MOMIX: Botanica – Ballet Arizona

A Need for the Arts

This is a great time to be in the Valley of the Sun. The weather is great and the theaters and cultural centers are alive with events, performances and special engagements. We are known for getting some of Broadway’s best plays. This season see Wicked at ASU Gammage. The Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Opera are in full swing with concerts and performances that rival those seen in Boston or New York City. Ballet Arizona will take audiences by surprise with MOMIX: Botanica or The Sleeping Beauty. Unique, more intimate venues are also alive with their season’s best performances. Don’t miss Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, Theater Works in Peoria or The Great Puppet Theatre of Arizona. Many of the Valley museums are also debuting special exhibits and engagements. The Phoenix Art Museum opens its impressive exhibit, “Sacred Word and Image: Five World Religions.” The Scottsdale ArtWalk brings both music and art alive on Thursdays in Old Town Scottsdale.

ASU Gammage
1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe
480-965-3434
asugammage.com

Arizona Opera
75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix
602-266-7464
azopera.com

Ballet Arizona
3645 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
602-381-0184
balletaz.org

The Great Puppet Theatre of Arizona
302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
602-262-2050
azpuppets.org

Old Town Scottsdale
scottsdaledowntown.com

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-257-1222
phxart.org

Phoenix Symphony
225 E. Adams St., Phoenix
602-495-1999
phoenixsymphony.org

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
4720 N. Scottsdale Rd.,  Scottsdale
480-483-1664
desertstages.org

Theater Works 
8355 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria
623-815-7930
theaterworks.org

TPC Scottsdale – Waste Management Phoenix Open

Go Green

Golf in the Valley can be enjoyed year-round, which is why we’re home to so many award-winning courses. In fact, many of the Valley’s courses are frequently visited by the pros themselves. Challenge yourself at Troon North Golf Club, which was named the No. 1 course in the Valley by Golf Magazine. The two 18-hole courses afford picturesque vistas of Pinnacle Peak and were redesigned by Tom Weiskopf. TPC Scottsdale is home to the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open, which welcomes the PGA tour each February. Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf designed the two championship courses, which are open to the public for play. Enjoy scenic views of the McDowell Mountains, rolling greens and water hazards on the two courses at Grayhawk Golf Club. The club also has a golf school that offers private lessons and even three-day workshops.

Troon North Golf Club
10320 E. Dynamite Blvd. Scottsdale
480.585.5300
troonnorthgolf.com

TPC Scottsdale
17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
480-585-4334
www.tpc.com/tpc-scottsdale

Grayhawk Golf Club
8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale
480-502-1800
grayhawkgolf.com

A view of the dance floor at Myst from the DJ booth

A Night Out

Whether you’re looking to dance until dawn, are in search of live music or prefer a quiet, intimate wine lounge, the Valley has plenty to pick from. And this season’s hottest nightlife spots offer abundant dance space to burn off some of that Holiday cheer. Get your groove on at some Old Town Scottsdale faves like AXIS Radius or Myst. DJs play through the wee hours of the night and cocktails are abundant, with many bar locations and people-watching. If you want to find out how the West was won, hit the Carefree/Cave Creek area for Harold’s Cave Creek Corral or The Horny Toad Restaurant. Learn to dance country-western or just eat and tell stories of old. Nightlife is Valley-wide with the help of the Salty Señorita and Sandbar, each with multiple locations to drink, watch sports and party the night away. Get local at The Vig and The Vig Uptown to be among the after-work crowd and neighborhood regulars in the mood for casual lounging and saucy cocktails. On cool nights, get there early to snag a seat by the outdoor fireplaces.

AXIS Radius
7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
480-970-1112
axis-radius.com

Myst
7340 E. Shoeman Ln., Scottsdale
480-970-5000
mystaz.com 

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-1906
haroldscorral.com

The Horny Toad Restaurant
6738 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-9542
thehornytoad.com

Salty Señorita
8011 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria
623-979-4822

3636 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-946-7258
saltysenorita.com

Sandbar
10050 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-998-8845

7200 W Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ
480-961-1700

21001 North Tatum Boulevard, Pheonix
480-585-5900

9868 W Northern Ave, Peoria
623-877-6444
sandbaraz.com

The Vig
4041 N. 40th St., Phoenix
602-553-7227
thevig.us

The Vig Uptown
6015 N. 16th St., Phoenix
602-633-1187
thevig.us

The interior of the newly renovated NoRTH by Fox Restaurants Concepts

Culinary Favorites

This time of year, the high heat has been replaced with easy, breezy weather and visitors flock to the Valley for the season. But whether you’re new in town, returning for winter or have long lived in the Valley, there are a few dining spots that cannot be missed.

Try the light, wood-fired pizzas at La Grande Orange Pizzeria, an Arcadia neighborhood fave with an adjoining grocery that serves breakfast and sandwiches through the afternoon. Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse is known for its big-city ambience, upscale dining and thick, juicy steaks. Order the warm butter cake for dessert, which is truly scintillating. Trendsetters love the modern vibe at Stingray Sushi and noshing on their signature rolls and specialty cocktails before a night out on the town. Recently revamped NoRTH continues to impress with modern Italian dishes served in a casual, contemporary setting at Kierland Commons. Be prepared to wait at Matt’s Big Breakfast, a cozy diner-like space that serves fresh, organic entrées that will not disappoint. And when it comes to weekend brunch, snag a seat at Zinc Bistro’s charming indoor garden for some mimosas and classic French fare.

La Grande Orange Pizzeria
4410 North 40th St. # 1, Phoenix, AZ
(602) 840-7777
lagrandeorangegrocery.com

Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse
6991 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 941-4700
mastrosrestaurants.com

Stingray Sushi
4302 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 941-4460
stingraysushi.com

NoRTH
15024 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 948-3460
foxrc.com

Matt’s Big Breakfast
801 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ
(602) 254-1074
mattsbigbreakfast.com

Zinc Bistro
15034 N Scottsdale Rd #140, Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 603-0922
zincbistroaz.com

Child mesmerized by a Stingray at the Sea Life Arizona Aquarium

Adventurous Fun

Whether you’ve got an adrenaline-packed date night or a family fun outing on the mind, the Valley has plenty of recreational venues to keep you entertained. Satisfy your need for speed at F1 Race Factory, where you can race your friends and family inside Arizona’s largest indoor kart-racing facility. There’s even a 21-foot rock-climbing wall and arcade games to keep you entertained before or after the race. Adrenaline junkies will love K1 Speed, an electric indoor racing cart track for both adults and kids. The Sea Life Arizona Aquarium at Arizona Mills Mall lets you get up close and personal with rare and rescued sea creatures like sharks, seahorses and octopi. Strut your stuff with a dance class at Fred Astaire and practice your putt at Golfland Sunsplash, which has three 18-hole miniature-golf courses, video arcades and laser tag, too. This season is a fun one for sports junkies, too, who won’t want to miss out on court action from the Phoenix Suns.

F-1 Race Factory
317 S. 48th St., Phoenix
602-302-7223
f1racefactory.com

K1 Speed
2425 S. 21st St., Phoenix
602-275-5278
k1speed.com

Sea Life Arizona Aquarium
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir.,  Tempe
480-478-7600
visitsealife.com/arizona

Fred Astaire
2390 N. Alma School Rd., Ste 123, Chandler
480-917-9133
1949 E. Brown Rd, Ste. 1, Mesa
480-969-7800
4649 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix
602-493-3003
5905 W Bell Rd., Ste. 1-2, Glendale
602-843-5700
10135 E. Via Linda, Ste. C116, Scottsdale
480-473.0388
fredastairearizona.com

Golfland Sunsplash 
155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa
480-834-8319
golfland.com

Phoenix Suns
US Airways Center
201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
602-379-7867
phoenixsuns.com 

Scottsdale Quarter

Retail Resonates

This is the time of year when the open-air malls are all the rage. From Biltmore Fashion Park at 24th Street and Camelback Road to CityNorth in North Phoenix, the urban stroll among these shopping districts seems all the more exciting. Shops are filled with the season’s best fashions, furnishings and accessories. Stroll the new Scottsdale Quarter, which is now nearly full. Anchored by some well-known bigger shops like H&M, Apple Store and Nike, this is also home to some unique gems. Visit Beach Bunny Swimwear for those great poolside fashions. Don’t miss Galicia Fine Jewelry’s breathtaking quality jewels and artistic pieces. Pamper yourself at Avalon Spa and Nails or get quickly rejuvenated at Drybar. If home fashions are more your style, hit the newest Pottery Barn or the New Mexico tableware designers at Nambé, which has only two stores in Arizona. No matter what you are looking for, these days the Valley has it. We are home to the best brands and shops that offer the world’s best products and services.

Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E. Camelback Rd. #216,  Phoenix
602-955-8400
shopbiltmore.com

CityNorth
5515 E. Deer Valley Dr., Phoenix
480-355-0202
citynorthaz.com

Scottsdale Quarter
15279 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-270-8123
scottsdalequarter.com

Beach Bunny Swimwear
7154 E. Stetson Dr. #100, Scottsdale
480-423-2303
15147 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-948-1112
beachbunnyswimwear.com

Galicia Fine Jewelry
4821 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
602-421-9688
galiciajewelers.com

Avalon Spa and Nails
Paradise Valley, AZ
(480) 368-5548
avalonspaandnails.com

Drybar
15147 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-607-5064
thedrybar.com

Pottery Barn
2402 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
602-957-2297
3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
480-899-7055
15279 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
potterybarn.com

Nambé
15257 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 110, Scottsdale
480-483-0664
nambe.com

Arizona Hiking Shack started in a miner’s line shack in the desert of Arizona and is now known for providing hikers, climbers and cavers with incredible resources and training. Its new location in central Phoenix is an outdoor outfitters dream. The staff’s expertise of the sports and knowledge of the hiking trails will ensure a hiker’s adventure is a safe and well-equipped one.

Arizona Hiking Shack
3244 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix
602-944-7723
hikingshack.com

Fits, Fabrics and  Finishes

Denim is a way of life these days and 7 for All Mankind is Scottsdale’s epicenter. This boutique is dedicated to the best, most fashionable pair of jeans. Ladies, you can be like Hollywood leading ladies Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Gardner who prefer these denims. Styles for men and kids, too. Catch the look at either of its two Scottsdale locations, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Fashion Square.

7 for All Mankind
15215 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale
480-991-9200

7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale
490-990-1549

7forallmankind.com

With its unique theater-in-the-round stage, the Celebrity Theatre is home to some of the Valley’s most memorable events. The intimate setting engages the audience and makes the biggest acts in entertainment come back again and again. Dennis Miller on Jan. 21, the Oak Ridge Boys on Feb. 10 and Chicago on Mar. 11 show the diversity of his Phoenix gem. Pick a performance and don’t miss this Valley legend.

 Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix
602-267-1600
celebritytheatre.com

Can You  Hear Me Now?

Presenting a play described as a “wildly imaginative new comedy,” Actors Theatre debuts Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a whimsical story of a woman who answers a dead man’s cell phone and winds up facing her mortality, redemption and the need to connect in a technological world. Tickets are on sale now and this performance will sell out. Playing Feb. 24 – Mar. 11 at the Herberger Theater Center Stage West.

Actors Theatre
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
602-253-6701
atphx.org

After what can now be called a tortuous pre-season, the Phoenix Suns are full of play. A shortened season will not deter the fans from getting to downtown Phoenix’s US Airways Center to see their hometown team. See Steve Nash make up for those lost games as he takes to the courts to show basketball fans what it takes to win.

US Airways Center
201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
602-379-7867
phoenixsuns.com

Studio Movie Grill, the pioneer of first-run, in-theatre dining, is open in Scottsdale. Dinner and a movie has been tried before, but this experience will impress. A menu boasting more than 100 items, from made-to-order hamburgers to healthy salads, can all be delivered right to your reserved seat. Guests can also unwind before and after their theater experience at a central bar that serves premium liquors and specialty drinks.

Studio Movie Grill
15515 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
480-991-3106
studiomoviegrill.com

A Lion’s  Thirst

Straight from Portland, Ore., is the Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill, an upscale, casual, gastro-style pub and grill featuring a warm and welcoming interior with wood-paneled walls, modern lighting and 16 60-inch plasma TVs. The inviting patio and outside bar with fire pit are a great addition to this Tempe Marketplace eatery. Featuring a variety of 52 local craft, import and domestic beers on draft, Thirsty Lion prides itself on having a beer on hand for every plate and every palate.

Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
480-968-2920
thirstylionpub.com

Time for Italian

Valley restaurateur Jimmy Carlin and restaurant veteran Ernie Vega have teamed up with entrepreneur David Loaney to create The Strand Urban Italian at CityScape in Downtown Phoenix. The Strand’s menu features a bruschetta bar, pizzettas, cooked-to-order pastas, stuffed sandwiches, fresh seasonal salads, grilled entrées and signature pizcotti and zeppolini desserts.

The Strand Urban Italian
2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
602-253-1600
thestranditalian.com

Federal  District

Chef Jose Garces’ new modern Mexican restaurant, Distrito, is now open at The Saguaro in Downtown Scottsdale. Distrito’s culinary focus is the diverse street food of Mexico City, known in that country as the Distrito Federal and Mexican barbacoa, or barbecue. The Margarita Bar houses more than 100 varieties of tequila and offers an exciting array of drinks. Garces has created an outdoor “patio kitchen” with seating for up to 70 guests, to open this spring. Patrons will be able to watch chefs cooking on a custom smoke pit and grill overlooking the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza.

Distrito
4000 Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
480-970-4444
thesaguaro.com

North Star

Housed in a newly built Italian-style farmhouse, NoRTH Arcadia is the debut of the newer version of NoRTH by Sam Fox. Originally a modern Italian eatery, the evolved concept includes more traditional Italian cuisine and pizzas. Farm-fresh, “country-side” Italian dishes and homemade pasta and pizza dough have made this recent opening a big success for Fox. The bar is a neighborhood hangout and the patio is the perfect place for the ladies to do lunch.

NoRTH Arcadia
4925 N. 40th St., Phoenix
480-324-5600
foxrc.com