Scottsdale Sliders

Stax Burger Bistro is the place to go if you like tiny hamburgers. OK, so they also have ostrich, turkey, salmon, buffalo and other tiny burgers. Not to mention tater tots and sweet-potato fries. After you decide what kind of meat you desire, you then have to customize them. Too much to list on that front. But a place to check out. We walked away after eating 3 burgers, tots, fries and 3 beers with a tab of around $35.  

Dale Chihuly at the Desert Botanical Gardens

I am stoked to hear Chihuly is going to have an installation at the Desert Botanical Gardens. The DBG has had some great art and this will keep the tradition going. I love how DC uses nature as a backdrop for his amazing glass. And the Gardens are an amazing way to experience all that is the Valley in a compact area. Typically you would imagine a lot of flora in the desert. But this will surprise you. November 22, 2008 through May 31, 2009. 

The Greatest Show on Grass

The FBR Open, held at the TPC Scottsdale, is the most attended event on the PGA Tour. This event is insane. The 16th hole is stadium seating and can hold as many as 20,000 people at one time. The roars for a good shot are equal to the boos for a bad one. Phil Mickelson fans chanting A S U don't seem to bother the pretty people in the corporate tents. There are many who don't know a golf tournament is going on around them. Held in the beginning of February, the temperature is absolutely perfect. This is a great place to play the course the pros play. A little pricey in the winter but very affordable in the off-season. 

Barrio Cafe - Traditional Mexican Food at it's best

The Barrio Cafe is amazing. Starting with the guacamole made table side to the mole sauce this place is the bomb. The Barrio isn't in a shiny Scottsdale strip mall. It is in a barrio. Awesome. Make sure you order a margarita. I prefer the Cadillac but chat with the server to find the tight one for you. I guess you could chose from one of the countless tequilas (best in the valley) and sip away. 

South Mountain Park

It's the largest park in the country. Yes, the country. South Mountain trails are amazing and is fun for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Some trails are flat and can be accessed from car and others are a downhill mountain biker's dream. Dropped in south Phoenix, it's very easy to get to and tons of fun. I've seen scorpions, havalina, coyotes and even a rattle snake. Be smart and they leave you alone. The photos are from a Christmas Day hike. 

Best Vietnamese dining in town

My wife and I joined some friends at a place called Cyclo. A tiny, BYOB, eatery off Chandler Boulevard. Great food with the owner coming around helping with suggestions. Had a great seafood noodle soup. Be ready for a little wait. Mmmm. 

Go Suns!

You can't be in Phoenix and not love the Suns. STAT, Nash, Shaq and the gang have fun on the court and it's a blast in the stands. Check them out any time you can. What a scene. My photo may not be the best but you get the idea.

And click the link to check out the Virtual Locker Room. See what really happens behind the scenes.

Tour de Fat

A festival put on by New Belgium Brewing Company. They brew Fat Tire Beer. It brings together beer and bike lovers to one spot for a carnival-like atmosphere. Every year has been a blast and this year it hits Tempe Town Lake on October 11th. Don't miss it and bring your bike and a costume. See link for more info.

Whirlwind Golf Club

How can you talk about Phoenix and not bring up golf. Some of the best in the world. And some of the best in the Valley is at Wild Horse Pass. Devil's Claw and Cattail are tough and long. You can't go wrong with a Troon course. Play from the tips. You have to give it a try. And when you are driving there, you will think you are heading out of town and you are. On the south side of PHX past South Mountain. 

First Friday Art Walk

An unbelievable display of creativity. Strung throughout cool old neighborhoods, this is an eclectic trip that makes you appreciate it all. First Friday of every month ... duh. Check it out and bring some cash. You may need to buy a painting, or a mask, or a t-shirt, or who knows what. Check them out on Facebook. I shot this in a vacant lot across from the Roosevelt Tavern. 

A weekend at the Biltmore

My wife and I spent a relaxing weekend at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. Hung out by the pool and drank a few margaritas. Too much to list, but the s'mores cart was a big hit. Summer rates are very reasonable. And take the history tour, you can't imagine the stories. Marilyn Monroe called one of the pools her favorite in the word. White Christmas was written by that same pool. Very cool.

Great lunch at Cibo

Just ate at Cibo. A house built in the 1930's turned in to a restaurant. Great service and even better sandwiches. I had the Spek with fruit salad. It's smoked prosciutto, smoked mozzarella and tomatoes. The fruit was a fresh blend of melons and pineapple with yogurt and granola. Delicious and with the lemonade I made it our for less that $15. We sat indoors but the patio should hold 20 people or so.