Dec 15, 2009 17:32 - By: Laura Charon
The Grand Canyon Railway
There is just something about the combination of Christmas and trains that speaks to my nostalgic side. When I was little my grandmother had a really old, really authentic train set that was made out of, like, iron or something. She’d set it up under the Christmas tree every year and it would weave its way around the stacks of presents (I was spoiled), making its distinctive “clack clack clack” sound that became the background sound of just about every Christmas of my childhood.
Years (ahem, an undisclosed number of them) passed.
Then, the movie “The Polar Express” came out back in 2004, and revitalized the obsession with Christmas trains in small children everywhere. To the excitement and joy of Arizona children, the Grand Canyon Railway established their own Christmas tradition with their version of The Polar Express.
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Dec 13, 2009 12:42 - By: Laura Charon
A cactus strung with Christmas lights in Arizona.
Hop in the car, take a drive around town, and see businesses and neighborhoods who have gone all-out to bring holiday cheer in the form of elaborate Christmas light displays.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, hosts train rides among more than 100,000 lights and displays. Nightly from 6:30 to 9:00 running from December 11th through January 2nd, excluding December 24th, 25th, and 31st. Train rides are $2.00 and carousel rides are $1.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult.
The Red Rock Fantasy in Sedona, Arizona, is entering its nineteenth year. The festival is open each evening (weather permitting) from November 19th through January 2nd, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children aged 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Dozens of southwest-themed displays and millions (yes, millions!) of lights make this one of the premier Christmas light festivals in Arizona. The route begins at the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa lobby under the lighted Red Rock Fantasy arch, and is clearly marked with reflective strips. It takes approximately 60 minutes to complete the tour by foot, and assistance is offered by the resort staff for those who are physically challenged.
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Dec 09, 2009 8:01 - By: Laura Charon
Baby Oranutan at the Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo, which has been voted among the “Top Five Zoos for Kids”, once again hosts its annual Zoolights Christmas light display. From now until January 10th, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. nightly, patrons of the Phoenix Zoo are regaled with 2.5 million Christmas lights strung among the pathways and exhibits, with music coordinated to enhance the 500 two- and three-dimensional light features.
Lighting techniques include rope lights, LED lights, light strands, black light, fiber optics, lasers, gobos, strobes, lights programmed to music, and net lighting in trees or shrubbery. The entire combined effect is breathtaking as visitor stroll among the network of pathways throughout the Zoo property.
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Dec 06, 2009 14:50 - By: Laura Charon
My husband and I have two local restaurant/bars that we regularly visit in our home town. We’re there so often that we’re known by name, and when they see us coming they plunk our preferred beverages, sitting all nice and frosty on the bar, before we can even plunk ourselves down on the bar stool. So, if you’re looking for a great place to hang out in Chandler, Arizona, look no further!
Sandstone Cafe - Chandler, AZ
The Sandstone Cafe is a tiny establishment (but expanding at the end of December!) which seamlessly mixes sophisticated cuisine and aperitifs with a great neighborhood bar atmosphere. The owner, chef, and staff considers every one of their customers to be family, and you’re treated to a personalized experience every time you come back. The Sandstone holds regular brewery events, and wine and tapas parties, which educate patrons on brewery techniques and winery processes, hosted by local and domestic brewery and vineyard representatives.
They have a fantastic menu (the lasagna is to die for), which is constantly evolving and offering wonderful surprises (my husband and I had portobello caps stuffed with crab meat and finished with a vegetable demiglaze just last night). Food and drink specials run on a daily basis, and the football game/baseball game/basketball game/UFC fight/boxing match is always shown on several TV’s. The atmosphere is a nice balance of comfortable, sophisticated, and sociable. A merry band of regular customers (my husband and I are members) keeps the place lively.
The Sandstone Cafe is located at 4959 W. Ray Road in Chandler, on the south-east corner of Ray and Rural Roads, just off of the I-10 or Loop 101. Prices are extremely reasonable for food and beverages, and it is a family-friendly establishment.
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Dec 04, 2009 16:44 - By: Whit Honea
It, you may have noticed, is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Want to get into the act? All you need is a big belly, a sleigh and some happy help. The beard (and shirt) are optional.
Other holiday favorites include shopping. From Arizona to Gilman Village, people are dropping what little loot they have left on stuff for you so you, so jolly up. No matter where your holiday travels take you there are gifts to be found. This is a fact.
Hit the road shopping, people. It’s merry time.
Photo by Whit Honea
For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Dec 02, 2009 9:09 - By: Laura Charon
The Fairmont Resort in Scottsdale
There’s always stuff going on in Scottsdale, Arizona – which is why it’s such a popular vacation destination. Plus, the winter weather in this area of Arizona just can’t be beat – you can indulge outdoor dining (or any other outdoor activity) in December with just a light jacket or sweater! My husband and I live just a few minutes away in Chandler, and we usually find a reason about once a week or so to head into Scottsdale for some food, culture, and entertainment.
The Grill at the Fairmont Scottsdale is partnering with CleanFish Alliance, an organization that supports sustainable fishing practices, and is offering “Clam Bakes on the Patio” every Friday evening. For $28 per adult ($12 for children ages six through twelve, children under six are free) diners are treated to clams, mussels, and shrimp, as well as a variety of desserts. Homesick for Maine as I am, you can rest assured I’ll be heading on over there this weekend!
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Nov 30, 2009 9:44 - By: Laura Charon
A view from the Apache Trail.
The Apache Trail – officially designated as AZ Rt. 88 – is forty miles of steep, winding, and mostly unpaved roads that connect the Arizona towns of Apache Junction and Globe, through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest. It was developed in the 1800’s as a stagecoach trail running through the mountains, and named after the Apache Indians who originally used the trail.
The hike up to Tonto National Monument
Traversing the Apache Trail is tricky and not for the faint of heart, but travelers are rewarded with magnificent views of the mountains and local flora and fauna. It is along this route that some of the most dense forests of saguaro cacti in the state can be seen. There are several large lakes along the route for boating, picnicking, hiking, and swimming – Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and Apache Lake all lead up to the Theodore Roosevelt Lake and Roosevelt Dam. Other attractions along the route include the Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours, the Lost Dutchman State Park, Tortilla Flat (population six!), Fish Creek, and the Tonto National Monument, before finally reaching the town of Globe.
The Theodore Roosevelt Dam.
To get to the Apache Trail, take U.S. 60 east all to Apache Junction, to the turn-off for AZ88/Idaho Road. Follow the signs through Apache Junction toward Canyon Lake. Once in Globe, the ride back to the Phoenix metropolitan area is a quick drive north on I-10. It is NOT recommended to drive large vehicles or RV’s along the Apache Trail due to very narrow roads and switchbacks.
Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Apache Trail” by eflon on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “The Hike up to Tonto” by randwill on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Theodore Roosevelt Dam” by randwill on Flickr Creative Commons.
Nov 27, 2009 10:21 - By: Laura Charon
A ski lift up the mountain at Sunrise.
I recently posted about Arizona Snowbowl, the ski resort in Flagstaff, Arizona. However, Flagstaff is not the only Arizona town that boasts a great ski resort.
The Sunrise Park Resort is located in the town of Greer, in the White Mountains of Central-Eastern Arizona – 218 miles from Phoenix and 230 miles from Tucson. Folks can travel 250 from Albuquerque New Mexico, and 299 miles from El Paso Texas. Three mountains (Sunrise Peak – 10,700 ft; Apache Peak – 11,100 feet; Cyclone Circle – 10,700 feet) with 800 acres of skiing offer 65 runs for all levels of expertise, as well as separate areas for snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, and sleigh rides. There is an on-mountain equipment rental shop, ski school, and child care.
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