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What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
April 2013
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:
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| CITY NEWS |
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Mayor Greg Stanton and Aviation Director Danny Murphy are proud to announce that the PHX Sky Train™ will open to the public April 8 at noon. The Phoenix City Council will join Mayor Stanton in a ribbon-cutting media event earlier that morning. When the train opens for service, passengers will find a seamless connection between Terminal 4, East Economy parking, and METRO light rail at 44th Street and Washington. The electrically-powered, automated PHX Sky Train™ will operate 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
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| RESORT NEWS |
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The all-inclusive Spring Escape Package at the legendary Arizona Biltmore is an eye-opening deal. Whether you’re taking off with that special someone, on a girlfriend getaway or with the family, you can’t beat this all-inclusive offer. Available May 1 – 31, 2013, the package starts at $259 per night with accommodations in a Classic Room. Included are: breakfast for two, dinner for two, 1 spa treatment per paid room night, self parking, resort charge, a bottle of wine delivered upon check-in, 20% off retail shops and an Arizona Biltmore history book.
Enjoy a summer lovin’ getaway for the young and young at heart with the Family Fling & Swing Package starting at $149 available May 17 through September 5 at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. The amazing summer package includes a daily $50 resort credit, free golf on Faldo and Palmer championship golf courses, free meals for kids 12 and under, free access to the Family Escape Center and free resort fee providing free in-room Wi-Fi, complimentary appetizer of dessert daily, free tennis and complimentary self-parking.
With rates normally ranging from $306 – $489 per night during high season, The Hermosa Inn will be offering a summer package starting from $169 per night. Valid from June 1 – September 2, guests will be able to enjoy all the luxury at half the price, in addition to the room: two welcome drinks upon arrival, free upgrade to next available room type, a $25 per day credit towards on-property food and beverage, daily poolside cabana rental, afternoon snack served at cabana and free wireless internet.
The Forbes Five-Star Canyon Suites at The Phoenician continues to personalize the resort experience for all guests with its expanded dog-friendly program, providing a welcoming and relaxing home-away-from-home for visitors’ special four-legged friends. New complimentary features include Canyon Suites plush dog bedding and signature bowls, along with elegant bone-shaped mats. Through a partnership with local business Oh My Dog! (OMD), a welcome amenity is presented to each canine, including a natural treat and an eco-healthy toy. Canyon Suites pooches will find themselves in the lap of luxury with a new room service menu created and prepared in-house by The Phoenician’s award-winning culinary team. Another special partnership is with the Arizona Humane Society, where 10 percent of room service sales from the first year will be donated to the organization to aid homeless, ill and injured animals.
At Hotel Valley Ho, take advantage of the Pre-Pay and Save Deal – Plan in advance and save. When you reserve your stay 21 days in advance, you get the best deal with a savings of 15% off the prevailing room rates. When selecting the “Pre-Pay and Save” rate plan, a one-night room and tax deposit is required at the time of booking, and the reservation is non-refundable and non-changeable.
Say hello to the first official days of summer at Arizona’s sultry oasis, W Scottsdale, with a sizzling summer room package escape! With something for everyone this summer, W Scottsdale offers two summer packages with rates starting at $199 a night. Guests are welcome to choose from two different summer package options: Road Trip or Vitamin W. The Road Trip includes a $30 gas card, complimentary overnight WHEELS valet parking, a W Scottsdale travel cup and a Wonderful room, while the Vitamin W includes a W Scottsdale beach tote, Aloe Vera cooling spray, lip balm, a poolside pitcher of margaritas and a Wonderful room. Book one of these packages today for staying starting May 15 to September 7.
The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is having an “Art Indulgence Weekend”. From April 11-14, guests receive three nights in a luxurious Mountain Casita, personal demonstrations by Beals & Abbate artists John Maisano and Frank Gonzalez throughout the resort grounds on Friday and Saturday, plus gourmet dinner created by Food Network star Chef Beau MacMillan with the artists in the private dining area on Friday evening and a wine-and-cheese reception finale on Saturday afternoon. Package rates start at $1,437 for two guests. For those who wish to enjoy Friday night’s dinner without the three-night stay, the cost is $75 per person.
With rates beginning at $139 per night this summer, experience the best of AAA Five-Diamond luxury at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Enjoy casual comfort, renowned personal service and temperatures up to 10 degrees cooler than the Valley below from the resort’s scenic position in north Scottsdale. Customize a getaway this summer, with weekday rates beginning at $139 per night from June 1 to August 31, 2013. Families can also select the Very Important Kids package, with rates beginning at $194 per night, to enjoy a $100 credit with every two paid consecutive nights. The package also includes a special snack mix turndown amenity, a complimentary in-room family movie and one poolside smoothie for up to two children per room.
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| ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT |
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| The Urban Wine Walk returns to Downtown Phoenix on April 20. The trip through the world of wine – and the restaurants that line the Light Rail corridor will take place from 1 – 6 p.m. Participating restaurants will offer up to three wine samples and snacks for $2 to $3 a glass. All you need to participate is a map, an adventurous spirit and an all-day Metro Light Rail pass. Start your tour at Tom’s Tavern to pick up a free souvenir wine glass, but hurry, there are only 300 available. Other participating restaurants include District American Kitchen & Wine Bar, Brick Wine bar, Hula’s Modern Tiki Phoenix, Province, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, The Strand, Arrogant Butcher plus many more.From May through August, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) 2013 summer concert series will feature dynamic, live performances from some of the finest contemporary, instrumental, and vocal artists around. The season is packed with performances by an exciting mix of blues, folk, country, jazz, and Native American artists, including R. Carlos Nakai (May 11), Maria Muldaur and Her Red Hot Bluesiana Band (May 25), Jane Monheit (May 29), Sarah Jarosz (June 15), Fanfare Ciocărlia (July 18), and John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey (August 6).A new, free fitness series is coming to CityScape. CityScape Phoenix and Gold’s Gym are hosting “Pilates in the Park”, every Saturday morning from now until May 4. Enjoy a free Pilates class, which is open to the public, from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. outdoors at Patriots Square at CityScape Phoenix. Bring your mat and enjoy a one-of-a kind Pilates class while working on your abs, buns and thighs. This is great for all skill levels. After the class every week, you and your friends can enjoy Punch Brunch at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails where you will receive special offers. May 4 is National Pilates Day and CityScape is looking to break the world record for the largest Pilates class.
On April 5, Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) presents the Arizona premiere of “They Chose Me!” This musical features heartwarming and humorous stories about adoption and foster care as told through the voices of children. In partnership with Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) and Arizona Association for Foster & Adoptive Parents (AAFAP), VYT aims to increase positive public awareness of foster care and adoption with this production. In addition to buying their own tickets, patrons are asked to donate at least one “share care” ticket, so foster and adoptive children can experience the magic of live theatre with a show that speaks directly to their situation.
The 4th Annual Arizona BBQ Festival makes its way to Salt River Fields on Saturday, April 20th, with more than 25 top barbecue purveyors, and now adds a new twist to the event: the Redneck Games Arena. This year, fans have the chance to enter the Redneck Games Arena – an ultimate showdown site designed specifically for hilarious competitions – where guests put their hick talents to the test in an assortment of, yes, redneck-inspired games, such as a watermelon seed spitting contest, beer pong tournament and arm wrestling. The festival will be heaven on Earth for fans of smoked meat, with everything from $2 sample-cups to full racks of ribs and BBQ plates.
The Real London Bus Company announced the launch of a brand new signature event- “Night Hunt”. This is an adult only scavenger type activity and “The London” buses will shuttle participants up and down the Scottsdale corridor looking for clues and drinking booze. Teams must compete against each other physically and mentally whilst looking for clues, acquiring swag, solving riddles and taking inappropriate photos of themselves. There will be stops along the way to mingle and refresh. All participants must be aged 21 and over. Takes place on Thursday evenings from 8.30 till 11.30pm and upcoming dates include April 25th and May 24th.
The “Predator Zip Line” at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park is opening in April. This high-flying adventure explores a never-before-seen side of the park – one that takes you over the grandeur of the safari park as wild animals underneath you elevate your experience. This2-hour world-class zip-line excursion will have you soaring from tower to tower. Six towers in total with separate runs provide a variety of experiences. You’ll not only be “zipping” but learning about the animals below as your guides narrate and educate throughout your tour.
Pioneer Living History Museum is hosting “A Victorian Lady’s Tea and Fashion Show” on May 4, 2013 starting at 11:30 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m. in The Prescott Opera House at the museum. Lovely ladies, good food, and proper etiquette is always in fashion so enjoy the traditional tea and delicious edible delicacies provided by the ladies of the Pioneer Village. A gorgeous array of Victoria Era clothing will be modeled by the lovely lady volunteers of Pioneer Village. The fashions modeled will include clothing designs worn during the Arizona Territorial Period, which lasted from 1863 to 1912. Space is limited at this exquisite event, so reserve your space early. The cost is $25 per person. All tickets are pre-sold and must be purchased by April 26th.
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| SPORTS/GOLF |
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“Opening Day” isn’t a national holiday, but it should be. The Arizona Diamondbacks open their season against the Cardinals on Monday, April 1st at 7:10 pm at Chase Field. Any day is a good day to be at the ballpark as the Arizona Diamondbacks begin their season.
This summer, Kierland FlowRider at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa will offer an all-day, week-long Surf Camp, led by the Resort’s “Wave Master,” Steve Richardson. Surf Camp is designed for kids ages 8 – 12 (at least 52″ tall) with a focus on having FUN on Kierland FlowRider with personalized coaching from the “Wave Master,” Steve Richardson. 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. 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. Cost is $450 per child for the week-long camp.
For yogis, tennis enthusiasts, or those simply looking to get moving with a fun new workout, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is now offering “Zennis” – a unique hybrid of yoga and tennis – every Friday from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Home to five Deco-Turf championship tennis courts, Sanctuary’s tennis program was ranked among the “Top 5 Tennis Resorts” in the country by Tennis Magazine, and provides the perfect locale for this hybrid sport, marrying its long tennis tradition with its focus on whole body health and wellness. Sanctuary tennis pros will instruct a movement-based tennis clinic, emphasizing the principles of sport-specific yoga along with functional stretches. Participants focus on body awareness, movement and mechanics, heightening their sense of balance and allowing dormant skills to naturally emerge through the program. The Zen portion of Zennis helps promote relaxation, proper alignment and the fluidity necessary for the athletic portion of tennis.
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| SPA |
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The VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho is offering some swell specials: the Mid-Week Mojo offers special savings up to 50% off services every Wednesday and Thursday. Choose from body treatments, facials, peels, and nail services, all at substantial savings. Also, don’t forget our Sunday Spa Party offer, where you can select one 60-minute service and one 30-minute service from a list of options, plus a glass of wine or champagne for only $99.00.
Joya Spa at the Montelucia Resort and Spa has a way to treat yourself and prepare in the months of April and May for the Greater Phoenix Summer look. You get a choice of one of their offered Fitness Classes, a 50 min Body Scrub of your choice, a Sun Goddess Spray Tan and lunch credit on Joya Terrace. Rates start at $190 per person.
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| DINING |
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The chefs at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel are leaping into spring with a new bar menu that features a “Third Street Eats” concept of American inspired dishes served with flavorful ingredients alongside a list of creative, new cocktails. The new menu features innovative culinary creations that showcase artisan products, herbs from the restaurant’s rooftop garden, and sustainably farmed items from local growers. As recently debuted during the Devoured Culinary Classic 2013, three new menu highlights include: Street Pork Machaca on Churros, Flaked Whitefish and Chilled Lobster and Sweet Shrimp.
The chef of the amazing restaurant Gallo Blanco in the Clarendon Boutique Hotel, Doug Robson, opens a new Mexican concept called Otro. The restaurant joins the growing dining scene in the north central Phoenix neighborhood near the intersection of Bethany Home Road and Seventh Street. Like Blanco, Otro’s menu features seasonal local ingredients in items from the chef’s home country, Mexico. Try the country style paella with sausage and poultry or a variety of tacos, tortas, enchiladas, chiles rellenos and mole sauces. Pair your lunch or dinner with a local beer on tap or a margarita made with fresh squeezed fruit juices.
The Gladly is the newest project launched by the triumvirate behind Citizen Public House. The Gladly will open at a prized Biltmore location at the Anchor Centre at 2201 E. Camelback Road this Fall. Fans of Fritz, Kantak, and Moe will be treated to a completely new concept described as a playful vibe with a seriously delicious menu. “Gladly” start drooling over Root Beer Braised Bacon with Steel Cut Oats, Red Eye Gravy and Red Shiso ($12), Smoked Mozzarella Fondue ($10) and a menu that Fritz describes as “a tad bit bigger than Citizen’s.” The Biltmore cocktail scene will get a boost from mixologist Moe, armed with an arsenal of new cocktails. For those who can’t wait to imbibe, step up to his laboratory at Citizen R+D where he’ll be concocting potions all summer long. The Gladly will be open for lunch, dinner and happy hour seven days a week.
Squid Ink Sushi, opening this summer in the space directly below Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at CityScape Phoenix, is the second location for chef and owner Schuyler Estes whose first restaurant opened in Peoria in 2010. The restaurant will occupy 3,500 square feet and the menu combines authentic Asian cuisine with an urban sensibility. Dishes include traditional and contemporary favorites, innovative sushi rolls, grilled entrees, fresh salads and many other items sure to satisfy foodies and those new to Asian fare. The menu includes Asian-inspired signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, draft beer and a wide assortment of sake and shochu. The restaurant will also feature a walk-up window where guests on-the-go can grab a take-out lunch. At night, the window will serve up Asian street food until late at night, seven days a week.
Guests of The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa can now learn the art of Nuevo Latino cuisine with the new culinary experience at signature restaurant, deseo. Beginning with a cooking demonstration and tasting, enjoy two ceviche dishes, followed by a three-course dinner at “The Rail” – the exclusive place to sit to get in on all the action in the exhibition kitchen. Interact with the chefs, ask questions, and learn tips to use at home. The three-course dinner includes your choice of salad or soup, entrée, and dessert. Try one of deseo’s signature mojitos or muddle drinks paired with the ceviche, and a perfectly paired wine selection from the exclusively South American wine list with the main course. The “deseo Culinary Experience” is offered every Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. for $75 per person.
The ZuZu restaurant at Hotel Valley Ho offers Cool Redux Happy Hour every weekday between 4pm and 7pm. With $4 beer, wine and cocktails and $6 small plates, this is the place to see and be seen. ZuZu also offers our monthly Monday Night Chef’s Table where we pair an amazing four-course dinner with wines, beers, or spirits. Upcoming Chef Tables will feature our friends at Duckhorn Vineyards, Roth Estate, and Zolo Wines. Check out ZuZu online for the latest scoop including our upcoming events.
Kai Restaurant at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has been named the #1 winner of OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards for the Top 100 Restaurants for Service in the United States. The list of winners is derived from more than 5 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 15,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Kai, the Pima word for “seed,” features distinctive “Native American with Global Influences” cuisine. Opened in 2002, Kai has become one of Arizona’s most sought after dining experiences. With service standards that match its elevated cuisine, Kai stands out as a once-in-a-lifetime cultural journey that is as accessible as it is elegant.
On May 5th, TQLA, Mesa’s hottest and classiest new restaurant blending Southwestern, Mexican and Southern cuisine and the only Valley restaurant to serve tequila on tap will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a special “Party on the Patio.” The restaurant offers more than 80 varieties of tequila, two dozen Margarita and specialty drink selections and 4 tequilas on tap, hyper-chilled to 5 degrees for the ultimate experience. Cinco de Mayo revelers can win big prizes with TQLA’s “Party on the Patio” raffle. Prize giveaways include TQLA gift cards and apparel, an invitation to a private tequila dinner and special tasting for guests at the restaurant.
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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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