When I first traveled to Arizona, everyone talked about Scottsdale as some magical place. This week we’ll be featuring Scottsdale. You can decide whether it is magical for yourself! (more…)
TALKING STICK RESORT
As I mentioned last week, the newest and largest in the casino business often has only a fleeting chance to be on top of the heap. Currently in its final construction phases is the soon to open Talking Stick Resort just east of Scottsdale.
East of I-101 is the Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community. Up to this point they have opened two Casino Arizona properties (the oldest currently next to the Talking Stick Resort). Within minutes of Old Town Scottsdale, unique shopping, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the Talking Stick Resort property is bound to be a mecca for high rollers … did I mention Scottsdale?
Access to the property is simple with easy on-off exits at I-101 and Indian Bend Road. The property is located 1 mile east and easily visible from the highway.
Talking Stick Resort - under construction
Current specs for the property include:
- 497 room, 15-story luxury hotel
- 240,000 sq. ft. casino floor (poker, table games, slots, keno)
- 900+ Vegas-style slot machines
- 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space (indoor/outdoor)
- 750-seat showroom
- 8 restaurants (including fine dining on the15th floor)
- 10+ night clubs/lounges
- 2, 18-hole golf course managed by internationally recognized Troon Golf, LLC
- 13,000 sq. ft. spa (massage/fitness center, etc.)
- 2 parking garages
As with its sister casino several miles south, the showroom will feature “tribute shows” rather than nationally known entertainment.
Current rates are not available, although reservations will be accepted starting January 1, 2010.
Talking Stick Resort looks to be a major destination in the East Valley of the Phoenix area.
As soon as the property opens, we will update our blog.
We’re back with Wacky Casino Wednesday! NO! The casinos aren’t wacky, it’s Wednesday that’s wacky! (Just wanted to clear that up…)
This week we’re featuring a casino that’s been around for a while with a new hotel property.
Located 24 miles from the Phoenix airport, just south of Fountain Hills, Arizona on highway AZ-87 (Payson) is the home of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Although not a name you might be familiar with, the Yavapai were instrumental in forcing Arizona into a gaming compact creating this states tribal casino system.
As I mentioned in my first article last week, the Federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. The catch was that each state was responsible for signing contracts between themselves and the tribes who wished to participate in gaming. Unfortunately, the governor of Arizona was opposed to tribal gaming so signing anything was not going to happen.
Ft. McDowell's Indian commemorating when they asserted their sovereign nation status
Unfortunately for the state, five casinos were already in operation around the state so in a desperate move, the Governor asked the FBI to raid the establishments, including Fort McDowell.
When the FBI loaded up 349 slot machines into trucks they found that they were not going to get too far. Yavapai members blocked the casino access road with all types of vehicles and stood their ground for three weeks. The governor finally (and surely reluctantly) signed a compact with the Yavapai. This in essence created the legalization of Indian gaming in Arizona.
If you want to celebrate with them, May 12th is a tribal holiday!
With a 150,000 sq. ft. gaming floor, there are 866 machines, 55 table and poker games, keno, poker, and bingo.
Lucky 7 Saloon
Friday & Saturday: 9:00pm-1:00am
Sunday: 4:00pm-8:00pm
Outdoor Concerts
Throughout the summer outdoor concerts are presented with nationally known entertainers
Fort McDowell Casino Dining
Cottonwood Café: Open Daily – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Featuring: Asian, Italian, Mexican, Prime Ribs, Sandwiches
Redrock Buffet: Open Daily – Friday-Sunday Buffet with “All you can eat” Crab Legs $14.50
New York New York Deli: Sandwiches / Pizza $5.00 – $12.95
Noodles Sushiya: Sushi Bar in the non-smoking area of the casino $2.95-$7.95
Outside The Casino
Ah-Ha-Qwah-Ja Pool Bar and Café: Beverage & light entrees.
We-Ko-Pa Grill (We-Ko-Pa Golf Clubhouse): Open daily serving breakfast & lunch.
Radisson Hotel at Fort McDowell Casino
In December 2005, Radisson opened its property next to the casino. It’s interesting that although it is next to the casino, the Radisson is not physically connected to it or to the conference center that forms a buffer between the two buildings. Fortunately, the southwestern desert climate makes inclement weather a rarity so even on a brisk winter evening the walk is invigorating.
- 248 rooms (4-star resort)
- Sleep Number Beds available
- $10 in casino play with free Fort McDowell Fortune Club membership
- Amethyst Spa
- Ahnala Mesquite Room restaurant
- Wassaja Conference Center (25,000 sq. ft.
- Heated outdoor pool/Jacuzzi
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (two, 18-hole courses)
http://www.radissonfortmcdowellresort.com
http://www.fortmcdowellcasino.com
http://fortmcdowelldestination.com
Tomorrow – We’ll take a quick look at what will soon be the newest, and largest, Resort Casino to open in Arizona.
Tempe, the hometown for Arizona State University, is a vibrant city with business, social and quality of life issues well-handled. With a population of 175,000-plus residents, Tempe has a business center, new malls, revitalized housing stock and is just a fun place to be. It’s also near to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, so there is easy access in and out.
Housing in downtown Tempe
During the weekend of December 4-6, Tempe hosted the Festival of the Arts, an arts and crafts gathering that last year attracted 250,000. In 2009, over 400 artisans with some stunning work were displaying and selling their works. Pottery, glass, wood, photography, woven items, painting, sculpture and even food showed the individuality and quality of the handmade efforts.
With no two works identical, visitors had the opportunity to see and buy something for their use for as little as $5 or as much as thousands.
Colorful Pottery from Ken Foster Ceramics - and useful, too
(559-760-4549)
(As of early December 2009, his Web site was not populated yet.)
Doug Mader's metal art - Courtyard Art and Design
(No Web site available – 503-537-0720)
I tend to like usable art, so I was on the lookout for a small pottery casserole to replace one that had broken. I couldn’t find what I was seeking. Instead, I saw a gorgeous pottery French butterkeeper made by Liscom Hill Pottery Works that I purchased. (I did not take a photo – the display was crowded and I was intent on my purchase.)
Bands also performed throughout the Festival. On the jazz stage, we heard the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Band perform big band numbers. They had an interesting medley with “Auld Lang Syne” intermingled with Christmas carols, plus a rendition of “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady.
To host the Festival, Tempe blocked off about fifteen blocks of the downtown area. Since these events occur regularly in Tempe, check out the light rail which travels right through the campus to save you time looking for a parking spot or $10 for event parking. The light rail is relatively new to the Phoenix area, but it is clean, on schedule and reasonable in cost.
http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail
It may be in the desert, but Tempe has an amazing amount of water. Tempe Town Lake, a manmade body of water, is a centerpiece for many community events. In the area adjacent to the lake, events from ethnic fairs to fireworks are held regularly.
If you’re coming to the Phoenix area for a visit, we recommend that you check out what might be happening in Tempe. There are hotels in Tempe if you care to stay; the aloft hotel is new, a “hip” hotel, and there are other hotels that can put you right in the middle of things or give you some quiet at the end of the day, if you prefer.
aloft hotel in Tempe
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3102
The Buttes
(Tucked into a hillside and next to a spring training baseball facility.)
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxtm-the-buttes-a-marriott-resort/
You can’t miss ASU’s presence in Tempe; it is unmistakable.
Come back tomorrow for info on Arizona State University and other amenities in the area.
Less than 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport heading east are three attractions well worth seeing when you’re visiting in the Phoenix area. Bring your camera, because you will want to record your views – they are unique! All are around the area called Papago Park. (more…)
We’re back with things to do at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino – besides gaming.
If you’ve exhausted your roll of pennies, nickels and quarters and are tired of standing in line at the ATM for more money, there are other distractions within and outside of the casino that are part of the Gila River Indian Community. (more…)
It is Wacky Casino Wednesday! and we’re featuring the newest Resort Casino to open in the Phoenix area. (more…)
It’s Wacky Casino Wednesday! Throughout the month of December we’re going to visit some of the Native American run resort casinos in the Phoenix, and Tucson Arizona area. (more…)
The first time I came to Arizona, it was a major revelation for me. The sunny, blue skies were so welcoming – even at the 100-plus degree temperatures in the middle of summer. I got off the plane and, when it was time to go back, I really didn’t want to!
If you are taking any airline except for Allegiant (see our blogs on our trip to Oregon), you’ll likely land at Phoenix at Sky Harbor Airport. Terminals are large and do include amenities like moving sidewalks for some of the long walks from your arrival gate down to baggage claims. (more…)
Welcome to the land of the sun!
Phoenix, the fifth largest city in the USA, is the most glorious destination (more…)
