ZooLights by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

 

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

What has 2.5 million lights and over 500 animal and nature light sculptures? It’s Zoolights, one of the largest lighting events in the southwest.

This event is taking place now through January 11, 2010 from 6-10 pm nightly at the Phoenix Zoo. This would be the perfect time for you and your family to enjoy all the event has to offer.

Some event highlights include:

• Visit live Komodo dragons in their exhibit, Land of the Dragons, and the Komodo dragon light display
• “Music in Motion” dancing tree show – new video, music and LED lights show
• Jengo the talking giraffe returns for his 6^th year along with some of his other animal friends, including zebras, flamingos, otters and elephants
• Horse-drawn wagon rides, carousel and camel rides
• Stingray Bay Touch Tank Experience
• LED lighting along pathways for amazing color
• Animal meet & greets Thursday thru Sunday

Ticket prices are $9  ($7 Zoo members) valid Sunday through Thursday only and  $10 ($8 Zoo members) “Any Night” tickets also valid Friday & Saturday. Ticket can be used any night if you’re unable to attend Friday or Saturday And guess what? Kids 2 years and younger are free any night. To purchase your tickets online visit http://phoenixzoo.org/events/ZooLights/tickets.htm

The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. For more information on this event, visit http://phoenixzoo.org/events/ZooLights/

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

Hot Air Balloon Rides by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

If you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you might consider a hot air balloon ride in Phoenix. Hot Air Balloon Expeditions Inc. is located in Phoenix and can give you the experience you are looking for! This is something that is like nothing else- it will be something you won’t soon forget.

 It’s been described as “riding on a cloud” because you are traveling at about 5 miles per hour and you feel virtually no motion. This is why if you light a candle while you are up in the air, it doesn’t move.

What will your experience be like? Here is an overview:

-You will receive a pre-flight briefing where you will learn more about the balloon as well as facts you need to know.

-The balloon is inflated using fans and propane burners are ignited to heat the air inside once the balloon is inflated. In about 30 minutes, everything is ready and you join your pilot in a wicker basket.

-You fly at altitudes of under 400 feet which gives you great views of sights in the desert landscape. Sometimes you will be a little higher so you can take in views of the valley.  

 
-You will be greeted with champagne and great food when you descend back to Earth again. First-time riders will be treated to a special ceremony.

Hot Air Balloon Expeditions Inc. is located at 2243 E. Rose Garden Loop, Suite #1 in Phoenix. For more information visit www.hotairexpeditions.com

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

Downtown Scottsdale Winter Events by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

ArtWalk
January 2, 2010 – Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk 12-4 PM
January 14, 2010 – Rockin’ ArtWalk
February 27, 2010 – Best of Scottsdale ArtWalk

Unless otherwise noted, ArtWalk is a free event on Thursday evenings from 7-9 PM. ArtWalkers can enjoy chilling out in the downtown area.

Old Town Farmer’s Market
Reopened October 31^st, 2009 and is open from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at the parking lot at the corner of 2^nd Street and Brown Avenue. For information about the vendors, kids’ activities and more visit their web site www.sotfm.com

Holiday Harmony Snow & Glow
December 5, 2009 from 3:30 – 6:30 PM
Bring your family and enjoy live music, interactive booths, food and drinks, visit with Santa and Scottsdale’s tree lighting! This event will be held at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard.

Canal Concert Series

December 6, 2009- March 28, 2010

Enjoy the free concert series on Sundays at Stetson Plaza from 2-5 PM. A variety of music will be offered from jazz to country music. Upcoming concerts include:

•  
  • December 6 – Stephanie Light Duo
  • December 13 – Mary Hoffman Duo
  • December 20 – Peppermint James
  • December 27 – Jeordie & Friends
  • January 3 – The Geetars

For more information on this and other events visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/downtown.asp

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

Upcoming Holiday Events by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Holiday Express! – Phoenix Symphony
Straight from the symphony’s web site, “music including Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and Brubaker’s Concert Suite from The Polar Express! Featuring the annual audience sing-along, your students are sure to leave inspired, singing, and joyful! Celebrate the season with music and The Phoenix Symphony!” For show times and tickets visit www.phoenixsymphony.org

Holiday Pops – Phoenix Symphony
Enjoy all your favorite holiday songs with your family – it’s a great way to start the holiday season. For show times and tickets, visit the above web site. For show times and tickets visit www.phoenixsymphony.org

Candlelight Messiah – Phoenix Symphony
Enjoy Handel’s Messiah in an intimately created candlelight setting. This will be a holiday experience you will remember. A great choir and the Phoenix Symphony Baroque Ensemble bring the music for these wonderful performances. The concert will be held at Central United Methodist Church located at 1875 N Central Avenue in Phoenix. Tickets are general admission and are $30. For show times and tickets visit www.phoenixsymphony.org

Nutcracker
December 11-27, 2009 – Ballet Arizona

Andersen’s Nutcracker is coming to Ballet Arizona in December! This ballet is Set to Tchaikovsky’s score and features the Sugar Plum Fairy. For tickets and show information, visit www.balletaz.org

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

Smokey Joe’s Café by Joe Sazbo, Sazbo Group Scottsdale Arizona

By Joe Sazbo, Sazbo Group

Smokey Joe’s Café is coming to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater November 21^st at 7:30 PM. The show is described as a Saturday Night Live style show that looks at some of the situations people face in mid-life. One of the taglines of the show is “If You Bought Some Ginko Biloba, But Forgot Where You Put It, You’re Ready For MID-LIFE!” The story has some humorous moments, but there are also touching moments to the story as well. Maybe you are going through mid-life yourself and you are looking for a night of fun. This show may be just what you are looking for.

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater is located at 5247 E Brown Road in Mesa. The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre has served fine food and entertainment to over 700,000 guests since opening its doors in 2001.  The Broadway Palm is located on the southeast corner of Brown & Higley Roads in Mesa and is an easy drive from anywhere in the Valley.

Meet me in St. Louis begins there on November 26^th, 2009. It’s turn of the century St. Louis, the World’s Fair – and so is a world of changes for the Smith Family. Based on the classic MGM movie. Includes the beloved standards Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Skip To My Lou, The Boy Next Door and The Trolley Song.

For more information on this and other shows, visit: www.broadwaypalmwest.com

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam

 

December Holiday Events by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Here are some events in December in Scottsdale:

McCormick-Stillman Holiday Lights

December 11, 2009

6:30 pm kick-off; ends at 9 pm

Over 100,000 lights will decorate trees and displays throughout the park. Enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony, entertainment and a visit from Santa! The event runs through January 2, 2010 but excludes December 24, 25 and 31, 2009. Santa will be there each night through December 23, 2009.

Holiday Harmony

December 5, 2009

3:30-6:30 pm

Holiday Harmony will be at Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second St. in Scottsdale. The event is free and includes arts and crafts, entertainment, games and a visit with Santa. Photos taken with Santa are $2. Be sure to bring your whole family to enjoy the fun! Be sure to catch the tree-lighting ceremony at 6:20 pm, which will be followed by a fireworks display.

Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express

Now through January 15, 2010

Every week day; times vary.

If your kids love the Polar Express than they will love this train ride that takes them to the North Pole. For more information visit the Grand Canyon Railway web site at www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html

Westworld’s Fantasy of Lights

December 2, 2009-January 2, 2010
6-10 pm daily

Admission is $12 per car on Monday and Tuesday and $15 per car Wednesday through Sunday. Westworld will be lit colorfully this holiday season for the Fantasy of Lights drive-through experience that will delight the whole family!

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

 

Tamale Festival by Joe Sazbo, Sazbo Group Scottsdale Arizona

By Joe Sazbo, Sazbo Group

If you want a taste of the Southwest, be sure to check out the Tamale Festival in Phoenix. Tamale makers from different parts of the state will offer their homemade tamales for you to enjoy and there will also be a community tasting where you can sample various family recipes in the Southwest. You can also buy some tamales to take home if you want. Don’t miss the Southwestern Latino arts and crafts that are displayed and for sale.  There will also be entertainment and other cultural offerings!

This year’s 8^th annual event will take place on December 13 and 14, 2009. The event is free to the public and is sponsored by Food City. Food City members will be on hand for interviews to offer directions on how to prepare tasty tamales. Local tamale-makers don’t want to miss the Tamale Contest on Sunday afternoon featuring top prizes like a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and gift cards from Food City.  If you like tamales, various Mexican dishes and an array of interesting arts and crafts then this is a not miss event perfect to go with friends and family.

 The Tamale Festival takes place at the Ceasar Chavez Plaza, 201 W. Washington Street, in downtown Phoenix. For more information on the Tamale Festival, you can view last year’s event flyer at http://www.myfoodcity.com/pdf/Final_2008_Tamale_Festival_Alert.2.pdf.

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.

Historic Sites by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

  

Arizona Capitol Museum

 

If you want to experience a taste of the history of Phoenix, then be sure to visit the Arizona Capitol Museum. It offers more than twenty exhibits that tell Arizona’s story. This building once served as the state capitol building. Think of it as a “time capsule” in that it contains documents and other artifacts that bring the history of Arizona to life.

 

One of the most fascinating exhibits features the story of the USS Arizona, the naval battleship that was sunk during Pearl Harbor. This is a great attraction for families to visit and is listed as one of the ten best Phoenix attractions according to www.10best.com

 

The Arizona Capitol Museum is located at 1700 W. Washington in Phoenix. For more information visit: http://www.lib.az.us/museum/index.cfm The museum is free and is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday-Friday.

 

If you or your family enjoys historic sites, you may want to visit Heritage Square, also in Phoenix. It is a Victorian-style city block that dates back to the 1800’s. It features shops, museums and restaurants.

 

Heritage Square is located at 115 N. Sixth St. in Phoenix. For more information visit: www.phoenix.gov/PARKS/heritage.html Hours vary by business.

 

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

 

Black Friday in Phoenix by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

Black Friday in Phoenix by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

 

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

 

If you are looking to do some shopping after Thanksgiving, you might consider shopping Black Friday. There will be plenty of people who are doing the same thing- which will mean more crowds- but the savings may be what you are looking for and worth it in the end.

 

Here are some of the best places to go in Phoenix if you decide to brave the crowds this year on Black Friday:

 

Sears

Special hours: 5 am-10 pm
Sears is located at : 7611 W Thomas Rd.

 

KB Toys
Special hours: 5 am-9 pm

KB Toys is located at 7611 W Thomas Rd

 

Best Buy
Special hours: 5 am-10 pm

Best Buy is located at 1949 E Camelback Rd.

 

Wal-Mart

Special hours: Normally open 24 hours; Black Friday deals are from 5 am-11 am when they have their Door Busters. You can get great deals on electronics, toys, computers, etc.

Wal-Mart is located at 1607 West Bethany Home Road.

 

Foot Locker
Special hours: 6 am-9 pm
Foot Locker is located at 7611 W Thomas Rd.

 

Some tips:

Check all store ads for coupons and specials. This is a great time-saver for you.
Look on the Internet. This way you can find information about Black Friday sales as well as comparison shop.
Make sure you know the store’s return policy as well as restocking fees and warranty information.
 

 

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

 

Parks in Phoenix by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

  

Encanto Park- Central

 

This park offers two uncovered Island Picnic areas available for reserving Monday through Sunday. No reservations are taken on holidays. For reservations, call 602 261-8993.

 

Margaret T. Hance Park- Central

This park offers two areas for reservations seven days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM. They are not available for reservations on most holidays and when there are large events scheduled at the park. For reservations, call 602 262-6412

 South Mountain Park – Downtown

If you are looking for somewhere to host an event, then South Mountain Park may be it. The park offers an activity complex and other picnic areas for rent, so if you are planning a family get-together or other event, this just may be the place to host it. Areas may be first-come, first-serve or require reservations made in person so check the website for locations and phone numbers. South Mountain Park is located at 10919 S. Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. For more information visit: www.ci.phoenix.az.us/parks/southmnt.html Check their website or call 602- 262-6863 for park hours.

 

The park is 16,000 acres and makes for a great place for a get-together or barbeque as it offers natural, beautiful scenery. Be sure to take advantage of the hiking trails as well. You can just sit back and take in your surroundings- the scenery and wildflowers and the wide-open space will take your breath away.

 

For more information on these and other reserveable picnic area parks visit: http://phoenix.gov/PRL/reserve.html

 

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com