an authentic African safari sounds like the ultimate adventure, then head to Camp Verde, AZ, for an unforgettable visit to Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Here you will experience a natural wildlife habitat where owners Dean and Prayeri Harrison have adopted a very unique, respectful way of interacting with hundreds of wild-by-nature animals. And, with exciting shows like Tiger Splash and Wonders of Wildlife, Out of Africa is like nothing you’ve ever seen. Open daily 9:30 – 5:00. Located 3 miles west of I-17 on SR-260 (exit 287), you’ll experience a full day’s adventure. For more information call, 928-567-2840 or visit our website www.outofafricapark.com.
Sports
Spectator Sports
Phoenix and surrounding cities are filled with some of the best games in town. In the Spring, you can soak up the sun while taking in a baseball game during our Cactus League Spring Training. Arizona is also home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, The Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Coyotes. No matter your favorite sport, we have it all.
Apache Stronghold Golf Course
The Apache Stronghold Golf Course offers high desert golfing at its finest. Designed by award-winning architect Tom Doak, the Stronghold has earned the honor of being named the Number One Public Golf Course in Arizona by Golf Week magazine. Take in the natural beauty of the Southwest desert as you enjoy the challenge offered by the Stronghold. Call 1-800 272-2438, option 5, for tee times.
Waste Management Phoenix Open
“It’s the Greatest Show on Grass!“ Join us for lot’s of gold and plenty of fun. See your favorite champions and today’s biggest stars at the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open January 31 – February 6, at the TPC Scottsdale, www.WMPHOENIXOPEN.com.
Casinos
Arizona has some great casinos to roll with, offering your favorite games, delicious food and, of course, entertainment.
Apache Gold Casino Resort
1-800-APACHE-8 / www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com
Featuring the latest multi-denomination slot machines and the largest selection of penny machines in Arizona, Apache Gold Casino Resort has it all. The Apache Grill Restaurant and the Wickiup Buffet serve a variety of favorites daily and the Apache Gold’s Best Western Hotel offers a great place to stay.
Bluewater Resort & Casino
1-888-243-3360 / www.bluewaterfun.com
Bluewater Resort & Casino is Arizona’s only luxury resort on the Colorado River and is the perfect getaway. Restaurants, food specials, view of the river from each room and 24 hours of gaming excitement!
Bucky’s & Yavapai Casino
1-800-SLOTS44 / www.buckyscasino.com
At Bucky’s Casino, you can enjoy a full range of games, from live table games to hundreds of the latest slots. Bucky’s Casino boasts the best Blackjack games in Northern Arizona and our non-smoking Poker Room is a great place to try your hand at Texas Hold ‘Em. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere in a casual setting at Bucky’s Café: open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Yavapai Casino, located directly across from the Prescott Resort on Highway 69, provides an intimate setting for maximum enjoyment. Casual, yet inviting, Yavapai Casino is a slot player’s paradise. Yavapai Cantina is the place to catch great sports action. Book your gaming getaway at the Prescott Resort for the best views in Prescott, call 1-800-967-4637.
Cliff Castle Casino
928-567-7999 / www.cliffcastlecasino.net
Voted Arizona’s #1 casino 12 years in a row by Ranking Arizona, Cliff Castle Casino offers 24-hour action with more than 660 of the hottest slots, live table games featuring Blackjack Poker and a hotel offering comfortable accommodations and family attractions.
Casino Arizona at Salt River
480-850-7777 / www.casinoarizona.com
Casino Arizona offers more than 100,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment. Choose from any four restaurants, including Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge. Casino Arizona’s amenities include 52 table games, 1,026 slot machines, keno, a high limit lounge and a world-class showroom.
Fort McDowell Casino
1-800-THE-FORT / www.fortmcdowellcasino.com
Cha-ching! The moment you step inside the doors you’ll be in sensory overload. Fort McDowell Casino has 866 of the Valley’s hottest slots, live Vegas-style blackjack as well as the card room rated “The Best Place to Go All In” and 5 restaurants to choose from.
Gila River Casino
1-800-WIN-GILA / www.wingilariver.com
Laugh. Dance. Eat. Play. Stay a day or week, Gila River Casinos have it all. Bingo, slots, Vegas-style tables games. Visit any three destinations: Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte or Vee Quiva Casino.
Outdoor Recreation
Apache Trails Tours
For eighteen years Apache Trail Tours has been offering guided tours of thelegendary Superstition Mountainterritory and the historic Apache Trail.As your experienced guide weavesthe trails with the tales, you will learnabout the legends and lore and the floraand fauna of the area. Have thatcamera ready and watch for theDiamondback Rattlesnake, Jack Rabbit,Bighorn Sheep, Coyote and others.Your adventure awaits. Call 480-982-7661today! www.apachetrailtours.com.
Arizona State Parks
Many of Arizona’s State Parks preserve fascinating bits of history or provide chances to hike, splash and fish, or protect vital wildlife habitat. Take some time to visit these beautiful and historic parks. In Sedona, slip into the famous Oak Creek water slide at Slide Rock or take a hike at Red Rock to see the majesty that is Cathedral Rock. If you’re heading south Kartchner Caverns is a must see. Stand in a “living” cave that breathes out cool air and enjoy the improvisations of stone formations. For park maps, driving directions, and photographs visit www.AZStateParks.com.
Dolly Steamboat Tours
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on one of Arizona’s most beautiful desert lakes! Experience the splendor of the canyons, wildlife, and unique desert plants in their natural habitat. Dolly Steamboat Tours provide an entertaining and educational experience for explorers of all ages. Located at the east end of Apache Junction, turn north on Hwy 88 (Apache Trail). Paved Roads all the way. Twilight dinner cruise, for more information call, 480-827-9144 or visit www.dollysteamboat.com.
Forever Resorts’ Mormon Lake Lodge
Discover Mormon Lake Lodge, a 300 acres retreat amidst Ponderosa pines within the Coconino National Forest. Explore miles of forest trails by horseback riding, renting a mountain bike or ATV. Experience the solitude of nature by hiking or fishing at a nearby lake. Relax in a cozy cabin or campground and savor meals grilled in the famed open-pit Steakhouse with live music in the Saloon. For a well deserved retreat, call 928-354-2227 or visit www.MormonLakeLodge.com.
Hot Air Expeditions
The Sonroan Desert is one of the foremost hot air ballooning areas in the entire world. Float low over the top of the desert to see the wildlife that is out for the day. Then go high to get a great view of the entire valley. Upon landing you are greeted with the traditional flutes of champagne followed by a sit down breakfast in the desert. FAA Certified, Insured, Uniformed. You’ll have memories that last a lifetime. Call now for reservations 480-502-6999, 800-831-7610 or visit www.HotAirExpeditions.com.
Shopping
Outlets at Casa Grande
Outlets at Casa Grande offers Great Savings, Great Brands & Great Shopping at stores like Gap Outlet, Levi’s Outlet, Guess Factory Store, Reebok, Kitchen Collection and Oshkosh B’gosh and many others. Outlets would like to give back this season, spend $75 or more and receive a gift choice from a different store each week, free gift wrapping and weekly shopping spree give a-ways. Located just off I-10 at exit 198, between Phoenix and Tucson. 2300 E. Tanger Dr. Casa Grand. Call 520-836-9663 or visit our website at www.OutletsatCasaGrande.com.
Spa & Wellness
The Spa at Camelback Inn
The Spa at Camelback Inn invites you to relish the moments of balance and tranquility offered in our quiet haven. Guests experience one-of-a-kind spa treatments inspired by the techniques and nature-based ingredients of indigenous Native American cultures. For more information, visit www.camelbackspa.com.
Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort
Restore your body and mind through the art of massage, therapy baths and refreshing treatments. Set among the rolling Sonoran Desert Foothills and acres of ancient sun-splashed terrain, The Golden Door is your ticket to peace of mind and body. For information, visit www.theboulders.com/golden_door_spa.
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