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What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
February 2013
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:
- Cactus League Baseball Spring Training begins a week earlier for the Baseball World Classics.
- Be “Romanticized” at Royal Palms Resort this Valentine’s Day.
- The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s newest FlowRider venue has been selected as the official launch location for the 2013 FLOW Tour USA.
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| RESORT NEWS |
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The Arizona Biltmore wants Cactus League travelers to take advantage of a special Spring Training PLAY Package. The Spring Training PLAYPackage was designed to meet the needs of these Cactus League travelers who, rather than relax at the resort pool, take off after breakfast in personal or rented cars to spend the day at the local ballparks. Offered during the Spring Training season, March 1-31st, 2013, rates start at $359 per night. Included is a baseball-themed amenity upon arrival, breakfast for two each morning, self parking and the resort charge waived.
Baseball fans looking to venture east for some spring baseball can find an ideal “home base away from home” at Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix. Centrally located at the newest retail and entertainment district CityScape and easy freeway access to the spring training home of the teams, Hotel Palomar brings extra value to its accommodations with its Batter Up package. The package combines discounted room rates with complimentary game-day goodies throughout the month of March, allowing fans to hit one out of the park with the perfect baseball-centered vacation. The Batter Up package includes 25 percent off the best available rate for beautifully appointed deluxe accommodations, two local beers and baseball-themed welcome treat, morning coffee and tea service in living room, a hosted evening wine reception in living room and complimentary access to Gold’s Gym Elite.
The Westin Phoenix Downtown is the place to be for spring training in Arizona. Offering the ideal, central location in the heart of downtown Phoenix, The Westin Phoenix Downtown is just minutes from spring training ball parks, downtown restaurants and bars, and other enjoyable attractions. The Westin Phoenix Downtown’s Province restaurant boasts delectable Latin-inspired American food, drinks and specials before and after the games. Plan your spring training getaway to sunny Arizona and cheer on your favorite baseball team. Book the 2013 BASEBALL Package at The Westin Phoenix Downtown to enjoy great rates Thursday – Sunday for a weekend of spring training fun.
The best warm-up to the Spring Training season begins at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. Conveniently located within a 27 mile radius of all 10 Phoenix stadiums, you will be right in the heart of all the action. Along with the striking city and mountain views from deluxe accommodations, you will enjoy maps and directions to all Spring Training facilities, Cactus League game schedules, an American breakfast for two in bistro 24, complimentary overnight parking and an exclusive Spring Training amenity.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has launched the “Sheraton Social Hour,” a premium wine program to be offered in the resort’s lobby lounge. The program, developed by premier wine experts and Sheraton’s global food and beverage team, offers guests a special menu of premium wines and weekly tasting events. The program will feature 90+ rated wines by Wine Spectator, served in Riedel, to ensure that each varietal is presented in the ideal stemware for optimum flavor and aroma. The weekly tasting events will occur Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. and will offer the following options to resort, restaurant and local guests: for $5, each guest will receive (2) two- ounce tasting glasses of 90+ rated wine, wine prices by the bottle will start from $36 and tasting events will take place at the Link Café.
The Hermosa Inn, a luxury boutique resort, is offering a Spring Escape package for the upcoming season. Valid from now through Saturday, May 11, from $369/night, The Hermosa Inn’s Spring Escape includes a three-night stay for two in a Casita, Deluxe or Grande Casita with a $50 resort credit per day.
The Boulders has more pampering in store for pooches, and felines too, as part of its expanded PAWS program that includes new pet amenities, such as a Boulders dog bandana, a cozy pet bed placed in the room upon arrival, bottled water, yummy pet treats and a “Do Not Disturb the Dog” sign for the door knob. The program also includes a delicious gourmet pet food room service menu complete with a hearty breakfast of eggs, chicken, white rice and mixed vegetables for hungry hounds, and grilled salmon and white rice for cats. The Boulders PAWS program is open to pets less than 35 pounds and a maximum of two pets per accommodation is allowed.
Hotel Valley Ho welcomes back baseball fans for another busy spring training season, with a Spring Training package. From February 23 to March 31, guests can stay in style starting at $249. The Spring Training package includes a signature guest room with a private patio or balcony, welcome gift, VIP access to select area nightclubs and a shopping + dining coupon book for Westcor Shopping Centers. Hotel Valley Ho is located in Greater Phoenix, between the Camelback Ranch-Glendale Stadium in Glendale (spring training home to the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers) and Hohokam Stadium in Mesa (spring training home of the Chicago Cubs). Also, ZuZu is the perfect spot for after-the-game gatherings. Cool Redux happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., serving up $6 appetizers and $4 beer, wine, and cocktails inside and on the shaded patio.
The Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch invites guests to a Valentine getaway with their Romance package. This package includes deluxe guestroom accommodations, full American breakfast, spiced chocolate truffles, champagne and a 2:00 p.m. late checkout.
The Royal Palms Resort & Spa boasts its Romantication program, a unique and standout program intended to create customizable packages for couples looking to achieve the utmost romantic escape during their stay at the Royal Palms. Guests can choose from a variety of on or off-site activities meant to bring out their romantic side and bring couples together. The property has an on-site Guest Experiences Coordinator who works directly with each guest seeking to build a romance package. The Be Mine Valentine package includes one night accommodation, three course dinner in T.Cooks, rose petal turn down and a Be Mine valentine amenity. The package starts at $575 and includes the resort fee.
Talking Stick Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Rated Resort located just minutes from Salt River Fields, the Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Special Spring Training rates for any of the resort’s luxury guestrooms and suites start at $229 a night. In addition to special rates, guests may add on game tickets, Dugout Reserve or Infield Box, as an enhancement when making their reservation. Talking Stick Resort will also provide free shuttle transportation to and from Salt River Fields for hotel guests. Spring Training rates are valid February 22 – March 31, 2013.
The Saguaro Scottsdale is offering a 7th Inning Stretch package which is valid from February 15 – March 31. For a 3-night stay, it is valid Sunday – Thursday. For 5 -nights, it is valid any day of the week. Rates start from $389 per night.
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| ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT |
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| The Downtown Phoenix Mardi Gras in Arizona kicks off on Saturday, February 9 at CityScape and includes an all-day festival, a massive parade and an all-night pub crawl. The third-annual celebration is an invitation to explore Downtown Phoenix’s nightlife and celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras with hundreds of revelers wearing masks and costumes. The headquarters of the festivities will be at Patriots Square located in the center of CityScape from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free and family-friendly event will feature a festival, parade, a 21-and-older pub crawl and the largest gathering of maskers in the Valley.The 2nd Annual Arizona Cocktail Week where Valley residents and visitors from afar can celebrate Arizona’s cocktail culture taking place February 16-22, 2013. Nationally renowned spirit gurus such as Steve Olson, Dale DeGroff and Charlotte Voisey will partner with Arizona’s home–grown talent to provide educational seminars, interactive tastings, cocktail competitions, pool parties and more. Over 30 events will take place statewide.On Saturday, March 9, 2013, the Pueblo Grande Museum and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary will host the 3rd AnnualAncient Technology Day event. Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. The day’s event will include an array of fun including: tossing the atlatl (spear), watching artists’ demonstrations in pottery making, basket weaving, rock art, flint-napping and more! Attendees will also enjoy making their own Native American crafts and snacking on Indian fry bread and agave roast made the traditional way. This event will include live entertainment and a behind-the-scenes tour and archaeology presentation by Museum Curator Holly Young and City of Phoenix Archaeologist Laurene Montero, about the prehistoric and historic archaeology of downtown Phoenix, and much more. In addition to the demonstrators, performances, and presentations, children can enjoy free craft activities and games.This month, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) will debut Mini Music Makers, an early childhood music and movement program. Children and caregivers will participate in weekly classes together, providing a chance to introduce little ones to the wide and wonderful world of music making, while also developing motor, pre-language and musical skills. The Mini Music Makers series aims to enrich kids’ lives by providing a safe, interactive and engaging environment to explore music from around the world. The first four-week session, which will focus on the sights and sounds of jazz, debuts on Monday, February 4, with subsequent classes on February 11, 18 and 25. Class times vary by the age of the participating child.
Arizona Beer Week returns February 16-23, 2013. We know your mouths will be watering until then. But don’t worry, local breweries, restaurants and stores will be busy coming up with new and hoppy ideas for the 3rd Annual Arizona Beer Week. There will be daily events with different locations.
Bill Bellamy is the featured attraction for the third annual Checkered Flag Run at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The Checkered Flag Run is the official multi-cultural motorcycle gathering in conjunction with the Phoenix International Raceway spring race weekend. Bellamy’s stand-up comedy came to national attention on Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam. His movie career includes roles in, How to be a Player, Love Jones and Any Given Sunday. Show is Friday, March 1, 2013 and tickets are $23.00 – $33.00.
The weekend before Valentine’s Day, Feb. 8-10, is a delicious delight for the senses as the Glendale Chocolate Affaire takes over downtown Glendale to create a chocolate-lover’s dream. Chocolate purveyors from Arizona and around the nation gather in Glendale for this award-winning festival, which celebrates not only chocolate, but romance and the arts as well. Chocolate confections will include items such as fried ice cream with chocolate and strawberries, chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate-covered churros, chocolate-covered key lime pie, crepes and much more.
The Hermosa Inn now hosts Art Walks every Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Sundays at 10 a.m. From original works by cowboy artist and original owner Alonzo “Lon” Megargee, to the flora and fauna throughout the property and paintings and sculptures by some of the most prominent contemporary Southwestern artists, guests and Valley residents alike are invited to embark on a 45-minute tour led by the Inn’s “Artful Ambassador” who will explore its rich history, horticulture and artwork.
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| SPORTS/GOLF |
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| Baseball and sunshine have gone together for almost 100 years in Arizona. Follow your favorite team to the desert to see them in action during Spring Training Baseball.The Cactus League now has 15 teams including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, LA Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, LA Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers. This year Cactus League begins February 22, with games everyday through March 30.An added bonus for spring training fans this season: Phoenix plays host to Pool D of the World Baseball Classic. Teams from USA, Mexico, Italy and Canada will play at Chase Field and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick March 7-10. These international all-star squads also will also play games against Cactus League teams on March 5-6; and the WBC Asia semifinalists will play the Giants, Padres, Cubs and Mariners on March 14-15.
This summer, Kierland FlowRider at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa will offer an all-day, weekly Surf Camp, led by the Resort’s “Wave Master,” Steve Richardson. Surf Camp is designed for kids ages 8 – 12 (at least 52” tall). Each day will consist of ride time to learn and improve bodyboard and flowboarding skills, participating in surf-related activities and discovering FUN ways to stay healthy and active. Each morning begins with Flow-ga, a specialized FlowRider yoga, developed by resort fitness director, Steve Heller, for optimal stretching and flexibility as it relates to the sport of flowboarding. Aspiring flowboarders will receive a Kierland FlowRider Surf Camp rash guard and bone-carved Maori surf necklace (just like the one Wave Master Steve wears!) to wear during the week and as a souvenir to keep. At the end of the week, parents are invited to watch the young flowboarders show off their progress and skills learned from their week at Kierland FlowRider Summer Surf Camp. The week-long camps run consecutively starting June 3rd through the week of July 29th, taking place Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Boulders invite their athletically inclined guests to retreat to the resort’s award winning Tennis Garden with seven courts and four different playing surfaces. Golfers love the two Jay-Morrish championship golf courses (Arizona’s only Platinum Medal golf course) and the new “pebble tees” short course—the perfect solution for the time crunched and newer golfer. For golfers looking for a way to improve their game, the Strong Core combines golf evaluation with personal training. In addition, The Boulders offers many fun and first class adventures for their guests this winter including the Desert Seaplane Adventure, Desert Photo Tour, Carefree Encounters, Moonlight Bicycle Tour, Hiking Trails, and Rock Climbing Clinics.
As the newest FlowRider venue, Kierland FlowRider at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa has been selected as the official launch location for the 2013 FLOW Tour USA. With The Westin Kierland’s connection to the world-class travel destination, as well as being the only resort in the World to offer the FlowRider attraction, it proved to be the ultimate site to launch the 2013 FLOW Tour. Kierland FlowRider is a superior location for growing the sport of flowboarding, offering a hands-on approach to instruction, developing a SHRED School designed to advance riders skill, and even hiring a “Wave Master” to oversee the operation, furthering the development of boardsport enthusiasts among resort guests. Kicking-off the tour on Friday, May 31, 2013, Kierland FlowRider will be the first of thirteen scheduled stops on the 2013 tour. The all-day event will include FlowRider activities, bodyboard and flowboard division competitions, and the opportunity to see some of the best flowboarding skill and innovative new tricks by the top pro flowboarders.
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| SPA |
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| New to Agave, the Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, the FlowRider Massage was developed as an exclusive athletic massage to restore and repair sore muscles after a day of serious flowboarding. Stretching and flexibility are incorporated into a stimulating massage that helps recover the muscles and release lactic acid from the body. Feel relaxed and reenergized from an intense FlowRider session and ready for more! The unique athletic therapy is available as a 50-minute treatment from $149, or 80-minute from $189. Guests who bring their receipt or wristband from a flowboarding session will receive $20 off the FlowRider Massage.The Spa at Camelback Inn offers you to treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day with the Passionate Kisses spa package. They will experience a rose scented sea salt scrub for the body, a one-hour facial with aromatic rose essence and anti-aging benefits, a sparkling cocktail of Rose Nectar with Chambord Raspberry Vodka and a gift of a Rose Quartz heart symbolizing unconditional love.
The Waldorf Astoria Spa at The Boulders invites couples to reaffirm their romance at the Recommitment Ceremony in February 2013, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Led by the resort’s Waldorf Astoria Spa’s “shamanic ceremonialist,” this new service draws on the spiritual heritage of the Sonoran desert to create an experience whose rewards go far beyond the traditional romantic escape, bringing a different level of consciousness and greater co-empowerment to the couple’s relationship.
Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort is offering a special Valentine’s experience for couples with their My Suite Valentine package. The package includes synchronized foot rituals and 60-minute spa treatment of your choice, performed in the privacy of our Avania Suite, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne or wine and your choice of food amenity, artisan hand crafted chocolate truffles and a take-home gift of one signature spa product. Spa experiences are synchronized to the time of day access to spa and fitness facilities. The package is available February 1-28, 2013 for $250 per person for 2 hours.
The VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho now offers a Sunday Spa Party package. Enjoy 90 minutes of treatments and a glass of wine or champagne while you relax on the spa deck. You can also lounge at the OH Pool before or after your treatment. Available treatments include a deep bodywork massage, a coffeeberry yoga facial and an orange blossom body wrap.
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| DINING |
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Get ready to embark on a six-month culinary experience at Province restaurant in The Westin Phoenix Downtown. Guests are invited to “travel” through Latin America by enjoying a flavorful adventure of Latin-inspired cuisine and beverages without leaving downtown Phoenix. In 2012, Executive Chef Randy Zweiban launched a Latin Passport Dinner Series that brought Province patrons on a rich and exciting tour of flavors, dishes and cultures. With much success, the Latin Passport Dinner Series has been extended another six months. Let the tour begin! Each Latin Passport Dinner Series begins on the first Saturday of the month, and each corresponding country will be highlighted every Saturday throughout the month; Brazil in February, Nicaragua in March, Panama in April, El Salvador in May, Mexico in June and Chile in July. Each dinner series features a four-course menu for $35 per person with supplemental beverage pairings available. These beverage pairings will highlight cocktails and wines from the featured regions.
Gertrude’s, the much-anticipated full-service restaurant at the Desert Botanical Garden, is officially open. Gertrude’s will offer Garden members and the general public an ingredient-driven restaurant experience with top-quality food, libations and service. The menu will showcase local ingredients from artidans and farmers around Arizona and the Southwest, including vegetable and herbs from Gertrude’s plot located onsite at the Garden.
Capture the romance of El Chorro’s picturesque setting at the base of Camelback and Mummy Mountains as you celebrate Valentine’s Day with beautiful views, charming surrounding and the iconic Paradise Valley restaurant’s three-course “Romance in the Desert” menu.
The Alto Ristorante e bar at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort is the ideal place to celebrate with a special valentine. This comfortable Italian restaurant offers fresh and flavorful dishes with an emphasis on “the season”. This romantic evening is complete with the Alto Special Valentine’s Day four-course meal and a complimentary gondola ride along the resort’s water ways. SWB, a southwest bistro at Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa offers a special Valentine’s Day four course meal filled with their wood-fired specialties featuring fresh seasonal ingredients.
In conjunction with the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the 11th annualFriends of James Beard Benefit Dinner to be hosted at the Resort’s signature restaurant, Deseo, on Thursday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. Regarded as “the” signature event of the Festival that includes nine unique events throughout the week, the Friends of James Beard Dinner is not to be missed! Including a special event reception, followed by a multi-course menu complete with carefully selected wine pairings from this year’s beverage sponsor Domaine Chandon, each featuring a signature dish of a different James Beard award-winning chef. This once-in-a-lifetime collaborative dinner experience sells out every year, and tickets are highly recommended to be purchased in advance. Tickets are $200 per person.
The Phoenician celebrates Valentine’s Day with three-day a-fare at Il Terrazo. Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician will present a signature three-course prix fixe dinner menu on Valentine’s Day, as well as on Friday, February 15 and Saturday, February 16. The special holiday weekend offering will feature roasted beet and goat cheese salad with arugula, candied walnuts and golden beet vinaigrette; and two delectable entrées. Choose between chile and rosemary-roasted New York steak, served with smoked cheddar polenta, roasted cipollini, baby carrots and aged sherry jus; or pan-seared Skuna Bay salmon with butternut squash, brown rice risotto, persimmon and pistachio. Top off the evening with a premier dessert from The Phoenician’s award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, Roy Pell, showcasing a chocolate buffet on Feb. 14; and a Chocolate Budino (chocolate pudding with caramel cream) on Feb. 15 and 16. Price is $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity) for the three-course menu and the Chocolate Dessert Buffet also available a la carte at $14 per person (plus tax and gratuity) on Feb. 14.
The romantic setting of Royal Palms Resort & Spa is an ideal place to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, and T. Cook’srestaurant has put forth an elegant menu just for the occasion. With a three-course pre fixe menu offering an array of special dishes, guests will have the chance to indulge with their sweetie. Standout starters include the Truffle Foie Gras Terrine with fig pressed goat cheese, red onion & port marmalade, walnut bread and green apple and Duck Confit Crepinette with candied almonds, spiced arugula & strawberry salad and pomegranate reduction. For entrees, the Royal Palms Duet combines petit filet mignon, butter poached lobster tail, orange glazed asparagus and gingered carrots, while the Seared Diver Scallops are served with leek fondue and pancetta & hazelnut crumble. Finally, Milk Chocolate Mocha Pot de Creme is a must-try come the dessert round. This special menu will be served on Valentine’s Day, Thursday February 14th for $95 per person, accompanied by live music from Joe Costello Project ft. Mark DeCozio. The menu is offered again on Friday and Saturday the 15-16 for $75 per person, with live music from Renee Patrick.
Executive Chef Christopher Nicosia at SASSI restaurant will be featuring a specialty menu this year in celebration of the Valentine’s Day holiday on Thursday, February 14th. The evening will begin with a rose for all ladies, accompanied by a four course prix fixe meal including an Antipasti, Primi Piatti, Secondi and Dolci for two. Specialty holiday wines by the bottle & glass will be available in addition to a selection of romance cocktails including the signature, Amore Smooch. Price is $149.00 per couple – includes four courses and non alcoholic beverages.
Roaring Fork is now offering a special Chocolate Martini in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. The martini includes 1.5 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, .5 oz. Van Gough White Chocolate Liqueur and .5 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur for $10.
Embark on a cross-country road trip down the main streets of America at Proof, an American canteen, now open at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Featuring home-style comfort fare sourced exclusively from the 50 states, this relaxed restaurant promises to fast become a casual neighborhood hang-out, perfect for a relaxed dinner together, an evening with the family, or drinks with friends.
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For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact the
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Relations Department.
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