Phoenix was one of the 21 cities selected by Real Simple for one of the top timesaving cities in America. The editors of Real Simple conducted a report to uncover the 21 cities, which included the urban areas across the nation that offered convenient, timesaving services to residents. From the length of the average commute to the number of take-out meal options, Real Simple reviewed reams of data on dozens of American cities with a population of over 200,000, and ranked each city across five categories. The list will appear in the April issue of the magazine.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's new Taxiway C is now open. $11.7 million in federal stimulus funds paid for the project. Construction began in late July 2009 and entailed replacing 2,200 linear feet of asphalt with 20-inch thick cement concrete on the tarmac. This area was previously used for general aviation aircraft and as a ramp, but now accommodates commercial traffic. It allows planes to get to the gates and runways more efficiently and may decrease the time it takes passengers to get from the gates to their destinations as a result.
RESORT NEWS
The Arizona Biltmore has a full slate of summer activities that includes the Ocatilla package, which is an exclusive new "hotel within the hotel" and all the best dining the Arizona Biltmore has to offer with the Exclusive All-Inclusive Package. The package includes: club lounge access, lunch for two, dinner for two, 50% off Spa a la carte services, free self parking, and resort charge included.
The Phoenician has unveiled its newest retail shop, the Grape & Grain, making its multi-million dollar, award-winning inventory of wines, spirits and beers—the largest in the state of Arizona—available to both guests and residents alike for the very first time. The Grape & Grain showcases vintages from around the world and will be open daily. Throughout the year, the Grape & Grain will also host special signings with many of the industry's top owners, wine makers and master distillers, adding to the overall interactive experience.
Family fun happens at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak all summer long. Spend some quality time together with bingo, trivia, and breakfast with Yote the Coyote, poolside activities, dive-in movies and more! Enjoy themed poolside parties once a month throughout the summer. June is Wild Wild West, July is Star Spangled Fun and August is Island Fever. Come dressed to impress and take part in all the fun activities.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is now offering the Digital Kids Zone Summer Camps. Kids ages 7-12 can look forward to a five-day program filled with capturing footage, taking digital photos, experimenting with special effects, and building their own songs to create their very own video. There are four different camps to choose from including Movie Making, Video Game Design, Produce Your Own Morning Show and Media Madness.
Celebrate the start of summer Nickelodeon style on Saturday, May 15 at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. Enjoy live kids music, the renowned "Slime Time," Nickelodeon crafts and activities including t-shirt decorating and color-a-cookie, appearances by SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, magician, culinary samplings and raffles for free resort stays, dining and more. Raffle proceeds will be donated to Phoenix Children's Hospital. Event is free and open to the public.
The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa has claimed its long-awaited stability under the new ownership of JDM Partners, one of the largest land owners of entitled land in greater Phoenix with over 100 years experience in real estate, sports and entertainment development and operations. A treasured Southwest landmark for more than 80 years, the Wigwam first opened to the public over eight decades ago in 1929. Situated in the West Valley of Phoenix, the Wigwam features 331 rooms including 72 suites set on over 400 acres of lush green grass, vibrant floral landscaping, over 8,000 rose bushes and fragrant citrus groves. Offering a truly unique experience that captivates every sense and takes you back to another time, the Wigwam is home to the Southwest's only 54 holes of championship golf, a signature Red Door Spa, a nine-court championship tennis facility and the coveted AAA Four Diamond-rated Red's Steakhouse.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa providing "Grown-Up Getaway" vacation packages throughout the summer. Every hour, complimentary treats will be served poolside including Fruit Smoothie Shots, Chilled Lemon-Scented Towels and Frozen Grapes Kabobs. From pampering spa treatments and challenging golf—to romantic getaways and solitary retreats, this extraordinary desert hideaway is one of the few to offer amenities and programs designed for a peaceful adult vacation.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa is again inviting the public to name some of its most distinguished residents: the striking cactus that stand proudly in the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape. The "Name the Cactus" contest presents a fabulous vacation getaway to the winner. The contest runs until June 1st.
The GF Management announces that its affiliated company SCOT Associates has been awarded management of The Mondrian Hotel in Scottsdale. As a component of the management transition, the hotel will be rechristened the Hotel Theodore featuring Teddy's Lounge. The new Hotel Theodore will be repositioned by the GF Management's affiliate to distinguish it as the cutting edge and comforting destination it was meant to be. The hotel, known affectionately as "The Theodore," possesses many facets from hip, chic local attraction to a serene getaway. Inspired by the dignified nature of Theodore Roosevelt, the hotel's market positioning will be re-imagined to convey new confidence and endless possibilities, along with a few clever initiatives for the future.
The Fairmont Scottsdale is inviting mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends to relax, bond, be pampered and empowered during their "Power of Pink Weekend" on April 23-25, 2010. The fun, inspiring weekend includes: resort accommodations for two nights, pink pajamas from Willow Stream-The Spa at Fairmont, a "blinged" Spa Girl baseball cap from Willow Stream, a copy of "Shaken and Stirred, Healthy Cooking Using Your Favorite Spirits" by Dietitian in the Kitchen Diane Henderiks, Willow Stream's signature Pink Pedicure benefiting the Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, one complimentary Whish body product, and plus more meals and weekend events.
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is offering family-friendly festivities. Families will enjoy the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program. The KFAS center features a plush movie theatre, pool, ping pong and foosball tables, and also a video game entertainment room. Additionally, children receive a special stuffed animal welcome amenity upon arrival, as well as a personalized cookie plate and juice in their room. Children under 5 eat complimentary in our dining outlets, and all restaurants have both children and teen menus to fit growing tastes. Activities offered throughout the summer include organized pool games, stargazing every Friday night, sunrise hikes to Pinnacle Peak Park, and Cowboy by the Campfire featuring songs and tales from the Old West.
The Clarendon Hotel is promoting a 2010 special called "Bikinis for Breakfast" and here's how it works: if you check-in while wearing a bikini or board shorts or speedo, you'll get a $10 breakfast voucher. Use it for Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles Verdes, Crepas, or even a Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Michelada or Picoso.
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), the first truly global museum of its kind, is gearing up for its grand opening in Phoenix on April 24, 2010. MIM will celebrate music by exhibiting instruments from every country in the world. The museum has already acquired more than 12,000 instruments and objects for its core collection, representing musical traditions from folk and popular to ritual and courtly.
Arizona Popular Culture Museum has recently opened and their goal is "Encouraging Imagination, Innovation, Education and Enlightenment for the Mind and Spirit." The museum says that every person has been affected by an element of popular culture at some time in their lives and it is the museum's job to preserve and present the cultural icons for the present and for the future generations.
The Arizona Science Center is in the process of constructing a new entrance and lobby allowing improved access for ADA, school groups and the general public. It will soon offer a larger, air-conditioned environment for queuing, improved accessibility for patrons who have a disability and school groups, as well as making it easier to enter the building and begin your scientific explorations.
Spring is a great time to see the Arizona's Major League Baseball team the Diamondbacks. Opening day atChase Field is April 5 against the San Diego Padres. The Diamondbacks entered Major League Baseball on March 31, 1998 and quickly secured their place in baseball history, winning the 2001 World Series against the NY Yankees in a thrilling come-from-behind victory. Since the team's inaugural season, over 25 million fans have enjoyed watching the D-backs at Chase Field. A wide variety of D-backs ticket options give fans the ability to choose their baseball experience with tickets ranging from just $5 or for an affordable family outing enjoy Family Fridays or Kid's Sundays. With over 10 games at home in the regular season just in the month of May this is an opportunity you can't pass up.
Enjoy Target Sizzlin' Summer Saturdays at The Heard Museum. Each Saturday from July 3 through July 31, visitors can experience exciting dance performance and meet an artist demonstrating everything from basket weaving to Navajo rug weaving. Kids can enjoy several hands-on activities in addition to the dozens of interactive or make-and-take activities in three of the museum's galleries. Children's book authors will be on-site signing books and each child will receive a take-home souvenir bag filled with activity sheets, crayons, stickers and more.
The Broadway Series in the Valley concludes when the award-winning Beatles concert, RAIN-A Tribute to the Beatles, makes its debut at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix April 22-25.
Enjoy ASU Art Museum First Saturdays for Families. This is a free program at ASU Art Museum that helps teach children about art and encourages them to be creative. Stop by on the first Saturday of each month (excluding holidays) to learn about one artist whose work is in the museum, and then make your own project based on what that artist does. There is no cost to participate in our events and kids get to keep their art projects. It's a perfect day for kids 4-12 and their families, and no registration is required. Just stop by the museum any time between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. the first Saturday of every month!
The L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum is certified by the Arizona Historical Society. It tells the story of Arizona's Lower Verde Valley from the geological upheavals that formed the Valley to the new, vibrant and environmentally sensitive communities of today. The museum showcases the grand procession of human beings who walked this land for centuries and dramatizes the critical importance of the rivers and water to life in the desert. It also offers historical and cultural programs and activities for adults and children.
GOLF
Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is honoring America's military men and women by providing active, reserve and retired military personnel with discounted golf fees. The "Fairway Furloughs" program offers golfers in the military a discounted rate of nearly 70 percent savings off the normal rate when they play afternoon any day of the week, now through April.
SPA
Aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort is pleased to announce their exclusive partnership with ARCONA, a natural luxury skincare line and Los Angeles-based facial studio, which has achieved notoriety with angelic faced A-list celebrities such as Mandy Moore, Jennie Garth, Natalie Portman, Anna Kendrick, Adrien Brody and Usher.
Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort and Spa was a top ranked spa in the valley by Conde Nast Traveler. Alvadora was ranked 25th on the 2010 Top Spas list of 240 top spas, and was the highest ranked in Arizona for the intimate retreat it provides. Treatments at Alvadora Spa are inspired by the revitalizing benefits of the herbs, flowers, oils and minerals indigenous to the Mediterranean and from the citrus groves scattered throughout the resort grounds, which is a unique departure from the desert-inspired treatments predominant in the Southwestern spas.
VH spa at Hotel Valley Ho is now offering ZENsei shirts for sale in the spa boutique that feature a peace sign and were designed by Elisa, a young woman with autism. Profits from these shirts will go to Autism Speaks, to help fund projects that can aid people with autism in their quest to grow, learn, and prosper.
Since opening in 2001, Mii amo, part of the Destination Spa in Enchantment Resort, has designed its programming around offering three, four and seven-night inclusive programs called Journeys to its destination spa guests. Recently, Mii amo added three new Journeys to its offerings, which include Healthy Body in Balance, Rites of Passage, and Mii amo Master. The other Journeys offerings are De-Stress Mind, Body & Spirit, and Spiritual Exploration. Each Journey at Mii amo are custom created and promote personal transformation through mind, body and spiritual therapies.
DINING
Previously called Radio Milano, Radio Café is reopening by LGO who is putting a stylish stamp on a new hot spot by adding some interesting sushi and an expanded cocktails and spirits menu to make the menu more flexible and not limited to Italian. Inspiration for the establishment's moniker is a sound-centric ambiance. Custom mixed music compilations are carefully crafted to infuse Radio Café with energy and sizzle.
Tuscany at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is providing a personal culinary adventure where servers "creare" menus for diners. Inspired by the comfort and genuine cuisine of a traditional Italian country home, the new Tuscany at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa features handcrafted pastas and specialty pizzas in an inviting, warm atmosphere. The concept of Tuscany incorporates the freshest ingredients from local farmers and the restaurant's own organic herb garden celebrating the regional cuisine of Italy with authentic flavors.
True Food Kitchen offers a series of informative sessions on Tuesdays through the month of April on how to prevent cancer brought to you by experts from the University of Arizona and The Arizona Cancer Center.
Meritage Steakhouse at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is offering a sunset menu that includes a three-course dinner and is available daily. A wine flight can also be included!
For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Department.
Maralyn D. Hill, President
Intrnational Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Santa Fe's 400th Anniversary is taking place during 2010 with events planned throughout the year. Look for what's coming up as events are finalized at
MAY
22-23: NATIVE TREASURES INDIAN ARTS FESTIVAL – Presented by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, featuring over 180 Native American artists who are specially invited by the museum to represent the best and brightest of the Indian art world. At the Santa Fe Convention Center. 
23-26: 61ST ANNUAL RODEO DE SANTA FE – PRCA sanctioned event and rated one of the top 100 rodeos in the country. Santa Fe County Fairgrounds. 
July 15-18: 10th Annual Art Santa Fe: International galleries mix with U.S. galleries to create a powerful collection of art from around the world featuring the work of hundreds of artists. The salon-booth format, artist-styled VIP lounge, grand concourse, prestigious ART Santa Fe presents lecture series, and numerous cultural and educational events make the annual fair a highlight of the summer arts calendar. For 2010 the fair moves back to the Santa Fe Convention Center and will feature more galleries and cutting edge installations. 
