There’s lots going on in the Valley this weekend, but rather than point out the obvious, we’re looking to our favorite media outlets to tell us what’s going on under the radar. Food, art and well, beer, awaits you so read on to get the hometown low down…

A new column for the Downtown Phoenix Journal has emerged entitled “Your Downtown Beer” which will focus on the beers you can drink in DTP (the size and boundaries of which will not be specifically defined, but rather determined by the beer’s cultural proximity and significance to the area….we think) Places like Copper Blues, The Roosevelt and The Rose & Crown will be discussed as they sell contracted beers with their own names. It won’t just focus on “beer bars” or places that serve “craft beer.” No, no, Your Downtown Beer  ”aims to expand your view of beer’s sense of place” which all sounds very vague and intriguing. We can’t wait to read what’s up as this column grows, after all, we do love the brew.

If you haven’t heard about Target’s most recent design collaboration than congratulations, you have managed to avoid television, magazines, online media, the radio and Target for at least two months. How do you do it? Anyway, Jason Wu For Target debuts this Sunday, but you can get it on eBay for 250 times the price according to Jackalope Ranch. We all remember the devastation after Missoni for Target crashed servers and cleaned out shelves within hours a few months ago, so plan this one out. Get your taser and be at Target upon opening and you should be on your way to wearing Wu. Check here for our sneak Peek a Wu. »READ MORE

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Scottsdale’s new establishment The Saguaro Hotel may be Arizona’s freshest and most vibrant place for a weekend respite. More destination than staycation, the hotel, which was designed by New York-based architectures Stamberg Aferiat, is a vivid tribute to the colorful sights and animated settings of the Southwest, with a color palette of tangerine, buttery yellow, magenta and bright, rich green. If the atmosphere and welcoming spa isn’t enough to bring you out, however, perhaps the restaurants will – most notably, modern Mexican eatery Distrito, the sibling of Iron Chef’s Jose Garces’ celebrated Philadelphia dig of the same name.

Stemming from the hotel’s southwestern shades, the delicious interior design of Distrito is energetic and contemporary, based upon the brilliant, spirited hues of Mexican culture. Designer Jun Aizaki, who hailed from Brooklyn, New York’s Crème Design Collective, was inspired by the landscapes of the region and created the restaurant’s interior to feel both traditional and fresh. A colorful skull feature by the lobby entrance, for example, is celebratory of Mexico’s Day of the Dead; a backlit resin bar counter with butterfly embeds, a mosaic felt ball feature wall resembling bright gumballs and a woven flat elastic screen wall at the banquettes are novel, modern and invigorating. Clothespin chandeliers and table tops sprinkled with pink and gold glitter add a further funky edge to the restaurant’s style. Guests can order Hamachi tacos fresh off the skillet, a variety of Barbacoa, margaritas from over 100 varieties of tequila at the margarita bar and the tortilla and guacamole station, where tortillas are made-to-order on a quilted stainless steel food-vendor-style post, are authentically delicious by chef’s design.

Distrito at The Saguaro | 4000 Drinkwater Boulevard | Scottsdale, AZ | 480-970-4444

It’s that time again for the greatest show on grass. Sure we’re excited about the 16th hole, but the Waste Management Phoenix Open offers much more than cheering for our hometown hero Phil Mickelson from Monday, January 30 – February 5. For a guide to all official daytime golf events, click here.

For those 21-and older swing into the Coors Light Birds Nest, just across from the Open’s grounds. This after-tournament tent party opens at 3:30 p.m. each day February 1 – 4 with multiple bars and a giant stage for acts that include The Goo Goo Dolls and Will.i.am this year. Admission is $25 – $35, and $120 for VIP. For tickets and more info, click here.

Here’s what’s rockin’ the Birds Nest:

Wednesday, February 1: Slightly Stoopid will kick off the four days of concerts, entertaining fans with their reggae rock fusion. Local band Elvis Before Noon and DJ Ronnie G will also perform. Show begins at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 2: The Goo Goo Dolls will slide into the Birds Nest to perform some of your favorites like it was 1998 again. DJ Ronnie G and Kelly James will also perform beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, February 3: Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas will be spinning records. Check out his DJ skills before his electro-dance album drops later this year. Also performing, The Chadwicks, Kelly James and yep, DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 4: What PGA Tour wouldn’t be complete without an 80s cover band? Flashback Heart Attack, from southern California, performs with Champagne Tap, Smasht and DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

New to this year, with crowds reaching the thousands, cell phones are permitted. No more hiding that Droid in your sock! And speaking of socks, check out our Tee Time: A Gentlemen’s Guide To Dressing at The Open.

Image via WM Phoenix Open

Looking for something fun to do in mid February? Why not check Palm Spring’s Modernism Week. Taking place February 16-26, this 11 day event has plenty to offer the modern design and architecture lover. The event celebrates mid-century modern design, architecture, and culture in Palm Springs.

Taking inspiration from the style of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, Modernism Week will include architectural tours, films, lectures, and educational events. But wait there’s more. Chic parties will also be going down in mid-century modern homes and boutique hotels all week.

For a complete schedule of the events click here.

Image via Modernism Week

The Lux Art Institute in California will be showing resident Artist Lila Jang’s collection from Januar 12 – March 3. This young South Korean sculptor finds inspiration in the confines of a small living space.

Jang takes ordinary furniture and turns it into something unique and beautiful whilst keeping its practical nature. “My work represents who and where we are as human beings: in the midpoint of that constant struggle between reality and the ideal,” she said in her profile on the Lux Web site. Her pieces are often described as, fluid furniture, from the often whimsical, curvaceous designs.

Her art work has been shown across the world and if you find yourself in California you won’t want to miss this awesome exhibit.

Lux Art Institute | 1550 S. El Camino Real | Encinitas, CA 92024 »READ MORE

As if you needed another reason to head to Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, you can add “educational” to the list. From now until March 3, join the Market, local chefs and local food producers for “Savoring the Season,” an Edible Education Series from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday. Beginning January 14 with a class taught by Chef Stephanie Green about the goodness of greens, classes include tidbits, tastes and demonstrations from some of Arizona’s top chefs and favorite farms. There are 25 slots available per class on a first come, first served basis. The series is free, although donations will be accepted for the Fallow Fund, an emergency farm relief fund coordinated by Arizona Community Farmers’ Markets.

Follow the jump to check out the roster of participating chefs and producers:

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Care to know what’s going on in the valley, but don’t have the time to sift through every media source every day? Allow us to do it for you and check back every week to get the hometown low down as we highlight the good stuff and share it in and easy to read, condensed form….like shot of espresso, but without the shakes.

If you don’t read the Downtown Phoenix Journal, you are failing to take advantage of some of the great opportunities this city has to offer. For example, last night there was a free screening of a film about the benefits of urban parks playing in Civic Space Park, but you missed it. It’s okay, there are more events where that came from. For all the Rock n’ Roll marathoners out there, there is a concert and carbo loading event tonight (Friday the 13th oooooh) featuring Fitz and the Tantrums at CityScape. Tickets are $19 for unlimited music, pasta and beer.

Have you seen the amazing murals around 16th street between Thomas and McDowell Rd (one pictured above)? Perhaps it’s time to take a cue from CenPho and drive on down to see the beautiful murals from artists Hugo Medina and Gennaro Garcia as they teamed up with Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza to bring together the community with art, culture, music and cuisine with the Calle 16 Mural Project. To learn more, visit the website and find out how you can help.

We loved reading Local Lily’s 5 Style Resolutions this week and decided it would be a good idea to make some of our own. We’ll spare you the closet woes and just share what the professionals had to say about 2012. Only wearing the blackest of black sounds like a line from a Jay-Z track, but it actually refers to throwing out all those favorite, yet faded, black articles you’ve worn into submission. Cleaning out what you haven’t worn in a year is also a great one to stick to, but as far as “be polished” we have to stray away from this one…haven’t you heard grunge is back? Yeah, we know it’s referring to shoes…but shameless self promotion is allowed.  Read the rest here.

Images via CenPho and Localily

If you’re heading to the San Diego shore between January 15 and 20, be sure to set aside some surf time for some turf time: it’s San Diego Restaurant Week. Over 180 restaurants throughout 12 regions in San Diego County will participate in the California Restaurant Association-sponsored event January 15 – 20, with discounted prix fixe specials happening both at lunch and dinner. Two-course Lunch options at $10, $15 and $20. And three-course dinner options for $20, $30 or $40. No extra ticket or pass required to dine at any of the participating restaurants. If the beach alone isn’t worth a trip to the coast next week, this event definitely is.

For a list of participating restaurants or to make reservations, see here.

Image via San Diego Vips

The 25th season of Sunday A’Fair concerts comes back to Scottsdale Jan. 15 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The free outdoor concerts will be kicked off with acts such as The Samba Project and local music legend Walt Richardson and his band Walt Richardson and the Peaceful Warriors.

The four month long event features free outdoor concerts by the Valley’s top musicians along with fine arts and crafts, fun activities for children and families. Highlights for the Sunday A’Fair concerts will consist of music from all around the country and world, a film festival, AZ Rocks! Arizona’s Centennial Celebration, salsa dance numbers, and guided tours of sculptures in the park. Food, snacks, cocktails, beer and wine will be available, but unfortunately not for free.

Located at 7380 E. Second St., Sunday A’Fair will be hosted every Sunday until April 15.

We love a pun-filled store name, especially when the store in question caters to what some would call an “elderly clientele”… and the specific reason for the pun is to replace a morally questionable word only adds points. For these reasons and more, we were eager to check out the Scottsdale knitting mecca behind Knit Happens to see what all the fuss is about. With a large, open area and an endless selection of yarns and crocheting materials, Knit Happens is a one-stop shop for the experienced pro on the go. Plus, it’s super swanky (some would even say chic) turning all of your preconceived notions of G-Ma’s rocking in a circle upside down.

Knit one, pearl two still not sounding like your thing? Think about all of the money you’ll save while making monogrammed sweaters for your loved ones come the holidays just like Mrs. Weasley. Don’t have the patience to self-teach, but love the idea of colored yarn balls littering your home? Don’t stick a needle in your eye, Knit Happens offers classes for beginners (two four-hour sessions for just $40) or much more evolved sessions like how to make baby socks or Tunisian pillows (two sessions for $5o). The classes fill up quickly, so book your spot for winter sessions or just set up a private lesson to get real down with your inner crafting-queen. It won’t instantly turn you into a crazy cat lady, but it will have all your friends clamoring for an on-trend poncho or sweet leg warmers for festival season (Coachella, anyone?) and costume appropriate holidays.

Knit Happens | 8100 E. Indian School Road, Suite 105 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Jet setting to Vegas New Year’s Day for the opening of Hyde Bellagio sounds like a perfect was to start the year. On New Year’s Day, join Hyde Bellagio at 5:oo p.m. for their grand opening celebration featuring three-time Grammy Award winner DJ Paul Oakenfold, small plates from Circo and award-winning mixology cocktails served by white tuxedo clad butlers. Reserve one of 40 VIP tables, including some on Hyde terrace overlooking the famous fountains at Bellagio Las Vegas. Cover charge begins at 10:00 p.m. with $30 cover for women and $50 for men.

For more information, call 702-693-8700 or click here.

Sit on it, if you can afford the hefty price $78,000 price tag for the Boudeuse couch by fashion, now furniture, designer Rick Owens. Owens recently launched a new modern furniture collection for Maxfield in Los Angeles. Mr. Owens tells the New York Times,“Making furniture is my version of couture: it’s time-consuming artisanal work made in limited quantities in rare materials, customized for my favorite client, my better half, the Hun,” referring to his wife, Michele Lamy. Owens’ clothing is also available at Maxfield on Melrose. So let’s see, if you sat on the couch once per day at the $78,000 price tag, each time your tush touched the seat it would cost you $213.69.

Maxfield LA | 8818 Melrose Avenue | Los Angeles, CA | (310) 275-8818

The newest destination to Arizona’s list of staycation escapes isn’t another golf resort or a multi-acre Southwestern playground. The latest destination is downtown.

Vacationers and staycationers searching for an urban-style escape like us recently, can find themselves at the newly opened Westin Phoenix Downtown hotel. With dramatic floor to ceiling window views from each signature Westin Heavenly Bed, waking up urban in one of the 242 rooms is a breath of fresh white-tea scented air.

Is that holiday induced anxiety attack over a house full of visitors with hungry mouths beginning to creeping up? Before you pop that Xanax, check the “Arizona Falliday Guide” of what to do, eat, buy and more from the lovely ladies of Local Lily. The downloadable guide is packed with gift ideas, local menus, patio and travel ideas for where to stick take your out-of-towners during the holidays, all of course from local shops and vendors. Download your free edition here  to get the recipe for Spicy Chicken Salad, easy Arizona-inspired hostess gift ideas and check out our favorite, page 36 for a surprise of awesomeness.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is nearly upon us and stress levels will soon be nearing maximum capacity. Opportunities for a relaxing weekend getaway are quickly running out, so allow us to make a recommendation for this small-town delight: Half Moon Bay, Calif.

Located about 25 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a small, scenic coastal town of just over 11,000 residents with a mild California climate that is cool but comfortable year round. The town may be small, but it’s packed full of activites such as surfing, shopping, fishing, dining, wine, hiking and biking, world-class golf, deluxe accommodations, cozy B&Bs and pristine beaches all in the immediate area.

If you’re looking to jet out soon, here’s a couple events to look plan for after the jump:

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We love our wine. We love to travel. And this past summer, we fell in love with the beautiful, quaint wine country town of Healdsburg, California.

That’s why we have to invite you jet-setting, Pinot Noir lovers to head for the Healdsburg next weekend for the 8th Annual “Pinot On the River” event on Sunday, October 23rd. Over 80 wineries with their limited-production West Coast Pinot Noirs plus local artisan cheesemakers will take over the Healdsburg Plaza Town Square for an all-day tasting party. For a list of wineries, click here. VIP tickets are $85 and general admission is $75 and can be purchased here. 

Can’t make the Pinot fest date, mark your calendars and book your flight (may we suggest to Sacramento and road-trip it from there) for the “Heart of Healdsburg“ Celebration, November 11-13. Local wino’s will be honoring the beautiful downtown Hotel Healdsburg and Dry Creek Kitchen’s 10-year anniversary, with a cocktail reception followed by a gala dinner by chefs Charlie Palmer and Dustin Valette of Dry Creek Kitchen. The cocktail reception kicks-off Friday, November 11 at 5:00 p.m and tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased here. The gala dinner follows at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $180 per person and reservations can be made by calling 800-889-7199. »READ MORE

While there are plenty of spots here in the Valley to get your haunted highs, here are some scary spots around the Southwest worthy of a Halloween road trip.

The Trilogy of Terror
Three of the biggest haunted houses in Vegas join forces this year at the same location. Castle Vampyre, Circus of Horrors and Gates Of Hell, the first-ever R-rated haunted house in Vegas, make for a one-stop shop of fear. Tickets are $12 for each, $27 for all three or $32 for the sadists wanting an all-night pass.

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Do you and your wolfpack need a reason to go hunting for trouble? While we can’t necessarily condone a Hangover type fiasco, we can give you and your buddies an excuse to Sin City for the weekend.

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Outside of our hot summer months, Phoenix has long been a hot spot for travelers, including the hottest celebrities, musicians, chefs and dignitaries. So where do the chic stay while visiting the Valley? We’ve rounded up a few of the sweetest suites around town. Rooms so luxurious and sweet, we would hate to leave.

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Hotel Valley Ho:
The new Loft Suite at Hotel Valley Ho offers the most exclusive accommodations in The Tower, with two levels connected by a floating staircase. Enjoy an abundance of natural light and two private balconies overlooking the pool. On the lower level is a spacious bedroom, work space and master bathroom with a walk-in closet and washer/dryer. Upstairs, the kitchen and living room form a fun, modern space, with a second bathroom and shower. 1,335 square feet of indoor space is complemented by 212 square feet of sunny outdoor space. Guests of the Loft Suite can enjoy 24-hour room service, or have renowned Chef Charles Wiley prepare a meal right in their kitchen. Style and comfort meet for an ideal resting place away from home.

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown:
Located on the hotel’s higher floors, the Executive and Governor’s Suites of the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix Hotel feature stunning views of the city and nearby sports stadiums. Inside the soothing neutral rooms, the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed is designed to eliminate uncomfortable pressure points that cause tossing and turning. Slip into the comfort of the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper and recover from a long flight or hectic day.  Also, for guests who bring their furry friend, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel offers a dog amenity package that includes two bowls, a dog bed, and dog treats!

The W Scottsdale:
The sweetest hotel for nightlife in the Valley is a sweet home away from home for the chic, jet-setter crowd. The fashionable Extreme Wow Suite at The W Scottsdale delivers the utmost in functionality with the latest in high-tech amenities. Touch screen remote controls provide access to a state-of-the-art sound and entertainment system featuring Wii, XM Radio and ambient lighting and drapes – all at the touch of a button. If you’re not in the mood for the party-going poolside crowd, step onto the 1,300 sq. ft. private patio and host an in-room soiree for up to 40 of your closest pals.

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa:
The Presidential Suite at The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa are in a word: heavenly. With the Westin Signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath amenities included in the 1,708 sq. ft. space overlooking the award-winning golf course, past guests have included Giada De Laurentiis, Emeril Lagasse, Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen, Dick Van Dyke, Miley Cyrus and more.

AZ Restaurant Week has come and gone but you can continue to indulge your foodie cravings while escaping the near-record heat with dineLA, October 2-7 and 9-14.

Like AZ’s version of the face-stuffing festivities, there are over 300 restaurants participating in the LA area with specialty priced three coursed meals ranging from $16-28 for lunch and $26-44 for dinner. Their website also has a handy list of hotel options for those ready to head to the coast.

What participating LA hot spot would you check out? Check out the video below and check out dineLA here for participating restaurant videos.

Get your tickets and go to Vegas, baby! Allegiant Air is offering $30 tickets each way from Mesa to Vegas, when you purchase by October 16th. Discount travel is available November 17 through February 14 (Viva Las Valentine’s getaway?).  The new service, beginning November 17th, will run six times per week from the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa. For just $30, it’s worth the drive to the EV (East Valley). Though the fare is cheap, Allegiant is known for charging for everything else, but we think it’s worth it for the quick trip to Vegas and back. Check their website for more info and to book here.

Image via City of Wichita

Has the reality of work and school kicked in? Ready for a weekend of carefree, summer-like fun?

Well, then pack up your beach bag and head to Lake Powell for the Powellapalooza Beach Party, September 22-25.

Sportin’ a little bit of Lollapalooza, with a little bit of Coachella, Powellapalooza is a good-old-fashioned music-n-more festival, with a lakeside twist. So come kick it at the “beach” while listening to the sounds of Slightly Stoopid, Mimosa, Beats Antique and many others. 

If you can’t join the party this weekend, but maybe want to escape the daily grind later this fall, try a relaxing houseboating excursion from Lake Powell Resorts & Marina. The marina is offering 20-50 percent off on many popular houseboats, making it an affordable weekend or extended vacation option. And with the water up, the crowds down and the weather an average of 85 degrees, a long-weekend at the lake sounds like a peace of heaven.

In need of a Las Vegas retreat but want avoid a “Hangover” situation? Want to expand your horizons in Sin City without the hassle of planning all the sin yourself? Let the new website Galavantier be your personal travel agent and show you the best of the city and more.

The team at Galavantier does all the planning for you (except airfare – you’re on your own to get there) by putting together a detailed itinerary for each travel experience with activities centered on a particular theme. Whether it be a Guy’s Getaway or Luxury Mixed with Adventure you’re looking for, Galvantier is a unique deal site with a limited number of upscale getaway packages to Vegas at a bargain. Just find a weekend that fits your schedule and desires, put it in your shopping cart, checkout and it’s Viva Las Vegas, baby!

Currenty, Galavantier is only offering Las Vegas weekend deals, with Arizona and California destinations coming soon.

Is there an official Arizona wine month? California’s taken September as their official month, endorsed by Governor Jerry Brown, celebrating the state’s vintners, wineries and of course, the consumers. Have we gotten Governor Brewer on the boozin’ bandwagon to launch our own 30-day celebration of our favorite chardonnays and cabernets? Until then or until we find out about our own, jet West this month and celebrate your favorite California wines near the vines.

From Los Angeles to Napa Valley, find out about events and tastes going on this weekend and throughout the month here.  

Forgoing labor this Labor Day, we’ll be chillin’ and grillin’ up a barbecue feast poolside next Monday. If you’re staycationing like we are this weekend, check back through Friday, September 2nd as we unveil a saucy barbecue dish, side or tip daily to help make your Labor Day fete a finger-licking success.

Chipotle Barbecue Sauce from The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in Tucson.

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