Things to do in Arizona before it's too hot

It’s almost April and we have a gorgeous weather in Chandler, Arizona. Before it will get too hot residents and visitors should take an advantage of different outdoor activities and enjoy the great weather conditions.

One of the activities we recommend in Chandler area is Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Rides. For this adventure you will need to be out of bed early since most of the flights depart around sunrise.

All flights begin with the inflation of the balloon by motorized fans. After thirty minutes we are ready for flight. Balloon will drift high above the desert and you will be standing in the beautiful hand-created wicker basket. The luxurious, over-sized basket has plenty of room to allow everyone to enjoy the ride and take excellent photographs. As you gently leave the Earth, you'll be amazed at how light the balloon feels.

During the flight a guide will point out all the attraction – like White Tank and Mazatzal Mountains, Lake Pleasant, Weavers Needle and of course downtown Phoenix. If you are going to float in a cloudless day you might even see the snowcapped San Francisco Peaks.

After the flight, you will be offered a champagne toast and a light gourmet breakfast.

The meeting point for the Hot Air Expeditions - Deer Valley Airport
704 W Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, AZ

If you have more questions call: 480-502-6999
Or visit website
source: hotairexpeditions.com

South Mountain Park in Phoenix AZ – the largest city park in the world

South Mountain Park in Phoenix AZ – the largest city park in the world

The South Mountain Park is a desert mountain preserve located at 10919 S. Central Avenue in Phoenix and has been considered as the largest city park in the world. The park covers almost 18,500 acres. There are few basic activities that you can enjoy at South Mountain Park.

1. Picnics, Barbecues and Parties

The Piedra Grandes Ramadas are available accommodate groups up to 50 people
larger groups need to call for reservation (602) 495-0222
Alcohol permits are required
No amplified or live music is allowed
Larger ramadas for groups larger than 50 people are available with reservations only

2. Hiking/Mountain Biking
58 miles of trails that are range from 1miles to 14 miles in length and rated from moderate to very difficult.
The easiest of the trails is the Javelina Canyon Trail, which starts at the Beverly Canyon parking lot at 46th Street, south of Baseline Road.

The highest point in the park is Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet

3. Trail Rides
South Mountain Park is a great place for horseback riding. Guided trails are available for all the levels of experience. More information about rides are available at Ponderosa Stables and South Mountain Stables.

4. Scenic Drive

The scenic drive is the most popular among the visitors of the South Mountain Park. The views are just astonishing but don’t forget about caution driving since you are going to share the road with hikers and bikers.

Family Easter Celebration on April 3 in Chandler, AZ

Chandler Family Easter Celebration will take place on April 3, Saturday. The event starts at 9 a.m.- noon at the Snedigar Recreation Center in south Chandler.
4500 S. Basha Road, Chandler
480-782-2735

This event features:
egg scrambles for ages 9 and younger
At 11:30 a.m., there is a Family Easter Basket give-a-way.

The event is free, with minimal charges for some interactive children’s activities and photos with the Easter Bunny.
Other highlights In addition to the egg hunts include information booths, displays, interactive amusements and performances

There is also an Easter Bonnet contest for kids and adults with prizes that will be given for most creative and most festive for each age group.

The coloring contest forms should be picked up in advance at any Chandler community or recreation center, and the finished design returned to the City by March 29 for judging. The winners will be announced at the April 3 event.

For more information call the City Special Event Line at (480) 782-2735 or go to www.chandleraz.gov/special-events.

Source: chandleraz.gov

Downtown Chandler Barbeque Throwdown

When:
March 20th, 2010
10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday.

Where: Historic Downtown Chandler
DR AJ Chandler Park
3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225
(on Arizona Avenue between Boston and Buffalo streets)

Admission:
$10 for five samples
(tickets can be purchased for additional samples)

What is the Downtown Chandler Barbeque Throwndown?
It is a cooking competition features categories such as best:

• pork ribs
• pork shoulder/butt
• best brisket
• half chicken

There will also be a Backyard Division for:

• chicken
• burgers
• carne asada
• salsa and Kids Q.

The event will be judged and governed by the IBCA (International Barbeque Cookers Association), and is endorsed by the Arizona Barbecue Association.
More than 30 professionals barbeque teams from around the country will enter the cooking battle to win more than $10,000 in prizes.

The barbeque festival will also feature a farmers market, children's zone, live entertainment and Harley-Davidson motorcycle show.

Details: 480-855-3539, chandlerbbq.com

Chandler Art Walk

March 19, 2010

Friday, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
80 S. San Marcos Place Chandler, AZ, 85225
Price: FREE

Every third Friday of each month Downtown Chandler is a host for the Art Walk.
The Art Walk is a fun family event where you can browse different types of the art available from our local talented artists.

Some of the Art Types Represented are:

• Painting
• Photography
• Glass Art
• Pottery
• Jewelry
• Metal Work
• Mixed Media

Upcoming Events

• 19 March 2010
• 16 April 2010
• 21 May 2010

10th Annual Chandler Jazz Festival, Historic Downtown Chandler

March 26-27

Another spectacular weekend in Chandler, Arizona – Jazz Festival.

All performances are free.
During the festival enjoying all the performers you can also visit the galleries, restaurants and shops in the Historic Downtown Chandler

Main stage is located in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park 3 South Arizona Ave. (just south of Chandler Blvd.) The courtyard of the San Marcos Resort is located on the west side of the park.

The Crown Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, the official hotel of the Chandler Jazz Festival, will be offering a special rate when you call 1.888.233.9527

Detailed schedule

A few facts about Historic Downtown Chandler, AZ.

City of Chandler, Arizona is a spectacular destination for visitors.

Located in the East Valley, in the southeast part of the Greater Phoenix area, about 20 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Chandler is the fourth largest city in Arizona in terms of population, with well over 250,000 residents.

Historic Downtown Chandler offers plenty of unique art galleries, trendy shops, a microbrewery, Arizona winery and award winning, independent restaurants making Downtown Chandler a favorite stop on your Arizona journey.
Throughout the spring and fall, numerous events take place in the historic square including a monthly art walk held the first Wednesday of each month and a year round farmer's market Thursday afternoons.
For musical and cultural performances, the Chandler Center for the Arts is conveniently located within walking distance.

Historical Facts:

• Chandler, Arizona was named after Dr. A. J. Chandler, a veterinarian who settled in the area in 1891.
• The town of Chandler began in 1912, with the opening of the Hotel San Marcos in 1913, Arizona's first resort.
• The Town of Chandler incorporated in 1920, with Dr. Chandler as its first Mayor.

22nd Ostrich Festival at Tumbleweed Park, Chandler Arizona March 12-14

745 E. Germann Rd.
Chandler, Arizona 85249

Fri, March 12th - 2pm to Midnight
Sat, March 13th - 10am to Midnight
Sun, March 14th - 10am to 11pm

Reserve this coming weekend for a Chandler family event – The Ostrich Festival. The Ostrich Festival will take a place at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler Arizona. For the three days park will fill with music, excitement, games, shows and all kinds of food.

A unique to Chandler ostrich races with jockeys is going take a place daily:

Ostrich Race Schedule

Friday, March 12 | 4pm, 6pm
Saturday, March 13 | 12pm, 2pm, 5pm
Sunday, March 14 | 12pm, 2pm, 5pm

The Ostrich won’t be the only star of the Festival. 3 or 4 times a day pigs will take over the racetrack and will entertain the crowd.

Pigs Race Schedule

Friday, March 12: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm
Saturday, March 13: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm
Sunday, March 14: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm

For the first time ever the Ostrich Festival will feature the High Flying Action of Dockdogs® the independent governing and sanctioning body for dock jumping and dock diving canine performance sports.

Don’t forget about Kids Zone:
Petting Zoo:
The Ostrich Festival is going to feature a 100 animal petting zoo

Other Attracion of the Ostrich Festival in Chandler, AZ:

• Imperial Knights - Medieval Jousting

• Stunt & Thrill Show

• Rhinestone Roper - Daniel Mink

• Marcus - Juggler - Prop Comedian

• Amateur/Professional Boxing

• Wild About Monkeys

• Freakshow Deluxe

CLICK HERE FOR: detailed SCHEDULE | MAP

See you there!

Ocotillo Golf Resort, Chandler, Arizona

Ocotillo Golf Resort

opened in 1986 and is recognized as a Top 50 Resort
by Golf World and a 4 1/2 star golf course by Golf Digest.

Three nine-hole courses played in combinations with yardages ranging from 6,782 to 7,016 from the back tees and 5,128 to 5,134 from the forward tees.
The Blue-Gold combination plays as the most difficult, with a rating of 72.2 and slope of 133 from the back tees.

COURSE AMENITIES
• Award Winning Golf Shop
• Full Service Clubhouse and Snack Bar
• Practice Facilities Include Driving Range,
Putting Green and Practice Bunker
• Men's and Women's Full Service Locker Rooms
• Bernard's Restaurant & Bar
• Private and Group Lessons
• Callaway Club Rentals

RATES

Season	Rate	Twilight
May 11 - Sep 25, 2009	$65	$35
Sep 25, 2009 - Jan 14, 2010	$115	$65
Jan 15 - Apr 18, 2010	$130 Weekday $150 Weekend	$65 Weekday $80 Weekend

All rates for golf course tee times include Golf car.
Green Fee rates do not include tax.
Rates stated for the 2009-10 season, subject to change.

GOLF SHOP

When visiting Ocotillo, be sure to stop at our award winning Golf Shop which has been selected as the "Best Golf Shop for Women’s Apparel" by the Arizona Republic, "PGA Merchandiser of the Year" and one of the "Top 100 Pro Shops in The United States" by Golf World Business Magazine.

Source: www.ocotillogolf.com
Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

The Egg & Cafe wakes up Ocotillo, Chandler

Since it's Sunday - unfortunately rainy day in Chandler, we should start the day with a good breakfast and coffee. Here is the spot for today.

Location:

2625 W. Queen Creek Road
Chandler, AZ. 85248

Phone: 480-899-5050
Price Range: $3.50 to $9.50

Located west of Dobson at Queen Creek Road, the Santa Barbara architecture is accented by fountains and lakes. Inside big windows tables and booths give the visitors contemporary atmosphere with great views.

Menu has something for everyone and clientele varies from young couples, families, retired people and golfers.
Breakfast and lunches serves from 6.00 am to 2.30 pm daily.

Eggs are the featured ingredient on the menu and it's served in a variety of ways. Order an omelet or eggs Benedict. Add additional items like chorizo to kick up the flavor. Lunch favorites like hamburgers are also offered. The children's menu, priced form $3.50 to $4.50, features a selection form waffles and sausage to chicekn tenders and fruit.
The restaurant has a private dining area that seats 25.

Please join our fecebook page and if you have any favorite places, restaurants, things to do in Chandler, AZ please add them to our discussion board.

Things To Do In Chandler, AZ - Welcome

Welcome to our Blog about Things To Do In Chandler, AZ.
If you are new to Chandler, AZ, moving to Chandler,AZ or living here for a while and just need to try something new - this should be a great resource for all of you.
Daily - One post a day - Megan and I are going to provide you with local information about things to do in Chandler, Arizona.
So get ready to have some fun.
Please join our fecebook page and if you have any favorite places, restaurants, things to do please add them to our discussion board.

Hanna & Megan