It may not be the best in the world but it certainly is the best in the Valley (and the best in our hearts). The JW Marriott at Desert Ridge has recently been named one of the top golf resorts in the world. Conde Nast Travelers and readers have named this luxurious resort one of the top 5 in Arizona and like we’ve already mentioned, one of the best in the world. How do they do it?

Results are derived from a reader’s choice survey consisting of eight criteria questions: course design and access, golf staff and services, guestrooms, service, food/dining, location, overall design, and activities/facilities. The Marriotts’ Wildfire Golf Club was selected as a top finalist for its two scenic 18-hole courses designed by PGA legends, Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. The Wildfire Golf Club has been known to test the skill level of all golfers, while providing some of Arizona’s most breathtaking views and atmosphere. No wonder the Valley is one most popular spots for golf.

The Marriott is the largest luxury resort in Arizona and features 950 newly remodeled guest rooms which includes 81 suites, 240,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, 10 dining experiences, an award-winning spa, and much, much more.

If you’re looking for a stay-cation this summer, why not the Marriott?

JW Marriott | 5350 East Marriott Drive | Phoenix, AZ

For decades, Arizonans have migrated the city of San Diego in the cruelest Summer months like it’s in our DNA. Why? Because out there when the sun shines, it doesn’t melt your skin off and the average temperature is a cool and breezy 70 degrees. There is also the promise of all of San Diego’s popular family attractions, dynamic downtown, historic parks, museums, dining and nightlife. Since this trek has become such a tradition, Starwood Hotels is offering a special rate for Arizona residents now through June 30th. Simply book your stay with at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, The Westin Gaslamp, The US Grant or the W San Diego to take full advantage of rates starting at just $119 per night.  Seems like quite a steal for such a welcome escape.

Style Jaunt founder and editor Katarina Kovacevic breaks down the best places for Valley residents to vacation.

Hipsters and music-lovers from around the world will descend upon the Coachella Valley for the 2012 Coachella Music Festival. If you’re one of the 225,000 fans hoping to catch a glimpse of acts like the Black Keys and Dr. Dre, consider spending some time exploring the attractions in nearby Palm Springs.

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Wynn Las Vegas debuts an all-new consumer website, WynnLasVegas.com, which gives travelers the opportunity to fully explore the resort’s offerings via a comprehensive gallery.  Succinct navigation will help travelers explore the hotel’s amenities and easily make informed decisions about rooms, restaurant choices and show reservations before booking the journey to Viva Las Vegas!

Unlike many hotel websites, WynnLasVegas.com has extensive galleries of room types, with photos that are augmented by text descriptions with descriptive details. Other photo galleries offer choices of restaurant venues; videos are also offered throughout the entertainment section of the site.

The website also provides visitors an authoritative overview of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore with a guided tour by Steve Wynn. In addition, the site contains exclusive interviews with top fashion designers Oscar de la Renta, Manolo Blahnik and Laurence Graff, providing visitors personal insight about Wynn’s collection of luxury retailers.

For more information or to make reservations, click here.

Do you know what’s happening in the Valley this month? Allow us to inform you in this week’s hometown low down: 

Bike rides are nice. Bikes are good for the environment. People who ride bikes are generally nice and considerate. Wouldn’t you want to hang out with people like this for a whole day while viewing bicycle themed posters and some sweet rides? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Jackalope Ranch recently reported on the fact that Pedal Craft Phx is celebrating all of these things on Friday, April 2oth at Kitchen Sinks Studio Gallery on Third Street in Downtown Phoenix. 25 local designers will be selling their cycle-centered art at the show and specially designed bike racks will also be on display for the Third Friday crowds. Admission is free and the poster copies are selling for $20. Mark your calendars and shine those wheels for a Friday of fun.

Live music is also nice. It’s probably one of life’s greatest joys made better only if you can find a way to incorporate your bike (like riding it to or from a concert) to just up the joy ante. Starting March 29th, The Arizona Center will be hosting a live music series called “Listen Up” at The Grand Staircase. Downtown Phoenix Journal has all the info and the bands cover nearly every genre. Check out the poster (right) to see which date you want to attend or just ignore it and go with the element of surprise. Surprises are nice, too.

Switching gears completely, Jaimee Rose of the AZ Central is trying out new beauty products. For some women, this is more like a Tuesday lunch break, but for others, switching over or trying something different is just Too.Much.Stress. If you aren’t one for the spontaneity, take a look at how to liven up your beauty routine safely. You don’t have to commit to eyelash extensions, just try out a new mascara (like Benefit’s ‘They’re Real’). Learn more about Jaimee’s recent beauty finds by visiting her blog here.

Images via Downtown Phoenix Journal

Province at The Westin has become a hot spot for central Phoenix dwellers. The comfortable patio with a glass fire pit and wall of water is an urban oasis and the sophisticated bar offers a tasty menu that makes for an easy snack after work – perhaps during happy hour, which is daily from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with special pricing on all the bar and lounge menu as well as draft beer, house wine and sangria.

From Venezuelan arepas with crispy pork belly, blue cheese and vanilla pear jam to Argentine empanadas of mushroom and manchego, Province’s menu is a voyage through Latin America. Flatbreads, meatballs and Tetilla fondue offer easy items for groups to enjoy. Salads and sandwiches entice even the most traditional of palates and handcrafted cocktails using fresh squeezed juices and boutique spirits create the perfect neighborhood vibe. Neighbors can wake up to enjoy the restaurant’s award-winning brunch every weekend from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring cinnamon churros and coffee crema and a menu full of classics like waffles, pancakes, eggs benedict, lunch items and $6 cocktails.

While DJ Seduce mixes up Latin Eclectic grooves every Friday till 9:00 p.m., night owls can also enjoy reverse happy hour from 8:00 p.m. to close Friday and Saturday. For more information or to make reservations, call 602.429.3699 or click here.

Province | 333 North Central, Phoenix, AZ | 85004

This content sponsored by Province at The Westin

Every month, Style Jaunt founder and editor Katarina Kovacevic breaks down the best places for Valley residents to vacation.

I take any chance I get to skip town. Exploring new destinations or finding fresh angles on longtime favorite travel spots is a major thrill. But, sometimes it’s fun to vacation in your hometown. When you live in the Valley of the Sun, this opportunity presents itself on a regular basis.

Case in point: The Saguaro in Scottsdale. The first hotel from Joie de Vivre (Ace Hotels) outside of California, The Saguaro is a welcome gem on the local hotel scene.

When I first saw The Saguaro’s bright splashes of color taking over the whitewashed building, I was scared. I am a major fan of vibrant design but too often this can edge more on the side of kitsch. »READ MORE

Hey March, you’re looking good and we can’t wait to take advantage of all you have to offer. Even with that extra day thrown in the end of February, you are a month jam packed with two extra days of springtime fun and, luckily, there are many media outlets dedicated to letting us know just what you have in store. We could write an entire ode to you, March, in fact, we just did. Here’s this week’s Home Town Low Down:  

Plans tonight? Of course you do, it’s First Friday and downtown Phoenix will be buzzing with local artists, musicians, actors and flappers? Well, that last one is due to the Arizona Theatre Company’s 1920s Soiree held at Hotel San Carlos tonight in honor of their upcoming production of The Great Gatsby, according to Jackalope Ranch.  The show will run from March 22 through April 8, but you can get a sneak peak of how they probably didn’t live in the prohibition era with swanky, classic cocktails , tunes by DJ Shade (the modern day equivalent to a live band) and attire supplied by a few choice vintage boutiques in Phoenix. Scrounge up your best Nick Carraway gear and grab your Daisy Buchanan for an exciting way to spend Friday night.

Sure, we complain when we can’t wear fall fashions until at least November, but when spring’s hot new looks come out, we are the first to be able to strut them down the catwalk of life. If you love fashion and are always hunting for a good deal, Downtown Phoenix Journal has got you covered with a comprehensive list of where to shop in the 602 and when the stores offer their best deals. From the big chains like Urban Outfitters to the lesser-known boutiques like Mercantile and Antique Sugar, this list is worth a gander.

We’re suckers for a good photograph, which is why we felt this beautiful photograph (above) from Ashley Brown courtesy of CenPho of the Bridle Path in downtown Phoenix was worth sharing. It started out as a equestrian path (hence the name), but now is enjoyed by pedestrians and bikers alike. The beautiful path runs along Central Ave. from Bethany Home Road to Dunlap and is just waiting for your feet to explore for yourself.

It’s the best time of the year here in the Valley. The weather is perfect, the events are seemingly endless and sweet smell of spring has us all diluted into thinking that it will never end. Time to seize the day, venture out into the world and spread your wings, little butterfly because it doesn’t get much better than this. Great exploration ideas can be found below in this week’s Hometown Low Down.

The empty lots that currently populate Downtown Phoenix are just, you know, sad. They are constant reminders of this country’s bad economy and allow resident’s imaginations to run wild at the possibility of what could be. Downtown Phoenix Journal reported on a community discussion, held by Mayor Stanton and locals, which explored a possible temporary future for these lots. Ideas for the lots included art spaces, pocket parks and gardens for the community to enjoy while more permanent solutions are developed. Since housing and retail development seem to be at a standstill, these private lots could have a positive impact if they are open to the public and could gain more value. To get it on the discussion head to The Lot: What Should Go Here? and learn more.

Finding those great restaurants that become somewhat of a second home is easy here. There are so many fantastic places to dine, it’s almost overwhelming when trying to choose for a special occasion. If you live in Central Phoenix, this place just might be Tuck Shop. CenPho just dished on this Coronado restaurant which specializes in comfort food and shared plates. It’s cozy atmosphere is one that will having you feeling like you’re in another friends dining room. Even if it’s too far to visit bi-weekly, it is certainly worth the trek as you start your lovely exploration of all this city has to offer. »READ MORE

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you’re in luck. From cocktail carousels to Four Peaks Brewery’s first Kilt Fest to Missoni mayhem at My Sister’s Closet that may rival the Target experience, our town is chock full of happenings this weekend. Clear your calendar of anything boring and check out our round-up below.

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With Arizona celebrating 100 years of statehood this past Tuesday, we thought it fitting to kick off our weekly column with a very informative and interesting article found on ModernPhoenix.net written by Douglas Towne detailing the rise and fall of Van Buren. The well-known street was once a hub of tourist activity and considered the “Eastern Gateway” to Phoenix. As the city grew, so did Van Buren’s notoriety as the place to room overnight when traveling to or through the city. It eventually gained the term “Funset Strip” at the height of its popularity in the mid-60s because of its safe and considerably calmer resemblance to the Las Vegas alternative , according to Towne. The myriad of hotel signs have long since been removed, but you can read all about the history and growth of the road in detail here in honor of the centennial.

Image from Modern Phoenix via the collection of Douglas Towne

We love Downtown Phoenix Journal. We love them for many reasons, but the most recent reason as to why they have captured our hearts is due to this new weekly column, Bike Chic which aims to capture the street style of bike riders who populate DTP. It’s like The Sartorialist has met his hipster alter ego in the form of fashion interns and we are just obsessed. This week, we met John Damaso, a 32-year-old English Teacher who loves coffee, thrifty clothing and, of course, riding his bike. We can’t wait for next week’s segment.

If you’re a Hitchcock fan, or a regular reader of this site, it is likely you have already heard about the Arizona Theatre Company’s production of . The classic story was filled with Hithcockian suspense and excitement, but wasn’t quite as comical or metadramatic as this production. You can still go see it at Herberger Theatre Center until February 26th as reported by Jackalope Ranch as well. It would be a fun alternative to a night at the movies and a good way to take advantage of the culture that Phoenix only lacks in the minds of cynics.

Image via Jackalope Ranch

No time to plan an awesome work event? In celebration of their debut on Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and U.S. News & World Report’s Best U.S. Hotels Rankings for 2012, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain has introduced a Last-Minute Meeting Package, a planner-friendly bundle for groups needing an easy, worry-free way to book their meetings between March 1 and April 8, 2012. With more than 44,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor function space, the Package lets meeting organizers focus on creating program agendas and taking care of participants, rather than on researching pricing and rushed planning logistics. Not only does the Resort also have three ballrooms of 9,000, 5,000, and 2,100 sq. feet for businesses to work with, but the hotel also boasts numerous outdoor meeting spaces with lush lawns and dramatic desert surroundings. Additional gathering options are available at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, its restaurant and clubhouse and COPRA Golf Academy, home to a variety of group golf clinics and corporate outings.

The Package is $389 per attendee and includes the following: hotel service charge, deluxe accommodations, daily hot buffet breakfast, morning coffee break, hot buffet or plated luncheon and an afternoon refreshment break. Optional team building activities are also available to group guests and feature fun activities such as guacamole and chili cooking challenges, margarita mixology classes, evening glow golf, custom cowboy boot and Stetson hat fitting, wine-blending, group ranch adventures, evening stargazing and more.

For more information, call 520-572-3100 or click here.

Celebrate the 7th Anniversary of the Phoenix Community Market this Saturday, February 11 with local musician Julian Forest and Les Dames d’Escoffier Bake Sale, where – just in time for Valentine’s Day – patrons can raise money for local charities by purchasing sweets made by some of the Valley’s leading women in food. The Market, which will celebrate the Arizona Centennial on Valentine’s Day, also has many events slated for the month of February, including the last cooking class in the Winter Chef Series.  At 2 p.m. February 18, Chow Bella Contributor, Crooked Sky Farms Marketer and food blogger Jennifer Woods will lead a Winter Greens Ninja Class, featuring warm bacon dressing over a bitter greens salad and poached egg, individual pizzas with Fossil Creek goat cheese, Crooked Sky greens sauce and toasted pine nuts and brownie bites studded with candied seville orange peel and whipped creme fraiche. Don’t put your pastry chef away just yet, though: at 7 p.m. March 2, Market baker Aimee Sosa will be at Caramelpalooza at Smeeks Candy Shop to share her vast array of knowledge and baking skills. For information about the event, click here.

For information about the Market, click here. To purchase tickets for the Winter Chef Series class, click here.

Southwest artist Diana Madaras of Madaras Gallery, Inc., will participate in The Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain’s Sunday Market Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, February 19 at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar. Madaras, who was voted Tucson’s Best Visual Artist of 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009, will celebrate her first appearance at the Market Brunch by signing any purchase made of her work during the event. A complimentary signed 2012 Southwest Art Calendar, featuring images of 25 of her paintings including “Sunset at Dove Mountain,” will also be included with each purchase.

Madaras is one of the most influential and widely-recognized artists in the Southwest and participates in CORE’s Market Brunch alongside other artists such as Linda Allyn of Fire Ranch Glassworks, Pat Kennedy of PK Designs, Beverly Garland of Sun of the West Jewelry, local potter Catherine Guibert-Orrantia and Marilyn Mack of Marilyn Mack Jewelry Design.

Market Brunch at CORE is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. Cost is $48 per person, including a morning mimosa, or $60 per person with unlimited mimosas. The experience includes breakfast and midday buffet selections and pastries along with cooking stations featuring hand-rolled sushi, seafood and roasted meats. The resort’s Orchard Mixologist is available every Sunday to create morning libations featuring fruit from the restaurant’s 42-tree citrus grove.

To make reservations or for more information, call The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain at (520) 572-3000 or click here.

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

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.