New Phoenix Cafe/Restaurant Goes Doggie Style – 32 Cafe a dog friendly restaurant

32 Shea cafe - Photo by Lisa Racz

 

The coffee begins brewing by 6 am at this rustic indoor-outdoor Café as customers walk up to the Tuscany looking wooden bar with a large laughing Buda staring back at them, surrounded by freshly baked goods. Hanging lanterns from India illuminate a rainbow of colors from the morning light seeping in from the many windows that align the walls, giving an old-world feeling to the newly remodeled café.

Coffe bar inside 32 Shea cafe - Photo by Lisa Racz

While waiting for a morning caffeine fix, upbeat Celtic or Jazz music plays in the back ground while the delights of the chalked in menu board above the espresso machine entices the eye as the drive through window off to the side buzzes of morning breakfast customers ordering egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos or smoothies, all baked freshly right in the kitchen. The eggs are even baked instead of fried.

32 Shea café opened its doors the 15^th of January 2011 at 10626 N. 32^nd St., located on the northwest corner of 32^nd Street and Shea Boulevard, just off from the 51 freeway, but with the surrounding Palm trees shading the outside patio seating and smells of freshly made food in the air, you rarely notice the surrounding traffic and it becomes a hidden neighborhood oasis.

This café is open to the public, Monday through Thursday from 6am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturdays from 7am through 12am, Sundays from 7am to 4pm and with the drive-through open every day until 4pm.

Rebecca Golden, owner of 32 Shea café and a dog owner herself had the idea to open a dog-friendly café that fit the dog-friendly residents within Arcadia neighborhood area.

Rebecca enjoying a minute with her dogs on the outside patio of 32 Shea Cafe - Photo by Lisa Racz

 

“I love spending time with my dogs, Goose and Google and found that there were very few places in town that allowed dogs,” Golden says. “Many people also want to have a sit down drink or lunch with their dogs after a hike and before I opened my dog friendly establishment, there was no place for these residents to take their dogs with them in this are.”

With already returning customers, by lunch time, there can be the sounds of pattering paws on the outside patio and the chatter amongst friends while enjoying one of the gourmet sandwiches such as the OMG, made with Prosciutto, Mascarpone and fig or another tasty dish from the menu. 

“The first week we had returning customers coming through the drive-thru two and three times a day,” Says Golden. ‘The response has been amazing and we here at 32 Shea café thank everyone for sticking with us.”

This establishment holds a limited seating space that makes it all the quainter. You can have a conversation with those you are eating with, without having to roar above the noise of other conversations, which this makes it a calm place to take your dogs.

“We have seating for twenty people, comfortably inside and seating for thirty people outside on our shaded dog-friendly patio where you can soak in the views of Piestewa Peak,” says Golden.

What makes this a one of a kind dog-friendly eating establishment is that along with the human breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, there is also a doggie menu for the four-legged dining customer.

“We here at 32 Shea have a unique doggie menu that includes a Puppucino, a variety of dogs treats and or course Chow-Mein,” says Golden.

Though, this is a dog-friendly café, there are a few points of etiquette that dogs and their human need to follow according to the Health Department. The following points are required for those bringing their dogs into the patio area.

• Dogs are not allowed in the café itself, but are allowed on the dog-friendly shaded patio only.
• All dogs must be leashed in the patio area and with current tags on their collar.
• Dogs are shall not be on any chair, table or in anyone’s lap. They can be on a doggie cushion, if provided by the owner, on ground level.
•  Make sure your dog has been exercised before seating in the patio area so no accidents happen while patrons are eating.
• Not all dogs get along, so if ones dog does not want to behave, it’s best to take them home at that point.

 May begins the start of dinner service for 32 Shea Café and with the newly acquired liquor license, there can be an evening atmosphere presented at the Café slash restaurant beginning in May.

“Our café is ever evolving and the liquor license will allow us to cater to the evening customers that will include table service, dinner of featured entries of the moment and drinks,” says Golden. ‘We will begin having periodic wine dinners along with chocolate and wine tastings now.”

With 32 Shea Café having a full liquor license, customers are able to come in the afternoon and have a glass of wine from an international selection or a specialty craft beer.

“Our wines are from Italian Montepulcano and Amarone, New Zealand Malbec and from California Pinot Noir wineries and our liquors are all top shelf and created a fun mixology menu using muddling techniques and homemade mixers.” says Golden.

For more information on 32 Shea Café call 602-867-7432 or visit www.32shea.com.

“Eat Drink, Be Merry and enjoy the simplicity of spending quality time with your four-legged family members!”

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz

Your local travel writer.

Fun summer activities around the Valley that don’t stretch the wallet

Summer begins the typical time when most families can take a vacation or when students can finally get away from books and have some fun, but what if you’re on a budget?

With the cost of gas rising and Flight companies tagging on extra charges on top of the airfare, making traveling expensive, more people are looking to have some summer fun without breaking the bank.

There several low-cost, fun activities right in Phoenix’s own back yard such as movie theater discount days for the general public, free museum days, Concerts in the park, free movie nights at Pointe Tapatio resorts, Home Depot’s free first Saturday’s activities and free DVD, CD and books at local libraries with a valid library card, just to name a few.

Harkins Movie Discounts

 

 Harkins theaters around the city offers discounted movies for students at a designated time by the theater, when presented with a student I.D. at the ticket window.

According to Troi Armendariz, senior manager, of Harkins Theater, located at 3420 E. Bell Road, just west of the 51 Freeway, “Harkins give student discounts towards regular movie showings, seven days a week after 6pm down to $7 dollars per person from the regular price of $9.50 per person with student ID and all our Cinema movie showings before 6pm are always $7 per person, so those tickets are already discounted.”  

For information on Harkins movie discounts call 602-482-4083 or visit www.harkinstheaters.com. 

AMC Theater movie discount days

AMC Theaters also, has discounted movie days throughout the summer for all the general public to enjoy when purchasing tickets the Box office.

According to Ryan Meledrez, supervisor at AMC Theater, located on 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard at Desert Ridge Mall, “AMC has discounted tickets down to $5 for everyone from Mondays through Thursdays for movies showing before 6 pm for general movie playing which doesn’t include 3-D or I Max movie playing.”

This $5 discounted movie price is also good on Friday, Saturday and Sundays for movies showing before noon for the early birds. The Popcorn, drinks, candy at the concession stands are not discounted. To find more information on discounted AMC movies visit www.wildaboutmovies.com.

Free Museum Days

Each May of every year starts off the celebration of the International Museum Day designated by The International Council of Museums. Each day throughout the summer and on, most museums have a designated free day for the public in the month of May through the summer. Some have specific “free days” throughout the entire year.

There are several museums around the Phoenix Metropolitan area that participate in “Arizona museum free days” The following are some of the participating museums in alphabetical order to find out the designated “free days”.                                                                     

• African American Multicultural Museum located at 617 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. Contact 480-314-4400
• Arizona Military Museum - Located on the Papago Military Reservation at 5600 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ.
• Arizona Museum of Natural History (The Dinosaur Museum) located at 53 N. MacDonald in Mesa. Contact 480-644-2230 or visit www.azmnh.org
• Arizona Museum for Youth, located at 35 N. Robson Rd. in Mesa. Contact 480-644-2467.
• Challenger Space Museum in Peoria
• Dear Valley Rock Art Center, located at 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, just north of the 101 freeway. Contact 623-582-8007
• The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
• The Heard Museum, located at 2301 N. Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Contact 602-252-8848.
• International Wildlife Museum in Tucson Arizona
• The Phoenix Art Museum, located at 1625 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix. Contact 602-257-1222.
• The Phoenix Zoo located just South of McDowell Road
• The Pueblo Grande Museum located at 4619 East Washington St. in Phoenix. Contact 602-495-0901.

This is just to name a few of the participating museums in the valley that have free admission days. To find out more participating museums visit www.phoenix.about.com/freemuseums.

Concert in the Garden

Desert Botanical Gardens, located at 1201 E. Galvin Parkway, just north of the Phoenix Zoo, hosts “Music in the Garden” throughout the summer. These concert series are held out in the open within the garden, underneath the star filled night sky.

According to Doug Walton, customer service and event coordinator at Desert Botanical Gardens, “On most Fridays, starting from 7pm until 9pm, people can enjoy listening or dancing to music ranging from jazz to Celtic rock, now until June 24^th.” Discounted tickets come with a membership to the garden.

For further information on “Music in the Garden” at the Desert Botanical Gardens visit www.dbg.org/events.

Free Movie night at Pointe Tapatio Resort

 

Every summer The Pointe Tapatio Resort located at 11111 N. 7^th Street, just south of Thunderbird, shows free pool side movies at the Falls water village for resort guests as well as the general public on Saturday nights. These are family oriented movies that rate from G movies to PG13. No rated R movies.

According to Erick Quintero, sale representative for the Falls at Pointe Tapatio, “Our free summer movies provided to the general public, begin at the end of May, showing from 7 or 7:30 pm (depending on when the sun sets) until the movie ends and continues until the middle of August with popcorn, candy and sodas at a minimal cost.”

The general public will need to call for seating capacity, before being allowed in to join the free movie fun.“Almost all of the time we have plenty of room for the general public and welcome them in for family movie night,” says Quintero.

For more information on Tapito’s free movie nights, call 602-866-7500.

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop

If you have kids and have a Home Depot in your neighborhood, then this workshop, for both girls and boys, is a fun activity for really the entire family and teaches tool safety, how to put together indoor and outdoor wood projects that can be used around the house and your child receives a free orange Home Depot apron, all free of charge!

Every first Saturday of the month home Depot hosts their “Home Depot Kids Workshops” during the morning hours until around 11 am that is geared towards the ages of 5 to 12 years old and where parents can have one on one interaction with their child (children) by learning to build take-home items such as, toolboxes, fire trucks, mail envelope organizers, birdhouses, bughouses wood flower planters and even a  Declaration of Independence frame with a copy of the Declaration included. 

May’s kids workshop will be just in time for Mothers Day with a project of building a Mothers Day tulip planter.

For more information on free Home Depot kids workshops on every first Saturday of every month call your closest Home Depot for exact workshop hours or visit www.homedepot.com/free-home-depot-kids-workshop-first-saturday-month/

Freebies at the Public Library

Public Libraries have free movie, books and music rentals. A library card is all that is needed in order to rent from public libraries. According to Alicia Martin, librarian at Juniper Library, located at 1825 W. Union Hills Road, “You can check out up to 33 free items at the same time on one library card that include CD’s, Auto books and DVD’s, but the DVD’s need to be returned at the end of the week.”

These are just a few local activities for the general public to participate in during the summer for little or no cost. For more activities, visit www.azcentral.com/summeractivities.  

Make this summer be free from the stress of the economy by enjoying what the Valley of the Sun has to offer with out breaking the family’s bank.

“Work hard, but play hard as well! ‘That is the European motto to create harmony in family.”

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz

Your local Travel Writer

April 2011 Events for all to Enjoy in the Valley of the Sun

Spring is in full bloom and not only are the plants springing forward, it’s  the time when everyone has that burst of energy to get out and enjoy activities that the city of Phoenix has to offer throughout the month of April.

The following are a variety of activities for local families, singles and traveling visitors to experience and enjoy with music, food, the great outdoors and great company.

International Film Festival 2011

The month of April reels out the tradition of the International Film Festival that runs from Friday, April 1st, 2011 through April 20th, 2011 and is being held in Tucson, Arizona at The Screening Room,  Crossroads Festival, The Fox Theatre, The Art Institute of Tucson and other sites throughout Tucson. This year represents the 20th year of film celebrations unveiling over 110 films representing 20 countries to be featured in Arizona’s longest running and largest film festival.

In conjunction with The Art institute of Tucson, the festival will present a three-day film summit for filmmakers to discuss the state of the industry and learn more about writing, producing and composing music for film. The film summit will take place Friday April 8th through Sunday April 10th, 2011 at The Art Institute of Tucson.

The Arizona International Film Festival is a project of the Arizona Media Arts Center and is supported by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Art Institute of Tucson and the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

For more festival information visit www.filmfestivalarizona.com.

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Last Weekend for the 2011 Arizona Renaissance Festival - The first weekend in April

  

 

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park with jousting tournaments, dancing, music and all day feasting and drinking of mead (beer) while walking through a very large village (resembling the medieval times) and bowing to the King and Queen as they stroll by. My family goes every year and we never get tired of the yummy food, fun and celebration all day long!

 This year’s AZ Renaissance Festival, runs every Saturday and Sunday, March 1, 2011 through Sunday, April 3, 2011 and is located near the foothills of the Superstition Mountains on State Highway 60, east of Apache Junction, just east of Gold Canyon Golf Resort.

Advanced discount tickets on-line www.RenFestInfo.com or buy them at Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace for $18 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 – 12; children under 5 are always FREE! Tickets purchased at the Festival Box Office are $2 more. Discount tickets for seniors available only at the Festival Box Office. Parking is free! Kazaa!!

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 Sunnyslope 2011 April Art Walk

 

This art walk takes place each year on the second Saturday in April. This years Sunnyslope Art Walk will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 2011 with the festivities and music beginning at 5 pm until 9 pm. The starting point for the art walk traditionally begins with Grinders Coffee located on the southeast corner of Dunlap Avenue and Central. This is north central Phoenix. The festivities move southward along Central from Grinders up to the canal. There will be live music food and drinks to sample, provided by the local restaurants along the route and a variety of artists presenting paintings, photography, metal work and wearable art. All to appease the artistic senses.  Each year brings a great turnout of visitors and bands. For more information on Sunnyslope Art walk visit www.sunnyslopecommunity.org.

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The 2011 Arizona Book Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park

 Each year the City of Phoenix puts on the largest annual book fair which is held at the beginning of the month of April (date changes) with book readings and book signing by over 80 authors , held outdoors at the  Margaret T. Hance Park  located at 1134 North Central Avenue (South of McDowell Road & Central Avenue) Phoenix, AZ 85004 in central Phoenix. The Arizona Book Fair was created to showcase writers of the West and South, as well as book-related events that take place cultural spaces. This event includes children’s activities, music, and food. The festival organizers rented nearly 80 exhibit booths to bookstores, libraries, and publishers.

For mor information and exact date for this book festival contact Margaret Hance Park  at 602 534 2406.

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Scottsdale Culinary Festival 2011

 

This years Culinary Festival flames through 6 days of flavorful foods, enticing wines to roll over the taste buds along with  continual music. Scottsdale will be hosting its 33rd annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival beginning Tuesday, April 5th and entertaining through to Sunday 10th, 2011 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, located 7380 E. 2nd St, in downtown Scottsdale, Arizona.

Park at the Parking garage located west of the Center for the Performing Arts building, directly behind Los Olivos Restaurant on Wells Fargo Ave. Additional  garage parking, located on Drinkwater Blvd., just south of Indian School Rd.

The cost for this event is $65.00 per person.  For more information on the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, please contact the Scottsdale League for the Arts administration office at 480-945-7193

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The Great Arizona Puppet Theater/The Tale of Peter Rabbit

The performance of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” is a classic that can be enjoyed by the youngest to oldest family member. This is a tale originally told in a fable book by the writer, Beatrix Potter, which has been read to children in many households and is now being told through puppetry at one of Arizona’s last running puppet theaters, established in 1983.

This classic story will be showing for most of April, from Wednesday, April 6th through Sunday, April 24th, 2011 with a special performance on the 23rd, The National Day of Puppetry.

According to Natalia Ronceria Ceballos, office manager at The Great Arizona Puppet Theater, “The “Tale of Peter Rabbit” has been in our theaters repertoire for fifteen years as a spring celebration .” 

For information on pricing, Showtime’s and theater directions visit info@azpuppets.org or contact the theater at 602-262-2050.

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The Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter Egg Hunt presents their 35^th year in Peoria

            This year’s Easter event is in its’ thirty fifth year of hosting the largest outdoor Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 23, 2011 with the gate opening at  8:00 a.m. to noon at the Peoria Sports Complex, located at 16101 N. 83^rd Ave just south of Bell Rd. Parking and admission is free with a donation of canned food to benefit St. Mary’s Westside Food Bank Alliance.

For more information on the events at the Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter egg hunt contact Kelli Kincaid-Broady at 623-7737137.

To find more Easter events to participate in this year visit www.phoenix,about.com/events/easter.

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Earth Day Celebrations In Arizona

 

This year Earth Day 2011 will be celebrating its 41st Anniversary as a well celebrated holiday in many countries around the world. Earth Day  is held on Friday, April 22nd, 2011 this year.

How is earth day celebrated in Arizona?

One of the Largest Earth Day event at Downtown Cesar Chaves Plaza

Help keep Phoenix clean and beautiful by celebrating the 41st anniversary of Earth Day in downtown Phoenix!  Join Keep Phoenix Beautiful  Earth Day, one of the largest Earth Day event on Thursday,  April 21st, 2011 beginning at 11:00 am with activities through 1:30 pm at Cesar Chavez Plaza directly across from City Hall.  There will be activities to  learn about recycling and sustainability, take home useful freebies and share the enthusiasm with thousands of other environmentally minded people!   On Friday, April 22nd this Earth Day event will signify a day of service by planting trees and flowers donated by sponsors as well as sprucing up the Cesar Chavez Plaza. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pioneer Living History Museum Celebrates Earth Day

Take a step back in time at Pioneer Living History Museum by celebrating Earth Day with a bang! This Earth Day celebration is Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th, 2011 located at 3901 West Pioneer Road in north Phoenix just off of the I-17 Freeway on Pioneer Road. The event starts at 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on both days with an entry fee of $5 per person.

There will be tree planting throughout the day and participants can dig into a plant a seed take home project. There will be music, youth activities of plant identifying and earth friendly science project booths.  Also, Sonoran Wildlife Services will have special critters on display with Mark Paulat present to answer questions. There is a rustic restaurant on site for a country sit down meal.

To find out mor on Pioneer’s Earth Day visit www.pioneeraz.org.  For more information on Earth Day events visit www.earthday.com.

Enjoy and experience the many events around the Valley and please leave a comment on this article.

“Make this April a Spring filled adventure and laugh with pets, friends and family!”

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz – Arizona

Your local Travel Writer

March 2011 Events Around the Valley in Arizona

The nightly  freezes are finally over and the days are beginning to warm up to Springs delights. The outdoors entice those who are in need of bursting out of their cocooned state of winter.

The following are some ideas for families or individuals to participate in, wich are also reasonable in price and will keep you entertained during the month of March 2011. Events are presented in date order. 

The 2011 Arizona Renaissance Festival

 

 The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park with jousting tournaments, dancing, music and all day feasting and drinking of mead (beer) while walking through a very large village (resembling the medieval times) and bowing to the King and Queen as they stroll by. My family goes every year and we never get tired of the yummy food, fun and celebration all day long!

 This year’s AZ Renaissance Festival, runs every Saturday and Sunday, March 1, 2011 through April 3, 2011 and is located near the foothills of the Superstition Mountains on State Highway 60, east of Apache Junction, just east of Gold Canyon Golf Resort.

Advanced discount tickets on-line www.RenFestInfo.com or buy them at Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace for $18 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 – 12; children under 5 are always FREE! Tickets purchased at the Festival Box Office are $2 more. Discount tickets for seniors available only at the Festival Box Office. Parking is free! Kazaa!!

Its Mardi Gras 2011!!!!!!!

Mardi Gras is known to be celebrated on the beginning of March. March 8th to be exact, but where to go to celebrate in the Phoenix vicinity? Here’s a couple of ideas.

Tempe annually hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras street party, Louisiana style! This years event is held on March 4th, 2011 at the Hacket House, located one block west of Mill Avenue at 95 W. Fourth Street. The event starts at 5:30 pm till 8:30 pm. The entry cost is  $25 per person or $45 for two, which  includes 1 drink per person. There will be Cajun style cuisine such a Jambalaya and more, New Orleans style music (live), free Mardi Gras beads and French Quarter drinks are available to purchase. Costumes are suggested and  prizes will be awarded for the King and Queen.  Pre-paid reservations required. Please call 480-350-8181.

Arizona also reveals its very own Mardi Gras Bar and Grill located at 8040 E. McDowell in Scottsdale. This bar is open from 11:00 am till 2:00 am. Call for details 480-970-5707

Need a Costume?? Contact the Mardi Gras Costume Shop
5895 N. Granite Reef Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Phone: (480) 948-4030 / Fax: (480) 948-0754
Email: info@mardigrascostumeshop.com

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Catlin Court Spring Fling in Glendale/ Paris in the Spring French Market and Sidewalk Café

With March being the French theme, you’ll want to be sure to wear your beret on March 5th, 2011 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and enjoy french style music, an art show, French Market, spectacular shopping and delicious dining located in Historic Downtown Glendale, Arizona. Dine at the 58th Avenue Sidewalk Parisian Café on Saturday (call 623-847-3232 for reservations).For more information, call 623-930-4500 or visit www.VisitGlendale.com

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Maricopa County Home and Garden Show

This years show will be held March 4,5 and 6th, 2011  at the University of Phoenix Stadium located on 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Arizona 85305. (Glendale Ave and the 101). The hours are, Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm. The admission prices are as follows:

Adult: $5.00, 3-12 $2.00, 2 and under Free. 
Senior Day: Friday 10am to noon – $1 admission for all Seniors 60 and over.
Customer Happy Hour: Friday between 4pm and 6pm.  $1 admission for everyone.  For more information visit www.MaricopaCountyHomeShows.com

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Art Festival

The town of Cave Creek presents its 2nd annual Art Festival starting on March 4th 2011 through March 6th 2011 and runs from 10am to 5pm each day. This years festival will present a variety of works from  more than 50 artists along  with music entertainment entertainment and tasty foods. The festival is held at the Stagecoach Village Shopping Center just off of Cave Creek Highway. The festival address is, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331. (Cave Creek Rd. & Calloway Dr.) Pets are welcome and parking is free!

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2011 – Parade and Fair!

why is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that is the day St. Patrick died

Each year Phoenix hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year Phoenix will be celebrating its 28th Anniversary Parade!! This years parade will be held on Saturday, March 12th, 2011 and begins at 10:00 am. The starting location of the parade will be on 3rd Street and travels south from Virginia to Moreland.The Parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, floats and more.  For parade map visit http://www.phxirish.org/forms/Parade_Map.pdf

The Fair will follow immediately after the parade at Margaret T. Hance Park located on N. Central Avenue and W. Culver Street (next to the Irish Cultural Center). The Irish Family Faire admission is $10 for people ages 12 & over, $8 for seniors 55+ and military, $1 for ages 6 – 12, and kids under 6 are admitted free. For more detailed information on the St. Patty’s Fair visit http://phoenix.about.com/od/events/a/stpatricks.htm

Where are all the Irish on St Patty’s Day, March 17th, 2011?? Probably at a true Irish pub. Here’s a list of  Irish hang-outs for the true Irish with in ya!

• Rúla Búla Irish Pub is located at 401 S. Mill Avenue in Tempe and is open seven days a week. For hours and special St. Patrick Day events call 480-929-9500 or visit http://www.rulabula.com.
• Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub is located at 906 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix. For hours cal 602-241-1916 or visit www.rosiemccaffreys.com.
•  The Dubliner Irish Pub is located at 3841 E. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix. Call 602-867-0984 or visit www.dublinerpub.com.
• O’Connors Pub is located at 2601 W. Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix. Call 602-997-7714 or visit www.oconnorspub.com.
• Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub is located at 18 W. Monroe Street in Phoenix. Call 602-253-6081 or visit www.seamusmccaffrey.com.

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2011 Spring Break  from March 14th through the 25th, 2011

Happy Spring Break!!  Have fun what ever you plan on doing!!!!!

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Luke Days – A Two-Day Air Show Event

Luke Days is a special event held at Luke Air Force Base located at Litchfield park in Arizona and is held every other odd-numbered year. On March 19 and 20, 2011 the gates will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with scheduled flying acts beginning at 11 a.m. This years event theme is “70 Years of Thunder.” That is actually no joke, as this event can get loud at times. This event is free to the public.

The two-day show displays exquisite aerial demonstrations, aircraft ground displays (where you can see the planes up close for free), exhibits, and performances such as, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and  The Golden Knights parachute team. Both will be performing both Saturday and Sunday. There is even a Kids Zone for kids.Visitors can buy tickets for activities there. Tickets will be discounted for military families. Food and beverages can be purchased and free water bottles will be available.

It is predicted to be over one hundred thousand people at this event this year and because of the noise, pets are not allowed. There are also some public restrictions. No blankets or lawn chairs will be allowed past the gates (you can rent chairs), no pick-nick coolers or baskets are allowed and of course no fire arms.

Bring your binoculars, a camera or video camera for this event! Also, dress in layers, because mornings will be cool and then warm up in the afternoon. You’ll be looking up quite a bit so don’t forget your hats nd sunscreen. Have fun!

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“The richness of spring brings vibrancy and celebration of travel!”

Travel well,

Lisa Racz

Arizona’s Travel Writer

Spectacular February Events Around The Valley Of The Sun – Arizona

Hey Arizonans and fellow Travelers! February is the month when the Groundhog becomes the talk of when the first day of spring will hit the valley as the weather becomes  less rainy and cold and people start getting that itch to get out and do something. There are plenty of events to do in the month of February to scratch that traveling itch for locals, traveling guests that come to Phoenix, Arizona away from the snow as well as those who have just moved into Arizona.

Here you will find things to do around the Valley for all personality types that include Glendale Chocolate Fair, Phoenix Open and A Superbowl party event, of course, the largest Arizona book fair for all you book lovers, romantic Valentine outings, horsing around at the Arabian Horse Show, The Highland Games, The Arizona Renaissance and much, much more. Activities are in event date order.

The Glendale Chocolate Affair/Cerreta Candy Company

Every year in February, downtown historic Glendale displays chocolates, chocolates, chocolates as a fair. Enough to please anyones pallet whether you like dark, milk chocolate or white and you’ll even get to taste the unusual like, chocolate covered potato chips. Yike! There’s regular food to eat as well.

The Chocolate Affaire takes place at  Murphy Park located in down town Glendale, Arizona and runs from Friday, February 4, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday February 5, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. to Sunday February 6, 2011 from noon to 5 p.m.

There’s fun for all. Children can make crafts to take home, have their face panted, rock climbing for the daring! All can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic Catlin Court district in Glendale. You can purchase chocolate lover shirts and other items.There’s music to enjoy throughout your sugar journey.

Glendale’s Cerreta Candy Company gets into the scene as well and offers tours the same weekend as the Chocolate Affaire. You get to see just how each piece of candy is made. It’s like a mini Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Yummy! Cerreta is about 8 short blocks from the site of the Glendale Chocolate Affaire.  Just follow the crowd. I’ve walked it and it’s very quick. Sometimes there is a shuttle service that will take you there, but it’s such a nice time of the year and the walk through the historic district is never boring to the eye.  Besides, you’ll want to burn off that chocolate, caffeine and sugar high anyways. Have fun!

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The Phoenix Open Golf Tournament

This years 76th Phoenix Open plays through the  same weekend as Super Bowl!  The tournament plays out on February 3,2011 through February 6,2001 at the TPC Scottsdale Golf Course located on 17020 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, Arizona. This course is home of the “Birds Nest” for all your cocktail needs! For more information on the Golf tournament call TPC Scottsdale 888-400-4001 or visit www.tpc.com.

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Superbowl 2011

Lets not forget to look at the annual tradition of football where even the girliest of girls get involved. Superbowl Sunday, 2011(XLV)!  Greenbay Packers V. Pittsburg Stealers to compete for the Superbowl trophy and for one to be the best team in football. Superbowl 2011 is on February 6th, 2011, where the kickoff begins the game at 6:30 EST and will be held within the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. For Superbowl packages visit:
http://ultimatesportsadventures.com/superbowl.html.

Besides the normal barbeques and house parties that play out on Superbowl Sunday, there are game events where football enthusiasts can go to watch the game and let loose, like in the spirited town of Cave Creek. Two separate bars host each side of the game. A crowd of Steelers fans are expected to gather at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral and an assembly of Packers fans will show at The Buffalo Chip Saloon, once owned by Green Bay icon Max McGee. For more Superbowl events visit: www.azcentral.com/superbowl2011.

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VNSA Used Book Fair

     

Now lets first stop at one of Arizona’s largest book Fairs. This year the VNSA holds their 55th annual book sale fair on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 8 am to 6 pm and on Sunday, February 13th, 2011 8 am to 4 pm. This event takes place in the Exibit Hall at the Arizona State Fair grounds located on 1826 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. (40 Street and McDowell). There is a parking fee of around $9. Each year I go to this event, as old book collecting is one of my favorite hobbies! Be prepared to feel a little like a crowd of cattle being led into a coral as the doors open for this event, because book dealers, hobbiests and people who love to collect old and/or antique books (like me) look forward to going to this once a year event. It’s worth it once you get inside the building, because you’ll find books at fantastic prices. Nothing like curling up by a romantic fireplace and soaking into an old piece of writing or just a plain good book! For more information visit www.vnsabooksale.org.

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The 2011 Arizona Renaissance Festival

 

 The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park with jousting tournaments, dancing, music and all day feasting and drinking of mead (beer) while walking through a very large village (resembling the medieval times) and bowing to the King and Queen as they stroll by. My family goes every year and we never get tired of the yummy food, fun and celebration all day long!

 This year’s AZ Renaissance Festival, runs every Saturday and Sunday, February 12, 2011 through April 3, 2011 including Presidents’ Day Monday February 21, 2011, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and is located near the foothills of the Superstition Mountains on State Highway 60, east of Apache Junction, just east of Gold Canyon Golf Resort.

Advanced discount tickets on-line www.RenFestInfo.com or buy them at Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace for $18 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 – 12; children under 5 are always FREE! Tickets purchased at the Festival Box Office are $2 more. Discount tickets for seniors available only at the Festival Box Office. Parking is free! Kazaa!!

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Star Gazing – A romantic and intellectual event

For most of the year Arizona reveals clear sky’s, portraying the outer universe as a screen of displaying stars. If your into the outer universe, this is for you. Meet with the rest of the star gazers in up coming events.  The predicted clear night event takes place on February 5, 2011 at  Usery Mountain Park , and again at at Chandler Space Center  on February 12, 2011. this is an educational and eye-opening outing that is a must see. I have participated in these events and they’re very eye-opening! For mor event information visit: http://www.stargazingforeveryone.com/Public-Programs-Flyer.pdf Have a celestial experience! 

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***Happy Valentines Day! Some Whimsical (quaint) Ideas!***

 

Dinner theaters: 

There’s  Mystery Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theater (the longest running mystery dinner theater) located at, 202 North Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Solve a murder and enjoy a delicious three course dinner and a show. Dinner showtimes are on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and occasional Sundays. Call for Sundays. (480) 994-1520.Ticket Prices $39.00 (Tax & Gratuities Not Included) or in the town of Peoria, the Arizona Broadway Dinner Theater featuring, “My Fair Lady” for Valentines Day. Located 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. There is much to choose from the menu. Call 623.776.8400 for tickets.

Horse and Buggy Rides in Old Town Scottsdale with KC’s Classic Carriage Company

Soak in the eye-catching views of statues, fountains, and the most elegant galleries as well as nightly ambiance while trotting down dimmed-lighted, cobblestone streets of Old Town Scottsdale in the arms of a loved one or with a few good friends.

KC’s Classic Carriage Company has been carriage tour rides since 1993. Carriages are available and  located at Brown and Main Street. Although carriages are generally available on a walk-up basis, advance reservations ensure immediate availability. I have taken a  few carriage rides and truly, this is magical and memorable, since this is not an everyday thing to do. The horses are magnificent! Bring some carrots along for the horse.

Pricing varies, so call for your specific ride choice. (480) 855-3810 or for more information on carriage rides visit http://www.horsencarriage.com/ScottsdaleCarriages.html

Romantic Restaurants with Patios or Fireplaces 

I have been to  these restaurants and they truly are romantic as the fireplace crackles while you eat and sip your favorite wine with talks of romance.  Here are a few examples of some lovely restaurants.

• Olive and Ivy located on 7135 E. Camelback Rd. in Scottsdale. 480-751-2200. –  This restaurant has a very nice casual patio with crackling fireplaces.
• Different Point of View located on 11111 N. 7th Street (cross streets are Cactus/7th Street)  in Phoenix 602-866-6350 - This restaurant is at the top of the mountain and is lightly lite with views of the surrounding desert preserves. This place is very intimate and the food is wonderful! 
• The Salt Cellar Restaurant located (underground)located on 550 N. Hayden Rd.  in Scottsdale 480-947-1963 – (reservations suggested) This seafood and steak restaurant is underground. That’s right! Look for the white building with blue awnings and the lite up “Salt Cellar” sign. Very cool place. I like the rustic, yet elegant style of the surrounding of wood as you venture downwards.  
• Coup des Tartes Bistro located 4626 N. 16th Street in Phoenix 602-212-1082 – This is a BYOB French Bistro, so bring your own wine. If you prefer not to drink this place is for you as well. Inside there’s wood flooring an candles lit all around. The french know romance and this restaurant portraits that image!

For more romantic restaurant  ideas in your area visit http://www.phoenixasap.com/romantic-dining.html.

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Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show At Westworld

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is celebrating it 56th annual show this year in 2011. The show begins on February 17, 2011 through February 27, 2011 and will be held at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona just off from the 101 freeway and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.

the Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been trotting along since 1955 and has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2000 horses that come from around the world; all competing for  a win. That’s money for the horses!

There will be food and beverages, shopping for Western and English riding wear as well as multiple venders to shop from, several  horse shows displaying  the power and beauty of each wonderful horse and other activities.

General Admission.……………$10/day
Seniors/Military…………………$7/day
Children 12 & under…………Free
Reserved Bleacher Seating (All Ages)…$15/day
General Admission…………………$10/evening
Reserved Bleacher Seating…………$15/evening

The horse show holds a “Family Night Friday” which is where admission is free after 3:00 pm  on February 18, 2011. For more information on The Arabian Horse Show visit http://www.scottsdaleshow.com.

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Arizona Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Gathering

The Caledonian Society of Arizona puts on the annual Scottish Highland Games and Celtic Gathering located at Steele Indian School Park in central Phoenix with free parking available at the Carl T. Hayden VA Hospital, 650 E. Indian School Rd. That’s  a quick few blocks walk.

This Scottish, Celtic event takes place Saturday, February 26, 2011 and Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a display of  athletic events, piping, drumming Highland Dancing, You’ll get to meet Scottish Clans and witness historical reenactments. Grab your partner and attempt to join in  Scottish country dancing with traditional and modern Scottish music. Children can be involved with Scottish games and activities. You can be bold and try some tasty Scottish food and beverages. Tickets are available at the gate on the days of the event and the costs are as follows:

Ages 16 and over: $16
Seniors 60+: $14
Active Military: $14
Ages 5-15: $5
Under 5: Free

For more information  on this event visit the Caledonian Society of Arizona online.

Remember that the month of February is also ”Black History” month, so maybe read a book on the subject from the this months book fair and treat people from all walks of life respectfully. We are all connected in one way or another.  Now go out and participate in some February events and have a great time!!

 For more events and things to do around the Valley in February visit these sites. http://www.hellophoenix.com/events.cfm,  www.about.com, http://phoenix.about.com/cs/events/a/festivals02.htm, http://eventful.com/tucson/events/february,

Hope you enjoyed reading this months blog article. Please leave a comment. I value what my readers (you) think of my  articles. Thanks

“The saying ‘I’m bored’ holds no real existence if your out and about doing things that interest you!”

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz – Travel & Environment Writer

Your Local and Abroad Travel Writer

Hello World! My New Travel Blog Site – Pictures of Around the Valley in Arizona

Not only am I an environment writer at www.lisaracz.wordpress.com, but I have begun my writings in the world of travel now at www.Lisaejrac.wordpress.com , which I often do when I’m not researching environment issues. 

Enjoy these pictures for my first blog posting of my Arizona inner-state travels of the past summer (2010) 

South Mountain Preserve park

 South Mountain Preserve Park holds some beautiful hiking trails. Some holding a constant chorus of desert finches, the echoing call of the woodpecker, and coocooing of the desert doves.

Hiking trail within South Mountain Preserve Park surrounded by birds

On the top of South Mountain you can sit in a stone dwelling and view the city below in its entirety. During the hot Arizona summers, this stone dwelling will keep cool inside its walls with a temperature of approximately ten degrees cooler than the outside sun beating heat temperature.

View of South Phoenix from atop of South Mountain Preserve Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tucson’s Ostrich Farm

There are many animals to see at the ostrich Farm in Tucson, Arizona such as the ostrich, of course, deer, nectar eating birds and very friendly donkeys.

Feeding the Ostrich's at Tucsons Ostrich Farm is an adventure

 

Oh dear! It's time to feed the Deer again at Tucson's Ostrich Farm.

Birds eating nectar from a cup at Tucson's Ostrich Farm

 

Teen feeding donkeys at Ostrage Farm.

 

 San Xavier “Dove of the desert”

 

While in Tucson, Arizona we decided to visit the “Dove of the desert.” The nick name for the oldest , historical and traditional Catholic Church, San Xavier. This church has no air conditioning, but reveals original carvings and paintings. Very beautiful and historically humble!

 

San Xavier "Dove of the Desert" in Tucson. Arizona

Pioneer Village Western Town

If your into the Ol’West, you’ll get plenty of that as we did while visiting Pioneer Village just off of the I-17 freeway on Pioneer Road.

 

 

Get a rope! It's hang'n time.

 Just a few places around Arizona that are worth the travel time in a car. Hope you enjoyed a very brief taste of a few places to travel within Arizona on this travel blog site.

“No place should be left untraveled and all places are worth the look.”

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz

Lisa EJ Racz

Travel Writer

Travel Editor/Puma Press – Paradise Valley, Arizona

 

 

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