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!

Christmas

I started this post about a week ago, but with Christmas, it's been nearly impossible to blog. Between shopping and decorating, I haven't had even enough time to keep on top of my emails! I did want to mention, though, that I saw the Nutcracker at Phoenix Symphony Hall last Thursday and was very impressed. If you haven't been to a Ballet Arizona production for a while, go. Director Ib Andersen does a fantastic job. I'm not really into ballet and had decided I could live without seeing Nutcracker again, but Andersen's interpretation kept me entertained and mesmerized. I think I might even take my girls to see the production next year (if we have the time to go!).

A "Great Escape" doesn't have to be exotic, expensive or extraordinary. It can be a hike through the San Tan Mountains or a dinner at Eddie's House in Old Town Scottsdale. It can be a romantic evening or a family night, an afternoon with friends or time to yourself. A "Great Escape" can be any experience that takes you out of your every day routine. In my opinion, we don't allow ourselves enough of them.

I decided to start this blog as a way to highlight some of Arizona's "Great Escapes." While researching my book, Great Escapes Arizona (available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com), I realized I was just scratching the surface of what Arizona has to offer, and I wanted to be able to share some of the experiences I didn't have enough space to include in the book. This is my opportunity to do just that. In the entries to come, I'll write about everything from my experiences at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to my visit to the Desert Wells Stagecoach Stop in Queen Creek.

Be sure to check in regularly since I intend to update frequently.