The Phoenix Traveler

I had every hope to attend this but will be heading elsewhere, instead. But I want to make sure you’re aware of this upcoming event. It’s relatively new to Arizona–This is only its second year. I think it will make a wonderful way for you to spend your weekend with family or friends.
Visit my previous post to read more:
http://www.thephoenixtraveler.com/upcoming-event-salsafest-2008/ 
Even if you can only drive down to Safford for the day–it’s a three-hour drive southeast of Phoenix–I think you’d have a great time visiting the farming, ranching and mining communities–not to mention tasting some of the best Mexican food in …read more

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If you didn’t know Phoenix has a women’s Roller Derby sports venue, don’t worry. Neither did I! I know we have football, basketball and baseball–I’ve been to many of those games. But I never knew we had roller derby; games are played on a flat track, and it’s supposed to be brutal.
I’m going with a girlfriend tonight to see what’s what. If I can get good photos, I’ll post them here tomorrow. If not, you should check out the Web site here.
In it’s 6th season this year, Arizona Roller Derby was started by a group of women who want …read more

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Not to discount any men who visit my blog to find out what’s going on in Phoenix, but this post is for women only. Sorry, Charlie. But if you have a girlfriend, a sister, a mother, or if there’s any other women in your life that you know could use two days for a workshop centered on her sexuality and how it relates to her spirituality, send her over here to read what she can do about it.
She can sign up for SASSS. It stands for for Sex & Spirituality for Seasoned Sisters–a new workshop now being offered several times …read more

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It’s not a neighborhood normally associated with art or community functions of any kind. In fact, Sunnyslope has long been the neighborhood in Phoenix to avoid. Why? It’s run down. Its streets are graced with colorful people of questionable character. And its early 20th century origins are based on the fact that it was once a tuberculosis colony. Not exactly the stuff that fun is made of, unless you’re talking about a joke.
But that’s changing. Restaurants are moving in. There’s a wine bar and coffee shop. Houses are being renovated. The community is pulling together to rid itself of the …read more

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Just a three hour drive from Phoenix sits a tiny town with a history that may have helped keep the Arizona Territory from gaining statehood in the late 1800s, according to history books.
That town is called Young, and I traveled there this past weekend to do research for my upcoming book, Backroads & Byways of Arizona (Countryman Press, 2009).
Formerly known as  Pleasant Valley, it was the site of what became one of the state’s most bloodiest family feuds. Between the Tewksbury and Graham families, it was called the Pleasant Valley War. And although the bloodbath began in Pleasant Valley, …read more

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They’ve dubbed it “Arizona’s premier culinary event,” and it’s priced to fit the name. For $95 (tickets purchased on the day of), you’re in for a real treat this Labor Day Weekend if you can attend the fourth annual “Phoenix Cooks!” at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.
A collection of the Valley’s top chefs and culinary experts converge together for this all-day food and wine experience to benefit a charity, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
You’ll have the chance to watch top chefs compete against each other and demonstrate their unique culinary styles, and, of course, taste what they prepare at three …read more

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Every big city has its unique neighborhoods, or the neighborhoods that define a specific culture or two. Being so close to the Mexican border, we have our fair share of ‘hoods that define the Hispanic culture.
One of them is in South Phoenix–not necessarily the safest place to play. But tucked away in a hidden corner, is something you might want to see–El Gran Mercado. For a little adventure and a place to practice your Spanish verbs, pick a weekend afternoon to drive over to 35th Avenue and Buckeye. That’s where you’ll find this secret gem. On the south side …read more

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It was probably the most fun I ever had in class when I studied improvisational acting at Theater 168 in Scottsdale several years ago. And while you may not be able to sign up for a class (if you don’t live in town), you can attend one of their comedy shows if you happen to be here on a weekend.
Owned and operated by Jef and Shurlin Rawls, this family-friendly comedy theater is home to the Jester’Z comedy troupe–a really fun and lively bunch of comedians, ages 18 to mid-40s, who really put on a good show for their audiences …read more

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Salsa music, hot salsa, hot air balloons…It’ll be an alliteration of good times this coming September in southeastern Arizona. Plan now to visit Safford (170 miles southeast of Phoenix, via the Old West Highway) in Graham County the weekend beginning Friday, Sept. 26, or you’ll miss out on the 2nd Annual Salsa Fest.
This year’s event will be combined with the 1st Annual Salsa Trail Balloon Festival that includes an evening glow and early morning take-offs.
Here’s a sample platter of what else is on the menu of fun:

Salsa-making competition
Marketplace
Walk for Kids to benefit Boy’s & Girl’s Club
Salsa music & dancing
Food …read more

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If it’s not too late, make your reservation now to attend Locavore 3: The Bountiful. It’s happening this week.
Locavore is a word used to describe someone who eats only locally grown and locally produced foods. That’s also the meaning behind the special dinner event hosted this month by James Porter, chef and owner of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar. He’s working with Chef Payton Curry from Digestif at Scottsdale’s Southbridge near the Waterfront to plan and prepare the five-course meal. 
Every taste of the meal comes from an Arizona  farmer, artisan or winemaker. In fact, farmers, ranchers, food producers and …read more

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