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What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
August 2013
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:
- Spirit Airlines annouces operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
- A Bike Share program is coming is coming to downtown Phoenix.
- PHX Sky Train reaches the millionth passenger milestone.
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| CITY NEWS |
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| Phoenix continues to show that it’s a sustainable city by integrating a bike share program through the vendorCyclehop, LLC. Cyclehop’s bikes promise state-of-the-art design, an integrated GPS system and can be customized for each particular bike share. As early as December of 2013 the city hopes to set out 500 bikes and 50 bike stations with possibility for expansion. Stations tentatively will be placed with a focus on the light rail line – and the expansion of its reach. Phoenix plans to begin engagement and outreach in the community to ensure that stations will be placed in ideal locations for both residents and visitorsSpirit Airlines announces that it will begin operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on October 24. This news comes on the heels of the US Airways, now the New American, increasing the presence of the largest airline in the world in Phoenix and of Volaris Airlines announcing nonstop flights to Mexico starting October 19. Spirit will fly nonstop daily to Dallas/Fort Worth beginning October 24 and add daily service to Chicago O’Hare and Denver International beginning November 7. The move from Mesa airport to Sky Harbor highlights the progression of Phoenix’s vitality and the ways travel to and from the city is becoming more popular and accessible.PHX Sky Train™ reaches the millionth passenger mark this summer. The PHX Sky Train™ opened on April 8 andtransports travelers between the 44th Street Station where riders can connect with the METRO light rail. It operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and is free of charge. By early 2015, the PHX Sky Train™ will extend to Terminal 3 with a walkway to Terminal 2. In its final stage of construction, the PHX Sky Train™ will continue to the Rental Car Center. In its first few months of operation, the PHX Sky Train™ has exceeded passenger projections. Sky Harbor initially estimated that 7,000 people per day would ride the PHX Sky Train™ in its first year. However, the train has been even more popular than expected, with an average of 10,000 people riding it daily, and one July 15 it celebrated the millionth passenger milestone.Back to Top |
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| RESORT NEWS |
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| The Arizona Biltmore is making it possible to take a trip back in time to the roaring ‘20s with the re-creation of the legendary resort’s original “Mystery Room,” the secret speakeasy that was hidden in the resort’s main building. In true prohibition-era style, guests will need a password to enter the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed historic room – in which the Arizona Biltmore will post weekly passwords on Twitter with the hash tag #speakeasy. Jazz, signature bourbon and gin-based cocktails served by dressed-up wait staff will all be true to the time period transforming the room back to a former version of itself. Rum punch and classic cocktails with a more modern twist will also be available. The mystery room is open from 8-11 p.m. on Sunday nights.Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix encourages guests to stay one more night with the “Sunday Funday Package”. Those not quite ready to let their weekend end can enjoy a stay in downtown Phoenix’s premier boutique property located at CityScape entertainment district. Rooms are $109 per night and available Sundays only. Guests can enjoy one more afternoon at Sunshine Underground, the hotel’s exclusive pool party, and relax a little bit longer.The Westin Phoenix Downtown is offering a “Baseball Package” and a “Park and Stay Package.” The “Baseball Package” features a baseball game in downtown Phoenix during Labor Day weekend and a night stay at The Westin Phoenix Downtown – conveniently located a short walk from Chase Field. Guests are required to present the ticket stub from the Diamondbacks game and can then enjoy exclusive rates with complimentary overnight parking. The Arizona Diamondbacks have homes games all weekend long starting on August 30 with the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field and ending with the Blue Jays. Rates start from $99 per night and include overnight parking at the hotel. Valid for stays on Arizona Diamondbacks home games through September 3. The “Park and Stay” package features a relaxing night before a trip by staying at The Westin Phoenix Downtown. Eliminate pre-travel stress and enjoy $5 overnight parking and two complimentary light rail passes to the airport. Rates from $99 per night for up to seven days.Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel offers “The Downtown Experience” summer package available through Labor Day (Sept. 2). Travelers from near and far can now book an experiential package that gives guests a key to explore the city. It includes an overnight stay at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, starting at $129 along with a key to “unlock” special offers, incentives and/or discounts from various partners in the downtown area. Guests will receive a guest room key with instructions and details on how to “unlock” the specials. Specials include, but are not limited to, reduced prices on admission to venues, special offers at local Phoenix restaurants, special pricing on performances, and offers at local retail shops.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa introduces The Mix Up Bar: Stirring Curiosity, a fresh new bar concept to debut with the re-opening of the revitalized T. Cook’s. The Mix Up Bar, an imaginative complement to the treasured legacy of T. Cook’s, is reinventing the original T. Cook’s Lounge by creating inventive mixology and an unexpected mix of the season’s freshest ingredients from garden-to-glass cocktails to new palette-pleasing pairings. Guests will find countless reasons to return to discover what The Mix Up masterminds are stirring up next. Perpetually new and exciting by its very nature, even the ambiance itself will provide a feeling of intrigue upon each visit. The Mix Up Bar will be open at 11:00 a.m. daily and will close at midnight.
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa’s “Sip, Shop & Stay” package starts at just $134 per night based on availability for stays through Sept. 8. Upon check-in, guests will receive a $25 Phoenix Premium Outlet gift card, a voucher for a Phoenix Premium Outlet VIP coupon book and a voucher for 2 beverages at the Link Café. Guests can receive complimentary shuttle service to the newly remodeled, nearby Phoenix Premium Outlets. After a full day of shopping, there are many options for locally-sourced dining at one of three on-property venues including Ko’Sin, featuring a fusion of Native American and Arizona comfort food; the resort’s Link Café, Hanyo, or Aji Spa Café. Reservations are required and guests are encouraged to act quickly.
Montelucia Resort is currently offering a $99 rate – encouraging an endlessly relaxing finish to the summer. Guests may choose to add a little extra luxury to their stay by upgrading to $120 in value for only $60, which includes a daily breakfast for two, self-parking, a $25 daily resort charge and a $25 resort credit.
The Lavender and Wine Festival celebrates wines of Matanzas Creek at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale atTroon North. “Weekend of Wine and Lavender” welcomes guests to this Sonoran desert resort featuring a variety of events such as seminars, culinary events and spa treatments. Guests who book the “Lavender & Wine” weekend package will be greeted with welcome amenities of a half bottle of Matanzas Creek merlot and lavender-scented truffles. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offers a truly handcrafted resort experience and a Five-Diamond service amid the rugged beauty of the lush Sonoran desert; Package and festival available Aug. 16 -18.
The Hermosa Inn has always kept in mind that pets are not just furry friends; they’re part of the family. “Pet-Friendly Pampering” at Hermosa Inn provides all leisure travelers who are dog-lovers to bring them along on the trip. Dog bowls and beds are available for guests to use during their stay and the grounds are welcoming to pets. The signature “Pet Package” includes a one night stay for two in a Casita, Deluxe Casita or Grande Casita, a welcome amenity of fruit and water for humans and dog treats for the canine, Breakfast in Bed for two and breakfast for the dog (excludes alcohol and gratuities), 60-minute massage for humans and canine massage in room, Doggie Tuck me in at Night with a movie (Ex: Beverly Hills Chihuahua, 101 Dalmatians, Lassie, Benji), and a luxurious dog bed and bowl conveniently placed in the room upon guest arrival.
The Adventure Team Family at AOA (Arizona Outback Adventures) and The Four Seasons at Troon North have partnered to provide guests with once in a lifetime experiences including adrenaline-inducing trails, mountains and rafting. Guests may select “Brown’s Ranch Rock ‘n Road Tour”, which includes a bike ride into the Sonoran desert for world-class mountain biking. The mountain bike trails wind through an amazing landscape of stark granite boulders, lush desert plant flora, and offers views of millions of acres of spectacular mountain ranges and river valleys. With the “Birding the Rio Verde via River Raft” package guests travel a short and scenic 25 minutes to the Rio Verde – a truly remarkable place in the middle of the desert. In addition to a tremendous diversity of seasonal bird species there are also muskrats, raccoons, beaver and iconic wild mustangs. This rafting tour is rated Class I, which means there are no rapid requiring no previous experience or swimming ability; all ages welcome.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain’s popular jade bar is preparing exciting transformation that will set the stage for an upgraded bar experience. Come October, the celebrated bar, known for its creative cocktails and spectacular views, will unveil a major expansion. The new design will almost double seating space both inside and out, and will include floor-to-ceiling windows and a stand-up drink bar made of authentic jade. The outdoor area will also feature a retractable fabric shade on the patio, heaters and an exquisite fireplace for brisk evenings.
Hotel Valley Ho has partnered with Amazon.com and Travelocity to offer their most popular package, the “Stay-2-Play” option, at a great discount. And to make it even better, the discounts will be honored for travel from now through September 30, 2013. Enjoy a one-night stay in a Signature Room, swim in the huge pool, enjoy a $20 resort credit, two drink vouchers, and 10% off in the spa boutique, then drift off to dreamland on a luxurious feather-top bed with 300-thread-count linens.
Recently opened Bespoke Inn, Café & Bicycles offers guests the best attributes of a luxury resort combined with the charming ambience of a B&B. With just four guestrooms, a small restaurant, an infinity-edge pool overlooking a lush courtyard, a bicycle shop, and a fitness studio – the charming Bespoke Inn is ideal for couples, friends or individual travelers. Some of the luxuries that are offered are daily gourmet breakfast, wine at check-in, complimentary use of Pashley bicycles, a fitness center, lap pool, WiFi, laundry facilities, fresh organic fruit, and house-baked cookies. Virtu Honest Craft, an onsite restaurant, offers visitors, locals and guests of the inn contemporary American cuisine for lunch and dinner. Across the courtyard, Bespoke Bicycles is a boutique shop offering guests complimentary city bikes for exploring the local art at nearby galleries and shops. Road bikes and a guide are available for a fee.
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| ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT |
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| The CALA Festival is quickly approaching. The Festival will be held October 6-November 5, 2013. Audiences can once again look forward to a cornucopia of exhibits, performances and cultural activities showcasing the work of top-notch Latino and Latin American artists throughout various venues in Greater Phoenix.Sundays just got a whole lot more fun in downtown Phoenix with the launch of Sunday Funday at CityScapePhoenix where participating tenants are offering unique specials and outstanding discounts now through August. “Sunshine Underground” at LUSTRE Rooftop Garden (located at Hotel Palomar Phoenix) is the place to be every Sunday for one of the coolest pool parties in the Valley. DJs William Reed, Sean Watson and Deux Yeux spin indie rock beats while patrons soak up the sun and splash around in the rooftop pool that has outstanding panoramic views of the city. Available every Sunday from 2 p.m. -9 p.m. through Labor Day; $10 at the door.Squid Ink Sushi Bar is showcasing “GO DEEP” nights filled with fresh sushi and beats by UK acclaimed DJ Michael Hooker from 7 p.m. until midnight with $3 deep eddy vodka cocktails and a lively social scene. Those in need of a bit of relaxation before the start of the week are encouraged to swing by and check out the extensive and unique specials at CityScape’s Sundays.Paraguay’s “Recycled Orchestra” debuts Aug. 10 in the US at the Musical Instrument Museum. The passionate individuals behind this orchestra go further to show how an earnest drive to preserve the crucial role of music in life can lead to remarkable innovations such as instruments hewn from trash. In a concert with no parallel, the phenomenal Recycled Orchestra will share their incredible stories, passion, and joyful music. Visitors may interact with Phoenix-based multimedia artist and musician Joe Willie Smith and view a performance on his musical sculptures made from recycled objects. Kids are invited to choose from a variety of recycled objects to craft an instrument of their own. A Paraguayan-inspired menu of white fish stew, grilled beef and rice pudding will be available for lunch at Café Allegro, and the Museum Store will feature handmade jewelry and crafts, DIY books and music.Predator Zip Line debuts this summer at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. A special introductory rate of $99.99 is being offered to experience this world-class adventure, offering a thrill ride over Arizona’s wildest predators. The experience includes breathtaking views of the majestic red rocks, the San Francisco peaks, and the Sonoran desert. This high-flying adventure explores a never-before-seen side of the park – one that showcases the grandeur of the safari park as wild animals roam underneath zippers. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
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| SPORTS/GOLF |
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| The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is offering the Championship Golf Package. This package offers the opportunity to play like a pro on some of the top rated courses in the Phoenix area. With this package one will receive a round of golf, complimentary use of practice facility prior to the round of golf, transportation to and from the courses and complimentary golf concierge services. This golf package is offered all year round.Unlimited Golf for Two is being offered at the Westin Kierland. Enjoy the best way to experience all of Kierland Golf Club’s 27 holes, Segway golf, climate-controlled golf carts, award-winning ProFIT custom club fitting, FORE-MAX golf fitness training, and the highest level golf professionals with Kierland Golf Academy through the “Unlimited Golf for Two” package: rates from $179 through September 9, 2013, Rates from $349 September 10 – December 31, 2013 and includes “unlimited golf” for two guests. Advanced tee-times required for the first tee time daily, per guest. Rounds there after are based on availability.The Arizona Cardinal’s Training Camp recently began and is available until August 22 at University of Phoenix Stadium. If fans are planning on attending any of the practices, they should enter through the Budweiser Gate 3 on the east side of the stadium beginning at 1:30pm each afternoon. Following practices, players will sign autographs along the lower field walls for a limited time prior to leaving the field. Season tickets are still being sold for the 2013-2014 season. The first preseason home game is August 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. |
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| SPA |
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| Guests can indulge in a fresh summer treat for tired feet and hands at Jurlique Spa’s location at FireSky Resort & Spa. The special summer pricing spa menu includes a refreshing Cilantro Soak and a Watermelon-Basil Vodkatini Sugar Scrub from Farmhouse Fresh, followed with a Honeysuckle Custard Double Moisturizer. The Watermelon Slice manicure and pedicure includes nail trimming, cuticle work, moisturizer application, exfoliation and color for $40 (manicure) and $55 (pedicure). Other offers include a luxury Vichy Nirvana 50 minute massage for just $75.Through September 30 spa go-ers can enjoy an 80-minute relaxing, organic Tranquility Facial to smooth and nourish the skin or a 50-minute Golden Harvest Facial at the Golden Door Spa at the Boulders Resort. The Golden Harvest Facial is a luxurious pumpkin treatment that hydrates, heals and protects while providing the most organic, beneficial aromas to calm and soothe the senses. It is being offered for $129 (regularly $225). The hotel is also offering a LAZy Spa Day for $199 which includes $20 spa café credit, 50 minute signature massage, 50 minute facial and a 50 minute mani/pedi combo.Back to Top |
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| DINING |
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| “Small Bites of Summer” offers foodies and those championing through the summer the opportunity to sample 30 unique small bites now until August 31. After purchasing a “Small Bites of Summer” card for $30, users can gain access to 30 phenomenal flavors at 30 different restaurants, such as Bink’s, Market Street Kitchen, Relish andWright’s at The Biltmore. After showing the “Small Bites of Summer” card at each participating establishment, food-lovers receive one complimentary small bite (one per card).Sundays are Fundays at CityScape with participating tenants offering unique specials and outstanding discounts now through the end of August. “Hair of the Hound Brunch” at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails is offering $13 bottomless brunch cocktails, discounts at Tilted Kilt are offered every Sunday, including $4 Blood Mary’s, Mimosas and Screwdrivers and $5 Jack & Coke and Copper Blues is offering a $3 beer all day.Adventurous dining awaits at Lucky’s King Wah. Foodies and those eager to try new things can find their place at Lucky’s King Wah by ordering Chef’s Special. Diners will be treated to an assortment of Hong King-style Chinese food expertly prepared by Chef Kwok Pat. Upcoming specials at Lucky’s King Wah are Crayfish Festival onSaturday, August 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and The 9th Annual Phoenix Cooks! on Saturday, August 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.August welcomes the grand opening of Coach’s Corner Grill. The new hang out will offer maple pepper wings, decadent nachos and happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Coach’s is an upscale sports bar adjacent to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns’ stadiums. The menu offers a variety of delicious food ranging from burgers to salads complete with tasty sandwiches and fun appetizers. The full bar boasts over 30 specialty cocktails and ten popular beers on draft. Coach’s Corner Grill is great for lunches, parties, pre-game & post-game entertainment.
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For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact the
Visit Phoenix Media Relations Department.
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Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
400 E Van Buren Street Suite 600 Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 602-254-6500 |
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