The goal of my day spent exploring Papago Park was to crawl inside Hole in the Rock. I was prepared for quite a hike, but it was an easy walk up. I stayed to watched the sunset. Downtown Phoenix can be seen in the background. Have you been to Papago Park? ... Read the Post...
Another Fall League Game: Scottsdale Scorpions vs. Peoria Javelinas
My favorite Scorpions player, Burgy: Beware. ... Read the Post...
Arizona Fall League game: Scottsdale Scorpions vs. Surprise Rafters
My first Fall League experience was exciting and entertaining. The weather was gorgeous (cool, in the 70s, with a light breeze), tickets were cheap ($6), and we had the pleasure of sitting next to a woman named Sue, an enthusiastic baseball fan who counts baseball players among her acquaintances. She cheers passionately for her team and doesn't let up. Many players acknowledged her as they made their way back to the dugout and seemed to ... Read the Post...
Late-night hiking at Hayden Butte Preserve (A Mountain)
No matter what time it is, you'll likely find people climbing Hayden Butte, better known as A Mountain. I climb it for fitness reasons, as I'm preparing for a Grand Canyon hike. It's a quick, steep ascent that really gets the heart pumping. Do it two and three times and you're set. But give yourself time to enjoy the view. Hayden Butte Preserve ... Read the Post...
Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona
It was forecast to hit 115 degrees in the Valley on Wednesday, so I ran away to Flagstaff for a day, where it was in the 70s and beautiful. We left Tuesday and spent the night checking out the downtown area. I especially loved and recommend Collin's Irish Pub, which had a brew from Sedona that my companion liked and great drink specials ($2 pints on Tuesdays!). In the morning we rode the Skyride at Arizona Snowbowl up to 11,500 feet and took ... Read the Post...
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
My favorite thing to do in December is go to Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. It's beautiful and romantic, sort of like the grown-up version of ZooLights. This year the garden exhibited works by Allan Houser, along with countless plants illuminated nicely by thousands of luminarias. The exhibit changes every year. You walk along the garden's pathways for what seems like many miles, so comfortable shoes, ... Read the Post...
ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo
With hot chocolate in hand, I took a walk through ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo. ZooLights is exactly what it sounds like ... animal-shaped light displays at the Zoo. The lights are accompanied by and in some places synced to Christmas music. It's a good time, although I'm not sure I could bear the cold without the hot chocolate to warm me up. These Phoenix winters are rough! We even saw a (real) zebra. Ticket prices for ... Read the Post...
Lost Dutchman State Park
I have been dying to start hiking again, and now that the weather has finally cooled off I decided to try a hike at Lost Dutchman State Park. Unfortunately, I didn't plan the hike very well. My lack of planning, compounded by the fact that today was unusually windy, kept me from being able to hike far (I couldn't even see the mountain!), but I did enjoy a nice short walk on the Discovery Trail just after sunset. These signs on the trail made me ... Read the Post...
Visiting Mesa Contemporary Arts for Free
I discovered the Phoenix Library's Culture Pass recently, which gives you free admission for up to four people to such Valley attractions as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo. The trick is to get to the library as early as possible to check out the pass, which I was told gets snatched up quickly. I managed to grab a pass for Mesa Contemporary Arts. The center is made up of five small galleries that house works by local, national and ... Read the Post...
Phoenix Art Museum: Best Day to Visit
One could easily spend an entire day admiring -- or trying to figure out -- the various works of art on display at the Phoenix Art Museum. I discovered that I like Philip C. Curtis (although I'm not sure I understand him). I also liked: I especially liked this sculpture, which is made to resemble a real stack of comic books. And this: Take advantage of free admission at the museum each Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. It's a good time ... Read the Post...