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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The ubiquitous saguaro cacti of the Arizona desert.

The great thing about living in the Phoenix area is that in the winter we only have to experience snow if we want to. Snow is an outright novelty reserved for the adventurous who wish to travel the two- to five-hour drive to get to elevations that receive snowfall. Otherwise, for the most part we enjoy balmy temperatures and only the occasional rainstorm. So, if you’re currently stuck in a snow drift and craving a non-arctic getaway, might I recommend a visit to Arizona? Here are eight great winter activities to do in the state.

One – Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park. The caves have a year-round average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Check out this article for more information.

Two – Stroll among the shops of Old Town Scottsdale. Sunny days get up into the high 60′s in the winter, and there’s no slush on the sidewalks! Take a look at this article for more information.

Three – Hike the Superstition Wilderness. Take a stab at finding the Lost Dutchman’s hidden stash of gold!

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The Boulder Resort in Carefree

The 17th annual Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival is being held from November 5th through the 7th in downtown Carefree, Arizona. More than 175 fine artists will be featured, and the crowd will be entertained with live local music. Browse along the many booths and displays, and admire arts and crafts from a myriad of disciplines. Enjoy chocolate and wine from across the globe, or indulge in heartier fare courtesy of local Arizona restaurants.

The Americas at La Gran Fiesta: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Culture is a free outdoor festival being held at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 6th and 7th. The festival showcases Mexican, Caribbean, and South American artistry, culture, music, dance, and cuisine. Live performances by Arizona’s top Latin bands will entertain the whole family. Activities for children will also be provided, as well as handmade gifts, and Latin-inspired food and drinks.

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