What’s New in Greater Phoenix?

Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Digg
Pinterest
Print Friendly
reddit
LinkedIn
StumbleUpon
Tumblr

Phoenix Skyline

What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
July 2012

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s mobile website receives award-winning recognition
Explore the desert after dark during a high moon jeep tour
Summer deals continue at various properties in the Valley

CITY NEWS

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s mobile website has been awarded first place in the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) 2012 Excellence in Marketing and Communications contest. Sky Harbor won in the website category, competing with airports from across the United States and Canada. Websites were judged on their design, ease of navigation and overall effectiveness. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s mobile website launched last November and began receiving 14,000 visits per week. The site, which was developed internally by Sky Harbor’s Technology and Public Relations divisions, gives travelers the opportunity to get the information they need on-the-go such as flight status, up-to-date parking information, and listings of services at the Airport. Travelers simply visit skyharbor.com from their mobile device and they are automatically directed to the mobile site. It is easy to read on smart phones and tablets.

British Airways adds additional flight between Phoenix and London. British Airways announced that the nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and London Heathrow Airport will increase from six to seven days per week beginning December 5, 2012.

RESORT NEWS

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a special “10 for $10” Celebration Package. The “10 for $10” Celebration Package offers the best way to experience all that The Westin Kierland has to offer with unprecedented savings on 10 signature Resort experiences. Book a stay and choose one of the following experiences per night purchased: $10 Signature Manicure at Agave, the Arizona Spa; $10 Signature Pedicure at Agave, the Arizona Spa; $10 Round of Golf at Kierland Golf Club; $10 Organic Spray Tan (25-minute) at Agave, the Arizona Spa; $10 Bubbles n’ Brunch for Two at Nellie Cashman’s (Sundays only); $10 Kid’s Club (full day session with lunch) for one child; $10 Tasting at deseo or Nellie Cashman’s: choice of one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert; $10 Pool Eats at J. Swilling’s Pool Bar & Grill: choice of two appetizers and two main dishes; $10 for $60 shopping credit at Kierland Golf Club Pro Shop or Agave Spa boutique; or a $10 room amenity: Signature Fruit Basket with Wine and Cheese. Rates are available from $159 per night for stays this summer from now until September 4, 2012.

In honor of its more than three months of the “Hollywood & Wine” festival, the Arizona Biltmore will offer its lowest room rates of the year through Labor Day weekend. A special summer offer, Buy 2 nights, get 1 night free, is available from now until September 4, 2012. The “Hollywood & Wine” festival is themed entirely around Hollywood in celebration of the Biltmore’s enduring connection to Tinsel Town, and will feature: celebrity bands in concert, movie screenings, special wine tasting weekends hosted by celebrity winemakers, classes on winemaking, wine barrel painting, live theater productions, a complete kids program that includes Splash Cinema dive-in movies at the pool, kids cooking classes, an Imagination Emporium studio for arts & crafts and much more.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is proud to offer a cultural orientation of the resort with the official Cultural Concierge, Rosie Rivera. The 500-room luxury resort, located on the Gila River Indian Community, was designed to be a showcase for the local Pima and Maricopa Native American cultures. The Cultural Concierge assists guests with receiving a personal and memorable cultural experience.

“You’re Made in the Shade” at Hotel Valley Ho, recently named the best cabanas in town by AZCentral.com, the eight poolside cabanas are equipped with stocked private refrigerators, an assortment of available amenities (choose 3 with each rental), misting system to keep cool and the best seats in the house. The cabanas can be reserved for six people each and come with reserved shaded seating and two oversized chaise sun loungers. Happy Hour specials are available while enjoying live music on Fridays. While the weekends are always a fun and happening experience, don’t forget to sneak away for a weekday day stay with discounted rates available on Sunday and Monday nights – starting as low as $109.00 per night.

Talking Stick Resort is a mecca for entertainment, including an exciting concert line-up and the resurgence of the resort’s pool party, guests will also find unbeatable deals on fabulous amenities located throughout the property, including hotel room packages, rejuvenating spa deals and casino jackpot bonuses to name a few. Guests looking to extend their stay at the resort can take advantage of special summer room rates starting as low as $109 a night. In addition to no resort fees, current special room packages: “Fairway To Heaven Package,” which entitles guests to receive one unique spa treatment, a choice of massage, wrap or facial, and a round of golf at the Talking Stick Golf Club per guest, per night stayed; “The Par Fore The Course Package” which entitles guest to one round of golf per person, per night stayed; or “Room & Treatment Package” which entitles guests receive one unique spa treatment per person, per night stayed. Choose from a 60-min Simply Swedish Massage, 60-min Aroma-Botanic Massage or a 60-min Repair & Prevent Facial.

The Saguaro was named one of the best new hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler (Hot List issue, 2012). To celebrate, the hotel is offering the “Hot List Package” with room rates starting from $199 that includes a hot stone massage for two with two Hot Hemingway Drinks. Or “The Compadre Package” with rates from $139 – This is the perfect summer package for couples looking to getaway and relax. The package includes a room, two 30- minute mini spa treatments, one in-room movie, a pitcher of Sangria delivered to your room, and a 4 p.m. late checkout. Both packages are offered from now through September 15, 2012.
The cool (literally) underground Wine Cellar at Hermosa Inn is sure to be one best places in the Valley to chill this summer. In addition to complimentary drinks for two upon arrival, luxurious accommodations and breakfast for two, the “Subterranean Summer Escape Package” includes a rare treat: a five-course wine-pairing dinner prepared by Chef Jeremy Pacheco in the hotel’s underground Wine Cellar, usually reserved only for private functions. This space once housed many rowdy, yet secret cowboy gatherings hosted by quintessential cowboy, famous artist and owner of Casa Hermosa, Lon Megargee. He even created tunnels from the main house to the stables so his guests could disappear into the desert if the party was raided. Today, the Wine Cellar, which seats 12, displays 1,500 of the hotel’s 5,000 bottle wine collection. The package is available Tuesday through Saturday for $298 per night for two (plus tax) available from now until September 3, 2012.

The W Scottsdale is the place to be for your last hoorah of single life. Book your bachelor or bachelorette party with 10 or more rooms per night during any weekend from now until September for hot deals. Book a Wonderful King room for $149 a night (with two double beds) which includes a 20 percent discount on Bliss Spa services, $30/day (per person) unlimited golf at The Phoenician Golf Club and a 40 percent discount on bottle service- choose from 10 Cane, Ketel One, Ciroc, Belvedere or Don Julio.

A new Residence Inn by Marriott will open in downtown Tempe late 2013/early 2014. The 173-room hotel will be located on Fifth Street and Forest, just a block from Mill Avenue. Construction is expected to begin this summer. The hotel is being developed by Miami-based Finvarb Group and managed by Marriott International. The new Residence Inn hotel will feature guest suites containing fully-equipped kitchens and will offer state-of-the-art amenities, including an outdoor rooftop pool and fire pit with panoramic views of downtown, about 3,500 square feet of meeting space and 5,700 square feet of ground-level retail space.

Summer has arrived and it is time for that well-deserved vacation time with family. “The Marriott Summer Getaway” has spectacular weekend rates to ensure that you have a chance to get away this season. From now through September 30, 2012, you can book fantastic rates across the United States at participating Marriott properties including Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels. Start planning your next vacation today to take advantage of these amazing summer deals.

The new Seclusions Pool and Clubhouse at the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center is an adult retreat for those seeking a little “Downtime Therapy”. Like an exclusive club, the gated Seclusions area is located along the 18th fairway of the McCormick Ranch Golf Course and secluded from the main resort and family pool at the Four Diamond Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center. This cool new “zen zone” consists of ten 2,000 square-foot one-bedroom suites with patios and 58 casita rooms with balconies, surrounding a private pool courtyard and clubhouse. Amenities include: pool concierge; complimentary “sips and bites” throughout the day; unique cocktails created by the resort’s award winning mixologist; Bloody Mary bar; a healthier, fresher, lighter dining menu; complimentary full breakfast buffet; exclusive access to clubhouse with game tables, big screen TV, Wii, interactive cooking and cocktail demos and tastings, and a facial salon and massage room; and private cabanas. Rates start at $84 for casita rooms and $284 for one-bedroom suites. Offer is good from now through September 3, 2012.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Join the Heard Museum for culture, creativity, cool activities and great summer deal: free admission for kids and adults Sundays in July. From an extravaganza of hands-on activities and story reading to cool treats, “Summer Sundays” gives kids and families a cool and creative way to spend Sundays in July. On selected Sundays, a Native storyteller will entertain visitors with tribal lore and stories. Kids can participate in a “scavenger hunt” in the museum each week.

The Westin Kierland Resort offers live entertainment every Friday and Saturday from talented performers in the comforting atmosphere of Dreamweaver’s Courtyard. Performances take place 7:30 – 10:00 p.m., following “Bagpipes at Sunset” 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino offers “Comedy Fridays” select Fridays during July and August. Ovations LIVE! Showroom will showcase nationally touring comedians, featuring: Russ Rivas (July 6^th), Ed Regine (July 13^th), Marc Yaffee (August 10^th) and Patrick Candelaria (August 24^th). Tickets are complimentary with any level Player’s Club card or may be purchased for $10.00 online.

ASU Gammage recently announced another landmark season featuring the best of Broadway. The 2012-2013 PROGRESSIVE® Broadway Across America is in its 22^nd season. The Arizona series at ASU Gammage is the largest theatrical subscription series in the state of Arizona and the most successful Broadway series in the country.. The upcoming season includes: Les Miserables, Anthing Goes, Donny and Marie – Christmas in Arizona, The Addams Family, Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan, War Horse, Memphis, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Flashdance and Sister Act. ASU Gammage is a historic theatre designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
“Welcome the Weekend” with live music on Friday nights in elements located at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. The popular Friday dinner and live music series is held weekly through July 27, from 7-10 p.m. in the exclusive dining area, Praying Monk. The delicious fare of Executive Chef Beau MacMillan will be complemented by the sweet melodies of international recording artist and local resident, Khani Cole, best known for her soulful jazz and performances with the legendary George Benson. Cole will be joined by guest artists throughout the summer including Marion Meadows, a contemporary jazz musician, and Dominic Amato, a Phoenix-based sax man and national recording artist.

The fencing around Mill Avenue District’s famed Hayden Flour Mill is officially down for the first time since 1999. The new and improved venue comes equipped with a new lawn and stage which is now known as The Green at Hayden Flour Mill. Starting September 20, 2012, The Green will serve as a community gathering place for special events, concerts and more. The new renovations also offer a chance to learn about the historical importance of The Hayden Flour Mill. Along the front of the Mill, there are photo panels describing the history of the Mill’s beginnings. By looking into the windows on the ground floor, visitors can get a glimpse of actual tools and machinery that were used in throughout the Mill’s history.

Tempe was named the 18th Best Bike City of the country in Bicycling Magazine’s “Top 50 Bicycle Cities in America.” Being named a top bicycle town confirms Tempe’s commitment to being a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, vibrant and creative place to live. With three percent of Tempe residents biking to work, Tempe has one of the highest percentages of bicycle commuters in the country. Because of the support from the Tempe City Council, Arizona State University, the community and non-profit organizations like the Tempe Bicycle Action Group, Tempe is on the right track to becoming one of the leading bike communities in the country.

SPORTS/GOLF

Enjoy the desert after dark this summer with Arizona Territorial Adventures’ High Moon tours, the Valley’s only desert jeep excursions guided by the natural spotlight of a full or nearly full moon. The High Moon tours run the week of the full moon, July through October. The desert takes on a whole new personality at night, so this is an excellent opportunity to experience nature in, literally, a brand new light. Whether you’re a long-time Phoenix resident or a first-time visitor, it’s a memorable adventure for all ages. Tour dates for 2012 are July 30-Aug. 3; Aug. 30-Sept. 2; and Sept. 28-Oct. 2. Departure times vary, depending on pick-up location and moon phase. Cost is $80 per person for adults, $70 per person for children ages 5-13, plus tax.

Westin Kierland Resort announces the latest addition to their Adventure Water Park, the Kierland FlowRider opening this August. Flowboarding: part snowboarding, part skateboarding, part wakeboarding style experience (and the only one in Arizona) offers an exhilarating, non-stop “wave ride” to Resort guests and visitors of any fitness and thrill-seeking level.

SPA

The Agave Spa at The Westin Kierland knows how to survive dry weather with the “Desert Delight” Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Therapies: Choose three 25-minute treatments from Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Facial Therapy, Foot Therapy, Reflexology Therapy and Scalp Treatment for only $169. Other Summer Spa offers include a $39 Summer Blow Out, complimentary wine with purchase of the Desert Duo Package, a rejuvenating spa and lunch break and a $69 Summer Salt Scrub.

The Saguaro Spa is the best place for rejuvenation. Try a 60-minute yoga class (open to all levels), offered every Saturday at 7 a.m. for $15. Continue celebrating Arizona’s centennial birthday with the “AZ 100 Series”. Each month, The Saguaro Spa will feature a select 60-minute treatment for $100 that pays homage to the healing traditions and rich history of the surrounding desert. The special “AZ 100” treatment for the month of July is a 60-minute Limon and Aloe Wrap.

After a busy day, guests can wind down and relax by taking advantage of summer spa deals at Talking Stick Resort. From now until September 30, 2012 (available Sunday-Thursday only), indulge in select facial, massage and body treatments for only $89. The “Luxury for Locals Specials” include a 60-minute signature treatment plus access to the resort’s two pools, serenity lounge, eucalyptus steam room, state-of-the-art fitness studio, whirlpool and relaxation deck. The three treatments offered as part of the $89 special include: Desert Lavender Massage, a custom massage that moisturizes the body with desert lavender and wild chaparral oils. Tufts of raw Pima cotton are lightly brushed over the body leaving skin silky smooth and guests totally relaxed (normally $130); Repair & Prevent Facial: This treatment is focused on repairing the signs of aging, improving skin tone, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, and assist in preventing further harm to the skin resulting in a healthy youthful glow (normally $130); or Sweet Mesquite & Honey Body Polish: This treatment gently exfoliates and polishes the body with sweet mesquite and honey to renew lackluster skin. A rich jojoba butter body wrap follows the polish and the treatment finishes with a relaxing scalp, neck and shoulder massage (normally $190).
DINING

Three restaurants and an ice cream shop plan to move into Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix. Roosevelt Row is in a constant state of development, and that means that the next best thing is always right around the corner – The area is currently known as a hotspot for galleries. There are big plans for the building on the northeast corner of Third and Roosevelt streets, which has been around since 1965. In the past two weeks, the wheels have been set in motion for an ice cream parlor, a Vietnamese restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and a French restaurant to move in. And, as if that news isn’t awesome enough, the French eatery will be operated by Duc and Noelle Liao, chef-owners of Scratch Pastries.

Unwind from your day during “descansar” at deseo: Meaning “to rest or relax.” Located at Westin Kierland Resort, their version of “happy hour” includes $6 Muddle drink and wine specials from 5:30-7:00 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Join deseo’s Master Mixologist for “Muddle Mania” Drink-Making Class: 5:00 p.m. every Wednesday, $18 per guest includes Muddle Drink and light ceviche appetizer.

Fogo de Chão is giving plenty of reasons to celebrate summer in the desert. Beginning this July, the Brazilian steakhouse celebrates the season with its “Summer Feast”. Enjoy 15 cuts of fire-roasted meats; a gourmet salad bar featuring more than 30 cheeses, vegetables and cured meats; sides of mashed potatoes, caramelized bananas, polenta and Brazilian cheese bread for a special summer fare. Until August 3, guests can dine for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $25 or dinner from 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for $40.

The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has introduced a mouth-watering summertime Prix Fixe menu at elements restaurant. Featuring a three-course selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts, guests can experience the best of celebrity Chef Beau MacMillan’s cuisine for $39 per person, excluding tax, gratuity and beverages. For starters, diners have their choice of either Elemental Soup, Tofu & Eggplant Fritter with Tahini, Chickpea and Pine Nut Relish and Meyer Lemon Oil or the Farmer’s Market featuring Grilled Vegetables, aged Feta, Piquillo Pepper, Basil and Balsamic Vinaigrette. For a sweet ending, guests can indulge in either a PB Bomb with Peanut Butter Mousse and Chocolate Ganache, Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Passion Fruit, Raspberry and Basil Seeds or Espresso Dark Chocolate Silk with Cocoa Nibs, Meringue and Crème Fraiche Gelato. Available from now through August 31, 2012.

Beer lovers rejoice! The popular World of Beer franchise has set its sights on Mill Avenue with a grand opening scheduled for July 23, 2012. World of Beer will serve 50 beers on tap from more than 40 different countries, not to mention the more than 500 beers available in the bottle. Guests can enjoy this wide variety of brews in a historic building or they can try “Beer-to-Go,” an opportunity to mix and match a six-pack of their favorite prepackaged beers to take home.

Beginning this July, the signature Top of the Rock restaurant at the Buttes Resort is introducing a specialty three course menu crafted by Chef de Cuisine, Gavino Borquez for the price of $29.99. The menu will be offered Monday-Sunday throughout the entire month with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Ronald McDonald House charities. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix provides a welcoming “home away from home” for children and their families who travel to Phoenix to receive treatment for serious, often life-threatening illnesses and injuries. The organization assists in lessening the burden by ensuring families by providing an atmosphere of comfort, hope and courage.

Dinner and a show. More than 15 Tempe restaurants have teamed up with ASU Gammage to offer special deals during performances. It is simple; patrons just need to present their ASU Gammage ticket stub at one of the participating restaurants to receive these special deals and discounts. The program is valid for all Broadway and BEYOND shows at ASU Gammage starting with LES MISERABLES opening September 11-16. Participating restaurants include: Cadillac Ranch, Canteen, Chompies, Fat Tuesday, Gordon Biersch (Tempe), Handlebar and Grill, Lo Bocca, Macayo’s, Monti’s La Casa Vieja, Mucho Gusto, Pita Jungle (Tempe), Robbie Fox’s, Rula Bula, The Stockyards, and Z’Tejas. This offer is valid only on the date of the performance on the ASU Gammage ticket stub.

Media Contacts:

Douglas MacKenzie Trish Hendrickson Director of Communications Communications Coordinator (602) 452-6250 (602) 452-6249 dmackenzie@visitphoenix.com thendrickson@visitphoenix.com

###