Phoenix, Arizona
Think Spring: Spring Training
Think Summer: Beat the Heat
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Think Spring: Spring Training
Cactus League Baseball in Phoenix
By Robert Rhoades
I am passionate about baseball. And I am passionate about it all year--even after the Championship is decided. Because of that, I seek every opportunity I can to attend Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona.
The best things about Spring Training: you get to surround yourself with other baseball fans, enjoy ball games in the off-season, soak up the beautiful weather, see your favorite players up close, and get a look at the players being considered for the season’s final roster.
Here are some of my recommendations and tips for planning a great Spring Training Trip:
Where to stay--
The first thing the ideal traveler needs to decide is if they are going to spring training to watch a specific team or simply to watch as many baseball games as possible. If you're mainly interested in watching your favorite team play, then a hotel closest to the location where they'll be playing would be ideal. If the goal is just see baseball, then a more centralized location like Phoenix, Tempe, or Peoria would be perfect.
Extended Stay hotels like Extended Stay America are great for the spring training traveler because it allows you to stay in one central location close to many of the stadiums. It's also a great money saving tool because they come with their own small kitchens, which means that you can bring food from home or go shopping at a local grocery store and feed the family for pennies on the dollar compared to eating out every meal.
What to see--
Adding variety into your visit can turn your spring training trip into a great family vacation for everyone. Arizona has numerous activities to entertain everyone in the family. Grand Canyon National Park is a beautiful 3 hour drive from Phoenix through Kaibab National Forest. Or, if a relaxing vacation is more your thing, there are dozens of spas to choose from in the greater Phoenix area. If you're a history geek like I am, there are old west towns, Victorian mansions, and American Indian museums just a short drive away. There are also great shopping malls, both indoors and out, close to the ballparks. And make sure you spend some time in the local community where your favorite team plays as it's not uncommon to see some of the Major League players around town.
Just a tip--
Spring Training stadiums do not offer as much seating as Major League stadiums do. Make sure you plan your trip early and give yourself plenty of time to purchase tickets. Buying tickets from the team's website can be affordable on nearly any budget, but if you wait until the last minute you may be forced to pay two, three, four times the price, or more, from a website like Stubhub.com.
For more information--
The Cactus League website (www.cactusleague.com) is a great website for anyone who plans to attend some games. They have full schedules of all the teams that practice in Arizona, maps to help plan where to stay and how to get around, as well as, a trip planner to help you decide which games to go see.
Spring Training photos on this page retrieved from the Sacramento Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/22/3421603/san-francisco-giants-in-spring.html.
I am passionate about baseball. And I am passionate about it all year--even after the Championship is decided. Because of that, I seek every opportunity I can to attend Cactus League Spring Training in Arizona.
The best things about Spring Training: you get to surround yourself with other baseball fans, enjoy ball games in the off-season, soak up the beautiful weather, see your favorite players up close, and get a look at the players being considered for the season’s final roster.
Here are some of my recommendations and tips for planning a great Spring Training Trip:
Where to stay--
The first thing the ideal traveler needs to decide is if they are going to spring training to watch a specific team or simply to watch as many baseball games as possible. If you're mainly interested in watching your favorite team play, then a hotel closest to the location where they'll be playing would be ideal. If the goal is just see baseball, then a more centralized location like Phoenix, Tempe, or Peoria would be perfect.
Extended Stay hotels like Extended Stay America are great for the spring training traveler because it allows you to stay in one central location close to many of the stadiums. It's also a great money saving tool because they come with their own small kitchens, which means that you can bring food from home or go shopping at a local grocery store and feed the family for pennies on the dollar compared to eating out every meal.
What to see--
Adding variety into your visit can turn your spring training trip into a great family vacation for everyone. Arizona has numerous activities to entertain everyone in the family. Grand Canyon National Park is a beautiful 3 hour drive from Phoenix through Kaibab National Forest. Or, if a relaxing vacation is more your thing, there are dozens of spas to choose from in the greater Phoenix area. If you're a history geek like I am, there are old west towns, Victorian mansions, and American Indian museums just a short drive away. There are also great shopping malls, both indoors and out, close to the ballparks. And make sure you spend some time in the local community where your favorite team plays as it's not uncommon to see some of the Major League players around town.
Just a tip--
Spring Training stadiums do not offer as much seating as Major League stadiums do. Make sure you plan your trip early and give yourself plenty of time to purchase tickets. Buying tickets from the team's website can be affordable on nearly any budget, but if you wait until the last minute you may be forced to pay two, three, four times the price, or more, from a website like Stubhub.com.
For more information--
The Cactus League website (www.cactusleague.com) is a great website for anyone who plans to attend some games. They have full schedules of all the teams that practice in Arizona, maps to help plan where to stay and how to get around, as well as, a trip planner to help you decide which games to go see.
Spring Training photos on this page retrieved from the Sacramento Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/22/3421603/san-francisco-giants-in-spring.html.
Think Summer: Beat the Heat
Phoenix Indoors
By Deborah Wheeler
Phoenix has many destinations worth exploring any time of the year. But, when the heat becomes too oppressive, seek out these cool places to cool off in the summer time.
Heard Museum
This museum’s comprehensive collections, intriguing exhibits, distinctive festivals, and interactive learning opportunities make it an outstanding destination and one of the world’s finest museums focused on American Indian arts and cultures.
Musical Instrument Museum
This world-class museum is much more than just instruments. It is a journey around the world as heard through the music of its people. Young and old will enjoy this exceptional destination.
Scottsdale International Auto Museum
This museum, just down the road from the Talking Stick Resort and Casino, is relatively new, but already houses an intriguing inventory of vehicles. Check out the collectable and historic vehicles on display and attend one of the car-themed events or auctions hosted by the museum.
Wrigley Mansion
The Wrigley Mansion is a Phoenix landmark located near the Biltmore Hotel. The history of the Mansion, from the chewing gum magnate who built the home, through today, is intriguing and provides interesting insights into early Phoenix and the Wrigley’s luxurious life. Take the tour of the home or purchase a tour/meal package.
Please note: Be sure to confirm that the Mansion is open for touring before your visit since it may be closed at times for special events.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
This upscale mall has plenty to keep you entertained while you beat the heat. From movies to drinks and dining and special events such as cooking classes, this mall is a great destination for escaping the rising temperatures outside.