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What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
May 2013
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:
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PHX Sky Train makes traveling between airport and downtown Phoenix easier
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| CITY NEWS |
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| PHX Sky Train makes traveling between airport and downtown Phoenix easier (and more dramatic) than ever. Thanks to the debut of the PHX Sky Train, visitors arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport can now travel to downtown Phoenix for $2, in about 20 minutes, without burning an ounce of gasoline. The Sky Train, which began operation April 8, is an automated train that transports travelers between the airport’s busiest terminal and the nearest light-rail station. Sky Train is free and operates 24 hours a day, arriving at stations about every three minutes.
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| RESORT NEWS |
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| The Westin Phoenix Downtown invites guests to personalize their “Westin Weekend” experience with a 3 p.m. check-out on Sundays, extended breakfast hours until 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, a special cocktail recipe so guests can enjoy a taste of Phoenix back at home, and a token (amenity) of appreciation for enjoying the Westin Weekends program. Stay two weekend nights and receive a complimentary third night’s stay available April 1 through Dec. 31, 2013.The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is pleased to announce discounted summer rates starting from $139 per night, based on availability, for stays Memorial Day through Labor Day. Those who book this package will receive a $30 Kierland FlowRider daily credit to be used during their stay. As an additional bonus, guests who book before May 17th will receive an additional $30 food and beverage credit per stay for J. Swillings, the Resort’s poolside restaurant.The Phoenician will mark its 25th anniversary on October 1, 2013, but Arizona’s premier AAA Five Diamond resortdestination is providing guests with a reason to celebrate this summer with an extraordinarily luxurious offer. Reserve one night at a special starting rate of $199 and get every other night for $25 and is valid on stays May 30- September 30, 2013.Whether she is a Mommy, Grandma, Mommy-to-Be, Nana or a favorite Aunt, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa is the perfect way to say Happy Mother’s Day. As part of our Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, May 12, 2013, we are offering a special Mother’s Day room package. Beginning at $125.00 this package includes one night deluxe room accommodation, 2 p.m. checkout and a 10% discount on Spa Avania retail. Additionally, SWB will host a delightful Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet available from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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| ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT |
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| Province, the Latin-inspired American restaurant at The Westin Phoenix Downtown, partners with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to launch a bilingual literacy celebration in honor of Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros (Day of the Children/Day of the Books). From April 30 through May 30, 2013, kids under 12 years old will eat free from the selections available on the kids’ menu at Province when they bring new or gently used children’s books to the restaurant as a donation to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Kids and families are encouraged to bring books that are written in Spanish and/or English. To receive the complimentary meal in Province, kids must be accompanied by an adult and only qualifies with the purchase of an adult entrée. This offer is available during all mealtimes throughout the month-long campaign. Additionally, those participating in this effort will receive a two-for-one coupon for admission into the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.A new destination attraction Butterfly Wonderland, the largest butterfly pavilion in America, will open May 25, 2013. Spanning a 5-acre parcel of land, this state-of-the art new facility, located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, will feature a magnificent glass atrium that brings a tropical rainforest environment to the Arizona desert, as well as educational laboratories and interactive exhibits, a 3D movie theater, gift shop, and a café-style dining area. Butterfly Wonderland is the first phase of a planned “Odysea in the Desert,” 522,000 sq. ft. entertainment complex that will eventually include the largest aquarium in the southwest, an IMAX theatre and a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.Following last-season’s sold-out performances, Ballet Arizona announces the return of its ground-breaking masterpiece, TOPIA. With its revolutionary outdoor performance space, spanning 80 feet wide, and positioned against the dramatic backdrop of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden, TOPIA presents a unique perspective of dance and the natural beauty of Arizona. Performances of TOPIA are scheduled for May 14 – June 1, 2013 at the Desert Botanical Garden with an option to enjoy a sunset dinner prior to the performance.
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| SPORTS/GOLF |
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| The Phoenician and Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon will celebrate the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby with a special viewing party on May 4, 2013 The event will include: Mint Julep sampling in a commemorative copper cup, classic, Southern-style cuisine, featuring Eggs Derby; Shrimp and Grits; BBQ Bourbon Pork Flatbread; Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie and Manhattan Popsicles, among other offerings, Best Hat Contest – Ladies, Best Southern Fashion – Gentlemen, Winner’s Circle Raffle, Entertainment, Multiple flat-screen televisions for event and race viewing, and exclusive prizes, including a two-night stay at The Phoenician. Ten percent of the proceeds to benefit After the Homestretch – Arizona, providing homes for former racehorses.
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| SPA |
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| Moms will be celebrated and made to feel very special in May at the Arizona Biltmore Spa. On Mother’s Day, they will be offered a complimentary glass of champagne. Throughout the month, they will enjoy 20% off the three popular treatments and services including the Dreamcatcher Aromatherapy Massage, Restorative Anti-Aging Facial and Ultimate Manicure and Ultimate Pedicure. And, to honor mothers, Rose Lotion will be used for all four – the rose signifying “Taking time for you and believing that you deserve it.”Give mom a day of relaxation with90 minutes of treatments and a glass of wine or Champagne forjust $99 at the VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho.Choose a 60-minute treatment (Deep Bodywork Massage, LomiLomi Relaxation Massage, Custom Aromatherapy Facial,or Signature Pedicure), and a 30-minute treatment (Full-Body Aromatherapy Scrub, Custom Mini Facial,or Foot Reflexology). Regular price $190, 20% service charge based on original price. Reservations are recommended.Back to Top |
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| DINING |
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| Wrights at The Biltmore is preparing an extraordinary feast for Mother’s Day. Served 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $95 for adults, $40 for children 12 and under, not including tax and gratuity; free for children five and under.Frank & Albert’s, The Biltmore’s popular restaurant, featuring Arizona Comfort Food and American Classics prepared with the freshest indigenous ingredients, is offering a Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet, as well as the regular a la carte breakfast menu, and a Three-Course Pre-Fix Menu for lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet is served 7:00 a.m. to Noon and prices are $19.85 for adults, $8 children 12 and under and free for infants. The three-course pre-fixe menu for lunch is served 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or dinner from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. for $48.Ko’Sin Restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa will offer guests an exclusive four course pre-fixe Mother’s Day brunch in a spectacular setting. Featuring Native American & Arizona comfort food, the brunch will include four-courses complete with an amuse and decadent selection of desserts and a specialty children’s menu for our youngest guests. This exceptional brunch event takes place on Sunday, May 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offers indoor and outdoor seating at $66 per adult, $60 for seniors, the children’s buffet is offered at $25 for children 5-12 years old and is free for children four and under. Every Mother in attendance will receive a complimentary long-stemmed rose.Roaring Fork honors Valley moms on Sunday, May 12th with a specialty Mother’s Day Brunch by Executive Chef, Michael Bouwens from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The buffet style menu features a selection of breakfast items, a carving station featuring roasted pork prime rib & smoked beef brisket, salads, eggs, signature side dishes, entrees and tasty desserts. Cost is $35 per person.
The Boulders’ signature Latilla restaurant invites guests to indulge in a Mother’s Day Brunch featuring a carving station, omelet station, cold & hot items, bread & bakery, desserts and a children’s station on Sunday, May 12thfrom 11:00am-3:00pm. Adults are $68 per person and Children ages 6-12 is $28 per person. Children 5 & under Are Free.
Locally owned wine and cheese shop, Wedge & Bottle is a destination for cheesemongers and cured meat aficionados. Not only does Wedge & Bottle serve stellar cheese and charcuterie plates, featuring selections like handcrafted sheep milk cheese from Black Sheep Creamery in Washington State and prosciutto from Salumeria Biellse in New York City, but they’ll also layer together such delicacies into a build-your-own melted cheese sandwich.
In what has gracefully become one of the Valley’s most exciting dining destinations, downtown Gilbert’s Heritage District will add another spell to its book of charm – a second restaurant from Upward Projects called Joyride Taco House. The new concept joins neighboring Postino East to bring the renovated Grainbelt building to full capacity. Opening on June 3rd, Joyride Taco House will carry the same Upward Project’s soul as its siblings Postino WineCafe, Windsor, Churn and Federal Pizza with lunch and dinner service seven days a week. Expect hours of 11am – 11pm Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 12am Friday and Saturday, plus their staple $5 until 5 every day of the week.
Arizona Farmer+Chef Connection, a conference aimed at connecting Arizona-based growers, food producers and wholesale food buyers, is now accepting vendors and buyers for the conference scheduled for Monday, June 10th from 1-6 p.m. at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Local First Arizona has teamed up with Edible Phoenix, Slow Food Phoenix, Good Food Finder and the Desert Botanical Gardens for this meeting of buyers and sellers and hopes to The event promotes collaboration and direct market opportunities for Arizona’s farmers, ranchers and food buyers. Wholesale buyers and Arizona-based food producers can buy tickets for $25. This event is not open to the public.
As a restaurant continually recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine with their coveted Award of Excellence, LON’s at the Hermosa’s wine program is nothing short of spectacular. For those that may not have had the chance to try even a few of the 500+ wines on the list, LON’s is now launching a monthly series of complimentary wine tastings. The tastings – held the first Tuesday of every month from 5 – 7 p.m. – will be led by one of LON’s wine wholesalers, who will be pouring 1 – 2 oz. pours, while sharing their knowledge of the product and winemaker. For that night only, the featured wine will be available for 25% off per bottle. LON’s sommelier Bill Parker will also be on hand to make pairing suggestions and answer any questions regarding the wine program.
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For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact the
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Department.
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