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

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

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.

»READ MORE

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

If we want to be really honest here, house guests can be a serious pain in the ….neck. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just lock them away in a private guest casita under the pretense of privacy and relaxation while dealing with the awkwardness only during meals? Since most of us can’t afford that luxury, we suggest you just send your guests off to one of the 160 soon-to-be remodeled guest casitas at The Boulders Resort. Trust us, it is better for everyone. The signature style will be kept intact, but all of the private hotel room/houses will be completely remodeled with a “modern interpretation of Southwestern design” while still blending in with the 12 million year old surrounding landscape.

Guests can marvel at the beauty of the scenery while enjoying new bedding, leather arm chairs and the classic “vintage” look that makes the Boulders just so homey. Translation: No strange smells, no posters of Justin Bieber staring down at you from a twin bed and no uncomfortable morning conversation on the way to the family bathroom. Yep, looks like your next family vacation just got a whole lot more enjoyable. And, if you just can’t wait for the remodel to be completed, check out the “Staycation” package offered Labor Day weekend. Along with spa deals and special rates, visitors will enjoy frozen treats served by the pool every hour to help you forget that your skin is baking like a potato. Hey, we’ll take a “chilled lemon scented towel” any day this summer.

We all know it’s not over until the fat lady sings, but for the 41-year-old Arizona Opera, it is just beginning. That’s right, the arts corridor in downtown Phoenix just got a whole lot artsier with the purchase of a new home for the state’s favorite operatic organization and the company is singing the praises of the prime new location on Central Avenue across from the Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Theatre. The addition of this new opera house will make for an amazing trifecta of culture and class to amp up the already bustling area.

After operating out of two cities for years (headquarters were formally in Tucson) the new 16,800 square foot building will house not only the stage and rehearsal spaces needed for the performers, but also the headquarters for the organization. The new facility will also provide the needed spaces for meetings as the Arizona Opera will continue it’s beloved educational outreach programs. When it’s done (completion date set for Summer of 2012) we’re sure there will be one hell of a party, with lots of fat ladies singing.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Get your party pants on, Arizona, because MLB All-Star Week is up to bat. While all the big names in baseball work on their batting averages for the super-game, you can work on where to go see the heavy hitters in action with our All-Star Round-Up.

Official Events

Start the weekend off with the MLB All-Star FanFest at Phoenix Convention Center. The event goes from the 8th until the 12th, but you can get your tickets now $5 off the regular price. Meet your favorite players and mingle with thousands of fans at this family friendly event.

Taco Bell All-Star Sunday at Chase Field featuring the Legends and Celebrity Soft Ball Game and the XM All-Star Futures game. This is a great way to check out baseball’s biggest names playing with some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

State Farm Home Run Derby at Chase Field. Another long standing tradition for the All-Star weekend and now it’s just a light rail ride away.

MLB All-Star Game at Chase Field is quite literally the main event. Don’t miss history happening in your own backyard. And if you can’t afford to go to the game, head to downtown Phoenix and check out one of the many surrounding sports bars to get a pice of the action. It all starts at 8 pm.

Check out our picks on where to eat and what to do when the sun goes down after the jump. »READ MORE

Get your party pants on, Arizona, because MLB All-Star Week is up to bat. While all the big names in baseball work on their batting averages for the super-game, you can work on where to go see the heavy hitters in action with our All-Star Round-Up.

Official Events

Start the weekend off with the MLB All-Star FanFest at Phoenix Convention Center. The event goes from the 8th until the 12th, but you can get your tickets now $5 off the regular price. Meet your favorite players and mingle with thousands of fans at this family friendly event.

Taco Bell All-Star Sunday at Chase Field featuring the Legends and Celebrity Soft Ball Game and the XM All-Star Futures game. This is a great way to check out baseball’s biggest names playing with some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

State Farm Home Run Derby at Chase Field. Another long standing tradition for the All-Star weekend and now it’s just a light rail ride away.

MLB All-Star Game at Chase Field is quite literally the main event. Don’t miss history happening in your own backyard. And if you can’t afford to go to the game, head to downtown Phoenix and check out one of the many surrounding sports bars to get a pice of the action. It all starts at 8 pm.

Check out our picks on where to eat and what to do when the sun goes down after the jump.  »READ MORE

Let’s be real here, the airport is generally an unpleasant place to find yourself. Whether you are coming or going, the long lines, funky smells and overpriced water bottles all contribute to the general low of your travels. To top it off, all you can really count on in the realm of nourishment is barely worth the time it takes to get it (unless we’re talking about Cinnabon.Totally worth it.). For Sky Harbor Airport’s largest and busiest terminal, that is all about to change. With local restaurant giants like the LGO Group and Sam Fox swooping in to save your travels from luke-warm french fries, we might have to make the airport food court a regularly frequented dining spot. Read all about it after the jump.  »READ MORE

Escape the daily grind and take a day trip to Clarkdale, Arizona for an End of the Summer Excursion aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. Skip the messy camping trip and enjoy cocktails and appetizers as you take a four hour expedition through Arizona’s backcountry while relaxing in a chic refurbished vintage car instead.

During your journey you will pass by ancient Indian ruins, past a monocline fault, through a manmade 680-foot tunnel and takes a visit to the Perkinsville ghost ranch before returning back to the old mining town, Clarkdale. Each car has an open-air car attached to enhance your experience so you can almost touch the red sandstone canyons and taste the clean Arizona air.

If your planning to leave the kids at home and go on a romantic getaway, the Verde Canyon Railroad has extra special trips set up for the 21+ crowd. From August 13th to September 10th passengers can enjoy tequila and wine tasting on the Saturday night Starlight Tours. Ugh, bliss.

Verde Canyon Railroad runs daily (except Tuesdays) and is a short two hour drive from Phoenix. You can book online here or call 800-293-7245 for reservations.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Do you feel that? It’s creeping in your windows, it’s dampening your underarms and it is the cause of the drastic spike in your air conditioning bill. Yeah, it’s an Arizona summer and the heat is about to beat down on locals like ants under a magnifying glass. Cue everyone and their dogs running for cooler pastures.

But wait, unpack that weekender and put that very expensive summer vacation rental back on the market because LocalLily and Yelp have compiled essential summer guides filled with tips, tricks and favorite spots to escape the relentless heat without leaving the state. You can download the full (and free) guide for Local Lily here or check out the Yelp website for hundreds of restaurants, museums, events and destinations right here in the valley of the scorching sun. »READ MORE

Do you feel that? It’s creeping in your windows, it’s dampening your underarms and it is the cause of the drastic spike in your air conditioning bill. Yeah, it’s an Arizona summer and the heat is about to beat down on locals like ants under a magnifying glass. Cue everyone and their dogs running for cooler pastures.

But wait, unpack that weekender and put that very expensive summer vacation rental back on the market because LocalLily and Yelp have compiled essential summer guides filled with tips, tricks and favorite spots to escape the relentless heat without leaving the state. You can download the full (and free) guide for Local Lily here or check out the Yelp website for hundreds of restaurants, museums, events and destinations right here in the valley of the scorching sun. »READ MORE

Imagine the gorgeous, classy and probably very expensive to build Cortijo Plaza at the Montelucia Resort turned into a concert venue. No? We couldn’t get there either, but they will be hosting a Summer Concert Series every Friday evening from 6:30 – 9:30 with some of the Valley’s most renowned cover bands. If you haven’t heard of the likes of Elvis Before Noon, Vinyl Station and Easton Ashe, join the club, but perhaps Paper Snowman rings a bell from their appearance at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival back in April. Either way, they will be playing your favorite tunes for a night of free music and dancing. Alcohol not included, but probably a great idea. Check out the full line-up and dates after the jump and stop complaining about the lack of Arizona summer activities. »READ MORE

Before the scorching summer sun makes it impossible for outdoor activities of any kind, why not take advantage of this lovely weather and cart your kids to the zoo this weekend? Luckily, the new Orangutan Exhibit (Orang-Hutan: People of the Forest) at The Phoenix Zoo just opened up providing a perfect opportunity to ogle the family of precious primates for hours on end. To top it off, there is a climate controlled viewing space just in case you need a break from the fresh air and excessive sunshine. The new facility boasts over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for the orangutans to enjoy while you view them in their natural-ish environment. Educational fun for the whole family, orang you glad we told you?

It’s the musical that just won’t die. The musical with songs so infectious, they will creep into the darkest corner of your memory and play on a loop until all of your dreams seem to feature melodies and beats reminiscent of ABBA with you as a sequin-clad disco star. It is also a musical so loved by the public, it was transferred to the big screen in a mediocre adaptation starring Academy Award Winners Meryl Streep and Colin Firth (we don’t hold it against you guys, we just pretend it never happened).

That’s right, it’s Mamma Mia! and it’s back at ASU Gammage for eight shows May 17-22. As one of Broadway’s top selling musicals, Mamma Mia! has been seen by 45 million world wide and now, you can join them. Spend your Money, Money, Money to get your tickets and go ahead, Take a Chance On Me it.

Since Hallmark doesn’t make a card to celebrate Earth Day (and let’s be real here, if they did, it would probably be the most counteractive way to celebrate a holiday concerned with eco-friendly practices and the natural environment like, ever) what better way to observe the world around you then having an outdoor picnic in a beautiful (0ver watered) park? Good thing the Civic Space Park in Downtown Phoenix will be hosting an Earth Day Picnic so you can do just that.

On Friday, April 22 (Earth Day) from 11-2  the downtown community will gather together to eat off the grass and celebrate this nifty little world we inhabit. Live music, Art and local groups like Slow Food Phoenix, Cultural Arts Coalition and Roosevelt Row will all be in attendance with the Phoenix Public Market’s Food Truck Friday just steps away so you can get your grub on.

Grab a blanket, pack your favorite goods (in non-disposable containers, of course) and enjoy planet Earth.

The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, bunnies are, um, procreating and Peeps are permeating grocery store aisles. This could all only mean one thing: Easter is upon us. Here to ensure you don’t put all your Easter Eggs in one basket is DLT’s Easter Round-Up with all of the egg-citing events happening around the Valley. Chick Check out all of the hop hot spots after the jump. »READ MORE

With a great location, swanky interior, a solid reputation and honest, delicious farm-to-table cuisine laced with Spanish and Central American influences, Downtown’s newest import, Province, has all the elements needed to be a successful restaurant. Now the only question is: will Valley residents travel the distance to try it out for themselves? We sat down for the now infamous Media Dinner (yes, this means free) in Downtown Phoenix’s new digs to experience the popular Chicago-based restaurant’s second location and truthfully, disappointment was not on the menu. Get the full story including quick chat with executive chef and owner, Randy Zweiban, after the jump »READ MORE