Monday, November 30, 2015

[Football] No Fly Zone - The Fighting Artichokes Defensive Backfield

The Scottsdale Community College Football team will be heading into their third consecutive Valley of the Sun Bowl this coming Saturday on December 5th at 2:00 PM.



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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids

Scottsdale welcomes families with a host of activities that will keep pint-size travelers entertained morning, noon and night. Here, in no particular order, are 10 of our favorite kid-friendly hotspots to get you started:

Scottsdale Hiking Kids

Sonoran Explorin’

Jeep and Hummer tours, guided hikes, horseback rides, river floats and hot-air balloon flights are just some of the ways to explore Scottsdale’s amazing Sonoran Desert. The Bajada Nature Trail at the Gateway to Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is ideal for families with small children.
MIM Kids Playing

Makin’ Music

At the Musical Instrument Museum, discover unique instruments and music from every country around the world. Plus, kids of all ages will enjoy making music in the hands-on Experience Gallery.
Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight tour

Garden Trails

Explore the unusual cacti and plants of the Sonoran Desert up-close at the Desert Botanical Garden. Seasonal events include the Butterfly Pavilion (fall and spring) and evening flashlight tours (summer).
Phoenix Zoo Javelina

Wild Ones

The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals, including 200 endangered species. Daily activities include the Safari Train, Monkey Village, Giraffe Encounters, Wild About Animals Show and a petting zoo.
Heard-Museum-Entrance_new

Native Culture

Hands-on exhibits at the Heard Museum help kids explore the Native American cultures of North America. You’ll see colorful Hopi katsina dolls, learn about desert critters at the Southwest Puzzle Pole, and explore a Navajo hogan.
Scottsdale Western Kids

Cowboy Style

Saddle-up, pardner! MacDonald’s Ranch offers a petting zoo, horseback and stagecoach rides in the Sonoran Desert, and free pony rides for cowpokes under 5 years old.
Sugar Bowl Scottsdale

Sweet Treats

For more than 50 years, the Sugar Bowl – a 1950s-style soda fountain – has been serving frosty ice cream treats, such as Dusty Road Sundaes and Gosh-Awful-Gooey Banana Splits.
Scottsdale Railroad Park

All Aboard!

Ride the Paradise and Pacific Railroad along a one-mile track at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which also offers carousel rides, train exhibits, playgrounds and the Snackstop Caboose. Rawhide-Kids

Headin’ West

Rawhide 1880s Western Town boasts cowboy stuntmen at the Six Gun Theater, burro and stagecoach rides, the “Deadman’s Drop” rock climbing wall, a desert train ride and the Rawhide Steakhouse. Indoor Rock Climbing Scottsdale

Going Vertical

Arizona’s largest indoor climbing gym, AZ on the Rocks boasts walls up to 30 feet high along with the equipment and instruction needed for everyone from the experienced climber to the novice.

Ready for more? Check out our Kids’ List, which offers 40 family-friendly ideas for the perfect Scottsdale vacation.



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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

New Year’s Eve Parties and Dinners

4 Seasons_Onyx bar

From romantic and low-key festivities to an all-out roaring good time, Scottsdale’s New Year’s Eve events have something for everyone! Take your pick on how you’ll ring in 2015!

New Year’s Eve at Talking Stick Resort

Thursday, Dec. 31, Starts at 7 p.m.

The best Las Vegas-style New Year’s Eve party of 2015 is at Talking Stick Resort. Experience three party spaces each offering a unique entertainment act. Don’t miss performances by The Boogie Knights, DJ Diverse, DJ Tranzit and legendary tribute performances to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Enjoy a dinner package that offers all-you-can-eat buffet with a vast spread of world-class dining options. (Tickets start at $125). For more information click here.

Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn: New Year’s Eve Celebration
Thursday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Ring in the New Year in luxury at LON’s at the Hermosa while enjoying an indulgent multi-course menu prepared by the restaurant’s culinary team. Menu selections include poached Maine lobster, carrot0ginger bisque, prosciutto-wrapped monkfish tail and salted almond chocolate bark with spiced hot chocolate. Once you’ve made your entrĂ©e selection, pair it with one of the 500+ wines featured on LON’s award-winning wine list. To view the New Year’s Eve menu, click here.

New Year’s Eve Dinner: ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
Thursday, Dec. 31, Seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year with a four-course dinner at ZuZu featuring champagne pairings. Choose from two seatings, enjoy dancing and music from DJ Mr. P-Body, then gather on the rooftop for a midnight toast under the stars. For more information click here.

Phoenix Symphony
Thursday, Dec. 31, Shows at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

End the year on a high note with The Phoenix Symphony in the Valley’s most popular New Year’s Eve Celebration. Enjoy famous Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics and Broadway and contemporary favorites all with a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate the New Year. Don’t miss the joyous and popular musical celebration that is sure to sell out. For more information click here.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Saguaro
Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Celebrate the memories and friends of 2015 at the Saguaro hotel in the heart of downtown Scottsdale. Sip on sweet champagne and count down to the confetti explosion at midnight marking the start of 2016! The upscale affair includes a three-hour premium reception, savory hors d’oeuvres by Iron Chef Jose Garces, midnight champagne toast, interactive performers and casino gaming. For more information click here.

Topgolf New Year’s Eve
Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Topgolf is heating things up with a New Year’s Eve bash featuring the hottest tracks of the year with a live DJ and keeping you cool with specialty cocktails to celebrate the New Year! Choose from a general bay reservation with party favors ($75) or a VIP reservation ($450) offering unlimited play, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, one bottle of champagne and shareable dishes. For more information click here.

Ring in the New Year: Four Seasons Resort

Thursday, Dec. 31, Starts at 5 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year with elegant ambiance and delectable cuisine in Talavera, which will feature a six-course, plated menu by Executive Chef Mel Mecinas. When the clock strikes midnight, ring in the New Year with a complimentary sparkling wine toast and party favors in Onyx Bar & Lounge. There also will be live entertainment all night long. Starting at 9:30 p.m., Onyx and Veuve Clickquot will host the exclusive Let’s Veuve New Year’s Eve Party with multiple private bars, live entertainment and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. For more information click here.



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Scottsdale is Loonie for Canadians

“Loonie Love” Campaign offers Canadians Discounts Throughout 2016 http://ift.tt/1LxvuS1  

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 20, 2015) – With 330 days of sunshine and winter temperatures that average 22 degrees Celsius, it’s no wonder that Canadians are loonie for Scottsdale. This year, Scottsdale’s hotels, resorts, restaurants and attractions are reciprocating the love by offering Canadian visitors discounts throughout 2016 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar.

“It’s a small way for us to say ‘thank you’ to the Canadian visitors who choose to travel to Scottsdale,” said Caroline Stoeckel, vice president of marketing of the Scottsdale bureau. “A weak Canadian dollar shouldn’t need to eliminate the possibility of enjoying our warm weather and hospitality.”

Friends to the North, get in on the steals with these loonie deals through Dec. 31, 2016. For a comprehensive list of all campaign deals, visit LoonieLoveinScottsdale.com.

Stay and Play

  • Feel like you’re on the set of Mad Men when you stay at the mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho, where you’ll be treated to 15 percent off the nightly rate when you book the “Canadian Rate.”
  • “Loonie Toonie Upgrades” at Talking Stick Resort mean that you can upgrade from a standard room to a suite for only $2. And when you’re not in your posh sleeping quarters, enjoy Vegas-style entertainment at the resort’s casino and showroom.
  • To spa or not to spa? Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort makes that decision easy with the “See More Sanctuary” package that includes a $200 resort credit and 10 percent off three nights or more. Spend what you don’t use at the spa at the resort’s signature restaurant elements, helmed by Food Network star Chef Beau MacMillan.
  • Play where the pros do with the “Escape the Canadian Cold and Warm Up in Scottsdale” package at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. In addition to accommodations, this package includes one round of golf per adult at TPC Scottsdale, the home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, transportation to and from the course, use of the practice facility and access to golf concierge.
  • One of Scottsdale’s crown jewels, The Phoenician, wants you to stay three and get the fourth night free with the “Complimentary 4th Night Package.” Also enjoy a $100 food and beverage credit and a complimentary upgrade at check-in.

On the Go

  • “Shop Like a Loonie” at the largest mall in the Southwest, Scottsdale Fashion Square. Show your out-of-town ID at Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Concierge Desk to receive a complimentary visitor rewards card with $750 in savings and special offers from participating stores and restaurants.
  • Check a hot air balloon flight off your bucket list with Rainbow Ryders, offering a $35 discount on your flight. Take to the skies during daily sunrise flights year-round or book a sunset flight November through March.
  • Buy admission for one to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and receive a second ticket free. Through April 24, SMoCA will have light-based art visionary Bruce Munro’s “Ferryman Crossing” on display. Ferryman Crossing is just one stop in Desert Radiance, an unprecedented artistic collaboration by Munro. Plan a visit to the Arizona Canal brought to you by Scottsdale Public Art through March and Desert Botanical Garden through May 8 to see more of Munro’s eye-catching work.
  • If you mountain bike like a bighorn sheep scales cliffs, enjoy a 10 percent discount on bike rentals at Arizona Outback Adventures. Then, take to Scottsdale’s pristine McDowell Sonoran Preserve, home to more than 100 miles of trails.
  • Relax with peace of mind at Spa Lamar, where the exchange rate has been thrown out the window. Your $1 of Canadian cash will be valued as if it is $1 U.S. Never will your Hot Stone Ritual Massage feel better.

Getting here
Canada is Scottsdale’s No. 1 international travel market, and the top revenue-producing Canadian markets by city are Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton. As such, getting to Scottsdale from Canada has never been easier thanks to robust airlift offerings at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, including convenient nonstop service, via Air Canada, American Airlines, United and WestJet.

                                                                   ###

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, Vice President of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Melanie Greco, Canadian PR Representative for Scottsdale CVB
Phone: 647-456-2653
E-mail: melanie@getinkpr.ca

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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

[Football] Valley of the Sun Bowl Teams Announced

The Valley of the Sun Bowl committee and the NJCAA have made their selections on who will be playing in this years Valley of the Sun Bowl.



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Christmas Dinner

Christmas can be a hectic time. With the all the friends and family in town, Christmas dinner can be pushed to the backburner. This year, instead of slaving away in the kitchen, let some of the finest restaurants around Scottsdale dish up some happiness.

Four-Seasons-Scottsdale-Christmas-Dinner

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

The Four Seasons is known for it’s world-class service, tasty restaurants, and unbelievable locations. Why would their Christmas dinners be any different?

  • Where: Proof: An American Canteen
  • When: December 24 (4:00 – 9:00 p.m.)
    • December 25 (7:00 – 11:30 a.m.)
  • Cost: December 24: $70 Per Person
    • December 25: $30 for Adults and $14 for Kids
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Info: For more information, please visit Proof’s website or call 480-513-5085
  • Where: Talavera
  • When: December 24 (5:00 – 9:30 p.m.)
    • December 25 (12:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
  • Cost: Christmas Eve: $90.00 per person
    • Christmas Day: $96.00 for Adults and $45.00 for Kids
  • Reservations: Required
  • Info: For more information, please visit Talavera’s website or call 480-513-5085
Fairmont-Princess-Christmas-dinner

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Princess’ creative culinary teams from Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro and Ironwood American Kitchen team up to bring you a fabulously festive dinner

  • Where: Palamino Ballroom
  • When: December 25 (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
  • Cost: $95.00 per person plus tax and gratuity
  • Cost: $40.00 per child (6-12 years old)
  • Reservations: Required
  • Info: Take a look at the menu and all the info here.
Phoenician-Christmas-dinner

The Phoenician

Head to The Phoenician’s Il Terrazo on Christmas Eve for a delightful meal featuring a 3-course holiday menu of rosemary-roasted cauliflower soup, branzino and mousse. Christmas Day dinner will offer a special 3-course holiday meal of cippollini onion soup, orange braised lamb shanks and chocolate and mint mousse. J&G Steakhouse will also be hosting a Christmas dinner, click here for the full menu.

  • Where: J&G Steakhouse
  • When: December 24 and 25 (5:00 – 10:00 p.m.)
  • Cost: $85.00 per person plus tax and gratuity
  • Reservations:Required
  • Info: For more information click here
hotel-valley-ho-christmas-dinner

ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho

Gather those who matter most to you and come to ZuZu inside the restored Hotel Valley Ho this Christmas!

  • Where: ZuZu
  • When: December 25 (Brunch: 6:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Dinner: 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
  • Cost: Varies by dish
  • Reservations: Required
  • Info: For more information and reservations please call 480-421-7997 or visit Hotel Valley Ho’s website


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Monday, November 16, 2015

Megan About Town: No Such Thing as Too Much Chocolate

When my chocolate-loving boss and I first heard about the new Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale, we knew it had to be at the top of our list. Our two favorite things are napping and chocolate. And, if we can’t nap on the job… at least we’re going to stuff our faces with as much chocolate as possible.

That’s where Ofelia comes in to save the day. She has established a lovely walking tour through downtown Scottsdale that can satisfy any sweets addict.

chocotour5 chocotour16

We joined six lovely Arizona locals (Oh, you think only tourists get to have all the fun??) on a beautiful fall day, and after some quick introductions and a few chocolate facts, we were on our way:

Stop No. 1: Paula Jacqueline Cakes and Pastries

Our first stop brought us into a shop that doubles as a cake shop and a bridal jewelry store. It doesn’t sell sweets to the public, but they design custom cakes and treats for special occasions. Chocolate, chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven were waiting for us there. The gooey, chocolate-chip dripping center was sinful. I actually thought these were an underrated favorite of the tour. The cakes on display were impressive, too. I’m sure they are delightful to bite into if you’re willing to take a chunk out of an art piece!

Pauline's Window Paula's

Stop No. 2: Chocolade van Brugge

I’ve been here before, but gained an all-new appreciation during our visit on the tour. We met owner Frederiek Verbeke who explained that all of the chocolate is shipped straight from outta Belgium. The assortment made our choice of two chocolates pretty tough, but I eventually landed on the lavender and dark chocolate raspberry. Both of which were incredible. They melted in your mouth.

chocotour15 chocotour17

Stop No. 3: Classic Cakes & Confections Bakery

This place is almost not worth explaining in words. Everywhere you look, there is another incredible cake masterpiece that doesn’t possibly look like it could be cake. I remember liking what we tried, but I can’t remember what it was. Mainly because I was so distracted by the cakes.

chocotour20 chocotour19 chocotour18

Stop No. 4: Caketini

We took a little break from the sun, and ventured into Scottsdale Fashion Square mall to visit Caketini, which is locally owned. I remember what we tried here, because I could have eaten 20 of them…cannolis! I’m not normally a huge fan, but I devoured their version, which are a little smaller than the average cannoli. That means more crunch! I’ve been craving them since we left…

chocotour23 chocotour22

Stop No. 5: Godiva

Heading out of the mall, we stopped by Godiva and tried out a chocolate bite. We chatted in there for too long because I had time to stop and stare at even more chocolate in the display. How could I want more chocolate!? Because I’m an addict.

Stop No. 6: Sprinkles Cupcakes

Before we headed back to Chocolade van Brugge for round two, we did a quick stop at Sprinkles. We got to try out their rick and moist chocolate cupcake. I’m a red velvet cupcake fan, so I have been stuck in my ways at Sprinkles for some time now with the same order. It was delightful…but I’m sticking to my red velvet cupcakes for life! 

chocotour2 chocotour4

Stop No. 7: Back to Chocolade van Brugge

Apparently, liege waffles are a thing in Belgium. And according to a Belgian that happened to be eating one while our group was waiting for our waffles, the ones at Chocolade van Brugge…are the real deal! These waffles are amazing – worth the last return stop!

chocotour11

I loved that Ofelia shared fun Chocolate facts along the way, AND came fully prepared with bottled water and salty snacks when you needed to cleanse from the chocolate overload.

Saturday Oct 24th 2 Saturday Oct 24th 1

Also, I want to mention that we met the lovely Brooke of Silver Lining Blog. She took some incredible pictures of the tour and talks about her and her husband’s experience here. One thing that she mentions in her blog is how absolutely beautiful the area of Scottsdale is that we walked. She’s right. It’s so easy for me to take for granted the beauty of downtown because I work here every day. But truly, it’s gorgeous. And I am so glad we had the opportunity to walk around on such a beautiful day! Enjoy Brooke’s blog!

FINALLY, if you decide to try this tour out, use “meganabouttown” promo code when you buy your tickets for a discount!



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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Megan About Town: Dancing in My Seat

With the latest blockbuster hit at the theaters and live concerts on DVD, it gets harder and harder to remember to get out there and try new things. The truth is…there’s a lot going on in Scottsdale that offers a much cooler experience than the latest Bond flick.

Like spending the night dancing in my seat to the Cuban jazz music.

I’ve been living in Scottsdale my whole life, and I’ve only been to shows at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts a handful of times. That’s unacceptable! Especially since they have been packing their season with some incredible acts. Chucho Valdes is one of many this season.

The Center is located inside the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, just across the way from Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (which I featured here a while back). Its 15-16 season is stacked this year with shows including:

You’ll find me at this performance!

Check this out:

I brought along a friend I knew would appreciate good music, even if it isn’t our usual radio station genre. We got to the Center early to experience the Catwalk Lounge, which I highly recommend. Catwalk tickets are $10 and includes light hors d’oeuvres and one alcoholic beverage, but I think the best part is that you get the best people-watching view of the atrium. Grab a seat and enjoy the milling around of the folks excited for the show.

Once you get into the main stage seating area, you will notice that there’s not a bad seat in the house. BUT I will say, I was especially grateful that we were on the left side because we could watch Chucho play the piano. I don’t know why, but I have always had an affinity for the piano.

Throw this on while you continue reading:

Chucho and his 10-piece band, The Afro-Cuban Messengers, wasted no time before entertaining. They were a group that is not only fun to listen to, but also fun to watch. And let me tell you, the crowd was having fun! The audience could barely contain themselves in their seats. The best part was hearing the band almost interact with some of the Spanish-speaking fans in the crowd during the show.

What makes this whole experience so special is that it was completely NEW. A good arts community should challenge your tastes, explore new cultures and help your own meaning in performance, and that’s exactly what the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is doing. I’ve never listened to Cuban jazz music before, but there I was, smiling and dancing in my seat to the sounds of Chucho and the band.

Now, let’s talk intermission.

If you have a special someone in your life, you couldn’t ask for better romantic vibes. The atrium has a special atmosphere that is only amplified by the exterior park with the LOVE statue ready for any Kodak moment. During any show’s intermission, the best thing to do is grab your person’s hand and take them through a quick walk of the Civic Center Mall area. The grounds are beautiful. Flowers and water features top off the sweet spot, just don’t get too carried away and come in late from intermission!

Chucho and the guys played another set along with an encore. If the people salsa dancing the front row weren’t enough indication of the audience’s appreciation, the standing ovation sure did.

If you haven’t considered a show at the Center lately, I urge you to take a look at the season and pick something that’s maybe a little out of the norm for you. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what’s out there.



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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

[Football] Football Team Represented Well With Post-Season Conference Awards

The Scottsdale Community College Football team had a nice group of their team earn All-WSFL and All-ACCAC this past season.



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Saturday, November 7, 2015

[Football] Football Drives Past Mesa CC In WSFL Playoffs

The Scottsdale Community College Football team came away with a dominating win today over Mesa Community College 39-15 to win the WSFL Consolation Championship.



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Thursday, November 5, 2015

[Football] Maurice Burton Jr. Standing Out On Solid Defensive Unit

The Scottsdale Community College Football team has the top defense in the conference, and it has been anchored by their talented defensive end Maurice Burton Jr. (FR/Chicago, IL)



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