Spring Training in Phoenix

Although it’s still football season here in New England (go Pats!), I’m excited for baseball season to start.  While my beloved Red Sox don’t play in the Cactus League, many other great teams do.  If you are looking for a March getaway, and want to catch some great spring training games, consider visiting the greater Phoenix area.

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Phoenix during spring training, and I had such a great time that I decided to visit this year with my family.  We are visiting in March, and plan to check out several games.

During spring training, there’s no such thing as a bad (or expensive) seat.  I went to three games at three different stadiums, and loved feeling like I am part of the action.  Although Fenway Park is small, I never get that kind of up-close experience during the regular season.  Plus, the warm weather makes it such a fabulous outdoor activity.  We plan to get lawn seats, like those shown in the photo above, and just spread out and enjoy.

Spring training in Phoenix starts March 2, 2012.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitor’s Bureau covered the expenses for my spring training and family fun trip last year.

A wheel from one of the wagons our descendants traveled in to their homestead in Wyoming in the 1800's.

I’m sure you’ve seen the “Ask Friends Who Know” query box on Uptake’s main page. I thought I’d share with you my experience with using this feature. Yes! Not only do I WORK for Uptake, I’m also a customer!

My husband’s father passed away in early December, which prompted a last-minute road trip to Wyoming from our home in Arizona. Concerned about snowfall and road closures, I posted the following question in the “Ask Friends” query box at 9:22 a.m. on December 21st:

“What is the best winter driving route from Phoenix to Cheyenne? We’re trying to avoid treacherous routes and road closures!”

At 10:14 a.m. on the same day (less than an hour later!) I received this response from John Johnson:

“This time of year its best to avoid the mountains if it all possible. With this in mind, from Phoenix I would take Highway 89 North to Salt Lake City, then merge onto Northbound Interstate 15 towards Beaver.

Take exit 298 and merge onto Interstate 215 West (Belt Route), from there take exit 20A and merge onto Utah 201 East.

Continue on until you see the signs to merge onto Interstate 80 East. Take exit 358 (W. Lincolnway) off Interstate 80 and this will put you in downtown Cheyenne.”

We followed John’s recommended route EXACTLY and had precisely ZERO issues. We drove straight through to Salt Lake City (nearly 12 hours!) and stayed overnight at the Little America Hotel, which was just lovely. Then we drove the remaining way to our relative’s home in Wyoming.

John’s advice gave us considerable peace of mind in a trying time, and for that we were grateful. I had faith and confidence in his recommendations because of my faith and confidence in the Uptake community.

So. My advice to you all is to take advantage of that lovely feature the next time you find yourself traveling!

Photo credit: Tiffany Joyce

Drool over the fancy cars at the Arizona International Auto Show.

Stuffed? Looking for something to do to walk off all of that stuffing and mashed potatoes and pie? If you’re in the Phoenix area, here are three great options to get you off of the couch!

Arizona International Auto Show – November 24th through the 27th at the Phoenix Convention Center. Drool over all of the exotic cars that you’ll never be able to afford. Daydream about winning the lottery. Adults: $10, Senior Citizens: $6, Military: $6, Children (7 – 12): $6, Children (6 & under): free.

The Phoenix Zoo is enjoying regular daytime hours on Thanksgiving, plus the start of the annual Zoolights extravaganza (which begins November 24th and has separate pricing) at night. Wandering around the zoo is the perfect way to walk off all of that turkey! And it will either be really quiet because of the holiday, or really packed because of the holiday. Risk is what makes life so exciting, right? Adults: $18, Children (3-12) $9, Children Under 3 free.

Crackerjax in North Scottsdale is open Thanksgiving Day from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. This amusement park features go-carts, a bunjy bounce, bumper boats, a driving range, a miniature golf course, batting cages, and an arcade. After a day of all of THAT activity, you might just be ready for seconds by the time you get home!

Photo by Tiffany Joyce

Great Minds Drink Alike!

Arizona Beer Week is in ninety-four days (February 18-25, 2012). Events are being held all over the state, and a loooong list of restaurants are featuring a variety of specials. Here is just a quick sample:

- The whole thing kicks off on Saturday the 18th at the 12th Annual Arizona Strong Beer Festival, held at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix on February 18th. “Strong Beer” is just what you might think – the festival is all about high-alcohol content craft beers. General admission is $30 in advance, $40 at the gate, and gains you a commemorative tasting “mug” (it’s 4 ounces) and 15 drink tickets which, TRUST ME, is PLENTY.

- The Lumberyard Brewery in Flagstaff is having a beach party on the 18th as well. This amuses me, as Flagstaff in February = SNOW. But imagine hanging out on the patio on a bright winter day, bundled up and chilling (har) around the fire pit, sipping on local brews and batting around a beach ball. My idea of heaven!

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