If you're planning a trip to the Grand Canyon state in the near future, you've probably already discovered that Frommer's Arizona 2007 is an invaluable planning tool. Here, in this online update to our book, you'll find recent changes and other up-to-the-minute information.
Phoenix, Scottsdale & The Valley of the Sun
If you're looking for a stylish hotel in the heart of downtown Scottsdale's busy nightlife district, check out the new Hyatt Place Scottsdale/Old Town, 7300 E. Third Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (tel. 888/492-8847 or 480/423-9944; https://scottsdaleoldtown.place.hyatt.com). Formerly an AmeriSuites hotel, this hotel has had an extreme makeover and is now a very attractive choice in a great location within walking distance of Scottsdale's galleries, restaurants, and nightclubs. Doubles go for $109 to $279, depending on the season.
The biggest news on the Phoenix-area restaurant scene is the opening of the Scottsdale Waterfront, a shopping-and-dining development along the banks of a canal that runs through downtown Scottsdale. At this new development, you'll find nearly half a dozen new restaurants including Sauce, and Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace. These two are creations of Arizona restaurateur Sam Fox, who, over the years, has opened many of my favorite Scottsdale and Tucson restaurants.
The owners of downtown Scottsdale's Cowboy Ciao restaurant have opened a casual new restaurant in north Scottsdale. Star Spangled Tavern, 20751 N. Pima Rd. (tel. 480/419-USAZ; www.starspangledtavern.us), is a sort of modern public house located in the Market Street at DC Ranch shopping center. The menu leans toward classic American comfort food. Right next door, you'll also find Baroque Luxe Lounge, 20751 N. Pima Rd. (tel. 480/563-LUXE; www.baroqueluxelounge.com), which is from the same folks, but adopts an upscale European flavor. Also here at DC Ranch, you'll find Sol y Sombra, 20707 N Pima Rd., Scottsdale (tel. 480/443-5399), a Spanish tapas restaurant serving some of the best small plates in town. All you fans of pupu platters should be happy to know that the retro-swanky Hotel Valley Ho has opened it's new Trader Vic's, 6850 E. Main St. (tel. 480/421-7799; www.hotelvalleyho.com). Serving such dishes as pigeon, frog's legs, foie gras, and sweet breads, Méthode Bistro, 6204 N. Scottsdale Rd. (tel. 480/998-8220; www.methodebistro.net), is Scottsdale latest upscale French restaurant, and for well-heeled foodies, it's a must.
For a dose of Native American art and culture over on the west side of the Valley of the Sun, check out the new Heard Museum West, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise (tel. 623/344-2200; www.heard.org), which opened in the summer of 2006. This gallery showcases more than 400 works from the Heard Museum's permanent collection. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm, and admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for students.
The Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. (tel. 602/257-1222; www.phxart.org), has just undergone a major expansion. Part of the expansion is the addition of the new Ellen and Howard C. Katz Wing for Modern Art. Of course such an expansion does not come without a price. The museum now charges $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $4 for children 6 to 17 years old. However, the museum is free to all on Tuesdays from 3 to 9pm. The museum is now open Tuesday from 10am to 9pm, and Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. As of January 5, 2007, the museum is also open from 6 to 10pm on the first Friday of the month with free admission during these extended hours.
Central Arizona
In Sedona, Don Hoel's Cabins, one of my favorite lodging places in Oak Creek Canyon, has been sold and will no longer be open to the public as of the end of November 2006.
Way out west in the cowtown of Wickenburg, the luxurious Rancho de los Caballeros, 1551 S. Vulture Mine Rd., Wickenburg, AZ 85390 (tel. 800/684-5030 or 928/684-5484; www.sunc.com), which is a cross between a resort and a guest ranch, has added a new spa. This ranch addition takes much of the pain out of spending too much time in the saddle. New spas are also opening at Sedona resorts. L'Auberge de Sedona, 301 L'Auberge Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336 (tel. 800/272-6777 or 928/282-1661; www.lauberge.com), a classically styled little resort on the banks of Oak Creek, has just added a small spa. Amara Creekside Resort, 310 N. Hwy. 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 (tel. 866/455-6610 or 928/282-4828; www.amararesort.com), should have its new state-of-the-art Elements Spa open by the time you plan your Sedona vacation. The 4,000-square-foot spa is located between the shops of uptown Sedona and the banks of Oak Creek.
Northern Arizona
In Flagstaff, be sure to have a meal at the new Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar, 413 N. San Francisco St. (tel. 928/213-1021; www.brixflagstaff.com), which is housed in an old carriage house just a couple of blocks from the city's historic downtown commercial district. Main courses range from $19 to $29 at dinner and from $8.50 to $13 for lunch.
Four Corners
When visiting the Petrified Forest National Park (tel. 928/524-6228; www.nps.gov/pefo), be sure to stop by the recently restored Painted Desert Inn. This historic adobe building dates back to the heyday of Route 66, and between 1935 and 1940, members of the Civilian Conservation Corps worked on the structure. The building houses some museum exhibits and a bookstore, but, unfortunately, does not offer overnight accommodations.
Tucson
Tucson's Flandrau Science Center, 1601 E. University Blvd. (tel. 520/621-STAR; www.flandrau.org), on the campus of the University of Arizona, has reopened on a limited schedule with interactive exhibits that are prototypes for a new science museum to be built in downtown Tucson. Through December 2006, the Science Center is open Thursday and Friday from 6 to 9pm, Saturday from noon to 9pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Admission is only $2.50.
If you happen to be taking a family vacation in Tucson between mid-October 2006 and the end of February 2007, you may want to visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way (tel. 520/326-9686; www.tucsonbotanical.org), to see the gardens' tropical butterfly house. The gardens are open daily from 10am to 3pm and admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. The cost of admission includes entry to the gardens and butterfly house.
Details & Green Shoelaces, one of my favorite contemporary craft galleries in Tucson has changed its name and moved to a new location. It's now Details Art & Design, 3001 E. Skyline Dr., #139 (tel. 520/577-1995; www.detailsart.com).
Southern Arizona
If you're heading to Bisbee, be sure to check out the new Letson Loft Hotel, 26 Main St., Bisbee, AZ 85603 (tel. 877/432-3210 or 520/432-3210; www.letsonlofthotel.com). The spacious second-floor suites at this historic property overlook Bisbee's Main Street and are right in the heart of the atmospheric little mining town. The hotel is the creation of one of the owners of Tucson's Hacienda del Sol Resort. Rooms are in the $120 to $160 range.
Golfers looking for an economical golf resort in the Tucson area should be sure to consider the historic Tubac Golf Resort, P.O. Box 1297, Tubac, AZ 85646 (tel. 800/848-7893 or 520/398-2211; www.tubacgolfresort.com), which added 9 new holes to its golf course in September 2006. This resort, which has undergone extensive remodeling over the past couple years is only about 30 minutes south of Tucson. In the winter, green fees ranges from $5 to $109.
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