Arizona Avenues 2009

Av e n u e s

arizona

the west valley 2009 official visitors guide

Avondale Buckeye El Mirage Glendale Goodyear Litchfield Park Peoria Sun City Sun City West Surprise Tolleson Wickenburg Youngtown

Welcome Welcome to Arizona Avenues –

The official state motto is “Ditat Deus,” which means “God enriches.” The unofficial state motto is “But it’s a dry heat.”

Greater Phoenix’s western communities. Every fabulous American metropolis has its “Avenues” – signature streets lined with boutique shops, remarkable restaurants and quaint homes. Arizona’s Avenues are equally charming, noteworthy and even extraordinary. Located west of Central Avenue in Phoenix, each of the 13 communities that make up Arizona’s “Avenues” is unique, but each shares an “Avenues” address and attitude. Just 30 years ago the communities west of Phoenix consisted mainly of flat cattle ranches, cotton fields and citrus groves. Today, there are still plenty of vestiges of the agrarian life, but big-city attractions dominate as the entire area has exploded with growth in recent years. It astounds even natives of the Grand Canyon State to realize that the West Valley is one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. – almost Arizona 700,000 people reside in the West Valley’s 13 cities and towns. Avenues Trendy restaurants, world-class arts, shopping and easily accessible outdoor parks boast 325 and recreational areas have all contributed to days of the growth. Arizona’s Avenues are home to one of the 10 best antique shopping districts in the sunshine U.S., as well as a regional shopping centers. Nationally recognized historic ranches-turned each year museums and mining attractions are testaments to a proud heritage, while art and specialty museums boast collections that will slow time. Also in this prestigious area, Peoria is home to the only Smithsonian Institution affiliate in Greater Phoenix. The West Valley is home to major league sports teams. Glendale lays claim to University of Phoenix Stadium, home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. A smaller, though no less impressive venue, sits next door, the Jobing.com Arena. Major concerts, ice skating shows and the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, call this building home. Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear all have state-of-the-art Cactus League Spring Training ballparks (with Glendale’s soon to come). And Avondale has Phoenix International Raceway, a world-class professional raceway and home to a multitude of NASCAR racing events. For those that are less interested in watching than in doing, four regional parks offer plenty of outdoor activities. The Estrella Mountains line the horizons of Goodyear, Tolleson and Avondale, while the White Tank Mountains are virtually surrounded by Buckeye, Surprise and Litchfield Park. Thunderbird Mountain Park is part of Glendale, and Lake Pleasant in Peoria is truly a water-lovers paradise. No question about it – there’s a lot of ground to cover in the Avenues. The good news is, there’s a palpable aura of “howdy, pardner” – a real sense of “welcome, please stay awhile” – that will comfort you along the way.

Canoeing in Avondale

Arizona’s Avenues span a collection of signature communities • A vondale • B uckeye • El Mirage • G lendale • Goodyear • L itchfield Park • P eoria • S un City • S un City West • S urprise • T olleson •W ickenburg • Y oungtown

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Arizona State Map

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Table Of Contents Needs Here’s the stuff you need to know

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Know us – Here’s the Reader’s Digest version of Arizona’s Avenues

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Explore Arizona with the Grand Canyon State Map

Get around with the Arizona Avenues Map

Arts

Calendar of Events

Get to the right person in a jiffy using these Resources

& Events

Make sure you’re packed and ready by checking the Essential Information

Wants Find information about the communities that make Greater Phoenix great.

The state reptile is the Ridge-Nose Rattlesnake. If one greets you, don’t wait around long enough to determine if it has a ridged nose. Be rude and run.

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Peoria

Surprise

Glendale

Wickenburg

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Southwest Valley (Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Tolleson)

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Goodyear

Avondale

Buckeye

Northwest Valley (El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Youngtown)

Enjoy the wealth of amenities in Arizona’s Avenues

Arizona Avenues 2009 Official Visitors Guide Produced and Published by the West Valley Communities in conjunction with Hennen Publishing & Marketing Group p. 480.664.0541 hennenpmg.com Design Tad Smith Publisher Kathleen Lockhart

D esires

Lake Pleasant

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Golf & Horseback Riding

Shopping & Dining

Accommodations

Sports

Lifestyle, RV, Spa & Transportation

Contributing Writers Cities, Chambers and CVBs of the West Valley, Stacy Pearson & Ginger S. Eiden Account Executives Erin Edelstein Taylor Lawson Photography Courtesy of the Cities, Chambers and CVBs of the West Valley. Arizona Avenues is published annually. Every effort is made to make this publication as accurate as possible. The West Valley Cities, CVBs and Chambers, and Hennen Publishing & Marketing Group assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. 2009 Arizona Avenues Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

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Estrella Park

Soak up the sunshine at Arizona Avenues’ four regional mountain parks Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. Goodyear, 85338 623.932.3811 maricopa.gov/parks/estrella/ Lake Pleasant Regional Park 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road Peoria, 85342 928.501.1710 maricopa.gov/parks/lake_ pleasant Thunderbird Mountain Park 59th Ave. just south of Pinnacle Peak Road Glendale, 85308 623.930.2820, glendaleaz.com White Tank Mountain Regional Park 13025 N. White Tank Mountain Road (Olive Ave. becomes White Tank Mountain Road) Waddell, 85355 623.935.2505 maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank

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Avenues Map

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Pe oria

Challenger Space Center

Play in Peoria • Get wet at Lake Pleasant Regional Park • Soak up the sun with Spring Training at Peoria Sports Complex • Fly a space mission at the Challenger Space Center • Celebrate the performing arts at Theater Works or the Arizona Broadway Theatre • Enjoy open-air shopping, dining and entertainment at Park West • Hike on one of our 35 miles of trails

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LEFT: Lake Pleasant , ABOVE: Peoria Sports Complex, Center for the Performing Arts, Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia

5.25 miles of hot dogs are consumed at the Peoria Sports Complex during Spring Training.

Still a visionary community, the City of Peoria was established in the 1880s after a settler’s vision. Even with a setting as beautiful as the natural Sonoran Desert, Peoria’s attractions are definite standouts – from the secondlargest lake in Arizona to nationallyrecognized sporting events, and from arts and entertainment opportunities to new independent restaurants and shopping – Peoria has it all. Recently named to Money magazine’s Top 100 “Best Places to Live”, Peoria is a flourishing city that is swiftly growing to one of the largest in the Valley thanks to its accessibility via the Loop 101. And soon, the completion of Loop 303 will not only allow access through the city, but also add exciting new amenities. The Peoria Sports Complex was the first two-team Major League Baseball spring training facility in the country, and is the Spring Training and player development facility for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. The 11,000-seat Complex, with 12 practice fields and team clubhouses, is used yearround. The Sports Complex is also used for special events such as concerts, festivals, art shows, youth and adult national and local baseball tournaments. Surrounding the Peoria Sports Complex is the city’s Entertainment District featuring a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities including live performances at several unique venues. Arizona Broadway Theatre

a healthy lifestyle, it includes: a skate park, sporting fields, a rock-climbing wall, indoor courts, a public gymnasium, picnic areas, sand volleyball and an urban lake produces six to eight major musical theater which offers fishing. productions each year, encompassing a On the northern end of the city, nature wide spectrum of Broadway favorites enthusiasts enjoy the luminous waters in an elegant dinner setting. Anchoring of Lake Pleasant, a paradise for waterthe Old Town revitalization project is skiers, jet-skiers, scuba divers, sailors and the new $13 million, 20,000-square-foot, anglers. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center. thought of by many as the “Jewel in the Home to Theater Works, Arizona’s largest Desert,” blends unrivaled beauty with community-based theater group, the unlimited outdoor recreation. center offers performances At 10,000 acres, the lake is throughout the year as well as Arizona’s second-largest and Peoria workshops and classes for all appropriately named. The bass ages and performers. fishing is excellent, and two prides itself Nearby, the Challenger Space marinas offer a full selection Center of Arizona provides all of fishing boats, speedboats on having ages an astronomical thrill. Part and Jet skis. And, visit the of an international network, Desert Outdoor Learning a wealth of the center allows groups of Center, which offers excellent visitors to simulate a two-andrecreational learning opportunities about one-half-hour space mission, not only the lake, but also the opportunities varying from a trip to the surrounding desert area. The moon to a visit to a comet. The 26,000-square-foot facility center also offers educational provides 30 different programs programs for individuals, ranging from dinosaur history families and schools as well and stargazing, to life in the as camps, stargazing, and corporate desert including guided hikes. programs and rentals. With its unique Anchoring the south end of Peoria, affiliation to the Smithsonian Institute, complete with canopied walkways, Park access to national quality museum exhibits West is Peoria’s new open-air shopping is the bonus. destination. This pedestrian-friendly center For anyone seeking activities, The Rio allows shoppers to enjoy a destination Vista Park and Recreation Center is a filled with upscale shopping, dining and facility so versatile, one would never have entertainment. Find out more about Peoria to leave. Covering 50 acres and promoting at www.visitpeoriaaz.com. arizona avenues

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Surprise

Surprise Stadium

Surprise’s Secrets Revealed • Catch a game at award-winning Surprise Stadium, Spring Training home to the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. You’ll love the great sightlines, food court, warm sun and friendly atmosphere. • Do the tennis thing at the 25-court Tennis and Racquet Center, which features 17 lighted courts open to everyone. Catch the pros during great tournaments like the CTCA Outback Classic in the 2,500seat center court. • Enjoy an adventurous hike in the pristine desert of the White Tank Mountains, where you can puzzle over ancient petroglyphs and visit a seasonal waterfall at trail’s end. • Be stunned by sophisticated ancient and modern art at the Heard Museum West and the West Valley Art Museum, two Surprise cultural jewels.

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LEFT: Surprise Tennis and Raquet Complex, TOP: Heard Museum West, Surprise Tennis and Raquet Complex, Carousel at Surprise Stadium BELOW: White Tanks Mountains

Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the USA. Imagine, the nation would be penniless without us.

Destination: Surprise! We’re drawing people by the thousands every year. The attraction? Our growing reputation as a city that defines vibrant southwest living. Living the southwestern lifestyle means being surrounded by creative people doing great things. This is the Surprise experience, and it is waiting for you. Do the tennis thing at our 25-court Tennis and Racquet Center, which features 17 lighted courts open to everyone. Catch the pros during great tournaments like the CTCA Outback Classic in our 2,500-seat center court. How’s your game? The courts are open and instruction is available. Maybe you just like a place with warm sun and a friendly atmosphere. Then settle back at the award-winning Surprise Stadium, Spring Training home to the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. You’ll love the great sightlines and extensive food court. Find out why we set a record for attendance in 2008! Enjoy an adventurous hike in the pristine desert of the White Tank Mountains, where you can puzzle over ancient petroglyphs and visit a seasonal waterfall at trail’s end.

No matter how you look at it, Surprise is the new destination city. Catch the dynamic spirit of Surprise at our new City Hall (Opening Spring ’09), which includes a Rio Salado College campus right on site. Next door is the Heard Museum West and the newly opened DreamCatcher Be stunned by sophisticated ancient Park, the first fully accessible park in the and modern art at the Heard Museum Northwest Valley where special needs West and the West Valley Art Museum, children and their families enjoy athletics two Surprise cultural jewels. and team sports on a tartan turf field. Explore our distinctive neighborhoods, Already, DreamCatcher has clean, safe streets and excelling hosted families from more schools and you will see why we than a dozen cities. continue to draw new residents A new city If you’re a fan of by the thousands. Settle down things sporty, you need in Surprise, and you will meet where to know Surprise is just friendly neighbors from all minutes from Arizona over the US enjoying the great community, Cardinals football and southwestern lifestyle Surprise Phoenix Coyotes hockey, offers to all. family and and just a half hour from Need more? How about great downtown Phoenix where traditions restaurants, a historic Original the Arizona Diamondbacks Townsite and the soon-to-open are built and Phoenix Suns play. Prasada, the largest regional Arizona State University’s mall in Arizona! Prasada’s first outstanding major college businesses open in 2009, and sports programs are just 45 will join the new Crescent minutes from Surprise. Crown 250,000-square-foot distribution As befits a new city of creative, dynamic facility as job generators for residents. people, Surprise is improving all the time. New recreation facilities are on track for 2009, including Surprise Farms Park, home to softball fields and a 17-acre passive park, perfect for picnicking or power walking. Involved residents are weighing in on our General Plan, planning out the future of our community. Our hallmarks include growth that is sensitive to our spectacular desert environment while integrating transportation, jobs and educational excellence. Check out Surprise! Cruise www.surpriseaz.com for more information about the Arizona city that is defining vibrant southwest living.

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Glendale

Glendale Civic Center

Great Glendale Escapes • Go shopping, dining, and exploring in Historic Downtown • Shop Cabela’s – the world’s foremost outfitter • Flirt with a few peacocks at Historic Sahuaro Ranch • Watch your tyke take to the playland at Arrowhead Towne Center • Catch a Coyotes hockey game in the Jobing.com Arena • Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cerreta Candy Company • Take a carriage ride beneath the twinkling lights of Glendale Glitters • Create your own souvenir at The Bead Museum • Watch the waters dance at Westgate City Center. • Start your Glendale journey at the Glendale Visitor Center. We look forward to meeting you!

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LEFT: University of Phoenix Stadium, ABOVE: Westgate City Center, Historic Downtown Glendale, Phoenix Coyotes

from beads to the police profession. Spend a day exploring these fantastic displays beginning at The Bead Museum, which weaves a fascinating story of the global history of beads with its 110,000 At the Zanjero District, just north of pieces. You can also pick up crafty the Westgate City Center, is Cabela’s – supplies in the museum store. Don’t miss the world’s foremost outfitter. In addition the Police Museum that pays tribute to to quality outdoor merchandise, the Glendale’s finest. 160,000-square-foot showroom is an Historic Downtown Glendale is also educational and entertainment attraction, famous for its festivals and events. Some of featuring a décor of museum-quality the more popular are the Chocolate Affaire, animal displays, huge aquariums and Jazz & Blues Festival, Fiesta Glendale and trophy animals interacting in realistic Glendale Glitters. The Glendale Glitters re-creations of their natural habitats. Holiday Lights Spectacular begins the A few miles east of all the sports day after Thanksgiving and lasts through and entertainment happenings, Historic mid-January with a million multi-colored Downtown is wonderfully preserved in lights creating a sparkling canopy over the shady Murphy Park and the picketten square blocks. fenced yards of the cutest shops and In addition to Historic Downtown, boutiques. This retro-chic destination shoppers can also delight at one of incorporates two distinct neighborhoods, the largest malls in the region – the home to more than 90 specialty shops, beautifully designed Arrowhead Towne boutiques, eateries and museums that Center. Conveniently located just off the get national attention for the retail-chainLoop 101 freeway, the mall features water free collection of shops slinging vintage fountains, a movie theater and more than clothing, turn-of-(last)-century furniture 170 shops and restaurants. This mall has and even pop-culture collectibles. spurred the successful development of the Although the area is seamless Bell Road Corridor, which to tour on foot, the difference now is the home to more Glendale is in its two neighborhoods is than 100 restaurants. revealed in the redbrick, mainGlendale hasn’t forgotten a visitor’s street-style buildings of Old its history and heritage. Towne versus the charming Cowboys, farmers and treasure bungalows-turned-shops of ranchers shaped the chest filled Catlin Court. community. Sahuaro Ranch Start your adventure at Park Historic area is one of with fabulous the Glendale Visitor Center the Valley’s oldest and most options and pick up a handy walking magnificent homesteads. map. And, they give away free It teaches about the city’s candy (the good kind). If you agrarian past at the preserved can’t get enough, head down the street 19th-century farm. Walk through citrus to Cerreta Candy Company. The owners orchards and a breathtaking rose garden, delight in giving tours during which and then tour the main house. Tours visitors receive samples of silky chocolate. are also available of Manistee Ranch, a But, if you need real sustenance, the Glendale Historical Society crown jewel. downtown restaurants offer German, Glendale is one of the fastest growing Austrian, Italian, Asian, Polish, and Arizona cities and has one of the wealthiest Mexican cuisine. zip codes in the state, yet remains most Glendale is home to one-of-a-kind famous for its well-preserved charm. We museums that pay tribute to everything welcome you to discover Glendale.

Glendale born Marty Robbins was the first country western singer to win a Grammy and helped make tight jeans and cowboy hats hot.

As the Avenues’ largest city, Glendale is a perfect place to begin your journey. Boasting one of the nation’s top shopping and dining districts – it is also the same city that’s well-known for the largest sporting events, the biggest developments and the coolest amenities. Glendale is known for football and hockey, but with the words “play ball” announced by Dodger great Vin Scully, Glendale is soon to be the new Spring Training home to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox, two of the highest-drawing, most well-respected teams in Major League Baseball. The state-of-the-art training facility, restaurant and retail development, 4-star hotel and 18-hole golf course will be located just across Loop 101 from Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District. Right now, visitors to the District can take a tour of Glendale’s Peter Eisenmandesigned University of Phoenix Stadium, home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, the NCAA’s Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and special events such as the 2008 Super Bowl, the 2007 BCS National Championship in college football and the NCAA Mens Basketball West Regionals. You won’t see a halftime show, but you’ll learn how the retractable roof and field work. A smaller, though no less impressive venue, sits next door, the Jobing.com Arena. Major concerts, ice skating shows and the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes coached by hockey great, Wayne Gretzky, call this building home. Next door, the Westgate City Center sports and retail complex (often labeled the Times Square of the desert), plays host to a multitude of events, including concerts for New Year’s Eve, Fiesta and BCS Bowl games. Westgate’s WaterDance Plaza can accommodate thousands in a unique environment that includes highstyle media boards and “WaterDance,” a spectacular Bellagio-inspired water feature.

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Glendale

ABOVE: Glendale Glitters, BELOW: Historic Downtown Glendale

Adobe Dam Family Golf Center

Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area

The Bead Museum

Xeriscape Demonstration Garden/Glendale Main Library

Easily accessed from either the I-17 or Loop 101, Adobe Dam Family Golf Center is located in Northwest Phoenix/ Glendale. Our spacious, all grass lighted driving range is enjoyed by all, while our executive 9-hole, par 31 golf course is for golfers of all ages. Phoenix Golf School offers individual and group lessons for young and the youngat-heart alike, and specializes in teaching beginners the game. If you are looking for a casual, friendly place to golf without all of the formalities and barriers, try “The Best Little Course by a Dam Site!” 3847 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, 623.581.2800, adobedamfamilygolfcenter.com, phxgolfsch@aol.com Explore art, history and culture. Though beads fit in the palm of your hand, their stories are boundless. At The Bead Museum visitors experience global cultures through the tactile and fun medium of beads. Unique jewelry, beaded art, beads and books are available in our Museum Store. Mention this ad for 15% off in the store. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Thur 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-4pm. 5754 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, 623.931.2737, beadmuseumaz.org

Preserving one of the Valley’s oldest and most magnificent ranches, the 17-acre Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area features 13 original buildings, a rose garden, barnyard and historic orchards. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places and known as the “Showplace of the Valley,” the Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area offers activities, exhibits and guided tours – keeping the history of early settlement in the Valley alive. This unique site offers annual events, tours, educational programs, rental opportunities and a chance to step back in time. Open daily, 6am-dusk, 9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, 623.930.4200, glendaleaz.com/srpha

Award-winning garden contains over 1,000 low-water-use plants excellent for Arizona gardens. Listening wands can be checked out inside the library for a self-guided garden tour. Free landscaping brochures are also available inside the library. Be sure to visit the south area with displays of mosaic and tile artwork created by children. Open dawn to dusk at 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, 623.930.3596, glendaleaz.com/waterconservation

Glendale Civic Center

Our dedicated staff’s attention to detail, plus our superb catering are guaranteed to make your conference memorable at the Glendale Civic Center, in Glendale’s quaint, historic downtown shopping district. One of the largest facilities of its kind in the West Valley, the center’s 13,000-squarefoot ballroom, exhibit halls and covered patio areas can accommodate 90+ trade show booths. Our executive boardroom and the ballroom, divisible into six meeting rooms, can also serve groups as small as 15 or as large as 1,400 theater-style or 1,000 at banquet rounds. For your next trade show, conference or banquet, call us or visit our website, glendaleciviccenter.com. 5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, 623.930.4300 arizona avenues

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Wickenburg

Rancho De Los Caballeros Spa Lybrinyth

Get Wild in Wickenburg and... • Play cowboy at an authentic dude ranch • Take a desert sky ride in a hot air balloon • Watch for birds at Hassayampa River Preserve • Summit Vulture Peak • Saddle up and ride to dinner • Take in a round of golf at Los Caballeros Golf Club • Tour the historic district, western art galleries and Old West buildings • Soak up authentic culture at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum and the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts

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ABOVE: Gold Rush Days Parade, Bird Watching at Nature Preserve, Los Caballeros Golf Club

Wickenburg, founded in 1863, is the oldest town in Greater Phoenix and was once the Wild West.

Wickenburg – a haven for all things Western along with an amazing array of charming shops – will provoke your inner cowboy to ride the range at a worldrenowned guest ranch or reawaken the urge to slurp ice cream mid-afternoon while shopping on a shaded street. Wickenburg doesn’t want you to pardon their dust, you will be charmed by it. And don’t expect a theme-park version of the Old West. The spurs have a job to do and the hats are not accessories. Wickenburg has character. You can call it the Old West but they refer to themselves as the Wild West. Wickenburg beckons its visitors to be the cowboy they dreamed of as children. In fact, four distinct Wickenburg guest ranches offer complete Western experiences. City slickers can saddle up for horseback rides and cattle drives, strap in for four-wheel tours or float away on hot-air balloon rides. Back at the ranch, guests enjoy gourmet meals, a refreshing dip in the pool or a relaxing round of golf – perhaps at one of Golf Magazine’s Top 75 Golf Courses in the country, Los Caballeros Golf Club. Another option for golfers is the Wickenburg Country Club. In addition to guest ranches with names like the Kay El Bar Ranch, the Flying E Ranch and Rancho de Los Caballeros, many unique bed & breakfasts and hotels cater to the cowboy as well as the traveler. The town motto of “Spend a Day, Out Wickenburg Way” is also backed up by a variety of Western art galleries, unique Western shops, historical attractions, Old West experiences, cultural activities and natural attractions. The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is celebrating its 49th year and is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history and

in an 1871 stagecoach attack by bandits, art of Arizona and the West. It takes mistakenly thought to be committed by pride in being Arizona’s Most Western surrounding Yavapai-Apache Indians. Museum. The permanent collection Rising above the town is Vulture Peak, includes American Indian and late 19thwhere one of the richest gold mines in and 20th-century Western American Arizona was discovered. Today, Vulture paintings and sculptures. The museum Mine is a tantalizing remnant of mining also offers special exhibits, lectures, history, showcasing original mining workshops, classes and tours. equipment and some of the old structures. The beautiful and state-of-the-art Vulture Peak itself is an excellent, yet 600-seat Del E. Webb Center for the strenuous, hiking destination. The twoPerforming Arts, located on the campus mile trail leads hikers just of Wickenburg High School, below the summit. For more has scheduled performances of the great outdoors, visit from October through May You can call it The Nature Conservancy’s in a season of shows that Hassayampa River Preserve, reflect the diversity, beauty, the Old West with its 230 species of birds energy and excitement of the but they refer including eagles. This riparian performing arts. treasure contains the springThe Wickenburg Chamber to themselves fed Palm Lake, a unique fourof Commerce has a map acre pond and marsh habitat. for a self-guided tour of as the For more than six decades, downtown historic buildings, Wickenburg has hosted the some dating back to the early Wild West. annual Gold Rush Days in 1900s, including the 113-yearFebruary in celebration of its old Santa Fe Depot, now the ranching and mining heritage. Chamber of Commerce office Activities in the historic district include and official Arizona Visitors Center. arts & crafts exhibits, gold panning, a Wickenburg itself turns 146 years old senior professional rodeo and one of the in 2009. largest parades in the state. The Chamber Other notable attractions include a also produces annual events such as Santa Fe Steam Locomotive, a veteran Fiesta de Septiembre, Wickenburg Fly-In of the rails between Chicago and the & Classic Car Show, a Bluegrass Festival, West; the Historic Garcia “Little Red Cowboy Christmas Poets Gathering and School House,” and the Jail Tree, a the popular “Christmas Parade of Lights.” 200-year-old mesquite tree which once Call the Chamber for all of the special served as Wickenburg’s jail. The Massacre event information at (928) 684-5479 or Monument commemorates a somber online at outwickenburgway.com. moment in history, dedicated to lives lost arizona avenues

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Out Wickenburg Way Best Western Rancho Grande

The Best Western Rancho Grande is conveniently located in the heart of historical downtown Wickenburg. Walk to art galleries, restaurants, antique and boutique shops as well as the remarkable Desert Caballeros Museum. The property’s 80 guestrooms and suites, featuring Southwestern architecture and décor, make for a great place to call home during your visit to the area. After a day of horseback or ATV riding, golfing, prospecting for gold or shopping, enjoy the pool and spa that are heated year-round. 293 E. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, 800.854.7235, bwranchogrande.com

Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts

Staging Magical Moments – voted “Best Live Music Venue” in the Arizona Republic Readers’ Choice poll, the intimate 600seat theatre presents exciting Broadway, dance, theatrical and concert performances September though April. The 2008-2009 season includes performances by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The 5 Browns, Riders In The Sky, The Phoenix Symphony and, direct from Broadway, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Check website for full season lineup. Contact the Box Office today for a free season brochure with information on every event. Visit the Webb Center at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, 928.684.6624, delewebbcenter.org

Desert Caballeros Western Museum

Named an “Arizona Treasure” by Governor Janet Napolitano, this museum is one you surely don’t want to miss. Here, art and history go hand in hand with one of the most complete collections of Western art in the country, along with one of the finest selections of historic cowboy memorabilia ever opened to the public. There’s also a historic Wickenburg street, a fascinating Out on the Ranch exhibit, plus exciting changing exhibitions all of which make this “Arizona’s Most Western Museum.” Visit daily 10am 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm, 21 N. Frontier St., Wickenburg, 928.684.2272, westernmuseum.org

Flying E Ranch

The Flying E Ranch, located four miles west of Wickenburg, is proud to celebrate over 60 years in dude ranching. A working cattle ranch as well as a guest operation, we are known as “The Riding Ranch.” Our 20,000 acres of rolling high-desert hills afford endless trails to ride or roam. With only 17 rooms, we offer the finest food served “family-style,” comfortable clean accommodations, good horses for every rider and fun activities in a friendly, informal ranch atmosphere. After your day in the saddle, enjoy our heated swimming pool with attached Jacuzzi, exercise room with sauna, outdoor garden chess and checkers, lighted tennis courts, hiking trails, or just kick back and relax. The coffee pot is always on and the cookie jar is full. We invite you to kick up some dust at the Flying E Ranch. 888.684.2650, flyingeranch.com

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Desert Caballero Western Museum

Gold Nugget Art Gallery

This Scottsdale-quality gallery, established in 1988, is located in the heart of the historic district of downtown Wickenburg. Gold Nugget Art Gallery represents 40 of the Southwest’s finest artists whose work is uniquely displayed in a charming historic adobe home. Open for business daily and by appointment. 274 E. Wickenburg Way at Wickenburg’s Heritage Square, 928.684.5849, goldnuggetartgallery.com, cindy@goldnuggetartgallery.com

Kay el Bar Ranch

Kay el Bar has learned a few things from John Wayne. We know cell phones don’t belong on saddles. We know we need to spend less time in meetings, and more time meeting our own families. We know you can be accommodating, rugged, comfortable and original. We know stucco doesn’t hold a candle to adobe. We know that some people whisper to horses, but the smartest people let horses whisper to them. We know that the sweetest meals follow the most spectacular Sonoran sunsets. We know that some things – like cowboys, campfires and cactus – call us home. They slip into our souls. They make us better. They enchant. Welcome to Kay el Bar, an authentic, spectacular guest ranch in the heart of the Wild West. A ranch with its own soul, its own spirit. A ranch you will arrive with expectations, and leave with inspirations. 800.684.7583, 928.684.7593, info@kayelbar.com

Rancho de los Caballeros

Rancho de los Caballeros, celebrating its 61st season, is a premier guest ranch resort situated among 20,000 acres of pristine high Sonoran desert. A string of 100 horses to ride through the sweeping vistas of the desert, an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, tennis, trap & skeet shooting, a heated outdoor pool, naturalist program, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, desert Jeep tours, conference center and the Caballeros Kids Program. 1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, 928.684.5484, 800.684.5030 or visit our web site at SunC.com.

Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce

Most often the Wickenburg Chamber is the first contact for visitors, new residents, and businesses coming into the area. The 113-year-old historic Santa Fe Depot Visitor Center will provide you with information to experience authentic western hospitality. 800.942.5242, outwickenburgway.com, wickenburgchamber.com

RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS Historic Guest Ranch and Golf Club (928) 684-5484 www.sunc.com

Come Discover H

DESERT CABALLEROS WESTERN MUSEUM Arizona's Most Western Museum (928) 684-2272 www.westernmuseum.org

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Wickenburg

BEST WESTERN RANCHO GRANDE Accommodations in the heart of historic downtown (928) 684-5445 www.bwranchogrande.com

THE FLYING E RANCH ‘The Riding Ranch’– 20,000-acre working cattle ranch (888) 684-2650 www.flyingeranch.com

DEL E. WEBB CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Professional Music, Dance and Theatre in an intimate setting (928) 684-6624 www.delewebbcenter.org

HORSEBACK RIDING DESERT JEEP TOURS EXPLORE OLD WEST MINING SITES CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF RIPARIAN NATURE PRESERVE SOUTHWESTERN ART GALLERIES

KAY EL BAR RANCH Premier guest ranch resort situated among 20,000 acres of pristine high Sonoran desert (928) 684-7593 or (800) 684-7583 www.kayelbar.com

GOLD NUGGET ART GALLERY at Wickenburg’s Heritage Square Southwestern Fine Art (928) 684-5849 www.goldnuggetartgallery.com

UNIQUE SHOPPING AND DINING PLEASURES ACCLAIMED WESTERN MUSEUM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER HISTORIC DUDE/GUEST RANCHES

Call for your Visitor’s Guide 1-800-942-5242 Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce www.outwickenburgway.com

Northwest Valley Within the Northwest Valley communities, visitors will discover diverse cultures, safe environments, family-oriented living and retirement living.

Caliche Cactus Garden

Pleasures of the Northwest Valley • Hike, bike, or camp at the White Tank Mountains • With several courses to choose from, enjoy a leisurely round of golf • Curl up and read a great book at one of the libraries • Look at, don’t touch, the impressive display of cacti at the Caliche Cactus Garden • Come see what driving a golf cart is all about

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El Mirage El Mirage is a small city with a rich heritage and a sustainable future. It was founded in 1937 along the Aqua Fria River and is centrally located in the core of the Northwest Valley. There are now 40,000 residents in El Mirage, up from 7,500 in 2000. This significant population boom prompted a transition from its agricultural heritage to an emerging vibrant cultural and recreational center with innovative business and commerce opportunities. The city is carefully growing and planning ways to utilize and support the development of a commerce center and a downtown commuter rail station. This development, coupled with the growth along the Olive Avenue corridor, will support the community of El Mirage now and in the future. Sun City Founded in 1960, Sun City is a master-planned retirement community built by the Del Webb Corporation. It’s the largest retirement community in the nation and is world-famous for its active, resort retirement lifestyle and has set the standard for other retirement communities to follow. Sun City is self-contained with many retail centers and restaurants offering a variety of shopping, dining and services. Sun City boasts the largest concentration of year-round recreational facilities in the U.S. Eleven golf courses and seven recreation centers provide swimming, tennis, bowling and a myriad of other activities. The Lakeview Recreation Center even has View Point Lake for fishing.

Sun City West After its success with Sun City, Del Webb moved four miles down the road and launched Sun City West, a second community mirroring the lifestyle enjoyed by those in Sun City. Like Sun City, the community is unincorporated and is age restricted. Just 14 miles northwest of Phoenix, Sun City West hosts four recreation centers, nine golf courses, a public and a private country club. Located within the community is the 7,200seat Maricopa County Events Center where arrangements are made for headliner entertainment. Residents enjoy fitness, sports and over 106 charter and civic clubs. Residents continue to play baseball, participate in the Variety Show, choral groups and volunteer activities. Amenities are just minutes away which include shopping centers, a library, the Del E. Webb Hospital and Louisa Kellam Center for Women’s Health, several healthcare providers, grocery stores, drug stores and spas. Drive your golf cart or bike to visit friends and run errands. A lifestyle you need to see to believe. Youngtown Youngtown was the first full-fledged retirement community in the country and the first to restrict residency to those more than 59 years old, but in 1998 it was opened to residents of all ages. Situated on the opposite bank of the Agua Fria from El Mirage, Youngtown boasts its own Historical Society and the Caliche Cactus Garden, a collection of native cacti. While continuously growing, Youngtown offers a lake, numerous parks, a library, and a clubhouse. Come enjoy this small-town friendly feel.

YOUR CHA MBER OF C HOIC E IN THE NORTHWEST VAL LE Y

The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is located just 35 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix, Arizona and serves the five communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Youngtown and El Mirage. Whether you’re here for a day or a lifetime, this is a great place to be!

S U R PRISE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12801 West Bell Rd., Ste. 14, Surprise, AZ 85374 Phone (623) 583-0692 • Fax (623) 583-0694 chamber@supriseregionalchamber.com

Southwest Valley The southern part of Arizona’s Avenues beckons the traveler to enjoy a variety of amenities. Here are brief descriptions of the Southwest Valley communities.

Splendid options in the Southwest Valley • Lounge poolside at the historic and famed Wigwam Resort • Enjoy a wine tasting in the Historic Main Street of Litchfield Park • Feed a giraffe by hand at the Wildlife World Zoo • Tap your foot to the drumbeat at the City of Litchfield Park’s Native American Arts Festival • Summit the Estrella Mountains and revel in the views of Greater Phoenix • Rejoice in the roar of the engines at Phoenix International Raceway

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award-winning Fine Art and Culinary Festival, the Native American Festival, and the six award-winning Arts in the Park outdoor concerts, along with the annual Library Arts and Crafts Festival truly makes Litchfield Park a destination place for art and music lovers alike. A walk around the City’s five-acre lake and the nice open spaces makes your trip to historic Litchfield Park a visit to remember. Tolleson Tolleson, a self-contained community 10 miles west of downtown Phoenix is near Cricket Pavilion, an outdoor musical amphitheater with seating for 20,000 that hosts theatrical presentations and some of rock’s biggest names. In addition to the Pavilion, Tolleson boasts three city parks, five lighted basketball courts, tennis and racquetball courts. Fine arts and culture throughout the year can be found at the West Valley Fine Arts Council’s events. It’s a city that has retained its foundation of a family-oriented, friendly, small town while creating a regional employment base that enriches life regionally. W.G. Tolleson of South Carolina founded the town in 1912. Today, Tolleson measures about six square miles and was incorporated in 1929. Once dependent on agriculture, Tolleson today has a strong commercial and industrial base. The City of Tolleson has become a strong distribution hub for companies wishing to deliver products to southwestern markets. This is primarily due to its excellent location just south of Interstate 10 and the interchange with Loop 101. The city of Tolleson hosts many large employers, including Sunland Beef, Kroger’s, Albertson’s, Salt River Project, and Sysco Food Systems. In addition to distribution and food, fiber and natural products, the community has a strong manufacturing structure.

From 1931 to 1944 Litchfield Park was the test site for Goodyear auto, truck and tractor tires. Again, no obvious connection to Goodyear’s bible people, but who knows.

Wigwam Resort

Litchfield Park Voted Number 8 by Phoenix Magazine in 2007 “10 Best Places to Live in Arizona” issue, the City of Litchfield Park is a beautiful city of approximately 5,000 residents located a short 15 miles west of Phoenix. This community, with its towering palm trees and bountiful orange trees lining every street, was founded in 1917 and became an incorporated municipality in August of 1987. Featuring a quaint downtown business district and Starwood Luxury Collection’s 4-Star Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, this “oasis in the desert” is a favorite destination for many in the West Valley. Opened to the public in 1929, The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa has earned numerous four and five star awards. The recently redesigned Blue and Gold Golf courses, along with the Red Golf Course makes the Wigwam’s 54 holes of golf a true golfing destination. While visiting or staying at this authentic Arizona Resort you will want to take advantage of the new Red Door Spa and the newly remodeled AAA 4-Diamond Arizona Kitchen Restaurant. If it is steak you are looking for, visit the Wigwam’s newest restaurant, Red’s Steak House. Old Litchfield Road, adjacent to the Wigwam Resort, was once the town’s main street and maintained its original soda fountain and drug store until the late 1990s, long after the super-center invasion. Today, that commercial stretch boasts a locally-owned and operated collection of shops and restaurants. You can enjoy indoor or outdoor patio dining from a menu of American, Persian, Mexican, or Japanese foods. If you enjoy arts and crafts festivals, outdoor concerts and culinary delights, you have another reason to spend time in this beautiful city. Litchfield Park is quickly becoming known for its celebration of the arts. The City’s Christmas in the Park, the

Go odyear

Goodyear’s Best Bets • Catch a game and foul ball at the new Goodyear Ballpark, Spring Training home of the Cleveland Indians • Taste some of the hottest AssKickin’ sauce this side of the Mississippi at Southwest Specialty’s Gift Shop • Study words that were printed more than 500 years ago at the Bible Museum • Gaze at breathtaking desert views and watch native wildlife while walking along the banks of the same waters that once led gold rushers to their California fortunes • Tackle some of the Valley’s toughest fairways at Goodyear’s spectacular golf courses • Get your heart pumping while hiking the incredibly beautiful Sierra Estrella Mountains • Satisfy your shopping fix at one of the city’s dozens of shopping locations

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changes. In sharp contrast are the Goodyear, Arizona, recently green, gently rolling fairways of honored with the prestigious AllEstrella Mountain Park, Palm Valley, America City designation, constantly and PebbleCreek’s Tuscany Falls and strives to distinguish itself. As the Eagle’s Nest courses. To top off the fourth fastest growing suburban city golf experience, the lush, mature in the country, Goodyear’s desert greenery of the three championship vistas, majestic mountains, master courses at the nearby Wigwam planned communities with lakes, Resort and Spa beckon any golfer country clubs, golf courses, and looking for a challenge. active outdoor lifestyle have already Design is underway for a 300-acre attracted 59,000 people from all livable, walkable downtown destined over the country. Planned from to become a bustling, lively area. This the beginning with “unsurpassed future “heart and soul” of Goodyear quality” in mind, this dynamic is planned for a 2010 debut. Adding and progressive city is definitely to downtown’s vitality will be generating a “buzz” in the hospitality, hundreds of college students. Thanks housing and retail industries. to Goodyear’s recent pursuit of postMake your reservations for secondary educational institutions, Goodyear’s inaugural 2009 Spring University of the Incarnate Word Training season when the Cleveland and Franklin Pierce University will Indians return to Arizona, playing build campuses on cityat the new state-of-theowned land adjacent to art Goodyear Ballpark. Goodyear’s downtown. Baseball excitement 39 miles Already known as doubles in 2010 when the “Retail Center of the Cincinnati Reds of hiking, the Southwest Valley,” also move to Goodyear, approximately five million further expanding the mountain more square feet of retail Cactus League and are planned for Goodyear making it a full Ohio biking and by 2010. The dynamic contingent in Goodyear. 1.0-million square-foot Thanks to its location horseback Canyon Trails Towne on the coast-to-coast riding trails Center opened in 2008. Interstate 10, just 17 A 1.2-million-squaremiles west of downtown can be found foot Estrella Falls super Phoenix, Goodyear is regional mall will be the already home to eight centerpiece of an array of national chain hotels dining and shopping activity when with plans for several more. it debuts in Fall 2010. The mall’s Nestled in the shadow of the outdoor lifestyle concept is cutting majestic Sierra Estrella Mountains, edge in shopping center design 39 miles of hiking, mountain biking across the country. and horseback riding trails in the A new ballpark and Spring Training 20,000-acre Estrella Mountain experience, great golf, numerous Regional Park make Goodyear a hotels, scenic mountains, a thriving mecca for both leisurely and retail market, fabulous housing stimulating activities. developments, and great outdoor With such spectacular mountain amenities – it’s all here! Check out surroundings, it’s not surprising that the Visitors Section of Goodyear’s Goodyear plays host to some of the website – www.goodyearaz.gov – state’s most challenging and dramatic for all there is to see and do in the golf courses. Ranked seventh-best area and to view interactive maps public course in Arizona by Golf of up-to-date Goodyear dining and Week, Golf Club at Estrella provides hotel guides. But don’t stop there – breathtaking views on this rolling come see for yourself! desert course with multiple elevation

Goodyear is home to The Antiquarium Museum, featuring rare books and bibles. They also grew cotton for the tire people once. There’s probably not much of a connection.

This All-America City celebrates the All-American pastimes of baseball and golf as it creates a community of unsurpassed quality.

Avondale

The RACE is on for Avondale! The RACE is on for Avondale! In the late 19th century, Avondale was a pit stop on the main thoroughfare for folks racing to the ‘Golden Coast’ via stagecoach or schooner. Today, this vibrant city is a premier destination for NASCAR racing, education, arts, festivals, shopping, dining, recreation and family living. With over 75,000 residents in Avondale, the population is expected to top off at 123,000 by 2020. Avondale was rated as the 9th fastest growing suburban city in the nation (Forbes Magazine, 2007). Avondale is nestled at the base of the scenic Estrella Mountains, where the Agua Fria and Gila Rivers meet, yet right off of Interstate 10, just a 15-minute commute from the heart of Phoenix. New developments for shopping, restaurants, fine hotels and other commercial ventures have revved up in the last few years. Avondale offers multiple retail power centers, including Gateway Pavilions, Coldwater Plaza, Gateway Crossing and Alameda Crossing. The newly opened Hilton Garden Inn

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Designated one of the top-ranked Cities in the Nation

and Homewood Suites, located off of Interstate 10 and Avondale Boulevard, will be joined by additional hotel development including a Hyatt Place Hotel, Hyatt Summerfield Suites, as well as a Cambria Suites Hotel. Opportunities to excel in education are boundless – Avondale is home to Estrella Mountain Community College, Northern Arizona University State Distance Learning, Rio@Avondale Learning Center and Universal Technical Institute. Avondale is only minutes away from ASU’s Downtown and West campuses, as well as the University of Phoenix and Midwestern University. Avondale offers numerous annual events such as Fiesta de Avondale and Billy Moore Heritage Days, regional soccer tournaments at Friendship Park and Festival Fields Park, and plenty of tee times at Coldwater Golf Club. For nature lovers, Avondale offers wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and trail running

opportunities on the developing Tres Rios Recreation Corridor and Maricopa County’s Estrella Mountain Regional Park, which is located at the base of the Estrellas. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Avondale yearly to experience all types of national sporting events. Avondale is home to Phoenix International Raceway (PIR), which hosts two NASCAR races annually. Avondale is also less than 5 miles away from the University of Phoenix Stadium – home to the Arizona Cardinals, and the Jobing.com Arena – home to the Phoenix Coyotes NHL hockey team. On two borders of Avondale are two planned Spring Training baseball facilities that will be built in the next two years. The stadiums will be home to the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians. Two other spring training facilities are located within 10 miles of Avondale. The RACE is on for Avondale. Take the wheel and experience Avondale for yourself!

Founded in 1888 as a 440-acre town, Buckeye has currently grown to 660 square miles with over 30 master-planned communities in some stage of development. Buckeye offers more than homes, however. Planning has recently begun on the 900acre Buckeye Town Lake and annexations have provided an additional 125 square miles of Sonoran Desert to be preserved nearby for future generations to enjoy. The new Heritage Park, with restoration of the gin and the addition of other features including a working “mini” gin, and an amphitheater, will be one of the designated sites of the Arizona Centennial in 2012. Though intersected by five highways, home to a general aviation airport and served by the railroad, Buckeye still remains one of Arizona’s biggest “small towns”. Nature surrounds in all directions, be it the majestic peaks of the White Tank Mountains to the north or the subtle rolls of Buckeye Hills, with the Mountains providing almost 30,000 acres perfect for hiking, mountain biking and trail rides. Bird watchers will delight at the Arlington and Robbins Butte Wildlife areas, and trails throughout the Buckeye Hills offer even more glimpses of native desert animals. Icons of the town have been carefully preserved along the main street – historic

Route 80 (the southern sister of the famed Route 66) and once the only all-weather, all-year route to California. The most notable icon is the playful giant, Hobo Joe, a colorful symbol of a past Valley restaurant chain. Today, Millstone Café offers the best biscuits and gravy, along with specialty coffee, original salads and fantastic flatbread sandwiches. La Placita’s beautiful new “great room,” with its wood and stone décor and flat screen televisions, serves up delicious Mexican specialties and the best burger in town. Memphis Best BBQ is indeed “the best BBQ” in the nation. Slabs of ribs, sandwiches and individual dinners, slow smoked meat with or without the BBQ sauce and your choice of sides. Yum! All these restaurants are family owned and operated, serving home cooked goodness with friendly service that makes everyone feel like a local. Beard’s Western and Country Store offers an endless inventory of Western gear including Wranglers and Stetsons. But, it’s really the original wood-planked floor that people come to see here. Owner Levi Beard is on hand most days to share the history of the boards, which date back to 1932 and have garnered offers of as much as $1 million. Buckeye Town Park is currently home to the Buckeye Historical and Archeological

Buckeye Museum, which will be moved into 30,000 feet of space at Heritage Park in the future. The Museum features an impressive collection of artifacts of the Hohokam and Anasazi tribes, early inhabitants of the valley. Town Park is also home to the aquatic center, volleyball pits, ball fields, picnic tables and skate park. Buckeye’s Municipal Airport offers hangars, gyroplane rides, skydiving lessons and flight instruction, as well as 24-hour aviation fuel capability, ensuring the perfect view from above. Visitors will enjoy the many local events that take place throughout the year, including: the Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo; Miss Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo Queen Pageant, both in conjunction with Buckeye’s Pioneer Days, with a parade and pancake breakfast; Spring Demolition Derby; the West Valley Air Fair; Fabulous 4th of July, and Heritage Days; CountryFest featuring a parade, car show; the Home Town Holiday Boutique and Fall Demolition Derby; and Glow on Monroe, the ever popular Electric Light Parade and visits with Santa. Something is always “a poppin’ in Buckeye!”

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Horseback Ri di ng Golf Golf Club of Estrella

Golf Club of Estrella, managed by Troon Golf, is ranked as one of the best public golf courses in Arizona. This spectacular Arizona desert classic crafted by Nicklaus Design provides a dramatic layout that traverses the natural contours while offering panoramic vistas of the Sierra Estrella Mountains. 11800 S. Golf Club Drive, Goodyear, 623.386.2600, estrellagolf.com

White Tanks Riding Stables

At White Tanks Riding Stables, you can take advantage of the glorious mild winter in the desert. “Hiking” on horseback for a one-hour or two-hour guided trail ride is a joy for novice or seasoned riders. Led rides are offered for younger riders. Catered group picnics, hay rides, campfires, and Dutch oven cookouts all make the desert experience exciting and memorable. November-April, Managers: Eve Trabandt and Chad Davey. 20300 W. Olive Ave. (White Tank Park entrance), Waddell, 623.935.7455, whitetanksriding.com

Williams Family Ranch

Williams Family Ranch invites you to discover how life is on a real working ranch. Live how cowpeople live and work. Enjoy the rustic headquarters located at the trailhead for the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness. Try our threeday stay and experience trail rides, cattle work and real cowboy cookouts. 928.308.0589, williamsfamilyranch.com, williamsfamilyranch@hughes.net

Raven Golf Club at Verrado

Crafted by John Fought and 2006 Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman, the Raven Golf Club at Verrado is a must-play for those seeking the very best golf the Sonoran Desert has to offer. From jaw dropping views and rugged natural beauty, to exceptional conditioning and the finest guest service in the business, the Raven Golf Club at Verrado has it all. 4242 N. Golf Drive, Buckeye, 623.388.3000, ravenatverrado.com

The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

For nearly 80 years, The Wigwam has been an Authentic Arizona Resort. And now, discover an entirely new experience with multi-million dollar golf renovations and the pampering Red Door Spa. The signature adobe-style architecture complements the resort’s wealth of other recreational amenities, such as two swimming pools, nine tennis courts, and three championship golf courses. Picture yourself taking an enriching escape. 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, 888.869.7319, 623.935.9414, wigwamresort.com

Shoppi ng

Di n i ng Aiello’s Italian Restaurant

East Coast Italian at its Best. Independently owned neighborhood gem with rave reviews features the best Southern Italian cooking in the Valley. Moderately priced, extensive menu and Italian wine list with a great granite bar and patio make Aiello’s a must-visit. Lunch, Mon - Fri, Dinner nightly. 5202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602.277.8700, aiellositalianrestaurant.com

Pioneer Restaurant & Saloon

One mile north of Carefree Hwy. I-17 Exit 225, west to the authentic old west town at Pioneer Living History Museum. Enjoy the historic “Road to Ruin” Saloon, 1861 bar, great steaks, American food and friendly service. Wed - Sat 6am-9pm. 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix, 623.465.1821, westerndestinations.com

Verrado Grille Goodyear Market Place Swap Meet

Your one-stop modern swap meet all under one roof with 1,600 booths. Breakfast, lunch, pizza, snacks. Free parking, free admission, and free live musical entertainment. Winter Hours: Fri, Sat, and Sun 7am-4pm. Summer Hours: Sat and Sun 7am-4pm. Handicapped accessible. Goodyear Swap Meet “where shopping is an experience.” Weekly drawings and giveaways! 17605 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear, I-10 & Cotton Lane, Exit 124, 623.853.1488, goodyearswap.com

Authentic. Unique. Dramatic. Verrado Grille serves mouthwatering steaks and pastas, seafood sensations and everything in-between, all in a warm atmosphere, superior service and breathtaking views at the base of the White Tank Mountains. 4242 N. Golf Drive, Buckeye, 623.388.3013

The Wigwam Resort’s Restaurants

The Wigwam offers seemingly endless dining options that are as diverse as they are inspired including two AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurants, Arizona Kitchen and Red’s Steakhouse. 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, 888.869.7319, 623.935.3811, wigwamresort.com

Accommodations Best Western Inn & Suites Sun City

Visiting the West Valley? The Best Western Inn & Suites Sun City is located in the heart of Sun City, Peoria, Surprise and Glendale. We are the nearest Best Western Hotel to both the Surprise and Peoria spring training sites as well as University of Phoenix Stadium (home of the AZ Cardinals) and Jobing. com Arena (home of the Phoenix Coyotes). There are 12 golf courses within five miles. All of our rooms feature microwave ovens, refrigerators and coffeemakers. Choose one of our mini-suites for an extended stay. 11201 Grand Ave., Sun City, 623.933.8211 or 800.253.2168

Comfort Suites – Glendale

For WORK, PLAY or just RELAXING – this is the perfect CHOICE. This brand-new all suite hotel (opened Jan ’08) features 100 beautifully appointed suites with free high speed Internet, complimentary Savory StartsTM breakfast, flat screen HD TVs, microwaves and refrigerators. Just minutes from Westgate City Center home of the University of Phoenix Stadium, Jobing.com Arena and convenient to Luke Air Force Base and Phoenix International Raceway. 9824 W. Camelback Road, Glendale, 623.271.9005, comfortsuites.com/ hotel/AZ296, gm.az296@choicehotels.com

Hampton Inn

Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town, enjoying a concert or doing some shopping in the West Valley, you’ll want to check us out! We are conveniently located near I-10 for easy access to downtown Phoenix, Cricket Pavilion, Westgate City Center, and Phoenix International Raceway. Enjoy our complimentary On the House® hot breakfast, free high speed wireless Internet, Cloud Nine bedding, and our 100% Hampton Guarantee. Earn your Hilton HHonors® points and miles today. Visit us at 5152 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602.484.7000

Hampton Inn & Suites – Phoenix Glendale/Westgate

When you head to the West Valley, you’ll want to check out Hampton Inn & Suites in Glendale! Right in the Westgate City Center, full of fantastic restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, including the University of Phoenix Stadium. Enjoy On the House® hot breakfast, complimentary high speed Internet access, Cloud Nine beds and our 100% Hampton Guarantee. Earn Hilton HHonors® points and miles. Visit us today at phoenixglendalesuites.hamptoninn.com. 6630 N. 95th Ave., Glendale, 623.271.7771

These 84 stylish suites are RESTFUL, ROOMY and ORGANIZED. Beautiful granite features, free high speed Internet, complimentary Savory StartsTM breakfast, flat screen HD TVs, microwaves and refrigerators. Convenient to Luke Air Force Base, University of Phoenix Stadium, Jobing.com Arena and Phoenix International Raceway, three Spring Training facilities. 15575 W. Roosevelt St., Goodyear, 623.266.2884, comfortsuites.com/hotel/AZ246, gm.az246@choicehotels.com

Courtyard by Marriott - Phoenix West/Avondale

You’ll feel Marriott’s Spirit to Serve as you’re greeted by the Courtyard team members. New to the area in February 2008, this beautiful hotel is close to Phoenix International Raceway, Cabela’s, World Wildlife Zoo, Westgate City Center and more. Courtyard Café offers a delicious full breakfast, you’ll stay connected with complimentary high speed Internet access throughout the hotel. And, after purchasing a sandwich in The Market, you can keep it refrigerated right in your room. Marriott Rewards frequent guest program. Make your reservations or learn more at courtyardphoenixavondale.com. 1650 N. 95th Lane, Phoenix, 623.271.7660

Embassy Suites North

Conveniently located just off Interstate 17 North, Embassy Suites North is situated on 17 lush acres and just 20 minutes from the University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Peoria and Sky Harbor Airport. Featuring 314 two-room suites, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and managers’ reception daily. 2577 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, 602.375.1777, embassysuites.com

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The hottest recorded day in Phoenix was June 26, 1990, when the temperature hit 122 degrees. It may explain a little about the wacky humor in these facts.

Comfort Suites – Goodyear

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Accommodations Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Avondale

The Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Avondale hotel is located in the progressive West corridor of Phoenix, conveniently located off I-10 and Avondale Boulevard. We are very close to restaurants, golf, shopping, movie theaters and other attractions such as the Jobing.com Arena, Phoenix International Raceway and the University of Phoenix Stadium! Contact the sales department. 11460 W. Hilton Way, Avondale, 623.882.3351, hiltongardeninn.hilton.com

Homewood Suites by Hilton® Phoenix-Avondale

The Homewood Suites by Hilton® Phoenix-Avondale hotel is an upscale all-suite hotel located in progressive West Phoenix. Conveniently located off I-10 and Avondale Boulevard, we are very close to restaurants, golf, shopping, and movie theaters. Other nearby attractions include the Jobing.com Arena, Phoenix International Raceway and the University of Phoenix Stadium! Contact our sales department. 11450 W. Hilton Way, Avondale, 623.882.3315, phoenixavondale.homewoodsuites.com

Residence Inn Marriott

Centrally located next to the Peoria Sports Complex and within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment. All suites offer separate living and sleeping areas and fully equipped kitchens. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet and Mon - Thu evening social hour. 8435 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623.979.2074, http://marriott. com/property/propertypage/PHXRP

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The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

Located just 20 minutes west of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa has been a West Valley classic since 1929. With 331 newly appointed guest casitas, three championship golf courses, the Red Door Spa, two inviting pools, nine lighted tennis courts, and more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space, options are limitless at this Authentic Arizona resort. Add to that three tempting restaurants, including the award-winning Arizona Kitchen and Red’s Steakhouse. 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, 888.869.7319, 623.935.3811, wigwamresort.com

Windmill Suites at Sun City West

This all-suite hotel features 127 suites with private bedroom, wet bar, microwave, refrigerator, sofa bed, two televisions, and three telephones. Enjoy Windmill Inn Good Morning™, featuring hot beverage, juice, muffin, and newspaper delivered to your suite each morning or choose to join us for free continental breakfast. The Arizona Room accommodates up to 150, in theater-style seating and is approximately 2,100 square feet. It can be divided into two separate rooms for smaller meetings. 12545 W. Bell Road, Surprise, 800.547.4747, 623.583.0133, windmillinns. com/sun.htm, sunsm@windmillinns.com. Locations also in Tucson and Chandler.

Wildlife World Zoo Arts & Events The Wildlife World Zoo Brings the Ocean to the Desert

The only public aquarium located between Albuquerque and San Diego, the Wildlife World Zoo opened in late 2008. With 135,000 gallons of water and over 60 indoor exhibits, the aquarium will house as many as 400 species of animals and exhibit unusual species such as seahorses, stingrays, penguins, Giant Pacific Octopus, sharks, and the largest fresh water fish in the world – Arapaima. Outdoor exhibits include a Log Flume Ride; at 1,500 feet long, riders will be guided around 3 monkey islands and through a 20-foot-long acrylic tunnel surrounded by South Pacific Reef fish, and finally soaked as they drop three stories. The Wildlife World Zoo contains Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals, including white tigers, jaguars, lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, monkeys, and 300 other species. Three large indoor exhibits feature reptiles, small mammals and aquariums. Other activities include an African Train Ride, Australian Boat Ride, Exotic Animal Carousel, Wildlife Sky Ride, three interactive shows several times a day, cafe and free parking. Open daily, 9am-5pm. 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, 623.935.WILD, wildlifeworld.com

Arizona Broadway Theatre

azbroadwaytheatre.com, 623.776.8400, Peoria Arizona’s one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art, professional dinner theatre showcases locally and nationally acclaimed artists both on-stage and behind the scenes. The auditorium comfortably seats 400 guests with unobstructed views from every seat.

Chamber Music West

chambermusicwest.com, 623.972.0478, Sun City This concert series is the only Professional Chamber Music series presented in the West Valley, presenting acclaimed chamber music through both established and emerging performers.

Del E. Webb Center For Performing Arts

delewebbcenter.org, 928.684.6624, Wickenburg This 600-seat, state-of-the-art theatre presents professional performances October - May.

Deer Valley Rock Art Center

asu.edu/clas/shesc/dvrac, 623.582.8007, Phoenix The Deer Valley Rock Art Center is a museum, nature preserve, and archaeological site with the largest concentration of Native American rock art in the Phoenix area.

Desert Caballeros Western Museum

westernmuseum.org, 928.684.2272, Wickenburg See the tale of the West unfold through the talented eyes of America’s great Western artists, including Remington and Russell. Be amazed by the cowboy gear in the Hays’ Spirit of the Cowboy Collection. Stroll along a historic street, and step out on the Ranch to see how life was lived at the turn of the last century. Discover it all at “Arizona’s Most Western Museum,” along with fascinating art and history exhibitions that change several times a year.

Gold Nugget Art Gallery

goldnuggetartgallery.com, 928.684.5849, Wickenburg The Gold Nugget Art Gallery features the work of over 40 of the Southwest’s finest artists in all media including oil, watercolor, acrylic, bronze, alabaster, wood, glass, gourds, pottery, and designer jewelry.

Heard Museum West

heard.org, 623.344.2200, Surprise Recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, educational programming and American Indian festivals, permanent and changing exhibitions, shopping, classroom activities, lectures and hands-on activities for families.

Theater Works

theaterworks.org, 623.815.7930, Sun City Theater Works provides opportunities for children, patrons, and artists to experience theater that inspires, enriches, and enlightens their lives through the celebration of the performing arts.

West Valley Arts Council

westvalleyarts.org, 623.935.6384, Avondale The West Valley Arts Council exists to build audiences for all of the arts, to drive arts policy forward and to champion arts education throughout the West Valley.

West Valley Art Museum

wvam.org, 623.972.0635, Surprise The West Valley Art Museum is open 10am-4pm Tuesday through Sunday. The Museum is located at West Bell Road and 114th Avenue. With five exhibition galleries, a Museum Store, Classic Café, and regularly scheduled education programs, the Museum welcomes all visitors. For Valley-wide arts information, visit www.ShowUp.com. Discover what’s happening on stages, galleries and arts festivals around the Valley, plus purchase last-minute tickets at discount prices. arizona avenues

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JANUARY 2009

Feb. 12, Missouri Opry $, Palm Ridge Recreation Center, Sun City Feb. - May, 3rd Thursday of West, 623.544.6032, rcscw.com the Month, That Thursday Feb. 21, Buckeye Air Fair Thing! 6-8pm, Free, Historic Buckeye Municipal Airport, Downtown, Glendale, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov 623.930.4500, visitglendale.com Jan. - May, Arts in the Park Live Feb. 21, Goodyear’s Heart & Sole Run 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run Series Free, Wigwam Resort, $, West Valley Hospital, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9040, registration required, litchfield-park.org 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.gov/rec Jan. - Dec., Surprise Serenades Feb. 21-22, Tres Rios 7pm, $, West Valley Art Museum, Surprise, 623.972.0635, Nature Festival 10am-6pm, Free, B&M Wildlife Area, wvam.org Avondale, 623.204.2130, Jan. 5, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl $, University of Phoenix Stadium, tresriosnaturefestival.com Feb. 26, Comedian Brad Zinn glendalesgotgame.com Jan. 10, Foster Children’s Family $, Palm Ridge Recreation Center, Fun Run Buckeye, 623.349.6352, Sun City West, 623.544.6032, rcscw.com buckeyeaz.gov Jan. 10-11, Litchfield Park MARCH 2009 Native American Festival Mar., Cactus League Spring 10am-5pm, $, Scout Park, Training Kansas City Royals, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9040 623.222.2222, surpriseaz.com Jan. 14, “John Davidson” $, Palm Ridge Recreation Center, San Diego Padres 623.878.4337, peoriaaz.com/sportscomplex Sun City West, 623.544.6032, Seattle Mariners 623.878.4337, rcscw.com peoriaaz.com/sportscomplex Jan. 17, Glendale’s Glitter & Glow Block Party 4-10pm, Free, Texas Rangers 623.222.2222, surpriseaz.com Historic Downtown Glendale, 623.930.2299, visitglendale.com Cleveland Indians 623.882.7644, goodyearaz.gov Jan. 17, Winter Trout Fishing Derby 7am-3pm, $, Lake Park, Los Angeles Dodgers 623.935.9040, litchfield-park.org 866.DODGERS, glendalesgotgame.com Jan. 18, Symphony of the Southwest 2:30-4pm, $, West Mar. 7, Litchfield Park 10K, Valley Art Museum, Surprise, 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run 6:30am, $, 623.972.0635, wvam.org Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 623.935.9040, litchfield-park.org Jan. 24, Junior Olympic Skills Challenge Buckeye, 623.349.6352, Mar. 7, NBA/WNBA Skills buckeyeaz.gov Challenge/Basketball Bonanza Buckeye, 623.349.6352, Jan. 31, 2nd Annual Family Hot Chocolate & Cookie Social buckeyeaz.gov 1-3pm, Free, Foothills Recreation Mar. 10-11, 13-15 Coca& Aquatics Center, Glendale, Cola Classic College Baseball 623.930.4610, glendaleaz.com/ Tournament Surprise Stadium, foothillscenter 623.222.2000, surpriseaz.com Mar. 13-14 Pioneer Days FEBRUARY 2009 Melodrama $, Buckeye, Feb. 6-8, Glendale Chocolate 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov Affaire Free, Historic Downtown Mar. 13-15, Peoria’s Festival of Glendale, 623.930.2299, the Arts Free, Peoria City Hall visitglendale.com Complex, 623.773.7198, Feb. 13-15, 61st Annual Gold peoriaaz.gov/specialevents Rush Days Out Wickenburg Mar. 14-15, Affair with the Way! $, Historic Downtown Arts Festival 9am-10pm, $, Wickenburg, 928.942.5242, West Valley Art Museum, wickenburgchamber.com 623.972.0635, wvam.org

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Mar. 14-15, 11th Annual Litchfield Park Art & Culinary Festival 10am-5pm, Free, Downtown Litchfield Park, 623.393.7820, CVfestival@aol.com Mar. 20-22, Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo Fri. and Sat. 7pm, Sun. 2pm, $, Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena, Buckeye, 623.386.2727, buckeyevalleychamber.org Mar. 21 Buckeye Pioneer Days 9am Parade, 7am Pancake Breakfast, $, downtown Buckeye, 623.386.2727, buckeyeaz.gov Mar. 21, Miss Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo Queen Coronation 7pm, During Rodeo, Buckeye Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena, 623.386.2727, buckeyevalleychamber.org Mar. 26, Dolan Ellis 7pm, $, Palm Ridge Recreation Center, Sun City West, 623.544.6032, rcscw.com Mar. 28, 2nd Annual Family Fun Night 8:30-10:30pm, $, Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, Glendale, 623.930.4610, glendaleaz.com/foothillscenter Mar. 29, Spring Celebration & “Hoppy Easter” Buckeye Town Park, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov

APRIL 2009 Apr. TBD, Hershey’s Track & Field Buckeye, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov Apr. TBD, Aqua Fina Pitch Hit & Run Buckeye, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov Apr. TBD, Step Up to Health Family Fun Run/Walk Buckeye, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov Apr. TBD, Peoria Performances 7pm, Free, Peoria City Hall Amphitheatre, 623.773.7198, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents Apr. 10, 17, 24, Spring Concert Series 6:30pm, Free, Goodyear Community Park, 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.gov Apr. 4, City of Peoria’s Pioneer Days 8am-12pm, Free, Osuna Park, Peoria, 623.773.7198, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents Apr. 4-5, Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival Free, Historic Downtown Glendale, 623.930.2299, visitglendale.com

Arizona became the 48th state on Feb. 14, 1912, which is how it received one of its nicknames, “The Valentine State.” Get it, Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

Calendar of Events Avondale Spanish Dancers

Spring Training Surprise Stadium, Glendale Chocolate Affaire, Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival

Although event dates were correct at time of publication, it’s a good idea to call ahead and make sure no one has rained on your parade. Phone numbers are included with the listings, and “$” denotes admission is charged. Peoria Halloween Monster Bash & Balloon Illumination, Phoenix International Raceway

Apr. 11, Peoria’s Dolly Sanchez Easter Egg Hunt 8-11am, Free, Peoria Sports Complex, 623.773.7198, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents Apr. 17, Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 $, Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, 866.408.7223, phoenixinternationalraceway.com Apr. 18, SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ $, Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, 866.408.7223, phoenixinternationalraceway.com TBD, Whoopee Daze Festival Fri. 5pm-midnight, Sat. 10am-midnight, Sun. noon-9:30pm, Free, Tolleson Veterans Park, 623.936.2705 or 623.936.7111, tollesonaz.org

Litchfield Park Rec Ctr. Day Celebration, Evening Fireworks Display, 623.935.9040, litchfield-park.org July 4, July 4th Celebration Free, Surprise Recreation Campus, 623.222.2000, surpriseaz.com July 4, July 4th All-American Festival 5-10pm, $, Peoria Sports Complex, 623.773.7198, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents July 4, Family Fun & Fireworks “Out Wickenburg Way” 7-9pm, Fireworks at 9pm, Free, Coffinger Park, 928.684.0977, wickenburgchamber.com July 4, Buckeye’s Fabulous 4th of July 6-9pm, Free, Buckeye, MAY 2009 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov May – Aug., Goodyear’s July 4, Goodyear’s Star “Movie in the Park” Free, Spangled 4th 5-9:30pm, Free, Goodyear Community Park, Goodyear Community Park, 623.882.7525 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.com May 1, Viva Buckeye! Cinco TBD, Christmas in July De Mayo Buckeye Town Park, 10am-4pm, Historic Downtown 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov Glendale, 623.930.4500, VisitGlendale.com May 9, Spring Demolition Derby 7-10pm, $, Helzapoppin’ July 25, 3rd Annual World Rodeo Arena, 623.386.2727, Records Day 10am-2pm, buckeyevalleychamber.org Free, Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, Glendale, JUNE 2009 623.930.4610, glendaleaz.com/foothillscenter June -July, Glendale Summer Band Concerts 8pm, Free, AUGUST 2009 Historic Downtown Glendale, Amphitheater, 623.930.2820, Aug. 8, Goodyear’s “Dry Heat glendaleaz.com Comedy Night” 8pm, Free, June 20, Goodyear’s “Dry Heat Goodyear Community Park, 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.gov Comedy Night” 8pm, Free, Goodyear Community Park, 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.gov SEPTEMBER 2009 June 27, 2nd Annual Family Sept. – Oct., Fall Concert Swim Night 6:30-8:30pm, Series 6:30pm, Free, $, Foothills Recreation & Goodyear Community Park, Aquatics Center, Glendale, 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.gov 623.930.4610, glendaleaz.com/ Sept. 5, 21st Annual Fiesta foothillscenter de Septiembre 11am-7pm, Free, Historic Downtown JULY 2009 Wickenburg, 800.942.5242, wickenburgchamber.com July 3, Avondale Fireworks Festival 6-10:30pm, Free, Sept. 12, 3rd Annual Family Phoenix International Raceway, Ice Cream Social 2-4pm, 623.333.2400, avondale.org/events $, Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, Glendale, July 4, Glendale Hometown 623.930.4610, 4th of July Celebration 6pm, glendaleaz.com/foothillscenter Free, Glendale Community College, 623.930.2299, Oct. 10, Fiesta Glendale visitglendale.com 4-10pm, Free, Historic July 4, 4th of July Celebration Downtown, 623.930.2299, visitglendale.com 10am-5pm, 7-10pm, $,

OCTOBER 2009 Oct. TBD, Relay for Life, buckeyevalleychamber.org Oct. TBD, Buckeye’s Cactus Cha Cha Trail Runs Competitive 3- & 7-mile Trail Run, White Tank Mountains, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov Oct. TBD, Peoria Performances 7pm, Free, Peoria City Hall Amphitheatre, 623.773.7198, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents Oct. 10, 15th Annual Wickenburg Fly-In & Classic Car Show 7:30am-1pm, Free, Wickenburg Municipal Airport, 800.942.5242, wickenburgchamber.com Oct. 11, Oktoberfest 4-8pm, $, Wigwam Resort, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9040 Oct. 24, Halloween Monster Bash & Balloon Illumination 5-9pm, Free with canned food donation, Peoria Sports Complex, 623.773.7198, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents Oct. 24, Goodyear’s “Howling Halloween Bash” 5-8:30pm, Free, Goodyear Community Park, 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.gov Oct. 31, Buckeye’s “Spooktacular” Halloween 5-8pm, Buckeye Town Park, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov

Buckeye, 623.386.2727, buckeyevalleychamber.org Nov. 21, Holiday Boutique & Winter in the Park Buckeye Town Park, 623.349.6352, buckeyeaz.gov Nov. 21, 3nd Annual Turkey “Fowl” Contest 12-3pm, $, Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, Glendale, 623.930.4610, glendaleaz.com/ foothillscenter Nov. 27-28, Glendale Glitters Spectacular 5-10pm, Free, Historic Downtown Glendale, 623.930.2299, visitglendale.com

DECEMBER 2009

Dec. 5, Goodyear’s “Holly Jolly Festival” 5-8:30pm, Free, Goodyear Community Park, 623.882.7525, goodyearaz.gov Dec. 5, Glow on Monroe Downtown Buckeye, 623.386.2727, buckeyevalleychamber.org TBD, Luces de Navidad Festival Fri. 6-11pm, Sat. 12-11pm, Sun. 12-8pm, Free, Tolleson Veterans Park, 623.936.2705 or 623.936.7111, tollesonaz.org Dec. 4, City of Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival 5-9pm, Free, Osuna Park, Peoria, 623.773.7198, peoriaaz.gov/ specialevents Dec. 4-5, 21st Annual NOVEMBER 2009 Nov. 14, Holiday Open House Cowboy Christmas Poet Gathering $, Free, Historic Downtown Historic Downtown Glendale, 623.930.4500, Wickenburg, 800.942.5242, visitglendale.com wickenburgchamber.com TBD, Peoria Fall Arts & Dec. 12, Cowboy Poetry, Crafts Festival Free, Peoria Sports Complex, 480.488.2014, Music Gathering 4-10pm, $, West Valley Art Museum, magicbirdfestivals.com 623.972.0635, wvam.org Nov. 13-15, 30th Annual Dec. 12, Christmas in the Park, Wickenburg Bluegrass 9am-9pm, Free, Downtown Festival Fri. noon-6pm, Litchfield Park, 623.393.7320 Sat.-Sun. 9am-5:30pm, $, Dec. 12, 3rd Annual Santa’s Everett Bowman Rodeo Workshop 10am-12pm, Grounds, 800.942.5242, $, Foothills Recreation & wickenburgchamber.com Aquatics Center, Glendale, Nov. 15, Checker O’Reilly 623.930.4610, glendaleaz.com/ Auto Parts 500 $, Phoenix foothillscenter International Raceway, Dec. 11, 14th Annual Avondale, 866.408.7223, phoenixinternationalraceway.com Christmas Parade of Lights 6:30pm, Free, Nov. 21, Fall Demolition Historic Downtown Derby 7-10pm, $, Wickenburg, 800.942.5242, Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena, wickenburgchamber.com arizona avenues

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Glendale Chamber of Commerce

Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce

City of Goodyear

11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, AZ 85323 623.333.1400 • avondale.org The RACE is on for Avondale. A premier destination for International NASCAR Racing, Education, Arts, Festivals, Shopping, Dining, Recreation and Family Living; Avondale sets the PACE in only a way that can be defined as FAST and FURIOUS! Take the wheel and experience Avondale for yourself! 508 E. Monroe, Buckeye, AZ 85326 623.386.2727 • 877.850.2600 buckeyevalleychamber.org “Organizations United to Build a Better Community” is the foundation of the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce. Buckeye has been around for over a century, starting out as a farming community when the first irrigation system was developed. The town has annexed much of the land west of the beautiful White Tank Mountains, and plans are underway to expand city services to handle the influx of new residents. Contact the chamber for information on relocation.

City of El Mirage

12145 NW Grand Ave., El Mirage, AZ 85335 623.972.8116 Economic Development: 623.876.2950 cityofelmirage.org El Mirage is the gateway to the burgeoning Northwest Valley. In the past five years, El Mirage has grown faster than any other city in Arizona, with a 300 percent population increase. Nestled along the Agua Fria River, this 11 square mile city was founded in 1937. Even as we have welcomed the influx of new residents, the city has retained its traditional, close-knit charm.

Glendale Office of Tourism & Visitor Center

5800 W. Glenn Drive, Ste. 140 Glendale, AZ 85301 623.930.4500 • 877.800.2601 Economic Development: 623.930.2983 VisitGlendale.com As home to the finest multi-sport entertainment complex, and one of the most Average Temperatures renowned Downtown Shopping Districts in Low High America, Glendale is a beautiful blend of new January 37 66 excitement and historic charm. Although the areas are a contrast in offerings, they’re a February 39 69 testament to Glendale’s mastered balance of March 42 75 progress and preservation. Glendale is the April 49 83 home of the NHL Coyotes and Arizona Cardinals and is the host of the Tostitos Fiesta May 56 92 Bowl, 2007 BCS Championship and 2008 June 65 100 Super Bowl. Historic Downtown Glendale July 73 100 incorporates two distinct neighborhoods August 71 98 with more than 90 specialty shops and eateries. Although the area was named one September 66 96 of the nation’s 10 best places to shop, it still October 54 87 feels like a secret only you’ve discovered. November 43 75 Glendale is a visitor’s treasure chest filled December 38 67 with fabulous options.

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7105 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301 623.937.4754 • 800.437.8669 glendaleazchamber.org The chamber represents more than 800 businesses in the Glendale area. Your one-stop information center, the chamber can help you with everything from relocating to the West Valley to opening a business in Glendale. 190 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338 623.932.3910 • goodyearaz.gov Marketing/Communication: 623.882.7820 Goodyear – an All-America City. One of the fastest growing communities in Arizona, 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Spectacular master-planned communities of unsurpassed quality offer country clubs, lakes and golf courses. Palm-lined avenues with a wide array of dining and shopping are set against a majestic mountain backdrop. New spring training home to the Cleveland Indians in 2009 and Cincinnati Reds in 2010. For relocation information, contact the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, 623.932.2260, southwestvalleychamber.org.

City of Litchfield Park

City Hall: 214 W. Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 623.935.5033 • litchfield-park.org Located just 15 miles from Phoenix, Litchfield Park was founded in 1917 and incorporated in 1987. Here the streets are lined with palm and orange trees, quaint restaurants, and a wine shop featuring outdoor patio dining at its best. The Four Star Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa offers three championship golf courses, nine tennis courts, a new Red Door Spa and fine resort dining. The City Recreation Center offers swimming and tennis. For special events, please see the Calendar of Events.

Peoria Chamber of Commerce

8765 W. Kelton Lane, Building C-1, Peoria, AZ 85382 623.979.3601 • 800.580.2645 • visitpeoriaaz.com The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is an organization of individuals and businesses that work together to advance the commercial, financial, industrial and civic interests of our community. Together we encourage the growth of existing businesses, assist new firms and individuals locating to the area and promote a positive image for the City of Peoria. Visitors are also welcome to learn more about all there is to do in Peoria as it relates to outdoor recreation, dining, theater, sports, entertainment and more.

Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce

289 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338 623.932.2260 • southwestvalleychamber.org Serving the communities of Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson

Jackrabbits can leap up to 25 feet high and hop as fast as 50 mph. But despite the very large size, their ears do not double as parachutes.

Resou rces

City of Avondale

Sun City Visitors Center

16824 N. 99th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351 623.977.5000 • 800.437.8146 • suncityaz.org Our nation’s first planned retirement community centers the Northwest Valley’s explosive growth. Professional sports, golf, arts & education, hobbies & crafts, and medical facilities are in or within six miles. Well constructed homes, mature landscaping, low property taxes, affordable utilities, all make Sun City a value that can’t be ignored.

Sun City West Visitors Center

13823 Camino Del Sol, Sun City West, AZ 85375 623.214.8629 • 800.482.3798 suncitywest.org • visitorscenter@suncitywest.org

Surprise Regional Chamber,

12801 W. Bell Road, Ste. 14 Surprise, AZ 85374 623.583.0692 Economic Development: 623.875.4273 surpriseregionalchamber.com Serving the communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, El Mirage and Youngtown.

City of Surprise

12425 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374 623.222.1000 • surpriseaz.com Economic Development: 623.222.3300 Surprise defines vibrant southwest living. Sparkling new, clean neighborhoods surround world-class outdoor recreation. You will love hiking, biking or camping at the magnificent White Tank Regional Park or getting private lessons at our new 25-court Tennis and Racquet Center. Catch Cactus League spring training at the award-winning Surprise Stadium, and check out our outstanding cultural facilities, such as the Heard Museum West and the West Valley Art Museum.

Tolleson City Hall

9555 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson, AZ 85353 623.936.7111 • tollesonaz.org

Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Visitor Center

Youngtown Town Hall

216 N. Frontier St., Wickenburg, AZ 85390 928.684.5479 • Economic Development: 928.684.0977 outwickenburgway.com • wickenburgchamber.com

E S S E N T I A L

12030 Clubhouse Square, Youngtown, AZ 85363 623.933.8286 • youngtownaz.org

I N F O R M A T I O N

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Arizona’s main airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, saw more than 41 million passengers in 2006 and is served by 19 airlines. These carriers provide nonstop service from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and around the world. Nonstop international service is provided by Aeromexico, British Airways, Air Canada, WestJet and US Airways.

Reliever Airports

The Wickenburg Chamber is committed to enhancing the town’s quality of life through numerous programs. The Chamber fulfills its mission through the various committees, including film, education, governmental affairs, tourism, retail, small business, transportation, membership services, ambassadors and special events.

Glendale Municipal Airport provides complete airport services for general aviation and corporate jet traffic. Amenities include the Airport Restaurant (open all day), corporate meeting space, enclosed hangars, flight instruction and car rentals. The Phoenix Goodyear Airport in Goodyear operates as a general reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, offering fuel sales, overnight parking, a flight-planning and lounge area and a conference room.

Time Zone

The State of Arizona is located in the Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST). Arizona is one of only two U.S. states that does not make an adjustment for Daylight Savings Time, and during the months of April through October, Arizona time mirrors Pacific Daylight Time.

Radio & Television

Radio: 18 AM stations and 25 FM stations Television: Local channels are KTVK, 3; KPHO, 5 (CBS); KAET, 8 (PBS); KSAZ, 10 (FOX); KPNX, 12 (NBC); KNXV, 15 (ABC); KTVW, 33 (Span.); KUTP, 45 (MNT); KPPX, 51 (PAX); KASW, 6 or 61 (CW).

Newspapers

The Arizona Republic, 602.444.8000

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Lifestyle Equity Lifestyle Properties

Conveniently located near a number of West Valley attractions such as the Peoria Sports Complex, championship golf courses, shopping, restaurants, medical services, public transportation, and the arts, Equity Lifestyle Properties, offer the highest in quality and amenities. Come enjoy the Lifestyle you deserve. 877.357.7758, equitylifestyle.com

The Fountains at Sun City

A gated resort style apartment community designed to please the most discriminating adult. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of our lagoon and fountains as you stroll our beautifully landscaped walkways. Work out in the fitness center, take a refreshing swim, relax in our whirlpool spa. Choose maintenance-free living, indoors and out. Live well…Live affordably…Live The Fountains at Sun City Life! 13638 N. Newcastle Drive, Sun City, 623.933.2500, TheFountainsAtSunCityApts.com

Vistancia

Vistancia, selected as the “Best Master-planned Community in America,” is located in Peoria. Amenities include the 3.3-mile Discovery Trail and the Mountain Vista Club, which features three pools, two water slides, indoor basketball gymnasium, a tennis complex, and open play areas. The community is also home to Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, an 18-hole daily fee championship course designed by Gary Panks and the private country club community of Blackstone. Forty-five model homes open daily. 623.933.6233, vistancia.com

Spa Red Door Spa at The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

RV Resort Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

Pleasant Harbor is a five-star RV Resort located on beautiful Lake Pleasant. With more than 310 days of sunshine each year, you will enjoy boating, swimming and fishing. During winter season (October-April), full-time activity directors offer many planned activities. 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria, 602.269.0077, pleasantharbor.com, mwd@ pleasantharbor.com

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The Red Door Spa at The Wigwam is a 26,000-square-foot oasis that provides an inviting and uncluttered getaway where guests can lounge in plush surroundings made specifically for quiet, meditative relaxation. The first destination spa in the West Valley, it features massages, wraps, facials and signature Red Door services. 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, 888.869.7319, 623.535.4967, wigwamresort.com

Transportation Accent Transportation

Our promise is “Hospitality In Motion.” It is to always treat our clients in a warm and friendly manner, to ensure safe, expeditious and professional transit with your choice of Lincoln Town Car, SUV or stretch limousine equipped with in-car WiFi, XM Satellite Radio and much more. 602.904.6232, transaccent.com, info@transaccent.com