The Phoenix Traveler

I’ve ridden the bike path along SR 51 (Piestewa Freeway) many, many times, but it’s been a few years. Today, I rode it again and found a surprising addition…and more miles to ride.
I haven’t taken this path since long before the city of Phoenix opened the Indian Bend Wash Park at the northwest corner of 36th Street and Sweetwater last year. But that’s where the path would always end. If I wanted to continue riding, I’d have to take 36th Street up north to Roadrunner Park and ride miles around the park there.
Now, however, I see that the city has …read more

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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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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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I’m no mycophile (lover of fungi), but next time I hear about the mushroom club scheduling a mushroom hunt, I’m going to invite them into my neighborhood.
I should have taken pictures this past summer, because white mushrooms were growing wild here. I found them grouped together in my yard, sticking out of the cracks and crevices of my neighbor’s brick wall, and growing elsewhere. I don’t know if they were the edible kind; I don’t eat mushrooms and certainly didn’t try them. My dog didn’t even sniff at them. But I couldn’t get them to stop growing. I’d mow …read more

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Even though subscriptions are down and the magazine is experiencing financial insecurities (These days, who or what isn’t?), the award-winning Arizona Highways still manages to inspire judges to present it with honors for its photography, writing and design.
At the 28th Annual International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) conference last month in Nova Scotia, the “awesome” magazine brought home 11 awards and was named a finalist for Magazine of the Year. Arizona Highways, which helps drive tourism to and through the Southwestern state, has earned the actual title 10 times since 1981. The magazine, now in its 80s, was referred to …read more

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What’s happening in theaters, museums and outdoor venues in Greater Phoenix? You can find out easily just by showing up.
Showing up online, of course. The above link takes you to a Web site created in 2003 by the Alliance for Audience, a non-profit organization consisting of arts and cultural groups in the Valley of the Sun who wanted a way to promote what they’re doing so you can take part in it.
Want to attend a live theater performance, a poetry reading or take an art class? Do you like concerts? It’s all here…times, dates, locations. Even maps. Get tickets, read …read more

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As a frequent contributor of US Airways Magazine, you can see a few of my short articles in this month’s (October) issue. If you happen to be on a US Airways flight, coming to Phoenix or flying out of Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 4, pick up a copy.
Or, you can read the stories online:
In the “Material World” section, I wrote about Jen Groover’s Butler Bag. Ladies, you might love this bag! It’ll help keep you organized, especially when you’re in a hurry while traveling. I’m asking for one for Christmas, or I’ll buy one for myself. Read the …read more

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Liz Lewis posts all thing green all the time here at Traveling the Green Way. She also runs the Green Carnival, which is the blogger’s way to do magazines online.
She writes about green festivals, green hotels (This is an interesting list), ways that you can travel green yourself, green news, and so much more at Traveling the Green Way.
I think you’ll be fascinated and learn a few things.
Technorati Tags: green travel,Phoenix bloggers,Phoenix travel

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I scour the news online to find out what headlines mention Phoenix–and where. From time to time, I’ll post my findings here at The Phoenix Traveler so you can stay updated as well. Here’s the latest:
Allegiant adding direct flight to PhoenixIf you live in Bismarck, ND, you’ll be able to fly non-stop to Phoenix–the fourth most popular destination for Bismarck travelers–beginning in October, when Allegiant Air begins scheduling bi-weekly trips to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, NOT Sky Harbor International. For a limited time, introductory rates are $114, each way.
Travelgirl recommends: Fab food in PhoenixI love it when writers find the hidden …read more

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You’ve probably been hearing the word, staycation. It’s the new buzz word for folks who decide to stay closer to home for that next vacation. Rather than taking off to Europe or investing in a sea cruise, they plan a trip in-state, or even at a resort near the hometown. Summertime is the perfect time to do that in Phoenix. Valley resorts offer great deals at high-end properties. You can find a list of them here.
To make this kind of long weekend even more affordable, book a suite or a room with a mini kitchen and stock up on …read more

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