Phoenix Favorites

A lot of people become snowbirds when they retire, migrating to second homes in the south for the winter, or “the season.”   Taking flight to the balmy south means never having to deal with another snowstorm.  The top 5 favorite U.S. states to retire to include Florida, Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.   Phoenix, Arizona is my favorite escape from the unpleasant weather we sometimes experience in the midwest.

One of the best months to be in the Phoenix area is March.  15 Major League Baseball teams play Spring Training baseball in the Phoenix area.  10 Major League baseball stadiums and 15 Major League baseball teams make up the Cactus League.  Chances are, you can see a Major League baseball game every day somewhere in the Phoenix area during the month of March.   

Here are some of my favorite Phoenix activities: 

Spa: Gold Canyon Golf Resort and Spa is a nice, clean, trendy spa in Gold Canyon with a comprehensive menu of services - hair, nails, massage, body, skin care, etc.  If you are not seeking a “stay all day” spa with extra amenities, it’s a great, reasonably priced spa to visit for a service (or two).    

Lunch:  Lakeshore Restaurant on Saguaro Lake in Tonto National Forest is an enjoyable place to have lunch outside while admiring the lake, forest and beautiful mountains.  After lunch you can go on an informational and sight-seeing cruise of the lake on the Desert Belle.  Lunch and cruise prices are all reasonable. 

Shopping: The Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale has shops, restaurants and a movie theater as well as special events such as concerts.  If you like to try unique, healthy food, eat at True Food Kitchen.  To shop at boutiques and specialty shops, you might want to check out 5th Avenue Boutiques and Shops in Old Town Scottsdale.  I especially like Nestdown, a Bedding, Bath and Baby Boutique.     

Movies:  For $3.00 movies, go to Pollack Tempe Cinemas in Tempe.  You can pick from at least 10 different movies played throughout the day and evening.  For a fancier outing at the movies, you can have wine, dinner and watch a movie in a recliner with a blanket and pillow at the iPic at the Scottsdale Quarter. 

Fitness:  If you belong to LA Fitness, there is an abundance of clubs you can visit for your workouts so you can use your membership while in Arizona.  I also like Cyclebar (see my post on Cyclebar) and hiking the beautiful trails in the mountains.  I have hiked both Superstition and Camelback Mountains.  If you can walk, you can hike.