Play Ball, Play in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Since 1947 the Cactus League, www.cactusleague.com, has been key to major league baseball’s spring training. This month, fifteen teams, including all of the clubs from California, play ball in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. The league’s newest stadium is Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale. It is a hub of Cactus League activity with both the Diamondbacks and Rockies calling it home.

Where to stay? Easy. The AAA Four-Diamond rated Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center is located just a few minutes from the aforementioned Salt River Fields. They have three restaurants, two pools, a fitness center, a full service spa and salon, four lighted tennis courts and guaranteed tee times at McCormick Ranch’s two championship golf courses. With only 326 rooms, its size allows the friendly staff to interact easily with guests. The comfortable, large sleeping rooms feature flat screen TVs and southwestern style architecture and furnishings.

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Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center

What to do? Here are several sightseeing suggestions for before or after a ballgame. A pilgrimage to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece, is a must. It is a National Historic Landmark in the Sonoran desert and home to architectural students from around the world.

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Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home

For a treat, we spent a lazy afternoon at the Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency followed by an eclectic “Wine Me Dine Me” feast at their Southwest Bistro. Diners watch the proceedings in the open kitchen as the chef and his staff prepare a four-course meal that includes tequila and wine pairings.

The Musical Instrument Museum, www.themim.org, touts itself as “the most extraordinary museum you’ll ever hear.” It is. Their collection includes over 15,000 musical instruments from almost 200 countries and territories, as well as ethnic, folk and tribal displays. Grab a wireless headset and roam the wide-open spaces, listening to music from around the world while watching videos of musicians.

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Musical Instrument Museum

The Arizona Science Center can be found in downtown Phoenix’ Heritage & Science Park. It houses the Dorrance Planetarium, an IMAX Theater, along with four levels of permanent and rotating exhibits including over 300 that are hands-on. A calendar of events, hours, etc., can be found at www.azscience.org.

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The Dorrance Planetarium

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is approximately four hours by car from Phoenix. Instead of driving, take the Grand Canyon Railway, www.thetrain.com, for an extended stay (more about this in an upcoming travel story).

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The Grand Canyon Railway & A Travel Writer

More about the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center: Our dinner at the Palm Court, a Four-Diamond award winner, featured classic American cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting. The ambience, great views, extensive wine list, tableside dining with excellent presentation and food added up to a superb evening. We started with a chopped Caesar salad and outstanding lobster bisque. My wife and I shared risotto and scallops for our entrees and ordered two decadent desserts (flourless chocolate cake and flambéed bananas Foster). The finale was flaming coffee Diablo. Their Sunday brunch is superb; buffet tables laden with salads, shrimp on ice and smoked salmon, breakfast items and pastries, cheese platters, hot entrees, carving and omelet stations, freshly baked breads, fresh fruit, fabulous desserts and free-flowing champagne.

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Sunday Brunch at the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center

Although there is a resort fee, it is reasonable. Guests receive in-room Wi-Fi, free local calls, weekly newspapers, parking, entrance to the fitness center and tennis court and bike use. For great deals and Spring training packages logon to www.thescottsdaleresort.com or call 1-800-540-0727 for reservations. Ask about their USO program for active military.

This year Arizona is celebrating 100 years of statehood. There are events commemorating the centennial throughout 2012. Check it out at www.az100years.org.

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian
www.Travels-with-Hian.com

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