Monday, April 24, 2006

10 Things to do in Phoenix...

As I sit here on my last day of taping on THE BIG BANG THEORY I am contemplating a move to Arizona for the summer to work on a new film being shot in Phoenix... The main problem is can I really leave my favorite city during my favorite season?! What is summer without Surfing?! What will I do if I cant go to the beach every day?! Where can I hike and then run into the ocean when I am done?! Granted I shouldnt be so picky since I will be finished on my show in 2 weeks and have yet to find another show to move over onto but seriously, PHOENIX.

But to give it a fair shot, I compiled a top ten list to send to my friend Wayne that is already stuck in the city of heat doing prep on the film... So I thought I would pass it along to you guys and see if it helps me make up my mind on where to spend the next couple of months... here goes:
Top 10 things to do while you are in Phoenix:

10. Camel Back Mountain
Best Hiking in Phoenix... A little over 2 hours to the top. Make sure its done on a cool day. The first hour is a mild hike- the second hour is just rock climbing! Most amazing thing to do in town but only for experienced hikers, so you may need to condition first ;)

9. Greasewood Flats
http://www.greasewoodflat.net/
Biker Bar Extraordinaire... Its an outdoor dive- good burgers, nice beer, just hope you don't have to use the restroom! But there's a dance floor with live music from Thursday through Sunday. And there are bonfires at most tables to warm you up on those cold nights in July. Although its mainly a biker bar you will see the occasional celebrity in town!

8. Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club
http://www.farrellis.com/
Although it sounds like on of the lesser fun things on the list, its a fantastic date night or a way to stay cool in the summer. A dinner movie theater in Scottsdale, usually first run movie with great food and fantastic wine!

7. At One Yoga
For after those long stressful days when you just need to unwind try a class at At One. If you want the most intense workout you have ever been thru take the power yoga class from the owner... you might not be able to walk for days but your body will thank you for it in the end!

6. Salt River
Grab some friends and a cooler of beer and head tubing... You can rent Inner tubes down at the river for a couple of bucks. They will shuttle you up to the top of the river and you can float down for a couple of hours depending on how fast the current is!

5. Downtown Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a cute little town... go during the day and you can stock up on overprices souvenirs and cool Indian jewelry and house wares But at night its the hot spot to go. Martini Ranch is great for live music and a more upscale evening- Its usually got a couple of dance floors going and plenty of room both indoor and outdoor to dance. But if you are looking for a little wilder crowd head to Dos Gringos (http://www.dosgringosaz.com/) or Sugar Daddy's. And if you are looking for a once in a lifetime bar hit up Giligans. It's an actual Midget bar, complete with little midget tables and little midget bartenders!

4. Tempe Town Lake
Not quite the ocean but rent a kayak or a sailboat for the day and you can almost feel the salt air on your face! It's a small lake but fun if you want to walk or bike. There are a couple of sand "beaches" if you fell like laying out in the sun for the day.

3. Cave Creek
Its maybe a 40 minute drive from Phoenix but a little town with some fun things to do... Mostly an artsy community but great finds. Check out The Dump- best shopping in town! On your way out you have to try the Crazy Eds Chili Beer at The Black Mountain Brewing Company (http://www.chilibeer.com/). It is one beer you will NEVER forget!

2. Offroading
Rent a Jeep for the day and take a day trip into the mountains... if you don't feel up to driving yourself up in Sodona they have the Pink Jeep tours and someone else will drive you around for the day. Plan for a couple of hours out there and you will see everything from Coyotes to Indian Ruins!

1. The Hardts
When you start to miss home and just need a good old fashioned margarita and a day in the pool give my parents a call and you will feel like you are on vacation... A little Jimmy Buffett and some coronas and you will never want to go home!