The brutal Arizona summer is coming to end. In our last post we shared a few AZ necessities to help get through the brutal summer. Today we share activities to join in on to enjoy one of the reasons we live in Arizona…..the weather that exists outside of the summer. While temperatures may still be considered hot to many non Arizona dwellers, those that live here welcome weather in the 90’s, for it means summer is waning and the sunny, perfect everyday weather is about to begin.  As the summers season ends and the beautiful weather begins, so do the festivals and activities. Get out and explore culture, fine arts, food and fun.

We decided to share the five festivals that we feel should be explored and checked out.

1. First Friday. Phoenix, AZ. Although first Friday’s continue on even during the summer time, they are far more enjoyable in cooler temperature’s. If you have not explored downtown Phoenix on a first Friday of the month, we highly suggest checking it out. On the first Friday of every month, head on out to and enjoy both the culture Phoenix has to offer, as well as the socializing and mingling.  Learn more at https://artlinkphoenix.com/first-fridays/
2. 44th Annual Oktoberfest. Oct 7-9, 2016. Tempe, AZ. Tempe hosts it’s 44th annual Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake.Brats, beer, entertainment and fun are served up at the large park. Gather your friends and check it out.
3. 56th Annual Greek Festival. Oct. 7-9, 2016. Phoenix, AZ. The Greek Festival goes on the whole weekend in Phoenix. So choose a day and head out to eat delicious Greek cuisine, watch belly dancers and live entertainment. Explore authenticity at it’s finest. Learn more at www.phoenixgreekfestival.org.
4. 12th Annual Local Fall Festival. Nov. 5, 2016. Phoenix, AZ. Experience local foods, entertainment and fun. Many local Arizona restaurants will be serving up delicious food and drink. Live music, raffles and fun for the kids, as the Fall season is celebrated along with local treasures.
5. 48th Annual Festival of the Arts. Dec. 2-4, 2016. Tempe, AZ. Twice a year every year, downtown Tempe hosts the annual arts and crafts festival. Filled with exquisite vendors exhibiting their handmade goods, along with food, music, beer garden, face painting, and more, this festival is one not to miss. A great place to enjoy with friends and family and shop for the uniques, one of a kind gifts for the Christmas season.

We have brought to attention five of festivals and events that we love. Arizona is home to many, many more and all throughout the state. When the weather is perfect, the air is brisk, and the holidays are buzzing, let the festivities and festivals begin!

Arizona offers a beautiful desert landscape and vibrant sunsets. The winters are mild….and well the summers can be fierce. If your new to the Grand Canyon State, you  might want to read my last post. There are a few things that just happen here during the summer. We’ve decided to put together a list of 5 things that will make living in Arizona a better experience. These are just our recommendations and a fun post to write.

A Swimming Pool. It is summer as I write this, and that may have something to do with it:). We recently just had a pool built in our backyard. By the way, Pool Remodel Phoenix did a fabulous job on our new pool and backyard design. A swimming pool in your backyard or very near you will make living in Arizona a lot more comfortable during the summer months. A pool can be enjoyed during the majority of the year. Arizona is one state where the addition of a pool will also add value to your property.

A Set of Clubs. Arizona has a lot of golf courses….and some pretty spectacular ones at that. Every year the Phoenix Open is held in North Scottsdale and people travel from many areas of the world to golf in Arizona. Even if your not a pro golf maniac, having a set up clubs to take to the local course is recommended. Sunset driving range and a beer afterwords is one of my faves.

A Water Softener. Arizona is known for it’s hard water. That water clogs drains, is nasty to drink and leaves bad water marks. Investing in a water softener is highly recommended and will bring you a lot of value.

Solar Panels.  I mean with the amount of sun Arizona receives, Solar is the way to go. Why not harness the power of the sun, save money and contribute to a healthier environment all at the same time? Even if you just go solar hot water, it’s worth looking into.

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Arizona is a bit of hot hell during the summer months of June to September. September can still prove to be a bit brutal, but when you are on the home stretch to near be done with it’s intensity, it’s almost not as bad.  We have put together 5 things you most likely will experience if you are in good old Arizona during the summer.

1. 122 degree heat. Yep, even if the actual outside temperature doesn’t quite reach that, the inside of your car parked outside for a good while will.  You will fell the wave of over 120 degree heat and know what it means to have your eyeballs burn.
2. Monsoons. Monsoon Season begins mid June and officially ends the end of September.  The season is most active beginning around mid July and lasting through mid August.  You will have moments of huge Haboobs (intense dust storms), fantastic (and a little scary) lightning storms, strong dusty winds, and moments of blasting rain.  I actually love them.
3. Burning yourself on a hot piece of metal.  It just happens, not matter how seasoned an Arizonian you are. Whether it’s the seat belt that gets you or some other piece of random metal, you will squeal and most likely retort profanity. It’s inevitable….sorry:/.
4. Bringing a sweater with you when it’s 115 degrees outside. Crazy to think this would even happen, but it does.  Many places keep their a/c very low and you freeze. So yes, you carry a sweater around in your scorching car to save yourself from freezing in a building, only to burn up and become exhausted from the temperature differences outside.
5. Midnight temperatures of 102 degrees.  Who ever thought at midnight it would still be so hot.  Well this happens, especially after a few record breaking high heat days.  Pools do not cool down, cars do not cool down, you are hot, you are grumpy, everyone is hot, everyone is grumpy. So the next morning you wake up to grab your sweater and go to work..haha!

These are just a few things that you will experience at one time or another in the Arizona summer.  Some others that you are hopefully fortunate to not experience are the break down of your home or car a/c, witnessing an animal left in a vehicle mid day with the windows up ( errr..so sad, but you’d be surprised at how often this occurs), and melted lipstick, cds, and chocolate bars.

This was a fun one to write as I sit outside of Starbucks dripping sweat, because I forgot my sweater and inside the coffee shop is just to damn cold!

As we all know, craft breweries are the new hype, and with good reason. Beer is no longer just Budlite or Corona when your going bigger.  Beer is now a craft and brewers are refining the art of beer making. California, Oregon, and Colorado are some of the known leaders for great craft brewers and breweries. Well Arizona has branched out and brewers here are exploring what they can do.  Check out the 5 places we say to check out.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.- Gilbert, AZ first brewery and a great one at that. They also serve up so tasty burgers. Try the  Peanut Butter and Jalapneo Jelly Burger paired with their Refuge IPA…awesome. They have some tasty sours or sour lovers, and a few unique must try beers. Get the beer sampler to try a variety.

Papago Brewery– One of the original breweries in town, they have been around since 2001, they began before the big craft beer trend. They brew their own and offer delcious beers from around the world as well.

Dragoon Brewing Co.– Located in Tucson, this is Brewery offers there tasting room to sample beers. You can catch a food truck for grub while you sip some of their awesome brews. One of our faves is the Dragoon IPA. It is a true West Coast IPA with fragrant citrus aroma.

Sun Up Brewery- A great Phoenix Brew House founded in 2004. They do some awesome traditional Cask Style ales and other great brews. Their White Russian Stout is bold and flavorful for a big treat!

Beer Research Institute– Somewhat newer brewery that whips up some eclectic brews. They have a great array of Belgian Style Beers. The Intergalactic Saison is up there on my list.

As summer nears, there is no better time than to head out a chill with a pint of some fabulous beer.  There are many great breweries throughout AZ, so you’ve got your pickin’.  If your not sure where to start, head out to one of the recommended places I named above…Cheers!

If you seek something interesting to do or see, not necessarily a major attraction, but a unique attraction, your at the right place. This post is dedicated to my friend Travis, owner of AZ Carpet Cleaners. He likes to do things out of the norm,  and suggested I write of a few cool odd places in Arizona.  So if you seek to venture out we have gathered 5 places to visit.

Flintstones Bedrock Village. Located in Williams, AZ, just south of the Grand Canyon, Bedrock City is a small attraction with life sized replicas of the Flintstones show. You can camp there and visit their theme park and attractions. Flintstones was a classic, so I guess why not make a real Bedrock.  Odd but fun to change it up from a Scottsdale hotel to camping out with Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Thornton Road Domes. (Casa Grande) Abandoned now for many years, these domes were originally built for an electronics manufacturing facility. Many eerie things have been reported to occur.  The domes are hard to explain and attract, artists, bums, possibly aliens.  The Domes have been added to Arizona’s list of haunted places because of the sitings of shadowy figure seen creeping around.  Very odd sounds and vibrations have been reported to be heard as well. So we suggest checking it out for yourself and seeing what you see and hear. Continue reading →

When you think wineries, usually what immediately pops into mind is Napa, Sonoma, Oregon. Well Arizona has a little to offer the wine industry.According to the the Arizona Wine Growers Asscoiation, Arizona has three main growing regions, all high desert. These three main areas are South of Tucson, in Sonpita, North of Phoenix in Verde Valley, and Southeast of Tucson in Willcox. There are others scattered around the valley, with these three being the main areas.
Whether you are a local Arizona resident or you have the pleasure of visiting the valley, we suggest at least checking out one of these Arizona Wineries.

Javelina Leap (Verde Valley)

This Winery located in North Verde Valley, minutes from Sedona.  During harvest season (August-Ocotber) You can actually watch the wine being made. They have great wines and have won a few awards for their creations. Some favorites are

Javleina Prospectors Blend – 100% Arizona wine. 62% Zinfandel, 24% Merlot, 14% Petite Sirah, Creamy mouth feel, followed by layers of berries, mild spice and a hint of smoke. Nice lingering finish.

Javelina Leap 100% Legacy (Estate) Zinfandel-100% Arizona wine. 5% Petite Sirah and 95% Zinfandel. Nice Garnet color with oak and vanilla on the nose. Boysenberry, honey and vanilla with a mild peppery finish. Continue reading →