Awesome Air Adventures in Arizona!
RAINBOW RYDERS
The largest hot-air balloon business in the Southwest offers sunrise, sunset and private balloon rides. Their sunrise balloon rides are offered year round and sunset balloon rides are offered November-March. All rides conclude with a post-flight breakfast with prickly pear cactus mimosas, local treats and a flight certificate!
Before each ride, you’ll get the chance to observe and help out with the inflation process, and even take pictures!
Information: rainbowryders.com
FLAGSTAFF EXTREME ADVENTURE COURSE
There are rope swings, wobbly ladders, monkey bars, tunnels, bridges and nets, and all of it ends with a zip line!
Information: flagstaffextreme.com
HOT AIR EXPEDITIONS
You’ll have an unobstructed 360-degree view to take excellent photographs of the Arizona mountains and desert.
Information: hotairexpeditions.com
IFLY
Ever wondered what it was like to fly? This indoor skydiving operation lets guests enter a 14-foot wide tunnel and be propelled into the air!
Information: iflyworld.com
MAVERICK HELICOPTERS
Maverick offers helicopter tours that will take you deep into the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon!
Information: maverickhelicopter.com
PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
The museum features a display of nearly 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 acres!
Information: pimaair.org
PAPILLON GRAND CANYON HELICOPTERS
Since 1965, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has been showing guests the majesty of the Grand Canyon.
Information: papillon.com
SEDONA AIR TOURS
Tours allow guests to see great parts of Sedona and the Grand Canyon that you’d never be able to see by hiking or taking a jeep tour!
Information: sedonaairtours.com
SKYDIVE ARIZONA
Home to the world’s largest drop zone, Skydive Arizona is the best way to fall! Tandem and solo jumps are available.
Information: skydiveaz.com
SUPERSITION ZIPLINE AT GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN
Get whisked away at 30 mph along a cable on a quarter-mile ride 120 feet above Goldfield Ghost Town.
Information: superstitionzipline.com
Encanterra Market Update from December 2022
OpenTable Names 5 Arizona Restaurants to Top 100 in U.S. List
The Valley’s top trio of steakhouses and seafood announced OpenTable diners have named Ocean 44, Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44 to its top 100 restaurant list for the U.S. in 2022.
In addition to Dominick’s Steakhouse, Ocean 44 and Steak 44, Mariposa in Sedona and The Henry in Phoenix also joined the list representing Arizona.
The restaurants have been chosen as OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2022, curated by diners and is based on over 13 million reviews submitted in the last year by verified OpenTable diners.
According to OpenTable their list of the Top 100 Restaurants for 2022 in the U.S. is generated from diner reviews collected between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022. All restaurants with a minimum “overall†score and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. The overall score is made up of unique data points, such as overall diner rating, user klout, total number of reviews, and regional overall rating. Qualifying restaurants were then scored and sorted according to the overall score.
The full list can be found here on OpenTable.
Oliver Badgio, who serves as the Chief Brand Officer for Ocean 44, Steak 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse thanked the diners for including their Arizona concepts, as well as their sister restaurant Steak 48 in a neighboring state.
“We’re absolutely thrilled and honored to have all three of our Arizona restaurants make the top 100 list and we are equally as elated our Steak 48 in Charlotte was also selected by diners,†said Badgio. “I think it shows that diners are continuing to love and enjoy the world class dining experience we offer and the premium seafood and steaks that we continue to source from around the world.â€
About Steak 44
Steak 44, located in Phoenix on 44th Street at Camelback, opened to stellar reviews in the spring of 2014 and is the latest steakhouse masterpiece by Dennis, Michael and Jeff Mastro, along with partner Scott Troilo, who also own the popular Dominick’s Steakhouse in the Scottsdale Quarter and Ocean 44 near the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Housed in an 8,400 square foot landmark, Steak 44 is an upscale urban oasis that boasts a vibrant bar, glass expo kitchen, intimate dining suites and many dining rooms featuring unique architectural detail, truly something for everyone to call their new favorite restaurant and hangout.
About Ocean 44
Created by the founders of the Valley’s favorite family of steakhouses, Steak 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse, Ocean 44 is the brand new seafood creation by owners and brothers Mike and Jeff Mastro, along with their father Dennis and partner Scott Troilo. Designed by Testani Design Troupe with almost 12,000-square-feet, the restaurant opened earlier this month in Scottsdale at the former Harkin’s Camelview space on Goldwater Blvd., across from the new luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Ocean 44 features an elaborate glass expo kitchen with nearby seats, a large bar and two dining bars, flexible private dining rooms, the main dining floor and several other options. With an abundant and varied seafood menu Ocean 44 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world class seafood and the great steaks they are known for at Steak 44.
About Dominick’s Steakhouse
Dominick’s Steakhouse is an experience, a renewed Manhattan style American Steakhouse featuring world class steak, paired with unique and interesting side dishes and appetizers that go beyond the traditional steakhouse menu. Housed in a stunning and energetic atmosphere and located in the Scottsdale Quarter, Dominick’s Steakhouse is the creation of Dennis, Michael and Jeff Mastro, along with partner Scott Troilo, who also own the popular Steak 44, and Ocean 44 restaurants in Arizona. Often awarded Best Arizona Steakhouse by diners and critics alike, Dominick’s offers an elegant fine dining experience with exceptional personal service and a luxurious menu created by Chief Executive Chef Marc Lupino and features the best quality steaks including USDA Prime and American Wagyu and fresh seafood flown in daily.
Information Source: AZ Big Media
Top 10 Destination + Entertainment Parks in AZ!
- PHOENIX RACEWAY
- Year Established: 1964
- Yearly Attendance: 225,000
- Address: 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323
- DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
- Year Established: 1939
- Yearly Attendance: 538,834
- Address: 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008
- VERDE CANYON RAILROAD
- Year Established: 1990
- Yearly Attendance: 90,000
- Address: 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
- TOPGOLF
- Year Established: 2005
- Address: 1689 S. Santan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, AZ 85296
- CANYON SPEEDWAY PARK
- Year Established: 1981
- Address: 9777 W. Carefree Hwy., Peoria, AZ 85383
- MEDIEVAL TIMES
- Year Established: 1983
- Address: 9051 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- SCHNEPF FARMS
- Year Established: 1941
- Yearly Attendance: 325,000
- Address: 24610 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142
- CASTLES N’ COASTERS
- Year Established: 1977
- Address: 9445 N. Metro Pkwy. E., Phoenix, AZ 85051
- TALIESIN WEST
- Year Established: 1937
- Yearly Attendance: 100,000+
- Address: 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259
- RAWHIDE WESTERN TOWN & EVENT CENTER
- Year Established: 1971
- Address: 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler, AZ 85226
Information Source: AZ Big Media
Encanterra Market Update from November 2022
Your AZ Local Market Snapshot – November 2022
Top 9 Sushi Places in Arizona!
- SUSHI ROKU
- Year Established: 2008
- Address: 7277 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- RA SUSHI – BAR – RESTAURANT
- Year Established: 1999
- Address: 1652 S Val Vista Dr Ste 101, Mesa, AZ 85204
- SQUID INK SUSHI
- Year Established: 2010
- Address: 9947 W Happy Valley Pkwy #109, Peoria, AZ 85383
- HIRO SUSHI
- Year Established: 2010
- Address: 9393 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- OBON SUSHI + BAR + RAMEN
- Year Established: 2017
- Address: 15037 N. Scottsdale Rd. J-195, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- ROKA AKOR
- Year Established: 2008
- Address: 7299 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
- HARUMI SUSHI
- Year Established: 2012
- Address: 114 W Adams St c101, Phoenix, AZ 85003
- TOKYO LOBBY
- Year Established: 2004
- Address: 5795 W Bell Rd #1, Glendale, AZ 85308
- YAMA SUSHI HOUSE
- Year Established: 2016
- Address: 4750 N Central Ave #150, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Information Source: AZ Big Media
Christmas Time at the Princess!
As Phoenicians pack their pumpkins away and a cold front finally makes its way to the Valley, it’s the perfect time to start planning which winter festivities to attend. Coming off the heels of Halloween, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has announced a line-up of exciting activities and experiences as part of its 13th Annual Christmas at the Princess event. As a multi-year attendee of this family-fun event, I thoroughly recommend adding it to your winter-holiday calendar. The six week festival kicks off Friday, Nov. 18 and ends Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.
This year, the iconic AAA Five Diamond resort is supporting charity partner, Make-A-Wish Foundation, in addition to hosting 150 Make-A-Wish kids and their families for a special evening of Christmas at the Princess. This year’s event will feature all the best loved attractions from Christmases past, such as Desert Ice, Lagoon Lights and Princess Express Train, along with new traditions to experience such as, the ultra-luxe Chateau Champagne, and the Ultimate Santa Experience.
All stays and experiences can be booked at ScottsdalePrincess.com/Christmas.
New offerings as part of Christmas at the Princess 2022, the resort include:
Chateau Champagne
Follow a trail through the romantic setting of Winterland to a candlelit path that leads you to an ultra-luxe retreat — the perfect getaway for the 21-plus crowd amidst the magic of the holiday festivities. Set against a backdrop of an Alpine Chalet, each semi-private fire pit features an all-inclusive menu, including: Moet Imperial Brut, a shellfish tower, truffle Gouda fondue, assorted artisanal petit fours and artisanal s’mores board — complete with ginger snaps and chocolate-stuffed, vanilla-infused marshmallows. This private and exclusive area will have limited capacity to assure a relaxing and romantic evening and will also include: VIP express wristbands to Christmas at the Princess, skate passes and complimentary valet parking.
Make-A-Wish Playhouse
This year mark’s Fairmont’s first as a global Make-A-Wish partner. Located at the self-parking entrance is a custom built interactive Make-A-Wish playhouse. Guests are encouraged to visit Princess Noel, take photos and enjoy the full sized playhouse, while learning about all the good Make-A-Wish does in the community.
Ultimate Santa Experience
Meet Mrs. Claus, experience the Elf Academy, enjoy milk and specialty cookies, Santa story time and up to 10 digital photos. Featured daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. accommodates up to four guests.
Christmas Quest Bubble Wand
Illuminate the night with the all new Christmas Quest Interactive Bubble Wand. Become filled with wonder as you visit 12 stops on the Christmas Quest Experience. Discover holiday magic around every corner, your Christmas Quest RFID-activated wand works as your interactive guide. Your Christmas Quest wand will activate by flashing whimsical colors and blowing a wafting wave of bubbles throughout your journey.
In addition to new experiences and attractions, Christmas at the Princess continues to carry on the tradition of Photos with Santa, ice skating, VIP igloos, S’Mores Land, Winterland and many more family-fun activities, rides and encounters.
Admission and parking details:
• Express pass event admission is complimentary for registered hotel guests.
• Dine at the resort’s signature restaurants and spend a minimum of $75 per vehicle to receive 50% off valet pricing, which includes up to four general admission wristbands to Christmas at the Princess. Reservations required.
• Self-parking and admission — $80, includes up to four wristbands.
• Valet parking and admission — $120, includes up to four wristbands. Must book restaurant reservation in advance.
• General admission includes access to Enchanted Plaza with the four-story musical tree, Enchanted Plaza video show, Princess Express Train, a walk-through experience of more than 6.5 million Lagoon Lights, the Nativity Garden, The Village, Winterland and Twinkle Town.
• For guests not staying at the resort who are ride sharing or walking in, wristbands are $20 per person to ride the attractions including the Princess Express Trains, Snow Mountain Ice Slide, Polar Glide Ice Slide, The Chair Lift Ferris Wheel, Lolli Swings, and the Christmas Carousel. Ice skating, photos with Santa, shopping, parking, dining and spa are priced separately. Non resort guests must pre purchase wristbands at ChristmasatThePrincess.com.
Information Source: AZ Big Media
$25M Expansion for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (Gateway Airport) selected McCarthy Building Companies as its general contractor to begin construction of a new 30,000-square-foot terminal addition to replace a 13-year-old temporary structure. The approximately $25 million project, which is being partially funded by a federal grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), will provide Gateway Airport with a larger, modern, energy-efficient and ADA-enhanced commercial passenger facility designed to accommodate future growth.
Currently, the airport’s terminal has 10 gates, but overall capacity and efficiency is limited by the current 10,000-square-foot temporary structure. New airlines, new flights and record-setting passenger activity require the airport to expand its terminal to keep up with its growing popularity.
“Gateway Airport is pleased to begin this important airport facilities improvement project,†said Airport Director J. Brian O’Neill, A.A.E. “We appreciate the financial support from the federal government and look forward to working with McCarthy Building Companies on this exciting project.â€
The new terminal expansion will be connected via an impressive glass walkway and will include new retail and concession space. Demolition of the temporary facility is planned for December and the project is expected to be completed by February 2024. The airport and DWL Architects + Planners began designing the new facility in the summer of 2022 and, through a competitive bid process, selected McCarthy Building Companies as general contractor in August 2021.
The airport will be fully operational during the construction.
“As a resident of Mesa, I am thrilled to be part of the Terminal Modernization project team,†said Thomas Assante, project director for McCarthy Building Companies. “The positive impact that Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has had on our community extends beyond being an economic driver and into so many of our lives by offering a convenient way to travel for business and visiting with loved ones, and the new expansion will only make that experience even better. With our team’s construction expertise on active airports, our construction strategy for the modernization ensures non-disruption of airport operations and an uncomplicated passenger experience. And, once we’re done, it will be even more efficient.â€
Gateway Airport is served by five domestic and international airlines offering nonstop jet service to more than 50 popular destinations across the U.S. and Canada. The airport welcomes nearly 2 million passengers each year and contributes approximately $1.8 billion annually to the regional economy.
For more information about Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, visit gatewayairport.com.
Information Source: AZ Big Media