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

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 Republic calls the new light rail system a milestone for Phoenix. And if you’ve been around the Valley of the Sun since the 80s, when the light rail idea was first introduced but never made it past the voters, it’s been an idea the country’s fifth largest city has needed since way before then. This article notes that Phoenix once operated a trolley system, but that was 60 years ago. Today’s grand opening marks four years of construction and more than three times that in planning.

A local refrigeration school is celebrating the grand opening with a very “cool” event, according to an article in the Phoenix Business Journal. The Refrigeration School, located near the Sky Harbor rail stop at 44th Street and Washington, brought in 12 tons of snow, hot chocolate and live music to celebrate this special occasion. Valleywide, more than 100,000 people are expected to celebrate the grand opening.

An Associated Press article called the city “car crazy.” I guess Phoenix is. The metro area includes enough urban sprawl that it’s spread so far out, it has become impossible to get from here to there without reliable transportation: the car. Maybe light rail will help ease the pollution. If nothing else, it’s a start.

If you’re new to Phoenix, if you’re visiting, if you’ve lived here for a while now, what’s your view on the new light rail system? Will you ride it–for fun, to get to work, for entertainment purposes? Do you think it’s going to have an impact–on what? Go ahead and post your opinion here.

(Photo used with permission by Jackie Dishner.)

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

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

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 many times; there are a few locations in the Valley (Check the Web site to find one nearest you.), and I prefer the one at Kierland Commons because of the outdoor patio. But this one’s nice as well, and close to an AJ’s if you need to pick something up at the market for the ride home.

It’s one of those sleek interior-stylized restaurants with dark wood tables and mini glass tiles in the bathroom (It was absolutely freezing cold in there!). The menu includes antipasti appetizers, pizza, Italian pasta dishes you’ve never heard of before–along with Italian wines you can’t pronounce. You think it’s going to cost way too much. (Careful, some meals do.) But we chose thoughtfully and creatively, opting for new-to-us dinners and wound up with this: 

Pasta Bolognese, Reggiano Parmesan, Flat Leaf Parsley, $16 (This was tube pasta with a very rich meat sauce, with tiny bits of carrots and veggies. I liked it.)

Strozzapreti, Mushrooms, Wilted Spinach, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cream, $16 (This was long curly pasta with chicken, $4 extra, not as rich, and my friend said it was okay. I didn’t try it.)

We also picked a bottle of wine neither of us had ever heard of before and ordered that:

‘06 Valpolicella DOC – Le Salette, Veneto, Italy, $36 (It was a red wine, but I had to come home to look up where it comes from specifically. I found out it’s from a province in the Verona region, hill country. It had a nice light, fruity finish, not too tannic. I’d buy it again but would prefer a more hearty red wine with the meal I ate.)

We hung out at North for several hours, catching up, nursing the wine. And then it came time for dessert. I’m sorry to say I didn’t get the exact name of it, but we ordered the one with the ingredient that immediately caught our attention–chocolate, a chocolate mousse cake made with Nutella, $6. It was really, really rich and tasty. The texture was more heavy creamy than light and mousse-like. I definitely needed the coffee to wash it down. It was so rich, however, together we didn’t even finish it all. You need a third person for that.

Still, I suggest while you’re out there doing your holiday shopping, if you happen in be in Glendale (anywhere near 67th Avenue and the 101 Freeway), this would be the treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or hunger pangs in between store visits. Here are the before and after photos to prove what I mean:

If you go:

NoRTH Glendale
20004 N. 67th Ave., #500 (Map it.)
Call 623-537-4500 for reservations.

(Photos courtesy of Rebecca I Allen, via her Blackberry.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

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 ahead for a springtime outing.

Here’s a few snapshots of what I’ve seen and a few tips on how you can get there yourself:

STICK ‘EM UP

I spotted this bike on a post and the rooster on a wall at Aravaipa Farms. That’s a country inn near Winkelman, Ariz., located next to the Aravaipa Wilderness Preserve. Although I thought the bike may have attached itself to the post following a serious flood from Aravaipa Creek a few years back, that wasn’t the case. The owner said it was placed there just for fun. The rooster is actually embedded in a casita wall.

IF YOU GO:  From Phoenix, take US 60 east toward Superior. Before you reach Miami-Globe, turn right at SR 177 to Winkelman. I suggest you visit the Web site before leaving home, as the owner has pretty lengthy instructions that steer you the rest of the way in. You’ll be driving an unpaved road shortly after you reach Winkelman. But for the food alone, it’ll be worth the trip. Plan to stay overnight and pack proper clothing for water hikes. 

SPROUTING BODY PARTS

This face and foot I spotted at two Page Springs wineries. But I don’t want to tell you where exactly. I’d rather you go and find them yourself. They’re both odd sites to see amongst the vineyards and elegant setting of a wine tasting, so they kind of can’t be missed.

I posted about the wine tour a few weeks ago. But you can take this route on your own as well. The drive takes you beside the lush Oak Creek, with Cottonwood trees to shade the way.

IF YOU GO: Hop on Interstate 17 and follow the road to Sedona. Before you reach Sedona from SR 89A, you’ll want to turn right onto Page Springs Road. Then drive the loop around to the wineries closest to the fish hatchery.

If you see anything odd out there, come back and post a comment.

(Photos courtesy of Jackie Dishner.)

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

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 actually paved the left-hand side of the wash all the way over to Stonecreek Golf Course, just west of Paradise Valley Mall. The beauty of this is that now this bike path connects the park through the wash to the border of Paradise Valley, near 52nd Street and Shea Boulevard. Since there aren’t many people in a the area (You’ll see a few joggers, dog walkers, and maybe another cyclist or two, but that’s it.), it’s also a quiet ride.

For this trip, which began as far north as Reach 11 (and I stopped to turn around at the golf course instead of going all the way to 52nd and Shea), I wound up with a 14-mile ride this morning. When I used to ride this path before, I might get 10 miles out of it, if I rode around the park a few times. With those extra miles paved in the wash, this is so much better.

For the Phoenix travelers–local or not–looking for a safe place to ride a bike in a quiet setting, and if you’d like a decent bit of exercise, I recommend this path. All you have to do, pretty much, is follow the 51. (Map it.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

_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 the coolest dog parks are probably in Chandler. Called Bark Parks, they offer unique amenities just for dogs, including an obstacle course and doggy drinking fountains. 

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler