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Published: March 10th 2007
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Trivia question for my friends: What is my favorite structure or building in the state of New Jersey? Think about that for a few minutes. Don't cheat. Yeah, like you're going to listen to me.
As I chill out in the Valley of the Sun on the eve prior to my departure home to the Garden State, I can reflect back on my long weekend trip here and say this was another worthwhile trip. The weather and lack of itinerary planning basically kept me within the valley, yet with no regrets.
Refreshingly enough, my flight departed Newark on time and arrived in Phoenix early. I was in my rental car within 15 minutes and drove through downtown Phoenix before proceeding to my hotel - Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in North Phoenix. My overall stay was quite nice. Had I been prepared to hike or had the weather been pleasant enough to golf would have elevated my stay to excellent.
On Sunday morning, I woke up to 25-degree weather in Phoenix, apparently the coldest temperature recorded in Phoenix since 1990. Hey, I like to bring what I can from NJ. Alas, I didn't run the PF Chang Rock
n Roll half-marathon. Instead, I stayed in bed. After the weather warmed up to 35 degrees, I drove to Arizona State University's Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe to cheer on the finishers of the marathon and half-marathon. I also bought a race t-shirt and the obligatory magnet. While I have no intention of proclaiming I ran the race, I intend to wear the shirt on my frequent runs during the week as inspiration. I do intend to run the half-marathon by the end of the year though. I did pre-register a while back and have no regrets about my $95 donation since it went to the Children's Tumor Foundation.
Afterwards, I drove around for a while and wound up at Delux on Camelback and 28th for a great grilled chicken panini and mini-shopping cart of crispy sweet potato fries. I also drank a nice complement of cold beverages: 1 pint of local microbrew Kilt Lifter, followed by a seasonal flight of Winter Solstice, Christmas Ale, and Bourbon Mask, then finished with a Youngs Double Chocolate Stout. I'm not thrilled the Pats and Colts are in the AFC Championship game. Go Saints! (Sorry to my Chicago brethren. Suck it up...)
On Monday, I followed the obligatory touristy route and started off visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's estate at Taliesin West. Anyone familiar with Mr. Wright's work would have been very impressed with the architecture. The furniture left a little bit to be desired, although I'll forever remember our tour guide, Tom, stating why the entryways accommodated those under 6 feet tall. Allegedly, Mr. Wright felt that anyone taller than 6 feet was a "waste of materials." Cute.
Next stop was the Barrett-Jackson car collection showcase. I know little about cars. I love my 2002 Acura TL-S. I loved the Civic I owned previously. The 1200+ cars at this showcase were amazing! Now, mind you, I had never attended a car show before, but apparently this is one of the biggest car shows in the nation (according to the press). In any case, with the MLK holiday, Monday was designated as Family Value Day, which basically gave the public an opportunity to see some really cool cars - classic, souped-up, performance-enhanced, and all. Personally, I loved the 1967 Austin Healey convertible.
Afterwards, I drove to Old Town Scottsdale - which is Native American for "tourist trap, wood finish, tchotchke-hoarding
A saguaro
Did you know a saguaro can hold up to 1500 gallons of water. Did you know a human head weighs 8....? paradise." To be a good sport about the shopping options, I purchased a white t-shirt that was dyed in red dirt for $15. Apparently, I have to wash it a couple of times before I wear it. Hopefully, only some of the dirt comes off?!?
Finally, I met up with friends and watched the Suns-Grizzlies basketball game at Goldie's in North Scottsdale and guzzled some Alaskan Amber.
My last full day in Phoenix found me in Papago Park, where I captured an interesting photo of Hole-in-the-Rock. Next door, I found myself at the Desert Botanical Garden, where for two hours, I educated myself on almost every cactus species known to man. I took lots of pictures which I'll eventually post here, but I can tell you right now that my dad would love this place.
And, hey, I saw some new wildlife - hummingbirds, woodpeckers, gambel's quail, and round-tailed squirrels. Finally, I went to Echo Canyon Park where I ascended toward Camelback Mountain, but the vertigo came about and, well, I turned around... but not before I captured some cityscape photos.
I finished the trip with a final meal at Richardson's on Bethany Home Rd and
More cacti for dad...
Dad loves cacti... bet he never saw them these big. 16th St. One prickly pear margarita, one relleno platter w/pork, beef tenderloin, and green chile sauce. YUM! And, less than $20! Looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but very popular with the locals.
Trivia answer: My favorite structure in NJ is Newark Airport. It serves as my gateway to explore the rest of the world (when I can afford it).
Cheers!
Manny
PS- Did you know Arizona is one of 5 states that opts out of Daylight Savings Time?
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Ken
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Answer: Newark Airport
Manny! You see - I pay attention and listen. Seriously, I'm glad to read that Seattle has made the grade as one of your favorite cities to visit. Also - very interesting and timely information about Daylight Savings.