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Scottsdale & other Arizona Staycations for the Holidays!

Ace Bailey — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:06:56 +0000

The holidays are coming and so are the relatives!! You’re anticipating a Griswold style holidays and pondering how you’re going to keep everyone entertained. Or, you’re counting the days that all peace and sanity are restored when everyone has gone home and you need a post-holiday mini vacation!
Well, Scottsdale is waiting to be explored! Starting with the dedication of the Soleri Bridge and Plaza activities the weekend of December 10th, 11th and 12th.

There is also ice-skating on Marshall Way in Downtown Scottsdale! No joke, Palavela Home presents Winter Enchantment December 2010 They are installing a skating rink in their front patio and will offer skating for the entire month of December! $15 for a 45 minute skate includes skates and 15% of all rentals and in-store sales will go to 4 charities that they are supporting! You can find out more at Palavela Home

You can also avoid all the airport crazieness by looking no further than your own Arizona roadmap and heading southeast or north where you will find some amazing local getaway destinations! It really is the perfect cure for the soul. Not to mention, very wallet friendly and a great way to keep supporting local. Check out Local First for a directory of local businesses and remember Buy Local Week is November 26-December 5!!

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours can assist with your local plans too!

Staycations AZ Style – Part 2

Ace Bailey — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:12:22 +0000

Prescott!

Another great reason to stay in Arizona this summer!! With all the charm of a small town, cool weather and just a couple hours drive from the “warmth” of the valley, Prescott is a wonderful getaway! Stay at the historic Hassayampa Inn within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants or the Hotel St. Michael right on historic Whiskey Row. Be sure to visit Sharlot Hall for “An Arizona History Adventure”. Discover the unique galleries, art exhibits, framers market, golf and more!

Here are just a few of the events going on this summer:

Prescott Indian Art Market (PIAM), July 10th & 11th :

One of the premier Native American art markets in the southwest, PIAM features both traditional and contemporary works of art, including distinctive jewelry, exquisite ceramics, sculpture, hand-woven baskets and blankets. An all-Indian artist jury chooses participants on the basis of quality in both traditional and contemporary styles. Attendees stroll among demonstrations of American Indian weaving, Katsina carving, silversmithing, and the making of baskets. Entertainment is provided by Native American dancers, singers, and musicians in the Museum Amphitheater. Also popular is the Navajo fry bread. More information, call 928-445-3122 or visit our PIAM page.

World’s Oldest Rodeo, June 28 – July 4: This year Prescott celebrates its 123rd year as Home of the “World’s Oldest Rodeo”. Events scheduled include Professional Bull Riding, Rodeo Parade and Rodeo Dance, 5th Annual Shootout on Whiskey Row, Kiwanis Kiddie Parade, a Fine Arts & Crafts Show and appearances from Rodeo Royalty around town. Festivities culminate with a Fourth of July celebration, including a fireworks extravaganza, at Pioneer Park. Held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds from June 28-July 4. Tickets range from $12 – $25.

2nd Annual Prescott BBQ Days, July 10 -11: Join the finger lickin’ fun as over 30 teams of BBQ fanatics from all over the West compete for cash, trophies and bragging rights. A dinner, dance and silent auction kick off the weekend event on Friday, with the tasting and competition on the following day. Held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, July 10-11. Saturday adult admission is $5, which includes 2 taster tickets. Additional taster tickets are $2. Children 12 and under are free.

Start Exploring!!

Ace Bailey

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours LLC

Staycations Arizona Style

Ace Bailey — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:04:46 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Get to know where you live. No need to battle security at the airport, crying babies (you don’t know) in the seat next to you and the pesky summer surcharges! (what’s up with those anyway??) Stay and play where you live! Visitors pay thousands of dollars to travel here to do what you can do for much less!

Let’s start with one of my favorites, Hotel Valley Ho. This mid-century property is one of the best examples of preserved mid-century architecture in a hotel property in the country! Home of the original Pool Party their OH Pool was voted “One of the World’s Coolest” by Travel and Leisure magazine! They have mid-week rates starting at $99 and weekend rates from $129. Check back often for specials!

Be sure to indulge in an wonderful meal at Cafe Zu Zu. Executive Chef Chuck Wiley has taken comfort food to the next level! His beef stroganoff is beyond amazing!

While you are at the Valley Ho explore the it in depth on the “Magical History Tour“, a fascinating 90 minute walking tour of the hotel. You’ll go up on the roof, into a condo, into Trader Vic’s (they have one of the happiest happy hours around!! ) and learn about the stars who have stayed and played there!

At the “Ho” you are within walking distance of Scottsdale’s famous arts district, historic Old Town and DownTown where you will find great local shopping. If you don’t feel like walking the free downtown trolley stops right in front of the hotel and will take you all around downtown!

Remember if you want to get a group together Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours will custom design a art event to your specifications!

So come on!! Start vacationing and exploring where you live!!

We’ll be back with more!

Ace Bailey, President
Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours LLC