Posts Tagged ‘Russ Lyon’

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The Arts Are All Around Paradise Valley Residents

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Those with Paradise Valley real estate are offered convenient access to some of the top places to view and experience art in the Phoenix metropolitan area. For example, not too far away, the Scottsdale Center for the Arts offers world-class comedic, dramatic and musical performances that range from cutting-edge to traditional, plus interactive, thought-provoking educational programs. A highlight of its recent $16 million renovation is the high-tech Virginia G. Piper Theater’s intimate atmosphere, plush seats and state-of-the-art lighting and acoustics. A public art installation by artist Kana Tanaka showcases more than 100 blown-glass pieces illuminated with fiber-optic lighting.

The nearby Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art shows off a variety of contemporary art and architecture. The five-gallery minimalist building itself is a work-of-art that award-winning architect Will Bruder designed as a remodel of a movie theater. A sky-space allows visitors to experience the changing desert lights safely out of the desert heat, and a constant rotation of educational programs and new exhibits keeps visitors coming back.

A wide variety of museums in neighboring Phoenix host an amazing array of cherished exhibits and art-works. The Phoenix Art Museum, about a twenty-minute drive from Paradise Valley, offers a glimpse of some of the world’s most beloved art, and boasts traveling exhibits ranging from Rembrandt to Cezanne to the mummies of ancient Egypt. In addition, the museum’s permanent collection spans the art of Asia, Europe, America, the Southwest and more.

Also in Phoenix you will find the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony. Known for their first-class performances, these theatrical and musical troupes perform at Symphony Hall, which is just across the street from the Herberger Theater Center. The Herberger is home to several theatrical companies and a dance company and features an upper-level gallery that exhibits an ever-changing display of works from local artists.

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Most Famous Landmark of Paradise Valley is Camelback Mountain

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

Nestled in the midst of Paradise Valley, Arizona, Camelback Mountain is one of the most famous landmarks in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. This majestic mountain sprawls across some of the most expensive Paradise Valley real estate, providing a dramatic backdrop for luxurious homes, stunning estates and sumptuous resorts.

Here are a few “fast facts” about this beloved hallmark of the Valley of the Sun.

History: During the late 1800s, the federal government reserved Camelback Mountain for an Indian reservation, but by the 1940s, most of the mountain had fallen into private hands and remained so for the next two decades. Efforts on the county, state and federal level to restrict development above the 1,600-feet level largely were unsuccessful, including failed efforts in 1963-64 in the state Legislature to arrange land exchanges.

Barry Goldwater to the rescue: In 1965, the Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, led by local resident and United States Senator Barry Goldwater, was created to spearhead community efforts to save as much of the summit as possible. Ultimately successful, this effort was capped off by a ceremony in 1968 marking a land exchange that then-President Lyndon Johnson and then-Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall attended.

Geology: The “head” of Camelback Mountain, which comprises the area of Echo Canyon Recreation Area, is made up of layered sandstone. The “hump” is primarily composed of granite that, in geologic terms, is much older than the sedimentary rock that makes up the head section of the mountain.

Flora and Fauna: Because of urban encroachment, large mammals are not normally found on the mountain, however a number of smaller animals typical of the Sonoran Desert populate the park including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels and a variety of birds. In addition, rattlesnakes are common on the trail; the best advice is that if you see one, allow it space and time to escape. Cactus species on the mountain include saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear. Tree species include palo verde, mesquite and ironwood.

Highest Point: The summit of Camelback Mountain is at 2,704 feet above sea level. Elevation gain from the two summit trails is approximately 1,200 feet.

Source: http://phoenix.gov/parks

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As Place to Live, Tucson Gets High Marks and Low Cost of Living

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Located in Pima County, the city of Tucson, Arizona encompasses forty-four zip codes in a variety of high-end and more moderately-priced Tucson real estate communities. Tucson is currently the second largest city in the state of Arizona with a population of over 525,000 residents (as of 2009). According to the website www.bestplaces.net, the population growth since 2009 has been 6.63 percent. The married-to-single ratio is 48 to 52, the median age is 33 years old, and the male-to-female ratio hovers around 49 to 51.  

Good news – when compared with the rest of the country, Tucson’s cost of living is approximately five percent lower than the U.S. average. Additionally, at the present time, Tucson’s unemployment rate is a full percentage point lower than the current U.S. average.  

On an annual basis, Tucson receives eleven inches of rainfall, and most people don’t realize it, but Tucson does generally get a bit of wintertime snowfall, albeit a tad less than an inch per year. Tucson enjoys an average low temperature in January of 38 degrees Fahrenheit and an average high in July of just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Approximately 80 percent of people in Tucson are high school graduates, which is on par with the national statistic of 79.62 percent, while over 14 percent are graduates of a four-year college and about nine percent hold graduate degrees. In alignment with Arizona averages, public schools in Tucson spend an average of almost $5,000 per student annually.  

On the political side, at the present time, 46 percent of people living in Tucson are registered Republicans, while 53 percent are registered Democrats.  

Right now, 72 percent of people who work outside the home in Tucson drive themselves to work with an average commute time of 23.5 minutes. Around three percent use mass transit, about 15 percent carpool and about three percent say they primarily work at home.

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Paradise Valley Houses Great Annual Events

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Thanks to a wealth of sunshine and an upscale lifestyle, residents of Paradise Valley, Arizona live near a plethora of cities and towns that boast numerous indoor and outdoor events, many of them just a hop, skip and jump from Paradise Valley homes.

For example, neighboring Scottsdale has a number of signature events. In January you can expect P.F. Chang’s Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon; the Native Trails Celebration of Native American culture, song, dance and food; the PGA’s Waste Management Open (known forever to locals as The Phoenix Open); and Barrett-Jackson‘s dramatic multi-million-dollar auction of classic and collectible automobiles. About a half-hour away in Glendale, the Fiesta Bowl is held shortly after New Year’s, pitting two of college football’s best teams against each other.

Early February marks the beginning of rodeo season with parades and professional rodeo competitions to delight the whole family, while March is one of the most exciting times in the Valley, as Major League Baseball teams from across the country come to stadiums all across the Phoenix metropolitan area for Spring Training.

In April, nearby Scottsdale celebrates the Scottsdale Culinary Festival as well as Arizona Bike Week, which offers daily charity motorcycle rides, bike races and parties. Things tend to slow down in the summer, but September brings the Scottsdale Classic Horse Show and Arizona Restaurant Week where three-course dinner menus are offered at amazingly discounted prices at over one hundred Valley restaurants.

The fall is also host to Scottsdale Fashion Week, which allows fashion designers to show off some of their finest creations. Wearable ArtWalk, an on-the-street Milan-Style fashion show, adds to the fun. Then it’s on to the Goodguys Southwest Nationals’ Show featuring customs, classics, rods and muscle cars. ArtFest of Scottsdale and “Book Street” round out September. Finally, it wouldn’t be December in the Valley of the Sun without ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and Holidays at the Heard Museum, with artist demonstrations, music and dance performances, and special programming that celebrates the Southwest.

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Tucson and Horses Are a Perfect Match

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Horseback riding is as much a part of the American West as sunsets, saguaros and sagebrush. In Tucson and Southern Arizona you can saddle up at a resort, a guest ranch, a public stable or at a specific horseback riding business. In this part of Arizona, Tucson and horse property go hand in hand.  

Catering to pretty much every skill level, most of these outfits offer horsemanship lessons and wrangler-guided trips (often complete with a yummy trailside breakfast or a delicious picnic lunch) for both individuals and groups. Specialty rides, such as sunrise, sunset and moonlight rides, are especially delightful. Whether you choose a half-day jaunt, a longer trail ride, a group or solo journey, riding horseback is the real Western way to explore the Tucson landscape.  

Here are some resources from www.VisitTucson.org to help you plan your horseback riding adventure:  

Guest Ranches  

Circle Z Ranch P.O. Box 194 Patagonia, AZ 85624 65 miles south of Tucson (888) 854-2525 Must be a guest to ride horses  

Grapevine Canyon Ranch P.O. Box 302 Pearce, AZ 85625 80 miles southeast of Tucson (800) 245-9202 Must be a guest to ride horses  

Price Canyon Ranch Douglas, AZ 150 miles southeast of Tucson (800) 727-0065 Must be a guest to ride horses  

Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch 1 La Osa Ranch Road Sasabe, AZ 85633 65 miles southwest of Tucson (800) 872-6240 Must be a guest to ride horses  

Tanque Verde Ranch 14301 E. Speedway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85748 (888) 574-3833 Must be a guest to ride horses  

Triangle T Guest Ranch P.O. Box 218 (I-10, exit 318) Dragoon, AZ 85609 60 miles east of Tucson (866) 586-7533 Stables are open to the public  

White Stallion Ranch 9251 W. Twin Peaks Road Tucson, AZ 85743 (888) 977-2624 Must be a guest to ride horses    

Horseback Riding Businesses  

Arizona Horseback Experience 16 Coyote Court Sonoita, AZ 85637 50 miles southeast of Tucson (520) 455-5696  

Cocoraque Ranch 3199 N. Reservation Road Tucson, AZ 85743 (520) 682-8594 or (520) 405-5884  

Spanish Trail Outfitters 8500 E. Ocotillo Drive Tucson, AZ 85750 (520) 749-0167    


Stables  

La Posta Quemada Ranch, Colossal Cave Mountain Park 16721 E.

Old Spanish Trail Vail, AZ 85641 (520) 647-3450  

Old Tucson Studios 201 S. Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85735 (520) 437-8280  

Pantano Riding Stables 4450 S. Houghton Road Tucson, AZ 85730 (520) 298-8980  

Pusch Ridge Stables 13700 N. Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85739-4262 (520) 825-1664    

Source: Tucson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website, www.VisitTucson.org. Information used with permission.

 

Photo: White Stallion Ranch

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Arizona Home to a Vast Medical System

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Arizona houses many state-of-the-art medical facilities, some of which attract people from all over the world who travel here to receive top-notch medical care.   Perhaps the best-known facility is the Mayo Clinic, which is world-renowned for its outstanding level of patient services. Thousands of people every year come to the Mayo Clinic to be treated for a variety of health care ailments ranging from cardiac care to cancer. Some patients are evaluated and treated all in one day and are then sent home, and others require a stay at the Mayo Clinic Hospital, which is on the Phoenix campus.  

Additional medical options in Arizona include those found throughout the Banner Healthcare system, in fact, Banner Health hospitals operate over 30 facilities ranging from large hospitals to smaller clinics, some of which are urgent- and same-day locations. Banner Desert in Mesa, Banner Thunderbird in Glendale, Banner Ironwood in Queen Creek (southeast of Phoenix) and Banner Estrella in west Phoenix are four hospitals that offer high quality medical treatments to their patients. Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s Hospital near downtown Phoenix is also extremely well-known for its outstanding healthcare, in fact, U.S. News & World Report’s annual listing of top hospitals routinely ranks St. Joseph’s in the top 10 for neurology and neurosurgery. The hospital is home to Barrow Neurological Center, several Centers of Excellence in various specialties, and a busy Trauma Center that handles everything from gunshot wounds to traffic accident victims to drownings/near drownings.  

From obstetricians and gynecologists to dermatologists, oncologists and endocrinologists, specialists abound in Arizona, and it is easy to locate a doctor who can help you with a specific health condition. For very focused needs, Cancer Treatment Centers of America recently opened a facility in Goodyear called Western Regional Medical Center. An easy freeway drive from Scottsdale and Phoenix, the facility is known for its leading-edge cancer care.  

Children who require intensive or specialized medical treatment will often go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix. The colorful building is staffed with kid-friendly doctors and nurses who do everything they can to make a child’s visit as stress-free and pleasant as possible. Along with its downtown location, the hospital also has two satellite offices that offer follow-up appointments, checkups and urgent care options.  

Throughout Arizona, you will also find numerous smaller medical clinics and Urgent Care facilities. In addition, some national chain drug stores like Walgreens and CVS offer walk-in medical clinics located right inside many of their stores.

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Flagstaff Arizona Home to Old West History

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Visitors come from around the world to experience Flagstaff’s sense of the Old West, outdoor adventures and the town’s amazing history, architecture and eclectic culture. Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff Arizona real estate rests along the foothills of the San Francisco Peaks, an intimate and cozy town rich in Western and Native American history. Home to Northern Arizona University, internationally renowned Lowell Observatory, several museums and half a dozen parks, Flagstaff overflows with a plethora of possibilities in recreation, entertainment and culture.  

The iconic scenery of the American West frames life in Flagstaff – the high desert accented with oak, elm and pine trees provides a stunning backdrop for skiing to snowboarding, shopping to symphonies, canyon-rafting to rock-climbing, hiking to biking and so much more. Bordered by the famed “Mother Road,” Route 66, Flagstaff’s ambience neatly weaves an energetic emphasis on a magnificent four-seasons with an innate artistic presence.  

Annual celebrations contribute greatly to Flagstaff’s community energy, drawing residents and tourists alike to activities such as movies on the square on warm summer evenings, the Festival of Science featuring exciting presentations from Lowell Observatory on heavenly skies and stars, and Route 66 days recalling the great era of road travel. In addition, there’s the wildly popular New Year’s Eve Pinecone Drop, which is the prelude to Winterfest, a grand month-long celebration of snow incorporating art, dining, music and every possible snow-time adventure, including sled-dog races.  

Panoramic mountain meadows and endless sunny days and star-filled nights combine with Flagstaff’s active sense of small-town community to sing an enticing siren song of relocation. Flagstaff real estate offers many impressive homes set against marvelous mountain landscapes, as well as private, gated communities with a multitude of luxurious options.  

A little history: Flagstaff got its beginning in 1871 when Edward Whipple, the first known settler in the area, arrived and began to operate a saloon. The next known settler wouldn’t arrive until 1876, when F.F. McMillen settled in the area north of present day Flagstaff. A few months later, a group of scouts and settlers who were traveling from Boston came across an open valley with a lone pine tree which they turned into a makeshift flagpole for their American flag. The group continued westward, but the flag staff from which the city would later get its name remained. In 1891, Flagstaff was named the seat of Coconino County; it was incorporated as a town in 1894 and as a city in 1928.

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Love Shopping? Arizona Has the Best Around

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

When it comes to shopping in Arizona houses literally something for everyone. Chock-full of options from high-end, high-fashion stores to outlet malls offering designer duds for next to nothing, Arizona’s numerous indoor shopping venues provide visitors and residents plenty of cool (literally and figuratively) options to being outside during the warm summer months.  

Let’s start in central Scottsdale, where Scottsdale Fashion Square boasts dozens of shops from sleek and chic clothing boutiques to nationally-known anchor stores. It’s also a great place to people-watch—grab a table in the large food court and you might even see a local celebrity walk by. Meanwhile, downtown Scottsdale is where you’ll find authentic décor, jewelry and clothing, along with chi-chi galleries and quaint eateries – all with a distinctive Southwestern-style flair.  

Home to Arizona State University, Tempe’s most trendy shopping district is definitely all along Mill Avenue, a street that is alive with shops, cafes and more. Easy to navigate by foot, the area is home to many historic buildings dating back to the late 1800s, so it’s an interesting place to take a stroll even if you’re just in the mood for window-shopping.  

Just north of Phoenix, Outlets at Anthem features over 70 stores, many of them popular names such as Nike, Calvin Klein, Guess and the Gap, while in the northern part of Arizona, Sedona is also home to a small outlet mall. Speaking of Sedona, this picturesque and ultra-charming town is famous for its gorgeous red-rock formations, but it is also host to an amazing selection of shopping options, including beautiful art galleries showcasing the work of local artisans as well as national figures.  

If you’re in the southern part of the state, Tucson is home to a plethora of upscale stores and shops that dot the city’s sprawling landscape. In fact, Tucson’s Foothills Mall contains over 90 stores, a fifteen-screen multiplex cinema, a food court with cuisine from around the world, and more. Open daily, the Foothills Mall even has a Kids Play Area to offer some entertainment for your little ones.

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You Need To Eat While Visiting the Phoenix’s Arizona Biltmore

Monday, January 24th, 2011

After eight decades, The Arizona Biltmore remains Arizona’s historic Grande Dame – arguably the state’s best known luxury resort and a storied landmark recognized worldwide. In fact, The Biltmore has long been a destination of choice for discriminating guests, couples seeking a romantic getaway or buyers looking at Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Phoenix homes for sale.

Centrally located within minutes of major sporting arenas, museums, concert halls and other cultural attractions, dining at the Biltmore is always a luxury experience and there are many options sure to please any palate. Here are just a few:

  • Wright’s at The Biltmore: With colors and design reflecting Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style, Wright’s at The Biltmore features a bold and innovative culinary concept: American Lodge Cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients from American boutique farms and dairies. Wright’s is also known for its acclaimed Sunday brunch, extensive wine cellar and private dining room.
  • The Wright Bar: Newly remodeled in the same Frank Lloyd Wright ambience as Wright’s at The Biltmore, the bar boasts specialty drinks and a patio with umbrellas, fire-pits and magnificent mountain panoramas. An enticing evening indulgence is the “High Tini” menu, combining an array of taste bud-popping appetizers with trend-setting martinis.
  • Frank & Albert’s: Filled with a wealth of vibrant energy, Frank & Albert’s serves comfort food with a twist and hand-crafted cocktails in a dramatic venue that includes an exhibition kitchen and stunning garden views.
  • Afternoon Tea: Served Thursday through Sunday in the Lobby Tea Court; seasonal, from October to May.
  • The Cafe: Casual bistro serving coffee drinks, breakfast favorites, salads and deli sandwiches.
  • Cabana Club Restaurant & Bar: Casual dining at the swim-up bar, poolside tables and cabanas.

Source: www.ArizonaBiltmore.com; information used with permission.

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Scottsdale Houses Many Hip Hot Spots

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Looking for a Scottsdale home? Pining to purchase some view-rich Scottsdale real estate? Or perhaps just wanting to enjoy some hip and trendy downtown Scottsdale hangouts? Look no further; here’s a sampling of some fun and funky ways to get your groove on in Downtown Scottsdale.

With more than 30,000 people descending upon the area on any given weekend night, downtown Scottsdale is the place to see and be seen and to experience some of Scottsdale’s famous after-dark action. The W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences dazzles with two scene-stealing hot spots, including the Living Room, a handsome lobby lounge that transforms nightly into a hipster hangout featuring DJs spinning sultry beats. Shade invites patrons to party indoors against a bold backdrop of desert-inspired water and fire design elements, or socialize alfresco-style on the striking patio.

Meanwhile, numerous Hollywood celebs have all been seen at Hotel Theodore’s (formerly Mondrian Scottsdale, open-air Theodore Nightclub and the adjoining Theodore Lounge, a snazzy cocoon-like den wrapped in luscious velvet. Of course, it doesn’t get any swankier than the ZuZu Lounge at Hotel Valley Ho, a sweeping, glass-lined space inside this restored mid-century modern landmark.

And here’s one of the best parts of downtown –thanks to the Scottsdale Trolley, you can leave the driving to someone else while exploring the area’s 30 plus nightspots and more than 100 restaurants. The Trolley is a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle that runs seven days a week, making 40 convenient stops throughout downtown Scottsdale.

Nestled in downtown Scottsdale and as plush and posh at its namesake fabric, Suede Restaurant & Lounge is a fashionable venue featuring contemporary art deco décor and hand-blown glass chandeliers. Part nightclub and part ethereal lounge, put a little sin in your nightlife at Devil’s Martini, a trendy import from Toronto, Canada offering locations in Old Town and North Scottsdale.

Source: Press Release, www.scottsdalecvb.com

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