Fun & Games >>

• BEST SIN BY A VALLEY SPORTS STAR
  Raja Bell
  Back in the day, the Valley's pro athletes were, well, human. Every month or so, one of them would drive drunk, or very fast, or kick someone's ass, or pinch someone's ass, or stalk their ex, or get caught with some dope, or blow, or say something racist, or sexist, or profoundly stupid, or... More >>
• BEST SAINT ON THE FIELD
  Kurt Warner
  Kurt Warner seems like a good guy, and he certainly came to the Arizona Cardinals with great credentials as an NFL quarterback: a Super Bowl ring. The fact that he was injured much of last year may have had a lot to do with why the Cards turned in such a terrible season, and it led to criticism... More >>
• BEST PRO SPORTS TEAM
  The Phoenix Suns, of course
  Now, how could we give this coveted award to anybody but the Phoenix Suns, who made it to the NBA conference finals twice in the past two years? Hell, there's no other team that's come close to doing that since the Arizona Diamondbacks won the World Series in 2001, and now they suck (okay, not... More >>
• BEST PRO ATHLETE
  Shawn "The Matrix" Marion
  Yeah, we've heard about Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash's work ethic. About injury-riddled center-forward Amaré Stoudemire's future as the most dominant player in the NBA. But when it comes to bringing it home night in and night out for the Suns, there's only been Shawn Marion. The... More >>
• BEST COLLEGE ATHLETE
  Rudy Burgess
  Diehard Sun Devil football fans still remember the 2004 season, when then-freshman Rudy Burgess, filling in for ASU's decimated running back corps, pounded and punished Stanford defenders on his way to a 34-carry, 186-yard Herculean performance that left him immobile for two weeks. And after... More >>
• BEST COOL NEW ATHLETE IN TOWN
  Eric Byrnes
  Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Eric Byrnes is crazy. That's the first thing any knowledgeable baseball fan or professional ballplayer will tell you. He makes crazy plays in the outfield, he's crazy on the base paths, he has a crazy sense of humor. He just follows his own wacky muse. After... More >>
• BEST PRETTY BOY ATHLETE
  Matt Leinart
  Come on, he dated Paris Hilton! He quarterbacked the University of Southern California Trojans to one national championship and nearly a second, winning a Heisman Trophy in the process. When everybody thought he'd come out of college to a fat NFL contract a couple of years ago, he opted to stay... More >>
• BEST SPORTS HAIR
  Steve Nash
  We know, we know . . . Steve Nash, National Basketball Association most valuable player over the past two years, has cut his flowing locks. No, he's done more than that — he's shaved his pate. Those pictures of Little Stevie Wonder (sorry, that's what sportscasters have taken to calling him)... More >>
• BEST SPORTS GRILL
  Edgerrin James
  We almost fell over dead when Edgerrin James signed with the Arizona Cardinals. But there he was holding up his red and white number 32 jersey and grinning at the camera with that grill of gold teeth, dreadlocks hanging around his face. James is among the top running backs in the NFL these days,... More >>
• BEST ERECTION
  Cardinals Stadium
  There's an old saying about teams like the Arizona Cardinals, who for 18 years played in cavernous Sun Devil Stadium in front of thousands of fans disguised as empty seats: The stadium was vast, but for the most part, the team on the field was only half-vast. But hold on to your seats — things... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO SEE A SPRING TRAINING GAME
  Hohokam Stadium
  Since 1997, the folks running Hohokam Stadium have kept the price of the lawn seats at five bucks. Five bucks to watch the Cubbies, for God's sake! Five bucks to watch the ebullient Cubs fans before the Cubs have been able to begin losing any real games, when Cubs fans are still happy-go-lucky... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO SPOT SPRING TRAINING PLAYERS OFF THE FIELD
  Sluggo's Sports Grill
  The Chicago Cubs may be cursed, but that doesn't mean local fans wouldn't want a 'graph from John Mabry or Derrek Lee. Sluggo's is a natural post-practice watering hole for Cactus League players. It's only a mile from the Fitch Park training grounds the Cubs have called their home away from home... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO SEE MERCURY PLAYERS OFF THE COURT
  Einstein Bros Bagels
  The statuesque ladies of the WNBA are not to be found cruising the nightclubs of Snottsdale en masse. Whether it's because they're clean-living, underpaid, or a little of both, Phoenix Mercury hoopsters tend to fuel up for practices and games at this friendly little cafe in the Safeway shopping... More >>
• BEST PRO SPORTSWRITER
  Joe Reaves
  Sorry if this turns out to be the kiss of death for what must be a dream beat for a sports nut like Joe Reaves — the national baseball writer for our usually wretched daily rag. We appreciate his knowledge of the game and love of offbeat takes, such as his clever look back at the infamous 1919... More >>
• BEST SUPER FAN
  Mike "Tee Guy" Crowley
  When we think "super fan," embarrassing images of shirtless drunk dudes painted team colors come to mind. Gross. That's why we were so delighted to discover Mike "Tee Guy" Crowley — an ASU football fan so devoted, he has a cult following of his own. And he keeps his shirt on. For the past 12... More >>
• BEST PRO WRESTLING SHRINE (1 Comment)
  Eddie Guerrero's grave at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery
  As caustic comedian George Carlin once opined, "Death makes you popular." Nowhere in town is this truer than with the gravesite of popular pro wrestler Eddie Guerrero. Ever since the World Wrestling Entertainment superstar known as "Latino Heat" was body-slammed into the ground last November at... More >>
• BEST CHEAP THRILL
  Arizona Falls
  Ask Phoenix newbies what they miss most after moving to the desert, and, whether they say Seattle's rain, Michigan's lakes, or California's beaches, the common denominator is usually water. Which is why this way-cool waterfall, a collaboration by Salt River Project, the Phoenix Art Commission,... More >>
• BEST NOT-SO-CHEAP THRILL
  Skydive Arizona
  Most everyone has dreamed of skydiving. But the gap between dream and actually jumping out of some plane at 13,000 feet above Arizona can be, um — analogy, please? Yes, of course, as big as the gap between you and the ground you're terrified of being pancaked on. This first jump, seemingly a... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO CLIMB THE WALLS
  Phoenix Rock Gym
  We're all for physical fitness (uh . . . in theory, at least), but the treadmill is so damn boring, and lifting weights is for meatheads. So we're stoked on the workout we can get dangling 30 feet in the air at Phoenix Rock Gym. The first trip to the top of the wall is a little scary, but it... More >>
• BEST BEGINNER'S CLIMB
  Praying Monk, Camelback Mountain
  Enough, already — it's time to get out of the rock gym and climb outdoors. We know indoor climbing walls are fun, but they are to climbing what stationary bikes are to cycling. And there's no better first climb to conquer than Praying Monk. Camelback Mountain is right in the middle of the... More >>
• BEST ADVENTURE CLIMB
  Weaver's Needle
  Mountains must be climbed because they are there, but some people also feel compelled to stand on all big, pointy things. Show us any rock tower, pinnacle, cone or spire and we'll find a photo of someone showing off on top of the damned thing. So we understand if you've been looking with desire... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO GET HIGH AND SEE STARS
  ASU Astronomy Open House
  Don't be alarmed if you happen to hear indecipherable nerd babble echoing off the fluorescent bathed hallways of ASU's Bateman Physical Science building. That's because Physics and Astronomy graduate students are high off cool neutrons and totally hot electrons during the department's free open... More >>
• BEST PLACE FOR A SELF-CONFIDENCE-BUILDING WORKOUT (1 Comment)
  Central Boxing Club
  Don't be intimidated if you see Mike Tyson working out nearby, because what the Central Boxing Club is more about is honing the pugilistic skills of average folks. Really. Iron Mike and other big-name fighters, including Julio Cesar Chavez, have trained at the club. But the main emphasis of... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO BALLROOM DANCE
  Lou's Tivoli Gardens
  Even with the revived popularity of ballroom dancing, thanks to reality television, it's no surprise that we found the best ballroom dancing in Sun City, a town where "flashing" involves showing a guy your AARP card, and "bar hopping" means getting up to order a brandy without using your walker.... More >>
• BEST RED STATE ACTIVITY
  Manzanita Speedway
  With NASCAR and Formula One on such a posh high these days, it's good to know that them good ol' boys are still holding down the redneck racing fort at "The Track That Action Built." Instead of mega-corporate sponsors and luxury suites garnished with shrimp and fine wines, Manzy offers $2 bean... More >>
• BEST GO-KARTS
  Speedway Raceway
  Okay, so it's all just a fantasy. But we've seen this particular fantasy — the one about becoming a world-class NASCAR competitor taking the checkered flag at some super-cool international drag race — overtake even our stuffiest friends. There's something about the thrill of zipping around... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO BUILD A CHOPPER
  Wicked Bros
  Ever since Jesse James swag began to outsell Mary-Kate and Ashley stuff at Wal-Mart, everyone and his mom seems to want a pimped-out chopper. The only problem — a true boutique chopper is both difficult and expensive to build. That's where the Wicked Bros come in. They've been building custom... More >>
• BEST CAR CLUB
  The Invaders
  Local car enthusiasts Syd "The Squid" and Tammy Chase love chopping and reconcocting vintage cars so much that the vehicles fill the driveway, front yard, and backyard of the couple's Glendale home, sometimes spilling out onto the street. Not all of the cars belong to the Chases — since they... More >>
• BEST BIKE SHOP
  Tempe Bicycle
  Good bike shops are a lot like good bars: They have their own smell, their own special mood. They are not too clean, they are not too new, they are staffed with people who might otherwise not be employed. They are not designed off some corporate template for success, but rather off someone's... More >>
• BEST SKATEBOARD SHOP
  Scottsdale Sidewalk Surfer
  Dude, where's my board? As far as we can tell, no one can beat this popular Scottsdale spot when it comes to pimpin' your concrete ride. The walls are lined with brand names like Zoo York, Flip, Toy Machine and Alien Workshop, organized by manufacturer. The shop stocks more than 500 boards, and... More >>
• BEST SKATEBOARD PARK
  Foothills Sk8 Court Plaza
  For anyone who needs proof that the JimmyZ-totin', Future Primitive-watchin' second generation of baby boomers is coming of legal age, look no further than the slew of skate parks that have popped up around town in the past few years. One of the latest and greatest, the bowl and street course in... More >>
• BEST PAINTBALL PARK
  WestWorld Xtreme Pursuit Paintball
  How do you separate friend from enemy? Shoot 'em first and worry about that later. WestWorld's paintball experience is a safe way to get out all of your pent-up aggression. Target your opponents as they try to hide behind hay bales and stealthily sneak around corners. Aim the scope. Point. And... More >>
• BEST BOWLING
  Sunset Bowling Center
  We've long since despaired of finding old-timey bowling in Phoenix — the kind with manual ball returns and those funky handwritten scorecard projectors. But we're happy to settle for the fun we have whenever we visit Sunset Bowling Center, which offers everything we need to conquer our bowling... More >>
• BEST BINGO
  Arizona Italian American Club
  Whenever we get to missing Grandma, we head down to the Italian American Club, where the smell of simmering red sauce wafts over us as we dab hot-pink ink all over our lucky bingo cards, just like Nana used to do. The friendly folks who run this game offer both Power Bingo and good,... More >>
• BEST MINIATURE GOLF
  Mini-Golf Paradise
  Sure, miniature golf is a fun family activity, but who wants to putt-putt outside in the blistering summer heat? That's why we love this 18-hole indoor range with its cute jungle theme. Tigers pounce throughout the course, and one hole sports a giant hippopotamus ready to gobble up your ball.... More >>
• BEST GOLF FOR UNDER $50
  Gold Canyon Dinosaur Mountain Course
  While we continue to bitch about the price of a round of golf in the Valley during the high season, we also continue to be amazed by the level of golf one can purchase for pennies when the weather takes a turn for the torturous. Really, though, 105 degrees isn't bad in a speeding covered cart,... More >>
• BEST MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
  Papago Golf Course
  Once the finest golf course in the Valley, arguably the best muni in the country, Papago has fallen from its heyday in the 1970s and '80s. By 2002, the course was a disgrace. But with some recent improvements, including new restrooms, improved cart paths, a face-lift of the clubhouse and a... More >>
• BEST PRIVATE GOLF COURSE
  The Estancia Club
  Everyone's heard of The Boulders, and no doubt a private membership there is one of the most prestigious and (since it swaps the private course and resort course every so often) enjoyable golf experiences in America. But for a fully private course experience (meaning no riffraff like us),... More >>
• BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
  The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain
  Most golf clubs radiate a snooty, privileged air — and this one is no different. Eagle Mountain features many of the amenities of a private course: pro shop, banquet facilities, full-service clubhouse, and expansive emerald-green fairways. It's a chip shot away from the sprawling mansions of... More >>
• BEST GOLF WEB SITE (1 Comment)
  www.golfnow.com/phoenix
  For the young or even middle-class golfer, Arizona can be like the proverbial ocean: Golf courses, golf courses everywhere, but not a single one I can afford. The creators of this golf Web site, however, have worked out deals with numerous top Valley golf courses to open up selected tee times at... More >>
• BEST VALLEY GOLF EVENT
  FBR (Phoenix) Open
  The FBR O . . . , O . . . , Oh, hell, call it the Phoenix Open. PHOENIX OPEN! PHOENIX OPEN! Doesn't that feel good? Yes, thank you, FBR, whatever the hell it is you do, for providing the big bucks necessary to keep the top golfers coming here. That is important. Without the top golfers, the... More >>
• BEST MOMENT AT THE VALLEY'S BEST GOLF EVENT
  John Daly at work
  To be sure, the Valley's biggest annual sporting event (though NASCAR definitely is right up there) is much more about the scene than the golf. Every now and then, however, we stop to watch a professional golfer hone his craft. To wit, the ever-popular "Big" John Daly, the most dysfunctional... More >>
• BEST GOLF GETAWAY WEEKEND
  Apache Stronghold Golf Club
  The San Carlos Apache Tribe had several advantages when they went about building one of the state's great courses. They already owned the prime piece of landscape and, besides, they could always depend on a flow of golfers thanks to the dependable flow of gamblers making the drive to the nearby... More >>
• BEST FUNKY WEEKEND GETAWAY
  Noftsger Hill Inn
  A former copper boomtown, Miami (said: "Mi-am-uh") has fewer than 2,000 residents, but more original merchandise than you'll find in any shopping mall in metro Phoenix. Ditch eBay; check out the antique stores in the old downtown district in person. And don't forget the Book Bank, a great used... More >>
• BEST FALL DAY TRIP FOR THE FAMILY
  Slide Rock State Park
  Tired of being stuck in town for the fall? It's bone dry, daytime temperatures are still scorching, and kids are relegated to crowded water parks or picnics on dead park grass. Pack up the family station wagon and head to Sedona's Slide Rock State Park, a scenic red rock canyon nestled in a... More >>
• BEST SPRING DAY TRIP FOR THE FAMILY
  Boyce Thompson Arboretum
  This sprawling nature preserve, a little more than an hour's drive east of Phoenix on U.S. 60, doesn't have the polish of the Desert Botanical Garden. But it more than makes up for that with its slightly tatty, quirky charm, and no can deny that its collection of plant life is just as... More >>
• BEST HIKE FOR THE FAMILY
  Piestewa Peak
  Named after the late Native American war hero Lori Piestewa who died in Iraq, the former Squaw Peak provides a sweet desert experience for beleaguered urbanites who've had their fill of concrete and glass. Myriad hiking paths rated from easy to difficult provide a choice for those looking for a... More >>
• BEST HIKE FOR NUDISTS (3 Comments)
  Black Top Mesa
  If you've ever daydreamed about lying naked 'neath a clear, blue sky, this hike's for you. While the strenuous jaunt is not an "official" Bureau of Land Management/Tonto National Forest route, it's the best trek we've come across in our many years of meandering through the Valley and surrounding... More >>
• BEST HIKE IF YOU'VE GOT ALL DAY
  Round trip on the National Trail
  While not particularly challenging in a technical sense, the National Trail is one bad mutha if tackled from beginning to end — and back. The round trip is approximately 20 miles, the equivalent of walking from 48th Street to 51st Avenue and then turning around and doing it in reverse. The best... More >>
• BEST HIKE IF YOU DON'T HAVE ALL DAY
  Trail 8 at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve
  Little-known fact: You do not have to drive all the way out to Apache Junction to have a great hiking experience. In fact, Trail 8, which wends its way through the Piestewa Peak/Dreamy Draw area of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, can be just as breathtaking as anything in the Superstitions, with... More >>
• BEST HIKE FOR OUT-OF-TOWNERS
  Telegraph Pass Trail
  While the Superstition Mountains provide by far the most dramatic scenery of any Valley-accessible day hikes, the Superstition hikes likely demand too much of a visitor's time. And, well, you read the newspapers. The Superstitions also are much more likely to disappear people. So, if the in-laws... More >>
• BEST EASY MOUNTAIN BIKING
  Papago Park
  You bought that mountain bike with dreams of tackling South Mountain or the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, but then you discovered something — mountain biking can be a lot harder than pushing the old steed down a sidewalk. Perhaps you'll be in shape someday to grind up gravel-ridden slopes and... More >>
• BEST HARD MOUNTAIN BIKING
  Pemberton Trail
  The Valley has more kick-ass mountain bike trails than you can throw a broken chain at, but nothing beats Pemberton for continuous one-way rough-riding pleasure. In fact, since the few equestrians at McDowell Mountain Park are well spread out, and hikers rare, this trail transforms a land area... More >>
• BEST PARK FOR BIKE POLO
  Desert Storm Park
  Every Wednesday over at the quaint and centrally located Desert Storm Park polo grounds, bicycle maniacs test their mettle during lightning-paced warfare on two wheels. Similar to the traditional yuppified fare, sans the prohibitive price tag, bicycle polo is actually an old sport that's been... More >>
• BEST URBAN PARK
  Papago Park/Tempe Town Lake complex
  With its otherworldly sandstone buttes, Papago Park has anchored the city of Phoenix park system since 1959. Papago's trails are generally easy treks with little elevation gain, making it a great place for a family hike or to hone your mountain-biking skills. The park covers 1,200 acres and has... More >>
• BEST PARK FOR A WEEKEND BARBECUE
  Kiwanis Park
  The fine art of hanging out at the park seems lost on a lot of Valley residents, and we guess we understand why — it's hot (duh), and many parks in these parts are just small patches of dying grass with some busted old swings and a concrete table thrown in for good measure. Luckily, we've got... More >>
• BEST PARK TO FIND A PICKUP GAME OF ULTIMATE FRISBEE
  Benedict Park
  When the operators of Tempe Diablo Stadium decided to limit all of their auxiliary fields to baseball only, they left the future of the local ultimate scene up in the air like a flicking forehand flying disc toss. Thank goodness for the Frisbee backers at Valley of the Sun Ultimate, who rallied... More >>
• BEST LITTLE LEAGUE MOMENT
  Shaun Chase
  For the second time in five years, an Arizona team has advanced from the Western Regionals to the Little League World Series by rolling over the once invincible California squads. Last time, it was Chandler National. This time, Ahwatukee, which comes out of the same district as Chandler... More >>
• BEST REENACTMENT OF THE OLYMPIC MEDAL CEREMONY (1 Comment)
  SWIMkids USA, Inc.
  Here at Best of Phoenix, there are some things we don't want to recommend. We're not going to tell you where to get a boob job, or what dentist to go to (although we really do love our dentist), or even what vet to send your pet to. We're just a little nervous. We don't want to have to feel... More >>
• BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY IDEA FOR BOYS (2 Comments)
  Racing Limos of Phoenix
  With the NASCAR craze in full flower, what better way to make big-time points with your young man than hiring out a racing-themed limousine for the evening? This typical stretch limo becomes an extra-long racing stock car, numbered, painted in multi-colors and raring to ride. The spacious... More >>
• BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY IDEA FOR GIRLS
  Tea Cups & Tiaras Tea Room
  Sometimes, you just gotta let a little girl be a little girl. Or a little girl pretending to be a big girl. That's why we're so glad we found Tea Cups & Tiaras. After months of hearing horror stories about over-the-top tea parties with gift registries and spa pedicures, we landed on an... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO HOST A CO-ED KID BIRTHDAY PARTY
  Pump It Up
  Face it — 6-year-olds don't want expensive party favors or complicated theme parties for their birthdays. They want to jump around, drink soda and make a mess until the sugar high ends and they crash. And chances are, you probably don't want them doing this all over your house or expensive party... More >>
• BEST BUMPER BOATS
  Castles-n-Coasters
  What better way to get out your aggression than to crash giant, gas-powered rubber boats into walls and waterfalls? Figuring out how to maneuver the suckers is half the fun; the steering wheels turn a full 360 degrees, so the challenge is to do more than make crazy circles in the water while... More >>
• BEST PUMPKIN PATCH
  Mother Nature's Farm
  We've tried the bigger, more commercial Halloween festivals, but this year we'll go back to Mother Nature's Farm (humming the Beatles the whole way) to let our kids grab a pumpkin, get their faces painted, and spend a little time in the hay. With a nod to the desert, the folks at this farm not... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO SEE A PEACOCK
  Glendale Community College
  Sure, there are peacocks at the zoo, but how often do you see a large, brightly colored bird wandering around a college campus? You'd cry fowl at least a couple times a week if you attended Glendale Community College. The campus is located right next to Sahuaro Ranch Park, which technically... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO SEE A PENGUIN
  Wildlife World Zoo
  This is the Little Zoo That Could, always to be in the shadow of the bigger, more complete Phoenix Zoo. But this little west-side park is home to some species that that other zoo doesn't have — namely penguins. You won't be much reminded of the amazing documentary March of the Penguins; the... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO MONKEY AROUND (1 Comment)
  Monkey Village at the Phoenix Zoo
  No matter how often we visit, we never get tired of seeing the squirrel monkeys roam their 10,000-square-foot habitat just off the Tropics Trail at the Phoenix Zoo, mostly because this is one exhibit where you can get up close and personal — no cages involved. Although we've never had one land... More >>
• BEST DOG PARK, DOWNTOWN PHOENIX
  Steele Indian School Park
  This new downtown dog park, opened in July in the northeastern area of Steele Indian School Park, is gated and divided into sections — one for larger dogs, and one for smaller dogs under 20 pounds. The park is off-leash, so canines can carouse untethered in an area that covers almost two acres,... More >>
• BEST DOG PARK, NORTH PHOENIX (1 Comment)
  PETsMART Dog Park at Washington Park
  If you could see into your dog's dreams, there would be a huge grass lot for running, tons of toys, a never-ending water supply, and maybe a sexy little companion. This one's got it all. The 2.65-acre bark park includes water fountains and benches for owners, plus doggie watering stations and... More >>
• BEST DOG PARK, WEST VALLEY
  Northern Horizon Park
  This park isn't strictly for dogs, but it does have a large, fenced area just for canines, where your pups can play off their leashes. And since there's an area for small dogs separate from the larger dog park, owners of little Chihuahuas and terriers needn't worry about having their little pets... More >>
• BEST DOG PARK, SOUTHEAST VALLEY
  Shawnee Bark Park
  Dog runs were created so owners and pets could play together, but this Chandler park has really gone to the dogs. Once your pooch gets a load of the agility course, you might as well just perch on a bench and get comfortable, because all you'll be doing is watching. There's a seesaw, play... More >>
• BEST DOG PARK, TEMPE
  Mitchell Park Dog Run
  In the early '90s, Tempe's Mitchell Park was a notorious hot spot for pet owners disobeying leash laws. After confrontations between owners and regular park patrons, a separate dog run was created. Now dogs are allowed to roam free inside the fenced area, which includes benches and tables for... More >>
• BEST DOG PARK, SCOTTSDALE
  Chaparral Park
  Scottsdale, with its high-end boutiques and resort hotels, isn't exactly known for accommodating pets — at least, not if your pet's too big to fit in your purse. But there's one place in town where dogs can get a sweet taste of freedom. The 71-acre Chaparral Park, which is currently being... More >>
• BEST WAY TO PRETEND IT'S RECESS
  World Adult Kickball Association — AZ Fire division
  Everyone knows the best times of day in elementary school were recess and nap time. As we slough through our 9-to-5(ish) grown-up gigs, we've often bemoaned the fact that neither is available in the corporate world. Well, come to think of it, we're too hopped up on Red Bull to squeeze in a nap,... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO UNDO YOUR WORKOUT (1 Comment)
  Native New Yorker
  Work hard, play hard — right? At this Native New Yorker, no one will think twice about your tennis shoes and sweaty clothes in the lounge. It is the perfect spot to replenish all the carbs and calories you just burned with its extensive menu that includes wings, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos... More >>
• BEST SPA
  Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
  Move over, Calgon. We'd rather let Willow Stream take us away. At this upscale spa devoted to beauty and pampering, tucked amid the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess' sprawling, Spanish-style courtyards, there are so many ways to relax that it's easy to stretch an hourlong treatment into a whole... More >>
• BEST BODY WRAP
  Golden Door Spa
  The Turquoise Wrap at the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders in Carefree is 50 minutes of pure bliss. Allow us to explain. It might sound weird, but really, stop a moment. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Wait, that won't work. You need to read. Anyhow, the wrap begins with a full body... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO RUB YOUR PARTNER THE RIGHT WAY
  Dolce Salon & Spa
  Looking for an alternative to the standard movie-and-dinner date night? Dolce Salon & Spa in Chandler offers a couples' massage class one Wednesday night a month. It is a gift that can keep on giving. After registering at the front desk, couples are escorted into a mirrored room filled with... More >>
• BEST RESORT POOL
  The Buttes Resort
  Landscaped rocks and cascading waterfalls are the hallmarks of any good resort pool, but The Buttes sets itself apart with the best poolside bar in the area. The aptly named Thirsty Cactus dishes quick bites, burgers, and ice-cold cocktails, so you won't have to leave the comfort of the warm... More >>
• BEST URBAN FISHING (2 Comments)
  Red Mountain Park
  City anglers can get their daily fix of aquatic sport during year-round urban fishing at Red Mountain Park. The eight-acre oasis features two fishing docks and waters stocked every two weeks from September through July with hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, carp, white amur, and tilapia. The... More >>
• BEST VIEW OF THE VALLEY
  South Mountain
  The best thing about the view from the top of South Mountain is that you don't have to be a super jock to get there: There's a road that will get you all the way to the summit without one ounce of exertion. (Well, your car will be working it; you won't.) And once there, what a sight: After... More >>
• BEST DATE IF THE SKY'S THE LIMIT
  Hot Air Expeditions
  If you really want to impress your date, give her the world. Sail over the beautiful mountains, enjoying breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of untouched desert wilderness. Hot Air Expeditions offers the tour du jour of balloon rides. You and your date snuggle in the basket as a trained... More >>
• BEST RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET
  T-Bone Steakhouse Ride
  Usually, asking your companion to "go bareback" on a date would warrant a slap in the face, but not this time. Ponderosa Stables offers a unique trail ride that includes a hearty meal at the T-Bone Steakhouse. Riders depart from the stables with a guide and take an hourlong ride down the... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO PRETEND YOU'RE NOT IN THE DESERT
  Ro Ho En — The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
  A traditional Japanese garden that can survive the Land of the Blazing Sun? Believe it. Heck, they even managed to get moss to grow here, in a shady patch near the authentic tea house. Phoenix might have parched riverbeds, but inside this tranquil downtown oasis, there's a waterfall, a flowing... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO REVEL IN THE DESERT (1 Comment)
  Desert Botanical Garden
  Over the years, we've honored Desert Botanical Garden as the Best Place to Take an Out-of-Towner, but really, we think you should stop by, too. Check out the Web site, and visit the Marshall Pavilion, where butterflies roam twice a year; take a gardening class; or come for a festival (there's a... More >>