The Phoenix Traveler

 
Today, December 1, marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988, to provide governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals the opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.
Worldwide special events take place to continue this mission. Here’s what’s happening in Phoenix:
_Planned Parenthood offers HIV/AIDS testing today at half the regular price, from $70 to $46. Call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to make an appointment or to find out where the nearest health center is to you; they’ll accept walk-ins.
_Join folks at 2 p.m., at …read more

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In celebration of my first milestone here at The Phoenix Traveler–my 100th post–starting this month, I’ll be posting a list of my favorite posts of the month. I’ll post my top five picks at the end of each month. It might be a handy reference guide for those of you who are new to the blog and might have missed them. Or, it might be be helpful for those of you who could use a reminder about all the great sites, resources and venues not to miss when in Arizona or visiting Phoenix.
If you’d like to weigh in to agree …read more

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Imagine your name on this brown piece of paper. It’s the ticket to statewide recreational fun. The Arizona State Parks Annual Pass costs just $50, and it’s good for the entire family–all year-long.
This holiday season, it could be the affordable gift that keeps on giving as it’s the economical way to travel and explore Arizona’s 27 state parks. Pictured above, the Standard Day-Use Entrance Pass is good for the family’s non-camping day-use and includes all the Parks except Colorado River Parks on weekends and holidays.
At Kartchner Caverns State Park, the pass is good for the entrance to …read more

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If not, take a look. It’s Jon Rochetti’s blog. Travel Photo Daily is exactly what he’s titled it–a travel photo, daily, along with information about the photo posted. Today, he’s posted one of mine from my New England journey taken last month. The photo on your left is a teaser. By the way, Rochetti also edits The DC Traveler. 
Technorati Tags: Travel Photo Daily,Jackie Dishner,photography,bridge in New England,observatory,Penobscot Bay,Bucksport,Maine,Phoenix traveler in New England

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You’re right, Becky. When you posted your comment last week, you guessed correctly. The name of the mountain where we saw Post Creek is called Mount Graham. We drove up the Swift Trail to see it.
Located in Graham County in southeastern Arizona, the mountain is home to many things recreational, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, birding and one of the world’s largest telescopes.
The Graham County Chamber of Commerce can tell you more.
 
(Photo by Jackie Dishner, used with her permission.)
Technorati Tags: photo contest,Mt. Graham,Graham County,Southeastern Arizona,Post Creek,Arizona travel blog,The Phoenix Traveler,Jackie Dishner

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If you want to keep up on the latest news that’s happening about and around the new Phoenix Light Rail (scheduled to begin operating at the end of December), check out these Web sites and blogs:
Valley Metro Light Rail–This is the official site of the rail line. You can get tickets here, map out where you want to go, and stay updated about opening day and the free rides to follow.
Rail Life / Rail Life Blog–This is Nick Bastian’s blog (the first and then the updated site) where he posts about rail happenings. He’ll tell you everything you need to …read more

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The Web site says it’s “coming soon,” but isn’t that a relative term? I mean, is February 14, 2012, really that soon? That’s the date developers have planned as opening day for the new Scottsdale Museum of the West. They’d like it to be here in time for Arizona’s centennial. But museum board members have a lot of money to raise first–about $20 million.
When it does arrive, the 45,000-square-foot museum will take up about an acre of city-owned land in downtown Scottsdale. Planned to promote the culture and history of the town that’s been dubbed “The West’s Most Western Town,” …read more

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More than 20 Arizona authors will sell and sign their books at the 15th Annual ArtFest of Scottsdale today and tomorrow. New for this year’s event, “Book Street” gathers the authors all in one area, near the Scottsdale Mondrian hotel at the northwest corner of the festival site, in Old Town Scottsdale.
A few travel writers, including Christine K. Bailey, author of Destinations: A Complete Guide to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona and Central Arizona, and Teresa Bitler, whose Great Escapes Arizona was just released are scheduled to appear.
Also plan to see arts & crafts booths, food and live music at the festival …read more

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First stop: Sedona. Next stop: wine country. It’s a day trip to the Verde Valley–one of Arizona’s hidden gems.
Called Sedona Wine Tours, this guided trip calls out to those of you who love Sedona and love to visit vineyards but didn’t know you could have both on the same day. You can.
To play it safe–no drinking and driving–let Detours take you there.
Detours, a Phoenix-based tour guide company, created this trip to give guests the opportunity to safely explore Arizona’s rich wine region in the Verde Valley. Even with four wineries open, the tasting rooms are still relatively …read more

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If you don’t plan to bring the 20-pounder home with you from the grocery store, if you’ll be in town and away from home on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 27) without plans,  or if you just don’t plan on cooking the big meal this year, here’s a short list of local resorts that will serve a gourmet feast for you (Click on the names to see the menus):
Arizona Biltmore  2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. For dinner reservations, call 602-381-7632. Cost: $85/adults; $45/child (age 12 and under). Dinner is served from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. A brunch buffet is also …read more

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