Arizona Vacation Homes

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Archive for Just for fun! – Page 2

Halloween in Phoenix

By Kari DiPhillips · Comments (0)
Friday, October 22nd, 2010

Don't get caught with nothing to do on Halloween.

The scenery is changing, the nights are getting cooler and a little boy dressed as a robot just darted across your lawn. These things can only mean one thing- Happy Halloween, folks! However, if your ideal All Hallows Eve does not include being accosted for candy by small children, Phoenix has the answer!

With Halloween 2010 falling on a Sunday, there are plenty of festivities to choose from on both Saturday and Sunday night. From the eerie to mellow to a drinker’s delight, let’s go over a few of your horror-filled options:

Saturday, October 30

Poe 2010

Soul Invictus Gallery & Cabaret, 8:00pm

Cost: $25

Nothing screams Halloween than the classic tales of Edgar Allen Poe. Enjoy Poe’s bone chilling stories brought to you by Arizona Curriculum Theatre.

Boo! at the Zoo

Phoenix Zoo, 6:30- 11:00pm

Cost: $8, $6 for members

Get your costumes ready and prepare to take on the “Dungeon of Terror,” the “Freakhouse Funshow” and the “Monster Maze.” Ghosts and ghouls and goblins- oh my!

Sunday, October 31

Official Ghost Tour of the Hotel San Carlos

Hotel San Carlos, 7:00pm & 8:30pm

Cost: $13 for adults, $7 ages 8-12. Under 8 not recommended.

Taking the #3 spot on Horror.com’s “America’s Top 10 Haunted Hotels” list is pretty impressive. Making your way through this tour is even more impressive! Follow your guide through Phoenix’s historic haunted landmark. This is 100% real haunting!

Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill

Corner of 14th Street and Cinnabar, 7-10pm

Cost: $5 donation

This nursery rhyme is no sing-song game. What happens when Jack and Jill venture out and are never seen again? Investigate the abandoned mine and find out. Just make sure you don’t suffer the same fate.

Freaky Tiki

Hula’s, 7:00pm

Cost: Admission is free

What do you get when you cross Halloween with a luau? Hula’s Freaky Tiki party! Hula’s will be pour specialty drinks for the Halloween festivities- Bloody MaiTai’s, Evil Dr. Funk’s, Zombies and more! With food, costumes, horror films and 10% of the proceeds going to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, you can’t go wrong.

Comments (0)
Categories : Hotspots, Just for fun!
Tags : , , , , , , ,

Fried What? The Arizona State Fair

By Kari DiPhillips · Comments (1)
Monday, October 11th, 2010

The Arizona State Fair is over 125 years old. While most cities are stocking up on road salt and preparing for the winter, Phoenix is drawing in people from all over to attend the Arizona State Fair. Last year alone, the fair drew in over one million people. This year should be better than ever.

Events: There are plenty of events that are included in the ticket price.

Here are a few:                    

  • Rodeos
  • Petting zoo
  • 4H exhibits
  • Native Spirit Dancers
  • Demolition Derby
  • United States Armwrestling Championships
  • Copper Gloves Boxing

Rides: The Midway at the Arizona state fair has all the traditional fair rides that you’d expect from the Ferris wheel to fun houses. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online or at the gate.

Concerts: The Arizona State Fair brings in a lot of big names and the great news is that the concert ticket price is included with your admission to the park, but you’ll want to stand in line early or purchase fancy seating at the box office if you want to get in to see them so plan ahead. Some of the big names that are going to be performing are:

  • The B52s -October 16th
  • Bret Michaels Roses & Thorns World Tour 2010 – October 23rd
  • Snoop Dogg – October 29

Food: Fairs are known for their fried food and the Arizona State Fair is no exception. Get the antacid ready to go:

  • Chef John – Specializes in food that even Fear Factor contestants would be hesitant to try like meal worm caramel apples (yep, you read that right). He also makes deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for those of you who aren’t into eating insects.

  • Donut Hamburgers – These put KFC’s double down to shame.
  • Salami Suckers - Salami dipped in batter and deep fried on a stick. You may not want to have a romantic moment on the Ferris wheel after eating one of these.

Time and Place: The fair is being held in Central Phoenix from October 15th until November 7th. The exact address is 1826 W. McDowell Rd (19th Ave & McDowell Rd) but if you’re anywhere near downtown during this time period, you’ll notice it.

Where to stay: The hotels will be booked so check into vacation homes and resorts. You’ll be close to the action without having to hear the sounds of the fair while you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. See you at the fair!

Comments (1)
Categories : Just for fun!, Uncategorized
Tags : , , , , , , , ,

Seven Phoenix Museums That Are Worth Checking Out

By Kari DiPhillips · Comments (0)
Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

As it is still a tad bit on the toasty side here in Scottsdale, museums are a great place to hang out. The Phoenix area has many museums to choose from. Whether you’re a gem enthusiast, a history buff or an art lover, these seven Phoenix museums are worth checking out:

Arizona Science Center: If you have kids, this is the place to take them. With 300 interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater, there’s plenty to keep them occupied plus you don’t have to worry about little johnny putting his hand prints all over that million dollar painting again.  It’s also great way to get kids jazzed about science. Even if you don’t have kids, check it out!

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park: This is the site of a 1,500 year old Hohokam village ruin. Experience the ruins yourself and learn about the history in the indoor museum. Also, check out two full scale reproductions of prehistoric Hohokam dwellings.

Shemer Art Center and Museum: Located on East Camelback Road, this museum houses local art and hosts art classes as well. Check out the unique sculpture garden also located on the premises.

Phoenix Art Museum: From contemporary to modern art, this place has it all. There are also some great traveling exhibits that stop here from all over the world highlighting everything from fashion to photography. Check out their free film series as well.

Arizona Capitol Museum: Come here to find out about Arizona’s rich history. Admission to the museum is free! Check out the museum store for awesome souvenirs of your stay here.

Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum: It’s more than just rocks. Learn about Arizona’s mining history and check out thousands of minerals and gems.

Hall of Flame and The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes: People travel from all over to pay tribute to those who have fallen while saving lives. Most of the exhibits are American but you can also check out neat firetrucks from around the world.

There are plenty more museums in the area to visit so whether you’re a local or renting a Scottsdale vacation home, check them out!

Comments (0)
Categories : Hotspots, Just for fun!
Tags : , , , , , , , , ,

Oktoberfest in Phoenix

By Kari DiPhillips · Comments (0)
Friday, September 24th, 2010

Guttentag! Who’s ready for lederhosen and beer steins as big as your head? The great news is that this time of the year, you don’t have to go to Germany or even Busch Gardens to find it. It’s right here in Phoenix! Here are some Oktoberfest activities that are happening right here in Phoenix:

Fountain Hills Oktoberfest: This event is the one that kicks it all off this weekend, September 24 and September 25. Admission is free but you’ll want to indulge and buy a beer as the proceeds go to local charity. There is music throughout the weekend and there will be contests for best dressed, polka dancing and beer stein holding.

Chandler Oktoberfest: Head down to the SanTan Brewing Company September 25 for a huge Oktoberfest event. Aside from being able to drink your face off (only with a designated driver, please) you can participate in a beer pong tournament, beer Olympics, bratwurst eating contest and the strongest man competition. There are also plenty of non alcoholic kids activities and contests as well.

Old World Phoenix Oktoberfest: This is the one that the traditionalists go to. For a paltry $5 admission (kids under five get in for free), enjoy this “Volksfest” complete with Bavarian music and dancing. An extensive beer garden will also be present as well as traditional food from strudel to sauerkraut. The event starts at 10am on October 9th.

Oktoberfest At Cityscape: Several German breweries will be present for this on October 22nd and October 23rd so get your steins ready. Top area chefs will also be preparing all your traditional German favorites. Ten bucks will get you in but look for local establistments who are giving them away for free over the coming weeks.

Oktoberfest on the Verde Canyon Road: This is a truly unique Oktoberfest experience. Every weekend in October, ride the rails to Clarkdale and enjoy a variety of beer and traditional German fare.

If you’re not in the area, there’s still time to take rent a Scottsdale vacation home (and get a great deal while you’re at it) during the month of October.

Comments (0)
Categories : Just for fun!
Tags : , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Reasons to Vacation This Fall

By Kari DiPhillips · Comments (0)
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

You just got the kids back to school or maybe you just got through sending them off to college. Maybe you don’t have kids but you’re feeling extra pressure at your job this September. It’s time for a vacation. Whether you only have a weekend or you have some vacation days you can take advantage of, a few days of relaxation can make a huge difference Here are the best reasons to vacation this Fall:

  • Golf: Phoenix has some great courses and it’s starting to cool down so pretty soon the weather will be perfect for golf.
  • Less Crowds: You’ve missed the summer rush. Less people means more relaxation.
  • The Weather: Especially in areas like the Southwest where the summer can be pretty harsh, Fall is an ideal time to visit.
  • You Didn’t Vacation Enough This Summer: Chances are you feel like you just didn’t get enough time to relax and spend with your friends and family. Maybe you didn’t take a vacation at all.
  • Vacation Homes: Especially this time of the year, they’re a great deal. Also, many are equipped with WIFI so if you can’t really get away from your work, take your laptop and do some work at your vacation home instead of at the office!
  • Cheaper Airfare: You can get a great deal this time of the year on airfare even if you’re travelling on the weekend. Even some high demand vacation destinations have deals in the Fall.
  • Less Traffic: Take a weekend road trip. There will be a lot less people on the road then you remember from over the summer.
  • The Wintertime Is Around The Corner: Before you know it, you’ll be packing up your bags and headed to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. You need a real vacation before gearing up for the winter!

Whether you vacationed or not this summer, chances are that you could use a break this Fall!

Comments (0)
Categories : Just for fun!, Properties
Tags : , , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe to Westbrook Vacation Rentals

Get the latest updates delivered via email

Website and Blog Development by Turbo Social Media