Phoenix campers should do their homework!
by Karnubawax
Families and folks who are tent camping can face a lot of difficulties when trying to find a place to set up camp near Phoenix.
Unlike other places, many RV Parks in the Phoenix area do not welcome children. They are basically rolling retirement villiages and don't want screaming kids around. At some of these places, "kids" means anyone under 45 - and that's NOT a joke! In addition, many "campgrounds" are RVs only, and don't allow tent camping.
It's probably a good idea to do a little research. There are some great campgrounds at very reasonable prices to the northeast of Phoenix, and, unless you're there on the weekend, you probably don't need reservations. They are a ways out of town - not necessarily a bad thing. But if you just roll into Phoenix looking for 'campground' signs, you may get a lot of 'no's' before finding a place.
Bank One Ball Park/ Chase Field now
by malianrob
While in Phoenix we decided to catch a ball game. Too bad the Dodgers werent playing here. We saw the Angels vs the Diamond Backs. At first i wasnt too sure it would be a good idea. it was 117 degrees outside and i didnt know that the game was in doors. I have to saw Chase Fiels was awesome. It was nice to get in from the 117 degree heat into some nice air conditioned seats. the whole stadium was pretty nice. I have to say its different catching a game outside of LA. LA folks are just too rowdy. Rob and Koa were, of course, wearing their Dodger gear but no one said anything. The people were so friendly and we had a wonderful time. The whole place looked like state of the art.
Also there were hardly no lines in the consession stands or the restrooms. that was kinda cool. We didnt park too far away but with the blistering heat, having to walk in it was out of the question. These guys riding thier bikes with a bench on the back were all over the place. When they asked us if we wanted a lift we said YES! Basically they work on tips and it was well worth it to me.
A safari Experience in AZ - Out of Africa!
by jumpingnorman
There is a safari experience in the desert - the Out of Africa Wildlife Park which the a unique wildlife theme park complete with tigers and lions! There are safari vehicles where you can enjoy seeing the animals - the wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and more. The place is open year round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and July 4th. Wednesday- Sunday 0930-5PM (admission closes at 4PM). Closed on Modays and Tuesday.
This safari place has regular shows like the Tiger Splash which features water play between the caretakers and the tigers, Wonders of Wildflife, Predator Feed and the Giant Snake Show (shows depending on day of the week).
Apparently, this place was started by Dean and Prayeri in 1988, and now it has become a favorite place to enjoy some piece of Africa in Arizona!
Located just 3 mi west of I-17 on Hwy 260 (exit 287) 25 minutes south of Sedona
verde Valley Justice Ct Rd, Camp Verde AZ
Actual non-touristy Mexican food
by PaulBenjamin about Pepe's Taco Villa
There is a large industry of restaurants in Phoenix that serve "Mexican" food to anglos. The most notable amongst the chains are Garcia's and Macayo's. If chimichangas and fajitas are what you are looking for, stay with those places.
Pepe's, on the other hand, is not a chain, it's a family-owned business where Pepe's wife Dora Luz, does the cooking. It is in a relatively bad neighborhood and the place wouldn't win any awards for aesthetics. The food, however, is magnificent, and the prices make you feel like you are getting away with something. My wife swears by the mole. I usually order the machacado. The Tecate is served in cans. The food somehow manages to seem very light in comparison to the Mexican food I am used to having.
Dinner at a Mansion on the Hill
by dshinkle about The Wrigley Mansion Club
In 1932, Wrigley Gum founder William Wrigley build an 18,000 sq. foot mansion for his wife on mountain overlooking the small town of Phoenix. He died later that year in one of the bedrooms.
The mansion was purchased by the heir to the Hormel fortune, Geordie Hormel. He has remodeled the home and wants everyone to be able to enjoy it. For less than $50 you can tour the mansion and have an elegant lunch or dinner. Geordie is frequently at the mansion planning piano for the guests on original Steinway.
The mansion overlooks the beautiful Biltmore resort, which as a lot of history of its own (for example, Ronald Reagan spent his honeymoon there and it was designed by Frank Loyd Wright).
To meet zoning regulations, the Mansion is a private club. For $10 a year you can join, which is collected upon entry. You can also skip the mansion tour and just have dinner or lunch (but you will be missing out!!!).
http://phoenix.citysearch.com/profile?id=11354869
http://www.arcadianews.com/may00.htm
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2003/10/20/story5.html
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Salt River totp view on a map
Sign designating pick point
Sitting room
View of Phoenix from Papago Park
