More than once I have been talking to someone from outside Arizona who says, “I have relatives who live in Tucson.” It’s interesting that no one ever says, “I have relatives who live in Phoenix.” I know it’s just an odd coincidence, but it’s still interesting.
So, what is it about Tucson that attracts a slew of wealthy retirees and others to make it their home? (more…)
When you are traveling – well, you gotta eat! Where you’d like to eat is obviously determined by diet, preferences, and budget.
Scottsdale has every imaginable food opportunity in both chain and unique restaurants. Today, we’ll feature two unique restaurants catering to two different culinary inspirations. (more…)
My first stay in Arizona was at the Camelback Inn when I attended a conference. Let us say that I was not disappointed with my accommodations. Today’s blog will talk about the Camelback as well as an old timer that has been renovated, the Valley Ho. (more…)
We’re back with Wacky Casino Wednesday! That’s Wacky Wednesday’s featuring casinos with hotels here in Arizona.
This week we’re featuring another casino that’s been around for a while with a hotel property that has a familiar name.
So, you’ve arrived in Scottsdale and you’ve got your plastic ready.
Let’s go shopping! (more…)
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…)
Since we feature favorites on Fridays, we’re returning to a favorite activity that is quite terrific in the Phoenix area: powered paragliding (PPG). (And also available elsewhere, but the weather is very favorable for this in Arizona.)
Getting up in the air is a great way to put life in perspective, clear your head and find an exhilaration that is hard to match. (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.
Even if you are not a student or employed by Arizona State University, ASU has a presence in Tempe, Arizona. Many large buildings in Tempe sport the ASU name, but the campus is accessible to visitors as well.
Shops and the atmosphere cater to students and their families. There is also a community feel that the downtown has cultivated where individual shops, not usually part of national chains, create a fun shopping experience. There are places to eat, like Rula Bula (a pub), Chompie’s Deli, and House of Tricks that offer unique dining experiences from easy on the budget to upscale (definitely House of Cards).
For an evening out, there is Gammage Auditorium, part of ASU’s campus. National tours of shows like Wicked and Jersey Boys give the locals a chance to see great theater. Crowd pleasers like Phantom of the Opera and Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins and Annie join more serious fare like award-winning August: Osage County. Prices are typically more reasonable than a Broadway show and the actors are equally talented. (One note: sound quality may suffer in the upper regions of the theater in the last few rows. We struggled to hear the fabulous solos of “Wicked.”)
We wandered into the second day of a new chain restaurant in Tempe on Mill Avenue, Five Guys Burgers and Fries. While it is a chain, it has a very homemade feel to the food. They do not have freezers and everything is fresh. It also offers more menu choices than the popular In ‘n Out Burger chain. Five Guys promotes their fries’ potato source as being from Shelley, Idaho, so we just had to try them. (I am named Shelley, remember.)
A lot more than five guys were prepping burgers and fries in Tempe
They had quite a crowd on their second day due to the Festival of the Arts, but were moving things along very briskly. The place was mobbed, but the red-shirted staff handled it all with aplomb.
In addition to the aforementioned burgers and fries, their menu also includes grilled cheese, hot dogs and many toppings, like grilled mushrooms, jalapeno peppers, A-1 sauce, all free. The 2-person fries order was GIGANTIC – and that was the small size. My small bacon burger was a large serving. Considering that all of the toppings are free and the food is freshly made (“never frozen”), the price tag is very reasonable when compared with other chains. They also have peanuts available for free that you can scoop out and eat – as much as you like. We spent $16 for our burgers (One large and one small), small fries, one drink and water.
http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx
Another chain, but a local one, is Chompie’s Deli, which will fulfill anyone’s craving for deli food. The bagels are good –chewy and flavorful – and the enormous menu offers so many choices that your biggest issue will be making a decision on what to order. Old family favorites like giant deli sandwiches and stuffed cabbage, plus new twists like a brisket served in tortillas make it possible for every family member to find something they’ll enjoy. The quality and quantity definitely go hand in hand at Chompie’s, which has been around for 30 years. You won’t leave hungry!
In the heart of downtown Tempe is House of Tricks, definitely an upscale menu with white tablecloth service. The food service is excellent and the presentations very appealing. Their restaurant has been around for over 20 years and it is apparent why: exotic and unusual twists on culinary efforts that incorporate the best of many cuisines. One entrée was: Lemon Honey Braised Grouper with Sautéed Watercress, Parsnip Pear Puree and Whole Grain Mustard Buerre Blanc. An appetizer, “Miso Marinated Foie Gras with Ginger Snap and Warm Black Mission Fig Chutney,” put a homemade touch on what could be something served anywhere. Their chef is obviously inventive and committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients, a quality we very much encourage.
So, now you won’t go hungry while in Tempe. We’ve tried other restaurants as well, but these three are worth a trip.
Now that we’ve given you places to eat, sleep and entertain yourself, we’ll continue our “Wacky Wednesday” tomorrow with a visit to a casino. You’ll need some luck to win and a means of transportation to get there.
