The Phoenix Traveler

As the soon-to-be-author of Backroads & Byways of Arizona (Countryman Press, Fall 2009), I’m a big believer in promoting guidebooks. As your editor here at The Phoenix Traveler, I’m also a big believer in helping you find the resources that could help you navigate the city and beyond. So from time to time, when I hear about a new book coming out that could be useful to you–and I can get access to the author–I’ll post an interview. My first was with Sam Lowe, author of several books about Arizona travel. (An update: His latest book, New Mexico Curiosities, is out now.). Today, we hear from Christine Bailey.

A few posts back, I mentioned the ArtFest of Scottsdale. I managed to fit in a quick trip there last weekend and met two Arizona-based travel writers. They were both selling and signing their guidebooks. I bought both and managed to snag an interview with Christine.

Author of Great Destinations: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona & Central Arizona–A Complete Guide, Christine took the time, via e-mail, to answer a few questions for me so I could share her experiences with you:

Since this is your first guidebook, what did it take to sell the idea to the publisher?
Countryman Press was already looking for an author to write the book. They had posted an ad on Craigslist. When I read the description of the author they were looking for, I felt I was perfect, but I was nervous because I had never written a book before and wondered how they could ever pick me. I almost decided not to respond! Instead I reminded myself that the worst thing that could happen was that I wouldn’t hear back from them. So, I sat down that night and responded with my clips and a resume. And the next day they asked for a proposal and a sample chapter. I was thrilled. I researched how to write a book proposal, wrote about some of my favorite places, and submitted it by the deadline. They liked it and awarded me the contract. I gave it a shot, and I’m glad I did. It was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.

Your book’s title is misleading. It actually covers much more than Phoenix and her surrounding cities. With side trips included, you cover quite a big chunk of Arizona.                                                                                                                I agree; however, I’m fine with the title. While the side trips chapter has enough information to pique people’s interest about visiting some of the locales and makes suggestions on places to try, it doesn’t provide enough details to say the book is about all of Arizona. It’s about what you can do when you visit the Valley and the short trips you can take from there.

Why do you think the Phoenix metro area is a “Great Destination”?
There is so much to do here–and so much of it is outside. The weather, the mountains, they all add to the experience. Even though I live here in Phoenix, I feel like I’m always on vacation. I may be driving to work, but I see palm trees and mountains, and I recognize that I’m somewhere exciting and different. I get to be in an urban setting (I’m from Chicago, so I like a big city), but I get to enjoy nature, too. It’s close by and so accessible.

For instance, I can get to three of my favorite hikes (Piestewa Peak, South Mountain and Camelback) in less than 20 minutes. And pool season can last from April until the end of September. I think that’s why so many people are drawn here–They like the idea of integrating their play life and their work life. And I think that’s why so many people come to visit–They want to feel, if only for a short time, that their priorities are perfectly balanced. I think that’s the Valley’s charm–the perfect balance of ruggedness and luxury. Where else can you spend three hours climbing a steep mountain and then spend your afternoon beside a pool, mountain views around you, frozen margarita in hand?

What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching our country’s fifth largest city?
Phoenix barely has any history. I was stunned by how little happened in the Valley between the time the Hohokam left in the mid-15th century and when Phoenix was settled in the late part of the 19th century. As the largest city in the state and the fifth largest in the country, it is amazing to me just how young Phoenix is. But, that’s part of its charm. It’s still growing up…

Did you have a specific audience in mind when you wrote the book? Who was that?
Not necessarily. So many different types of people are attracted to this part of Arizona, and for a variety of reasons: golfing, spas, hiking, rock climbing, shopping, resort settings, families, couples, singles. The people and their reasons run the gamut, so instead of speaking to a specific audience, I tried to write the book as if I were talking to friends and sharing with them all of my favorite things to do or places to see and why I thought they, as a golfer, shopper, mom, would like them.

In your transportation section, you mention cabs. I have to ask, have you ever taken a cab in Phoenix?
I have! Several times. But, it’s not a typical cab-town, such as New York City where you can hail a cab on the go. Not here. Unless you’re at the airport or an occasional hotel or resort, you’ll need to call one; that’s why I provided numbers in the book. You’ll never find one when you need one.

I see that you didn’t include Light Rail, but it’ll be right here in Phoenix at the end of the year. What are you thoughts about Light Rail in Phoenix–do you plan to ride it?
When I was researching the book, much about the light rail was up in the air. Originally, I had a lot more to say about it; however, I felt it best to refrain from including any details since it was likely that they would change. I did mention it in the bus section, since the buses and light rail are meant to work together.

And I do plan to use it! As a big city girl, I’ve seen first-hand how a good transportation system makes a city more accessible to its tourists and its citizens. It was a controversial plan on the part of supporters; however, I hope to see it open up the highways and get people to our downtown! There’s so much room for growth and it would be nice to see the light rail help to make that happen. A strong downtown is good for all of us, even those of us who live in other cities. Plus, it should help funnel visitors to other city hubs, like Mesa’s Main Street and Tempe’s Mill Avenue.

As you know, Phoenix is known for all the fine resorts and golf courses, which you feature in your book, but we don’t get a lot of media attention when it comes to shopping. Yet, I think we have a lot to offer. Where would you send a visitor for the local bargains or unique finds?
That’s funny you should say that. While I was writing my book, I heard quite a bit about our antique shopping options; however, most of it seemed to come from other travel writers rather than anything I had read.

For local bargains, hmmm….if they’re antique shopping they can hit Glendale’s downtown area which has a number of little shops; McDowell between 17th and Central avenues; for unique art galleries, try Old Town Scottsdale. I really like the shopping at the Biltmore at 24th and Camelback–It has a great combination of upscale national chains with a couple of great local shops that carry high-end merchandise.

My favorite shopping experience is at Kierland, north of the 101 Loop on Scottsdale Road. I like the combination of upscale shops and local and national restaurants. Plus, it’s laid out kind of like a town square and makes for a pleasant outdoor shopping experience.

Of all the hotels you were able to tour, what would you say was the most unique and why?
Hands down the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. I’ve been there for several types of occasions, events, dinner, etc. I like its intimate setting, beautiful Old World décor, the casitas, the hidden gardens and paths, the pool, the views of Camelback Mountain, its location between the Biltmore area and Old Town Scottsdale, and most of all, the service. Even when I go there for dinner, I feel as if I am their favorite customer and that was before I wrote a travel guide.

If you could have 48 hours to do whatever you wanted–but it had to cover the areas you wrote about–where would you most want to spend your time and why?
Oh…this is a tough question! Okay, let’s start with a rugged, wet and wild canyoneering trip through Salome Canyon with 360 Adventures. Leave North Scottsdale at 7 a.m., return about 6 p.m., shower, dress and get ready for dinner at Lon’s at the Hermosa, patio seating, of course. What could be better than an amazing dinner beneath the stars? After a rigorous day, a fairly early bed time at the Royal Palms. Early morning breakfast at La Grande Orange at 40th and Campbell, southeast of the Biltmore shopping district. Breakfast would be outside, of course, beneath the mesquite trees in full view of majestic Camelback Mountain; it changes colors as the sun rises. Head up north to the Westin Kierland for the works: full body massage and body wrap at Agave Spa, and then shopping and lunch at Kierland. Followed by a late afternoon beside the pool back at the Royal Palms. A nap and a late dinner at My Florist Café in central Phoenix–an eclectic dinner with wine, set to live piano music. And then again, a full night’s rest at the Royal Palms.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Christine. 

If interested in buying the book–it would make a great holiday gift–visit Countryman Press.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

(Photo and book cover used with permission by Christine Bailey.)

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