The last light rail service is regularly scheduled to end at 11 p.m. nightly; however, the schedule’s been extended on New Year’s Eve to 2 a.m. I have plans to go to Mesa that evening, and now I’m going to do it via the Metro–And it’s still free until the first service of the day on January 1, 2009.

Who else plans to use light rail for their New Year’s Eve celebrations? Post a comment if your plans include it.

RESTAURANT ROW: You can continue to read updates on restaurants opening up along the rail line at PHX Rail Food. For the past few years, this blog has run restaurant reviews, photos and updates, complete with rail stop location information. Now, the blogger is expanding his reports, he writes, to include the 3.2-mile expansion to Dunlap already under construction at the first station at Christown on 19th Avenue. TRAVEL TIP: If you want to know where to find a good restaurant along the rail line, as well as the future rail lines, check there first. 

CAR FREE: Could you go car free and ride the Metro Light Rail for an entire month? LightRailBlogger is doing just that. Visit his blog to see how it goes; he’s posting regular updates. I don’t think you’ll be able to contain his excitement. He’s already posted about Day 1. Scroll down a bit to watch the YouTube video from his Saturday Grand Opening Day ride. I think the music in the background is from a band I wrote about a few months back. Cool.

If you have any light rail news to share, be sure to post a comment. I’d love to hear about your first ride. And let me know if you’re hauling your bike with you. I’m curious to know how convenient Metro has made that. I’m wondering if I shouldn’t consider getting a folding bike myself.

Ummmmm.

(Photo used with permission by Jackie Dishner.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

At first he resisted–it was pretty cold outside this morning, 50 degrees, probably less, and he was still in his running clothes. But he relented, and we headed off to what used to be called the Christown Mall at Montebello and 19th Avenue. It’s now known as Spectrum Mall and is home to Stop #1 of the new Metro Light Rail in Phoenix.

My boyfriend predicted crowds, but I didn’t think it would be that bad. He was right. It was too cold to wait in line for too long, and the parking lot was packed–with people, portapotties and even ATM machines. 

Hundreds and hundreds of people were already there by 10 a.m., waiting for their turn to get a free ride on the first day. Luckily for us, all Metro rides are free till the end of 2009, so we opted not to ride today after all.

I did, however, snap several photos so you can get a taste of what we experienced on grand opening day, even without a ride on the rail car…

We first picked up the handouts. The city of Phoenix handed out free posters, a ride guide, the program, and a Passport booklet to discounts and savings at restaurants, shops and businesses located on the rail line.

The Passport includes offers from 144 Downtown Phoenix destinations, so you might want to pick a copy up at one of the venues listed. You can save on the cost of theater seats, meals, museum admission, and other purchases from participating vendors, including Chez Nous, Melrose Pharmacy and Curves.

The APS volunteer clown troupe was on hand to entertain the kids and distribute literature about environmental programs and new technologies being used by the utility company.

Live music entertained the adults.

The city of Phoenix had the bike patrol in place on their Cannondales to police the area and help keep everyone safe.

The food booths were a hit. Apparently, cheese steak tastes good even way before noon.

This was part of the line–You can see the rail cars behind the people–but I couldn’t tell which way it was going. We opted, as I said, not to get in it. There will be less crowded days ahead, and the ride won’t be any less exciting that first time out.

Each of the stops that I’ve seen so far in Phoenix are shaded with these triangular shaped canopies. All 28 stations include some kind of art installation, including sculpture, mosaics, photographs, tiles and paintings created by 31 artists from all over the country.

And here’s what all the fuss is about–the rail car. It takes an hour for each of the cars to travel the 20-mile route, from Phoenix to Mesa.

If you want to brave the excitement yourself, there’s still time today. Festivities, centering around different themes, take place not only at Station #1 but also at these stops as well:

Thomas & Central Avenue (Station #8)–Just outside Park Central Mall, north of the light rail stop, entertainment and venues highlight health and wellness.

Encanto & Central Avenue (Station #9)–The arts help celebrate grand opening day at this location near the Heard Museum.

Third Street between Jefferson & Washington (Station #14)–Find out what’s new in Downtown Phoenix at the various booths, listen to live bands, watch street performers and celebrate the grand opening also of the new convention center at this location.

44th Street & Washington (Station #18)–Take a shuttle ride to the airport and learn how Metro Rail can connect you easily with Sky Harbor.

Priest & Washington (Station #19)–SRP hosts the celebration here where you’ll learn about water and electric safety via interesting and fun exhibits.

Mill Avenue & Third Street (Station #21)–This is the gateway to Hayden Ferry and the Mill Avenue District where you’ll find theaters, restaurants and the urban shopping experience.

Veteran’s Way & College Avenue (Station #22)–Fireworks, festival booths, a farmer’s market, eco-minded education, archaeology displays and live music make this one of the more diverse places to celebrate light rail today.

Sycamore & Main Street (Station #28)–The last stop on the rail line includes a full day of music, food and fun for the whole family in Mesa, which includes a classic car show and live music from the 70s rock band, Grand Funk Railroad.

Several communities also have planned celebrations, including Central Avenue & Campbell in Phoenix, Dorsey & Apache boulevards in Tempe.

If you get a chance to go to any of these celebrations, be sure to come back and leave a comment about your experience.

For more information about Phoenix Metro Light Rail:

Visit the web site: www.MetroLightRail.org. Or call 602-254-RAIL.

(Photos used with permission by Jackie Dishner.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

I wanted to talk to Bitler about her travels during the research of her book, because if there was ever a time to think about escape, it’s now. I met up with Bitler at a recent art fair, where I purchased her book, and she agreed to e-mail me with a few suggestions on where you might want to take your next Arizona escape.

Rather than run the whole series of questions I asked, along with her answers, here are the highlights.

In bullet format, you can quickly scan them for ideas:

• Her favorite place: Kitt Peak National Observatory.
• A place she loves: Grand Canyon.
• The place where she’d love to return: Canyon de Chelly.
• Her favorite Arizona activity: Horseback or trail ride at one of

Arizona’s dude ranches.

• Two things she finally get around to doing because of the book: See fireworks over Lake Havasu and the Civil War re-enactments at Picacho Peak.
• Three places she writes about in her book that she thinks you shouldn’t miss: Gallery in the Sun (the late Ted DeGrazia’s art studio/gallery in Tucson); Cochise Stronghold (pictured above); and the Olive Mill and Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek
• Trips she’d like to take now because of what she learned during her research: Take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon; and spend a week on a houseboat at Lake Powell.
• If you want to experience the diversity Arizona offers, she suggests an “escape” to the White Mountains.

To learn more from other Arizona authors who specialize in travel, click on the names below:

_Christine Bailey.

_Michael Engelhard.

_Sam Lowe.

If you’ve visited any of the above named places and would like to share your experiences, good or bad, please post a comment.

(Photo of Cochise Stronghold used with permission by the Cochise County Tourism Council.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

• The Arizona Republic reports bonuses for US Airways‘ employees for on-time travel.
• Tempe, Tucson and Prescott get top votes for quality of life, according to this poll.
• It’s the economy, stupid. That’s why Ohio State fans may not fly to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl next year (January 5).
• Here’s a good reason that using a travel agent makes sense–a live connection with someone if something goes wrong with your travel arrangements.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

This river runner, rock climber and wilderness guide, who came to America from Germany to study cultural anthropology in Fairbanks, Alaska, has been writing about his adventures long enough to attract the attention of editors at internationally-known magazines, including Outside, Utne Reader, Backpacker, and of course Arizona Highways.

I was happy to discover that, like me, this author of several non-fiction books related to his adventures, Arizona’s included, is a fan of former Arizonan Ron Carlson, whose descriptive prose in his novels and short stories also reads like poetry to me. When I learned that, I became an instant fan of Engelhard’s.

Currently living in Alaska, where he works as a wilderness guide, Engelhard says he’ll be relocating (He’s lived here before.) to the Colorado Plateau — Flagstaff, specifically — next spring. When he returns, I hope to travel with him on one of his wilderness trips. You’ll know why if you just take a look at a few of his books or read his essays. This is a guy who appreciates the wilderness like not many can.

Besides, I like what he had to say about why he’s coming back to Arizona:

“The reason is simple: I just can’t get the canyon country out of my system. The redrock desert of southern Utah and northern Arizona has shaped me like no other place.

Years ago, I set out to explore 120 canyons within a year  (He actually hiked more!); a journal I kept grew in scope and morphed into my first book (Where the Rain Children Sleep). Arizona — its fauna, flora, geology, history, and mix of cultures — has been a wellspring of inspiration ever since.”

One of his favorite gems:

“The Grand Canyon is probably my favorite place in the state, which may not come as a surprise. More than the views from its rims, its many side canyons draw me in and wait with never-ending surprises: bighorn sheep, ancient rock art panels, pristine plunge pools, rare butterflies and reptiles, and above everything, the many colors of silence — a glimpse of eternity.”

He says the Grand Canyon is actually his favorite haunt in the world:

“Regardless of how many times I run its rapids, camp on its boulder-fringed beaches, or explore its convoluted passages, one lifetime is not enough to experience all its riches.”

And my favorite story of his involves a visit inside the canyon:

“A memory that will stay with me forever features a white pelican bobbing in an eddy below a rapid. Pelicans are not native to the canyon, and this one must have blown off course during its migration and touched down on the life-giving waters.”

If you want to read more or share Engelhard’s appreciation of Arizona’s natural beauty with others, visit www.michaelengelhard.com.

(Headshot and photo covers used with permission by Michael Engelhard.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

But not just any old chocolate bread. This one, the Chocolate Cherry Sourdough bread pictured here, was created by the resort’s own Master Baker Ben Hershberger.

Made fresh daily at The Phoenician (6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale), you can purchase yours on-site at either the Café and Ice Cream Parlor or at Il Terrazzo, a classic Italian-style restaurant. At $3.50 a loaf, it’s not only delicious (Trust me, I ate half the loaf in one sitting.), it’s also affordable. 

Rather than looking for someone to whom they can re-gift, your family and friends won’t be sharing this item. They’ll eat it all to themselves. TIP: Heat in the oven so the chocolate and rum-soaked cherries are nice and warm.

(Photo courtesy of The Phoenician Resort.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

1)  Buy local. The blog post referred to produce, but you can extend that further to buy local produce as well as purchase gifts, services and other products sold right here in the Valley of the Sun by small business owners who live here. Look for the red symbol you see pictured above, or find out what and where through the Local First of Arizona Web site. There are more than 700 members to serve you Valleywide, including the upscale Fifth Avenue Merchants Association in Scottsdale, the eclectic retail shop, Bunky Boutique, in downtown Phoenix, and the Farmers’ Markets where you will find locally grown, farm fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, and homemade jellies and jams.

2)  Hire local guides. No need to hire a national company if you want to sight-see in Arizona. Phoenix is home to many qualified, experienced insiders who can take you on day trips, half-day trips, or customize a trip to suit your needs. The Arizona Guides Association is a good place to start your search. You can also ask your hotel concierge to recommend a guide company. Or contact a local community college to find out about study tours. Pima Community College in Tucson offers several hikes, day tours and other special outings for less than the cost of a private guide. You can also locate a hiking club for upcoming trips or the Maricopa Audubon Society for field trip information.

3)  Use public transportation. If your family, friends or other relatives plan to extend their holiday visit, I suggest you all try out our new light rail system. It opens at the end of this month with free rides for all on December 27 and 28 . I said it before, and I’ll say it again: I can’t wait!

Not only will following these tips help cut the carbon footprint in Phoenix, but it’ll also go a long way towards keeping our small businesses open and our residents employed.

Cheers to you from The Phoenix Traveler!

(Above logo courtesy of Local First of Arizona.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

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 experience the Discovery Center, picnicking and trails, but does not apply toward the two cave tour opportunities.

Special programs within the parks may have special related fees not covered by this entrance pass; however, most of the nature walks and interpretive programs are included in the day-use pass.

What can you do at Arizona State Parks? Camp, fish, hike, take part in interpretive environmental programs, sign up for a moonlight star gazing walk, ride horseback, watch historic reenactments, picnic with the family, take a guided pontoon boat tour at Sonoita Creek Natural Area, and root for friends in the water skiing tournaments at Lake Havasu or Lyman Lake. The list goes on.

The state park system even celebrates special events, such as Earth Day in April (events scheduled at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Red Rock and Catalina), and the annual “Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival” and “Verde River Days” at Dead Horse Ranch.

If you plan to frequent the park system this year, opt to buy the Premium Annual Day-Use Pass for $125. It adds those weekends in parks along the Colorado River, and more of your family members or friends can go with you.

HOW TO PURCHASE THE PASS?

By mail:

Arizona State Parks
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

In person: 

State Parks main headquarters, or at any of the Arizona state parks.

By fax:

Visit the Web site to print and fill out the Gift Shop order form.

More Information:

Call 602-542-4174. If out of area, call 800-285-3703 (toll free).

(Photo of pass provided and used with permission by Arizona State Parks.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

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.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

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.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler