Five Things to Experience in 2009

Happy New Year!

I'm trying to organize my desk and office today (a New Year's Resolution), and in the process, I began jotting down places to go and things to do in 2009. Here are my top five:

1. Desert Botanical Garden: If you haven't already seen Chihuly: The Nature of Glass at the Desert Botanical Garden, go. Elegant and awe-inspiring, the works of Dale Chihuly are best seen, I think, at night, when they bathe the gardens in glowing blues, reds, purples, oranges and yellows. It's worth the $15 adult admission and chilly night air. Of course, you can go during the day, but don't put your trip off for too long. The exhibition ends May 31, 2009.
2. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium: The Wildlife World Zoo is now the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. The aquarium portion opened on December 20th, so I haven't had a chance yet to visit, but I've always enjoyed the zoo here and have high hopes for its aquarium. They've also added a Log Flume ride as part of the expansion. Can't wait to try that out!
3. Western Winter Blast XX: Fireworks in February! The Western Pyrotechnic Association holds its annual convention over President's Day Weekend (February 11-15, 2009) in Lake Havasu City. This year marks their 20th anniversary, and to celebrate, the WPA will offer not one but TWO public firework shows. Western Winter Blast is not your typical display. Except to be dazzled by the best of the pyrotechnic best. Note: Arrive early at SARA Park if you want onsite seating.
4. Light Rail: Service began on December 27th with a "starter segment" running from 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road to Sycamore and Main Streets in Mesa. It's probably not going to be convenient for most people, most of the time, but it's worth the ride, at least once, to a Suns or Diamondbacks game. I plan to go while the interior still smells new-ish and is relatively graffiti-free.
5. Arizona's Wineries: If you've never sipped glass of Arizona-produced wine, 2009 is the perfect year to discover why the state's wineries are creating a buzz at the national level. Recently, Arizona wines have been highly rated by The Wine Spectator, praised by renowned wine critic Robert Parker and even served at the White House. The Arizona Wine Growers Association Web site, www.arizonawine.org, lists vineyard locations, tasting room hours and maps. I plan to make a trip myself soon. Maybe I'll see you there!