The Phoenix Traveler

NEW YEAR’S EVE: If it weren’t for the blogs I follow, I’d likely miss really important news. For instance, I just found out from RailLife.com that Metro Light Rail is extending its service on New Year’s Eve. That means if you had plans to use the rail line for your safe ride home after celebrating the New Year arrival, but thought you couldn’t, now you can.
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, …read more

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Reuters announces the opening of the new light rail line in Phoenix. The question on people’s minds is whether or not it will catch hold, if people will actually use it. Phoenix is not a city known for its convenient public transportation system. I’m hoping it will become more of just a novelty that wears off.
A day pass to ride on the new light rail costs $2.50. That’s a lot cheaper than driving a car to work, and it’s a safe alternative to getting around if you want to visit the bar scene in Tempe or downtown Phoenix.
The Arizona …read more

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What are they saying about travel in Arizona? Here’s the latest news to update you:

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.

Technorati Tags: news about Arizona travel,quality of life,Tempe rated tops for quality of life,US Airways,US Airways on …read more

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A fellow blogger here at b5media recently posted at Traveling the Green Way a how-to on greening your Christmas travels. She shared tips she learned at Responsible Travel. I thought I’d localize her post and let you know how you can follow those tips in Phoenix:
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 …read more

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It had been nearly two years since I’d seen my friend who lives/works on the west side of town, in Glendale. We’d tried to schedule get-togethers before, but they just never panned out. You know how it goes. I should have known we’d find time for chocolate and wine. Can anyone resist that? Um, not me.
Of all times to visit–during the holiday season–we finally managed to set a solid date and agreed to meet at a restaurant near her, the “Italian trattoria” called NoRTH — It’s a Fox Concepts restaurant serving what they call “Modern Italian” cuisine. I’ve been there …read more

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How about a break from holiday planning? Would you like to see a little bit of Arizona that requires a trip off-the-beaten path?
This past year, I’ve been working on a travel guide that’s taken me all over Arizona. I’ve shot the typical landscapes you might expect to see in Arizona: saguaros, desert mountain views, red rock cliffs, dry river beds. But I’ve also seen some pretty quirky images, things you won’t see if you don’t hop on a back road or two…most of which aren’t even paved, and are often closed during the winter. Not to worry. You can plan …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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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 …read more

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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’re in town with your dog and don’t know where to take the furry canine for exercise, check this list to see if there’s a dog park near you:
_Steele Indian School Park in Central Phoenix, 300 E. Indian School Rd.
_Echo Mountain Off-Leash Area in Northeast Phoenix, 2302 E. Grovers. Ave.
_Pets Mart Dog Park at Washington Park, 6655 N. 23rd Ave., and Rose Mofford Sports Complex, 9833 N. 25th Ave., both in Northwest Phoenix.
_RJ Dog Park at Pecos Park in South Phoenix, 17010 S. 48th St.
Tempe also has five parks where dogs can play; Scottsdale has three; but …read more

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