Fun things to do in Phoenix

[Ryan Coke]

If you like a cool hike (it is really more of a climb), make your way up camelback mountain, right in the city. It is not just a boring flat hike, I really enjoyed it and it is a bit of a challenge. Steve Nash mentioned it as one of his favorite things in the city as well.

Bianco Pizzeria is good, but it can be a VERRRY long wait (ours was 2 hours the one time we went, and that is not unusual). But they have a great Italian Sandwich place called Pane Bianco, and no waits. It used to only be open for lunch, but was there a couple of weeks ago and they are open for Dinner now too. Actually, come to think of it, I think they may sell a small selection of pizzas in the evening as well. We go here regularly.

For Mexican my personal fave is Tia Rosa's--there are a couple of locations, but I always go to the one in Mesa.

[Cowperson]

Just back from the Phoenix area this morning . . . . .

Climbed Piestewa Peak in the Phoenix Mtns one morning . . . . . fantastic views. Nasty little hike. Went back there a few subsequent mornings and did some other walks as well. Phoenix Mountain Reserve I think its called.

Ran a half-marathon in Tucson . . . . first time I've ever had to dodge a not-so-obviously dead rattlesnake in a race. And it rained most of the race. Fun time though.

Did a lot of back roads driving, getting off the freeways. Checked out Soniesta, an impressive prairie like landscape with wine-growing - and then over to Tombstone (touristy, but fun) and got frequently acquainted with the Border Patrol. Checkpoints all over the place. Drove up Mt. Lemon outside of Tucson near sunset, checked out both Saguero desert parks . . . .

Left Tucson at the corner of Ina and Oracle, where Congresswoman Gifford was shot at a Safeway - and back to Phoenix through Oracle, Mammoth and onto Globe, then north from there on 188 before descending back into Scottsdale. Very, very tempted to take the 88 from the Roosevelt dam through the backcountry to Apache Junction . . . . a one lane, clay track hugging the cliffside but the missus was getting a little uncomfortable with her straight down view on the port side. For some reason, that road merited two pages in my guidebook.

Went up to Sedona . . . . caught in a massive traffic jam on the interstate (lettuce truck turned over at a choke point that blocked everything) that took three hours to clear, so that pretty much destroyed our plans for the day. Beautiful landscape around there though.

I think what impressed me was that Arizona, far from being the flat desertscape I might have imagined, is an impressive, mountainous, caverned, churned up landscape of great beauty. Its got its low moments too - people living in dusty trailer parks with rock lawns beside the freeway. I'm sure its cheap but . . . holy crap, that looked awful.

Saw the Canadiens and Coyotes . . . to be honest, that's not necessarily a great arena, although the outside area is impressive. The concourse is brown, dark and cramped. But we did score two John McCain Bobblehead dolls on a giveaway.

Cowperson

[woob]

If you're looking for good BBQ, Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert is awesome. They have big vats for dispensing their in house BBQ sauce, which is amazing. They also brew their own Root Beer. Whenever I've gone there, it's always been crazy busy.

There is some amazing hiking in the Phoenix area. One of my favourite areas is in and around Superstition Mountain. Great trails and beautiful scenery. Did a 20km hike last year on Christmas Eve day that was spectacular. Everything from dry river bed crossing, to steep ascents/descents, and even walking through a big bamboo patch.

There is also great 4x4ing around Phoenix, but I remember hearing some changes recently to permits or such. Don't remember the details but might be worth looking into. I believe there are some good off-road rental places in Phoenix which may be able to provide more information.

And oh yeah, there's a little bit of golfing available too

[Bill Bumface]

This sounds like a trip you should go on with your wife, not 8 dudes (hiking, shopping, looking at cool scenery).

I think we go with plan B- exotic car rental and off to Vegas we go.

[Misterpants]

Originally Posted by Shin Pad

I spend 4 to 5 months a year in Phoenix (Goodyear actually). As others have mentioned, the Grand Canyon and Sedona are great. Also, Tombstone is a nice visit - lots of history (it's about a 2 hour drive south of Phoenix).

Sounds like a great year.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

This sounds like a trip you should go on with your wife, not 8 dudes (hiking, shopping, looking at cool scenery).

I think we go with plan B- exotic car rental and off to Vegas we go.

I think you were confused.
That was actually Plan A.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

Just back from the Phoenix area this morning . . . . .

That sounds awesome! Man, I gotta get down there at a reasonable time of year next time. Been there 4 times, and every time its either July or August when its like 50 degrees outside, so unless you're in a pool its just unbearable. Went golfing there last July and was just sweatin balls, couldn't wait to get finished & go inside.

I agree, the landscape there is awesome and very rocky/mountainous, I constantly eye-f*** it when I'm down there. A far cry from the vast desert many probably think of when they hear AZ. Looking out at the landscape that time of year is kind of like being in jail. I stare out at it and want to go hiking & exploring so bad, but I just know in that heat it's an unreasonable idea.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

I think what impressed me was that Arizona, far from being the flat desertscape I might have imagined, is an impressive, mountainous, caverned, churned up landscape of great beauty. Its got its low moments too - people living in dusty trailer parks with rock lawns beside the freeway. I'm sure its cheap but . . . holy crap, that looked awful.

It's definately a cool state to drive through. Lots to see and it never really gets boring.

[worth]

two chicks at the same time

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by worth

two chicks at the same time

Well it is a vacation after all.
Guess it would be nice to cut back on my work load while I'm down there.

[troutman]

Hotel Valley Ho:

http://www.hotelvalleyho.com/scottsd...els/index.html?

Actual Hos included.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documen...heeled-assault

[go iggy]

My wife and I are thinking of going down there during Christmas. We want to rent a house as we have a 6 month old baby. What's a good community to rent in??

Also what is there to do when you have a 6 month old baby?


Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by go iggy

My wife and I are thinking of going down there during Christmas. We want to rent a house as we have a 6 month old baby. What's a good community to rent in??

Also what is there to do when you have a 6 month old baby?


Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Chandler, on the southside of Phoenix is a good community. Lots of snowbirds stay in that area.

[Shin Pad]

Originally Posted by Misterpants

Sounds like a great year.

Good one

Actually - Goodyear is the name of the area I'm in.

[Shin Pad]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

Just back from the Phoenix area this morning . . . . .

Climbed Piestewa Peak in the Phoenix Mtns one morning . . . . . fantastic views. Nasty little hike. Went back there a few subsequent mornings and did some other walks as well. Phoenix Mountain Reserve I think its called.

Ran a half-marathon in Tucson . . . . first time I've ever had to dodge a not-so-obviously dead rattlesnake in a race. And it rained most of the race. Fun time though.

Did a lot of back roads driving, getting off the freeways. Checked out Soniesta, an impressive prairie like landscape with wine-growing - and then over to Tombstone (touristy, but fun) and got frequently acquainted with the Border Patrol. Checkpoints all over the place. Drove up Mt. Lemon outside of Tucson near sunset, checked out both Saguero desert parks . . . .

Left Tucson at the corner of Ina and Oracle, where Congresswoman Gifford was shot at a Safeway - and back to Phoenix through Oracle, Mammoth and onto Globe, then north from there on 188 before descending back into Scottsdale. Very, very tempted to take the 88 from the Roosevelt dam through the backcountry to Apache Junction . . . . a one lane, clay track hugging the cliffside but the missus was getting a little uncomfortable with her straight down view on the port side. For some reason, that road merited two pages in my guidebook.

Went up to Sedona . . . . caught in a massive traffic jam on the interstate (lettuce truck turned over at a choke point that blocked everything) that took three hours to clear, so that pretty much destroyed our plans for the day. Beautiful landscape around there though.

I think what impressed me was that Arizona, far from being the flat desertscape I might have imagined, is an impressive, mountainous, caverned, churned up landscape of great beauty. Its got its low moments too - people living in dusty trailer parks with rock lawns beside the freeway. I'm sure its cheap but . . . holy crap, that looked awful.

Saw the Canadiens and Coyotes . . . to be honest, that's not necessarily a great arena, although the outside area is impressive. The concourse is brown, dark and cramped. But we did score two John McCain Bobblehead dolls on a giveaway.

Cowperson

Wow - you did a lot in the short time that you were down there. I go down there for months at a time and don't get that much sight seeing, etc., in.

I am getting my old Jeep TJ back next year (buying back from my son), so I'm going to take it down there, park it in my garage, down there, and use it for off-roading. I love the Arizona country-side. Lots of great off road areas.