Arizona Retirement Blog - Arizona for Boomers

Things to Do in Arizona: April 2019

As we roll into the second quarter of 2019, the activities calendars all over the state of Arizona are heating up right along with the temperature. And no matter what type of fun you are looking for, you can find something to keep you busy here in The Grand Canyon State.

With so many things to do all month long, the struggle most locals run into is deciding which events to prioritize on their calendars. In order to help you out with that, we took some time to highlight some of the best events you might want to check out this month.

Art & History

15th Annual Scottsdale Art Auction

There will be more than 350 different works of art on display and then up for sale at the 15th Annual Scottsdale Art Auction on Saturday, April 6. Experienced collectors will want a front row seat to bid on works by Thomas Moran, Gerald Curtis Delano, and Frank Terry Johnson.

Mimosas & Monet Art Classes

For a more hands-on art experience on Saturday, April 6, you might want to check out the Mimosas & Monet Art Classes at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley. The Hermosa Inn’s artist-in-residence will be instructing, and everyone from beginners to expert painters are welcome to attend.

Junk in the Trunk Vintage

WestWorld in Scottsdale will be hosting the Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market over the weekend of April 26 to 28. There will be more than 150 vintage and antique vendors on hand for the event selling everything from vintage clothing to one-of-a-kind handmade items.

Food & Beverage

46th Annual Original Taste

The foodie festival to mark on your calendar is definitely going to be the 46th Annual Original Taste, which will be held at the Scottsdale Waterfront on Saturday, April 6. This high-end culinary event will feature some of the best chefs in the Southwest.

35th Annual My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge

It’s hard to imagine a month without a salsa festival here in Arizona, and the big one in April is going to be the 35th Annual My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge on Saturday, April 13 at Sloan Park in Mesa. They are expecting more than 100 unique entries in this year’s competition, so make sure you show up hungry!

Vegout! Vegan Food and Beer Festival

Healthy eating will be the main focus of Vegout! Vegan Food and Beer Festival at the Scottsdale Waterfront on April 13 and 14. Eating a vegan diet doesn’t have to mean you miss out on flavor, and there will be plenty of excellent bites available in Scottsdale this weekend.

Music & Film

20th Anual Chandler Jazz Festival

Dr. AJ Chandler Park in Chandler will be grooving from 5 pm to 10 pm during the 20th Annual Chandler Jazz Festival on April 5 and 6. This year’s festival will feature more than 20 hours of live performances from jazz musicians like Bob Fahey, the Dizzie Gillespie All-Stars, and Jon Faddis.

34th Annual Tucson Folk Festival

If you prefer folk music to jazz, you will want to head to Tucson on April 6 and 7 for the 34th Annual Tucson Folk Festival. There will be more than 120 acts performing all over Tucson over the weekend, so plan on kicking back and enjoying some great music wherever you end up.

28th Annual Arizona Film Festival

The longest-running film festival in Arizona will be back in Tucson when the 28th Annual Arizona Film Festival takes over The Screening Room starting on April 10. The festival will run through April 21, and this year’s theme is “Bridging Cultures.”

Nature Festivals

10th Annual Paddle Fest

Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Morristown is going to be packed full of kayaks and canoes during the 10th Annual Paddle Fest on Saturday, April 6. If you are passionate about getting out on the water and looking for a fun way to meet like-minded paddlers, this is the perfect place to do both!

Kartchner Caverns Earth Day

Earth Day is Monday, April 22, but the people out at Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson are planning to celebrate on the Saturday and Sunday before when they host their Kartchner Caverns Earth Day event. There will be lots of things to see and do at the park over the course of this weekend, which makes it a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of Arizona.

19th Annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival

Birding and nature enthusiasts will want to make sure that they are at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood for the 19th Annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival from April 24 to 28. This festival will offer outstanding field trip experiences to get out and see some truly amazing wildlife.

Between all of the events and festivals happening this month, you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping yourself busy here in Arizona. In fact, you might actually run into a problem deciding which events to prioritize. Make sure you let us know which ones you enjoy the most!

Things to Do in Arizona: March 2019

March is going to be an incredibly busy month filled with all kinds of things to do in Arizona. And no matter what type of fun activities you are looking to fill your calendar with, there are plenty of things to keep you active all over the Grange Canyon State.

In order to make the packed activities calendar a little bit easier to digest, we broke it down into categories and picked out three of the most interesting events in each category. Let’s dive in and look at some of the very best things happening around Arizona this month.

Art & History

Scottsdale Arts Festival

One of the biggest events happening here in Arizona this month will be the 49th Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts from March 8 to 10. This three-day event is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors from around the country, which makes it one of the biggest art fairs in the country.

30th Annual Desert Woodcarving Show & Sale

Another huge event that you won’t want to miss this month is the 30th Annual Desert Woodcarving Show & Sale at Centennial Hall in Mesa on March 16 and 17. Just walking through the massive hall filled with woodcarving vendors is a great way to spend a day, but there are also going to be things like wood competitions for more active participants.

Tubac 2019 Spring Art Walk

The Village of Tubac will be the place to appreciate unique artwork during the last weekend of March. The Tubac 2019 Spring Art Walk will showcase all of their local artist studios and galleries, which include a wide range of artistic styles.

Food & Beverage

The Marana Gastronomy Tour

Local foodies are going to want to make sure that they are in Marana on March 21 for The Marana Gastronomy Tour. There will be tastings scheduled all over town, but the highlighted event for the evening will be a multi-course small plate tasting at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.

15th Annual Maricopa Salsa Festival

Food festivals don’t always have to be about high-end gastronomy served on white tablecloths. Great food can also be comfortable and casual, which is exactly what you are going to find at The Maricopa Salsa Festival at Copper Sky Regional Park on March 23. In addition to samples of just about every kind of salsa you could ever imagine, there will also be a competition for serious salsa chefs.

10th Annual Great American BBQ & Beer Festival

Speaking of casual food and serious competition, the 10th Annual Great American BBQ & Beer Festival is going to be taking over Chandler on March 30. This event will be packed with BBQ cooking competitions, BBQ eating competitions, plenty of outstanding beer pairings, and two stages of non-stop live country music.

Music & Film

5th Annual Pot of Gold Music Festival

The 5th Annual Pot of Gold Music Festival will be one of the wildest events in Arizona this month. With headliners like Post Malone, Lil Wayne, and Cardi B, this modern music festival is sure to attract a huge crowd when it takes over Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix from March 15 to 17.

Zac Brown Band

If modern country music is more your speed, then you will want to make sure that you catch Zac Brown Band playing at Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix on March 15. Known as one of the best country music performances that you can see each year, these guys always put on a great show that you won’t want to miss.

Cirque Du Soleil: Amaluna

Arizona residents usually have to make the quick drive up to Las Vegas to see any of the new Cirque Du Soleil performances, but that won’t be the case this month when their new “Big Top” show comes to State Farm Stadium in Glendale starting on March 15. The show will run regularly for a full month, so you will have plenty of chances to see it live.

Nature Festivals

10th Annual Tombstone Wild West Days

It can be fun to visit Tombstone on just about any day throughout the year, but it is worth planning a special trip out there for the 10th Annual Tombstone Wild West Days. The entire town will be buzzing with excitement for this event, which is designed to be a tribute to the men and women of the armed forces.

Arizona Game & Fish Department Outdoor Expo

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix is going to be packed full of vendors for the Arizona Game & Fish Department Outdoor Expo on March 30 and 31. This is one of the largest annual outdoor expos in Arizona, and it will feature everything from cowboy shooting competitions to RV and boating exhibits.

2nd Annual Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival

If the beautiful skies are what brought you to Arizona, then Fountain Hills will be a fun place to be after the sun goes down on March 30. That is when The 2nd Annual Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival will really get going with activities like astronomy-themed virtual reality, telescope viewing, and a laser tour of the night sky.

From art festivals to salsas and concerts to outdoor expos, there is a ridiculous amount of exciting events happening all over the state of Arizona this month. Which ones are you most interested in adding to your calendar?

Things to Do in Arizona: February 2019

With Groundhog’s Day, the Super Bowl, and Valentine’s Day already on the calendar, February is going to be a pretty busy month. But that isn’t stopping the good people of Arizona from making sure that you have plenty of additional reasons to have fun all over the state.

Whether you are passionate about art, history, food, music, film, or nature, there is something for everyone happening in The Grand Canyon State this month. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most notable festivals on the calendar.

Art & History

60th Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts

Believe it or not, that is not a typo. This really is the 60th year for the Tubac Festival of the Arts. And just like in years past, the downtown streets will be lined with more than 200 visiting artists displaying, selling, and creating everything from jewelry and pottery to tablecloths and leather shoes.

8th Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival

The Scottsdale community will be hosting their 8th Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival from February 8 to February 10 this year. There will be more than 125 artists from around the world attending the event, and visitors can enjoy samples of fine wine and listen to live music while exploring the festival.

Food & Beverage

9th Annual Arizona Beer Week

Craft beer will be taking center stage during the 9th Annual Arizona Beer Week, which runs from February 7 through February 16. This is a statewide event that will include more than 200 different activities and events popping up all over the state, you can enjoy the festivities from just about anywhere in Arizona.

24th Annual Chocolate Affaire

Everyone has chocolate on the brain just before Valentine’s Day, and the people of Glendale are capitalizing on that by holding their 24th Annual Chocolate Affaire on February 9 and 10. There will be more than 40 different chocolate vendors set up in downtown Glendale serving everything from fudge and cookies to chocolate-dipped cheesecake.

8th Annual Street Eats Food Truck Festival

Food trucks have really become popular over the past few years, but they have been a staple on the Scottsdale culinary scene for much longer than that. On February 16 and 17 this year, there will be more than 40 different food trucks spread out across the lawn at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick as part of the 8th Annual Street Eats Food Truck Festival.

4th Annual PHX Vegan Food Festival

Another popular trend in the food world is that a growing number of people are taking their health seriously and moving towards a vegan diet. If this is something that interests you, then there is no better place to explore all that you can do with vegan food than the 4th Annual PHX Vegan Food Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix on February 23 and 24. There will be more than 100 difference Vegan food vendors on hand for the event.

Music & Film

23rd Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival has been celebrating Jewish culture as it is portrayed through film for more than two decades, and it will be bigger than ever this year with a two-week event running from February 10 through February 24. There will be 21 different films making their debut at the festival this year.

11th Annual Lake Havasu City Rockabilly Reunion

Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City is known for hosting huge festivals, and one of the biggest ones on their annual agenda is the Lake Havasu City Rockabilly Reunion, which celebrates any and all things related to the 1950s. There are more than 30 retro bands lined up for this year’s festivities running from February 15 to 17.

8th Annual Line Dancing on the London Bridge

Lake Havasu City also hosts an annual line dancing party on their historic London Bridge. This year, that party is happening on February 24. There will be two short dances taking place on the bridge, and then a full two hours of dancing to follow underneath the bridge.

Nature Festivals

Annual Buckeye Air Fare

The Buckeye Municipal Airport in Buckeye will be hosting the Annual Buckeye Air Fair on February 9 and 10. This classic American airshow will feature flyovers, display planes, and even hot air balloon rides. There will also be plenty of craft vendors attending.

Corks and Cactus

February 9 and 10 are also great days to visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix for their Corks and Cactus festival. The garden will be serving samples of 40 different wines and be hosting live music to enhance the experience of walking through their Arizona cactus displays.

65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show

One of the biggest events of the month will be the 65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show happening at the Tucson Convention Center from February 14 through February 17. There will be hundreds of booths packing the floor to create a fascinating experience for anyone who is interested in gems and minerals.

Between all of these major festivals and the smaller ones that will be happening throughout the month in each of our unique communities, it’s hard to imagine anyone struggling to find something fun to do during the month of February. So get out and enjoy all that Arizona has to offer!

Retirement Spotlight: Tucson

Located just under two hours southeast of Phoenix, Tucson is the ultimate destination for boomers that are looking for a little more room to roam. And between the old west heritage and the modern day spas and golf courses, there is so much to love about Tucson.

The city is also known for legendary sunsets and offering residents the freedom to be themselves, so if that sounds appealing to you, let’s dig a little deeper into all that Tucson has to offer!

Tucson History

Originally part of the New Mexico Territory, Tucson became the capital of the Arizona Territory when it was established in1863. During that time, the area was literally the “wild west” and was home to famous characters like Wyatt Earp.

During the early 20th century, Tucson became a popular destination for veterans who were struggling with respiratory issues after being exposed to harmful gasses during World War I. That cool, dry air remains one of the most commonly cited reasons for moving to Arizona today.

Tucson Lifestyle

While it might be located in the middle of the Arizona desert, there is quite a bit more to Tucson than sand and cacti. A quick look out from the city in any direction will allow you to take in scenic mountain ranges that offer a wide variety of outdoor activities.

And while activities like hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and birding take center stage here, there are also plenty of outstanding golf courses like the Catalina and Sonoran Courses at Omni Tucson National.

Tucson Culture

With surroundings as beautiful as the ones you will find in Tucson, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that performing and visual arts are a focal point of life in the Arizona desert. You can find all kinds of exciting performances happening at the Fox Tucson Theatre, the AVA Amphitheater, and Centennial Hall.

In addition to performing arts, Tucson also offers more than a dozen great places to see visual arts like the Tucson Museum of Art, the University of Arizona Art Museum, and MOCA Tucson, which just happens to be located in an old firehouse.

And just in case the museums aren’t enough, there are also stunning brick murals located in public places all over Tucson.

Tucson Shopping

Looking for a little bit of retail therapy? There is plenty to be found throughout Tucson, and one of the best places to start for your standard mall shopping experience is the Foothills Mall.

Of course, Tucson is also home to a vast community of boutiques like The Lost Barrio, Mac’s Indian Jewelry, and Mercado San Agustin. So you will never have a problem finding a unique, hand-made gift here!

Tucson Dining

With a location in southern Arizona, the dining scene in Tucson is obviously going to have plenty of Mexican influences. Local restaurants like Salsa Verde Restaurant, The Quesadillas, and Charro Steak all offer different twists on great Mexican cuisine.

In addition to Mexican, there are also quite a few international flavors popping up around Tucson. Residents can spend an evening enjoying Korean BBQ at KOGI Korean BBQ, checking out a Korean Steakhouse like 7 Ounce Korean Steakhouse, or exploring Asian influence at Noodleholics and Raijin Ramen.

And since we can’t leave out the outstanding American-style gastropubs, there are also options like Commoner & Co. and The Parish serving up some really mouthwatering dishes.

Tucson Area Communitiies

A little over an hour from Tucson, Encanterra® is the ultimate in resort living, in a completely private setting. This spectacular resort golf community is the best of both worlds including a 55+ neighborhood within the all-ages community. All Members enjoy the incredible club and unique amenities as well as the private, Tom Lehman-designed championship golf course. New home designs start from the low $200,000’s.

You can request more information here.

Hearing stories about the fresh air, wide open spaces, and stunning views are often enough to get someone to visit Arizona, but the things that get them to stay here in Tucson are the plethora of outdoor activities, golf courses, arts and culture, boutique shopping, and world-class dining.

Just give Tucson the chance to impress you, and you surely will not be disappointed.

48 Hours in Mesa

Mesa, Arizona Skyline

Because it is located so close to Phoenix, the city of Mesa often gets overlooked by baby boomers who are exploring places to retire in Arizona. However, anyone who spends a couple of days in Mesa will quickly find out that the community has a vibe that is entirely its own.

If you are interested in learning more about the Mesa area, this 48-hour itinerary is the best way we have found to pack as much punch as possible into your visit.

Day One – Get To Know Mesa

Whether you’re flying in through Phoenix or coasting into town on fumes, the first stop for everyone spending 48 hours in Mesa should be a Tex-Mex restaurant. Jalapeño Bucks does a fantastic job of combining the best of Texas with a little bit of Mexican salsa. Everything on the menu here is outstanding, but if you are only going to visit once, you have to try one of their green chili burritos.

Now that you have recharged your batteries with a little bit of local cuisine, it’s time to explore the desert with Green Zebra Adventures. They will hook you up with a state-of-the-art off-road vehicle that they call a Tomcar, which will give you a ton of freedom to get out and cruise the desert.

For dinner on your first night in town, we’re going casual with a meal from Bobby-Q. With three locations in the state, Bobby-Q is a big name here in Arizona, and their barbecue is outstanding. But great barbecue isn’t the only thing on the menu here, make sure you check out the “Woodfired Steaks, Chicken & Fish” section of the menu too!

After dinner at Bobby-Q, we’re heading over to TQLA where you will find an impressive selection of tequila. We recommend ordering flights of tequila to share, but you can also treat yourself to one of their fantastic tequila cocktails.

Day Two – Expanding Your Arizona Horizons

With more than 40 first-class golf courses, we are pretty much obligated to kick off our second day in Mesa by breaking out the clubs and heading to a golf course with a view. And if you aren’t quite feeling like playing a course, you can also check out TopGolf, which is a three-level driving range with all kinds of fun targets and side games.

For lunch, we’re going to Backyard Taco for what will most likely be the best carne asada burrito you will ever put in your mouth. The chicken and “Al Pastor” options are also excellent, but the carne asada is a must-order here.

We explored the beautiful desert scenery in Tomcars on our first day in Arizona, so now it’s time to dig a bit deeper into the history of the area at one of the local wild west towns.

Rockin’ R Ranch and Rawhide Wild West Town both offer fun-filled wild west experiences where you will find yourself in gunfights, panning for gold, and souvenir shopping. Both towns will take up about two hours of your time, so adjust your plans to attend one or both depending on how late in the day it is.

For dinner, we are making a reservation at BBQ House. Have you noticed that every restaurant we have visited so far has been a slightly different twist on barbecue? Welcome to Arizona!

This version is a Korean BBQ restaurant where they will keep bringing you more than 40 different cuts of meat to cook on your own tabletop grill until you are full.

Following dinner, it’s off to the Fort McDowell Casino for a fun night of gaming. You can have your pick of slots and table games here, so kick back and enjoy your big night in Arizona.

Day Three – A Little Bit of History

On our last day in Mesa, we are going to sleep in a bit before going to Worth Takeaway for brunch. You can feel free to order the Breakfast Sandwich or Breakfast Burrito here, but we recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and trying the Pastrami Croque Madame or the Chicken Veggie Hash….or maybe both. 🙂

After brunch, it’s time to take in just a bit of the local history at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Not only will you find dinosaurs here, but there are also tons of exhibits that will help give you a better perspective on what Arizona is all about.

Where to Stay in Mesa

For the most amazing experience possible in Mesa, you have to stay at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. This rustic hotel is a historical experience complete with the absence of TVs or phones. You might not find the traditional amenities here, but you also won’t get the same view anywhere else.

If a great deal is what you are looking for, then the Courtyard by Marriot Phoenix Mesa is probably going to be your best bet. The room rates here will blow you away, and you won’t have to sacrifice any bit of service or cleanliness.

Anyone who really embraces the Arizona landscape could probably spend an entire 48-hour trip kicking back and looking at the mountains in the distance. While that experience would be fantastic in its own way, our itinerary will help first-time visitors get to know a more well-rounded Mesa, which will undoubtedly be helpful when deciding whether you want to start calling this area home.

Retirement Spotlight: Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale at dusk

Located just northeast of the booming Phoenix area, Scottsdale offers all of the modern amenities that Arizona boomers are looking for in an environment that is a bit more relaxed than what you might find in the bigger city.

With that said, Scottsdale still offers its residents access to a wide range of experiences from the magic of the great outdoors to the creature comforts that we have all become accustomed to in modern society. That makes this exciting city one of the perfect hybrid destinations for boomers who are looking for a little bit of everything.

Scottsdale History

Originally inhabited by the Hohokam tribe of Native Americans, modern Scottsdale got its start when Winfield Scott fell in love with the area back in the 1880s. After purchasing a stretch of 640 acres, he and his brother became the very first residents of downtown Scottsdale … hence the name.

The city has experienced consistent growth throughout most of its history, but events like the construction of the Granite Reef and the Roosevelt Dam spiked the population in the early 1900s. That growth continued throughout much of the 20th century and then it exploded as the year 2000 approached.

Scottsdale Lifestyle

Like most of our Arizona destinations, the popular lifestyle options in Scottsdale all around exploring the great outdoors surrounding this desert community. Hiking, golfing, kayaking, and ATV riding are all extremely popular ways to spend the day enjoying the warm and dry climate here in the Grand Canyon State.

In addition to local tours and making your own outdoor adventures, other popular lifestyle attractions in Scottsdale include the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and the stunning architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright that you will find at Taliesin West.

Scottsdale Culture

With a location just minutes from downtown Phoenix, there are a virtually endless number of options to explore within a few miles of Scottsdale.

One of the most interesting local options is Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Here, you will find a fascinating collection of cowboy art that truly speaks to the history of the region.

Scottsdale is also home to the Penske Racing Museum and the Fiesta Bowl Museum, as well as numerous art galleries and theaters. So if culture is what you are looking for, this city will not disappoint.

Scottsdale Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Scottsdale offers plenty of excellent options to choose from.

Scottsdale Quarter is one of the most enjoyable places to spend the day shopping in the city, but there are also tons of great stores to be found at Scottsdale Fashion Square, The Promenade, and Kierland Commons.

In addition to the local shopping options, Scottsdale residents also have the benefit of living close to the amazing number of shopping destinations in nearby Phoenix.

Scottsdale Dining

Casual cafes serving gastropub-style American cuisine are at the top of the list of dining options in Scottsdale, and two of the best places to start are Salty Sow and The Living Room.

Whether you’re chowing down on Duck Fat Fries at Salty Sow or ordering the Prime Rib Sliders at The Living Room, you’re always guaranteed to find an excellent meal paired with a fabulous glass of wine or beer at either restaurant.

Another fun option that is known for delicious food is Bodega 13, which specializes in modern European small plates. The Seafood Paellas is one of the most popular dishes here, but don’t overlook the Pork Schnitzel or the Hummus Sampler!

Scottsdale Area Communities

Resort Pool at Trilogy® Verde River

As the only new golf resort community proposed to be built in this sought-after area of the Valley in several years, Trilogy® at Verde River is destined to become one of the finest examples of Shea Homes’ master planned resort communities.

Located directly east of North Scottsdale, Trilogy® at Verde River is within easy reach of some of Arizona’s most popular shopping, sports, and tourist destinations, as well as its spectacular natural landmarks, and less than an hour from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Trilogy® at Verde River will combine thoughtfully designed floorplans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration.

You can request more information here.

Because of the dramatic growth that the entire state of Arizona has seen over the past few decades, Scottsdale has become the perfect combination of outdoor lifestyle and the comforts of modern living. Where else in the world can you follow up a wild kayak adventure with a trip to the mall and a fabulous casual dining experience?

The Juniper in Trilogy® at Verde River

With just over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space, the Juniper floor plan available in Trilogy® at Verde River is all about understated comfort for you and your guests.

Let’s go inside and take a closer look!

Want to see all of the great floorplans available in Trilogy® at Verde River?

Get the Trilogy® at Verde River Information

Enter through a gracious front porch and foyer, and then prepare to be wowed by the open-concept kitchen, dining room and great room…

Juniper’s gourmet kitchen features expansive countertops, a generous walk-in pantry, and shelves and cabinets at just the right height for stowing, reaching and organizing culinary essentials…

Located just off the great room, the master suite has its own small entry hall, which creates a gentle buffer between late-night festivities and your bedroom’s peace and quiet…

The master bathroom is a retreat in itself, with high ceilings, an enormous shower, double vanities with a bright window in between…

…and a roomy walk-in closet with space for hiking gear, special event attire, and everything in between…

The Juniper’s guest suite is designed to make friends and family feel like they’re staying in their very own casita…

Last but not least, with plenty of room for a grill and dining set, this outdoor space might become your new favorite dinner spot…

All in all, the Juniper is a terrific floorplan for those wanting to downsize in retirement, but if you’re looking for something bigger, Trilogy® at Verde River offers plans all the up to more than 3,200 sq. ft., so request more information below to see everything they offer.

Want to see all of the great floorplans available in Trilogy® at Verde River?

Get the Trilogy® at Verde River Information

Where to Catch Spring Training in Arizona

A total of 15 Major League Baseball teams get ready for the season in a fairly tight radius surrounding Phoenix.

For baseball fans living in or visiting the Phoenix area, there’s simply no better time of year than springtime!

Here are the teams you can watch in Arizona’s Cactus League and where to see them.

Los Angeles Angels – Tempe, AZ

The Angels started adding to their roster leading up to the trade deadline in 2017, and they kept up those improvements throughout most of the winter.

The end result is that they have a new-look team surrounding Mike Trout, who is still the best player in baseball by just about any metric. Look for the additions of Shohei Ohtani, Justin Upton, Zack Cosart, and Ian Kinsler to turn this solid team into a legit contender in 2018.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Scottsdale, AZ

The addition of outfielder J.D. Martinez boosted the Diamondbacks to a Wild Card Game win last season, but his departure for the Boston Red Sox leaves a big hole in the middle of their lineup heading into this season.

The current plan to fill that hole is Steven Souza, but depth is going to be an issue in the bullpen here as well.

Chicago Cubs – Mesa, AZ

The Cubs failed to return to the World Series last season when they ran into an outstanding Dodgers team in the NLCS, and their effort to get back this year will largely hang on the arm of Yu Darvish, who they signed away from LA this offseason.

Unfortunately, Darvish will likely be sliding into the spot vacated by current free agent Jake Arrieta.

Cincinnati Reds – Goodyear, AZ

While the odds of the Reds becoming a serious contender this year aren’t great, this is a team that is filled with exciting players to watch.

Luis Castillo and Raul Iglesias are two of the most exciting young fireballers taking the mound this season, and speedster Billy Hamilton has the potential to steal any base at any time.

Cleveland Indians – Goodyear, AZ

Much like the Cubs, the Cleveland Indians came up just short in their effort to return to the World Series last fall.

The dominant pitching staff that has powered the Indians over the past few seasons will be back in full force this year, but they will be without hitters Carlos Santana, Jay Bruce, and Austin Jackson.

Colorado Rockies – Scottsdale, AZ

With stud hitters like Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado coming back for another season in Coors Field, the Rockies expect to remain one of the most intimidating offenses in all of baseball.

The question here is whether or not they have the pitching staff to seriously compete with some of the best teams in the national league. Of course, when you play half of your games in Colorado, it makes sense to prioritize the ability to hit the ball really far.

Chicago White Sox – Glendale, AZ

With one of the worst records in the majors at last year’s trade deadline, the White Sox decided to pack it in and fully commit to rebuilding. What that means for this year’s team is that you are going to see stud hitter Jose Abreu surrounded by a bunch of guys you’ve never heard of.

But there is still plenty of talent throughout this organization, so watch out for which guys take advantage of opportunities in Arizona this spring.

Kansas City Royals – Surprise, AZ

As a kid growing up I used to watch the Royals during Spring Training in my home state of Florida, but they made the move to Arizona in 2003.

Free agency was brutal for the Royals this year with Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas seeking bigger deals elsewhere, but the emergence of second baseman Whit Merrifield is one bright spot worth watching in 2018.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Glendale, AZ

The Dodgers came up just short of winning the World Series last fall, and aside from losing Yu Darvish to the Cubs in free agency, they are basically bringing back the same team again this season.

Look for them to remain one of the absolute best teams in baseball, and make sure you show up early to spring training in order to get autographs from the ridiculous number of all-stars on this rosters.

Milwaukee Brewers – Phoenix, AZ

The Brewers had a respectable campaign in 2017, but needed to add some significant pieces to their solid core in order to have a chance in 2018.

Fortunately for Milwaukee residents, that is exactly what they did when they acquired Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, and Jhoulys Chacin. Their offense looks really good on paper, so the thing to watch here is how well their pitching staff looks this spring.

Oakland A’s – Mesa, AZ

Remember those commercials about how “Chicks dig the longball?” Well, that must be what Billy Beane and David Forst were thinking while putting together this lineup filled with sluggers like Khris Davis, Matt Olson, and Matt Chapman.

They also added Stephen Piscotty in right field for even more pop. If you are heading out to see the A’s in spring training, make sure you don’t miss batting practice!

San Diego Padres – Peoria, AZ

The Padres were one of the absolute worst teams in baseball last year, and they aren’t going to be a whole lot better this year. However, they did make an effort to improve by bringing in guys like Eric Hosmer, Chase Headley, Freddy Galvis, and Tyson Ross.

Any exciting spring surprises this spring will likely come from young players, so make sure you bring your depth chart.

San Francisco Giants – Scottsdale, AZ

Just about everything that could go wrong for the Giants did last season, but they are bringing back a strong core that got a whole lot better over the winter.

The additions of veterans Andrew McCutchen, Evan Longoria, and Austin Jackson should do a lot to improve the offense, and pitching has never been a problem for the Giants since Madison Bumgarner arrived.

Seattle Mariners – Peoria, AZ

The Mariners surprised a lot of experts by finishing third in the AL West last season, but they will have to do a lot better to keep pace with the other teams in their division this year.

The additions of Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy should add some excitement to the offense, but the player that has people in Seattle really excited is James Paxton.

Paxton was putting together a career year before getting hurt last season, so if he can regain his pre-injury form, he could be the dominant force that leads the M’s back to the playoffs.

Texas Rangers – Surprise, AZ

The Rangers missed the boat when they failed to sign pitcher Yu Darvish, so they are entering spring training with a pretty glaring hole in their pitching rotation. With Carlos Gomez and Andrew Cashner also heading for greener pastures, it looks like the Rangers could be a few rocky months away from a complete rebuild.

The one bright spot to watch here is third baseman Joey Gallo, who can hit the ball a country mile when he is able to make contact.

The Verde River Golf & Social Club is Now Open

Trilogy® at Verde River, a 55+ community near Scottsdale, recently opened their much anticipated Golf & Social Club, and one thing is for sure, it was worth the wait!

This incredible new facility has an extensive range of incredible resort services and amenities.

Take a look:

Just a few of the amenities you’ll see in the video above include:

• Needle Rock Kitchen & Tap – A signature restaurant and bar, featuring a wood fire grill and local beers on tap

• The Marketplace – The perfect combination of coffee bar, sandwich shop, and neighborhood grocer, all about convenience!

• Chef’s Table – A private dining experience, where your special occasion is made extraordinary

• Helen’s Kitchen – A culinary studio and event space, with comfortable seating perfect for private parties and exciting cooking classes

• Afturburn Fitness – A sleek and comfortable environment with world-renowned TechnoGym® equipment, Fitness on Demand, personal trainers, and so much more!

• Alvea Spa – A relaxing place for an array of indulgent, rejuvenating services

• The Art Loft – A space to explore your creative side, comprised of a studio, art yard, and lawn

• The Outfitter – Your next adventure begins here, where you pick up your kayak for some time on the lake

• Golf Course – Award-winning 18 hole course with views of the Tonto National Forest and iconic Four Peaks

• Courts and Sports Complex – Four tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a bocce and croquet lawn make up this fun space

• Eddy’s Poolside – A poolside restaurant featuring light bites and meals

• Club Pools – Resort pool and lap pool with surrounding views of the Sonoran Desert

• Events Center/Lawn – A full scale event center, perfect for parties, weddings, and special events

• Grand Living Room – A place where the community connects, and neighbors become friends

Trilogy® at Verde River will combine thoughtfully designed floorplans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration.

For more information on the homes and lifestyle available to you in Trilogy® at Verde River, request more information here.

The Staccato in CantaMia at Estrella

The Staccato is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home available in CantaMia at Estrella.

With 1,220 sq. ft., this plan is perfect for someone looking to downsize and make life easier in retirement.

Perhaps the best part? The starting price is under $200,000.

Let’s go inside and take a look.

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After entering the home, off to the side you’ll see a guest bathroom and this guest bedroom at the front of the house…

Next up is the functional heart of this home, the Great Room, Dining, and Kitchen combo…

Here it is from another angle…

Here’s a closer look at the dining area…

Next up is the master bedroom…

The master also features this great bathroom with his and her sinks, and a large walk-in closet…

Last but not least we step outside to take a look at the covered patio. Also notice the optional Bay Window at the back of the master bedroom…

While the Staccato is currently the smallest home available in CantaMia at Estrella, if you need more space they offer floorplans up to 2,600 sq. ft. in size. If you’d like to see more, click below to request more information.

Want to see all of the great floorplans (and pricing) available in CantaMia at Estrella?

Get the CantaMia at Estrella Information