Category Archives: Businesses We Love

Get Cooking This Summer, Fountain Hills!

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Experience Adult Cooking Workshops 

Are you food-knowledgeable? Are you a little bit obsessed with crafting dishes that you felt “inspired” to create? Whether you want to sharpen your knife skills, master the art of cooking with mindfulness or discover how to bake the perfect cake, the Fountain Hills Community Services Department has your cooking and wine-tasting classes covered this summer:

 

Adult Cooking Workshops

Experience cooking hands-on while learning new and exciting recipes. These classes are designed for people who want to learn new cooking skills, but may not have the time to sign up for a multiple session class. Courses will meet for 1.5 hours every Thursday.  Classes will feature recipes that will be easy to duplicate at home. All you need to bring to class is an apron and a note pad. Each course will feature new recipes. The cost for each class is $30, and you can register online.

Wine Tasting and Education Class

Spring is springing, and that means it’s time for plucky pink porch wines. With all the different types of wines, there is a wine for everyone. However, for those who do not have a strong wine knowledge, the process for finding the perfect wine can be intimidating. For those who want to expand their knowledge, the Town of Fountain Hills and Grapeables Wine Bar has a winery appreciation class that will be offered on Wednesday July 19th.

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The class is designed for individuals of all wine knowledge levels.

The class is designed for individuals of all wine knowledge levels to improve what they know, learn new ways to enjoy wine, and have fun doing so.  The class begins at 6:15 pm, and you must be 21 years and older to register. The fee for the class is $50, and you can register online.

 

For more information or to register, please visit: https://apm.activecommunities.com/townfh/Home

 

Eggstra, Eggstra: Seven Ways to Celebrate Easter Weekend in Fountain Hills

It’s April, Easter is around the corner, and the thrill of the (egg) hunt has stirred a primEaster Basketal hunger in children everywhere. But where, oh where, can a parent go to satisfy these chocolate-covered cravings? The options are as diverse as a bag of jelly beans – and, as the first listing proves, there’s something for everybody:

Saturday April 15th

Rio Verde Community Relations Community Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The Rio Verde Community Relations Community is hosting their Annual Easter Egg Hunt for grandchildren and young visitors under the age of 8 years at noon on the North-west corner of the driving range.  The hunt will take place in three age groups: ages 4 and under, ages 5 and 6, and ages 7 and 8.  In each section, there will be a golden egg, and if they find the golden egg there will be a special prize.

Sunday April 16th

Hop on over to Flourish for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch!

Over 1,000 eggs will be scattered for little ones to find from the Easter Bunny himself! Then, come into Flourish and enjoy the Easter Brunch Buffet with delicious culinar-1404099201ary creations – such as decadent bourbon honey mustard glazed spiral ham, pesto roasted leg of lamb, and more from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm! The CopperWynd Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10:30 am on the CopperWynd event lawn is free and open to the public. Children 12
and under can participate in the fun.

Easter Brunch Extravaganza at Mesquite Grill

Join Mesquite Grill for Easter Brunch on Sunday April 16th, beginning at 10:30 am for brunch, and their famous seafood display.  The Chef’s creative entrees will include omelet, seafood, salad, and craving stations and hand crafted desserts. Dine in their award-winning patio, or in their spectacular dining roos. This event will sell out, so make sure to make your reservation early.  The brunch is $54 dollars for adults, $20 children from 6-12 years, and children 5 and under are free. Call the Mesquite Grill for more details at 480-471-0438.

Easter Buffet at DC Bar and Grill

DC Bar and Grill’s annual Easter brunch will feature a variety of items from the DC Eggs Benedict, Scrambled Eggs, Smoked Bacon, Sausage Links, Country Potatoes, Prime Rib, and other items. Their brunch costs $29.95 a person and that includes coffee, juice, and mimosas. The drink specials include $5 Tito’s Bloody Mary or screwdrivers.  A fresh strawberry shortcake offers a sweet finale. Serving times are from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Reservations are required, please call 480-837-1561.

Wicked Six Bar & Grill Extended Breakfast Hours

Wicked Six Bar & Grill in Sunridge Canyon will celebrate the holiday with extended breakfast hours from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Serving Eggs Benedict, and various other breakfast items. Reservations are needed, please call 480-837-5396.

Easter Buffet at the Fireside Grill/ Lexington Hotel

 Fireside Grill (located in the Lexington Hotel) will open its doors at 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Honey Glazed Ham, Chicken a La Minute, and Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce will be offered.  The Easter Bunny will deliver a large selection of Sweet Secrets. The Easter Buffet prices for adults is $19.95, and for kids is $9.95. For reservations, please call 480-816-9047 or 602-349-1261.

Easter Champagne Brunch at Ahmala Mesquite Room

For its holiday brunch, Ahmala Mesquite Room at We-Ko-Pa Resort will prepare Cinnamon Swirl Banana French Toast, Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Topped with Shrimp Scampi, and Rosemary & Garlic Leg of Lamb, and Ahnala Smoked Salmon Pastrami. They’ll also have a la carte items such as omelets, pasta, crepe & waffle, and dessert stations.  Brunch hours will run from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Easter Buffet prices are $45 for adults, and $15 for kids 12 and under.  Call 480-789-5505 for reservations today.

Top 4 Musical Artists to See at the Fountain Hills Music Festival 2017

Top 4 Musical Artists to See at the Fountain Hills Music Festival 2017

Nothing says spring like spending time with your friends and family listening to music around the backdrop of a 560-foot fountain in Fountain Park. So, why stay inside when you can spend the evening at the Fountain Hills Music Festival? On, April 1st, the beautiful park side location and the stacked line-up of musical artists give the Fountain Hills Music Festival all the ingredients for the best spring-time memories.

From electrified strings to country flair, the Fountain Hill Musical Festival has something for everyone. This year’s headlining acts are:

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Rock Lobster

Western Fusion: Formed in the late 90’s by Brian Childress, Western Fusion was a traditional country band. As the musicians and band evolved, so did the music; the standard five-piece band continues to play country, but now plays hits from the 70’s, 80’s, and today’s rock.

Rock Lobster:  A Phoenix based cover band that plays the biggest hits of the 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Rock Lobster’s top caliber musicianship and their electrifying stage show makes them one of the most popular bands in Arizona for the last two decades.

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Ryan Sims Band

 

Ryan Sims Band: Country Recording Artist and resident of Cave Creek, Arizona, Ryan Sims stylistic evolution has landed him smack dab into the arms of country music.  Although he is a country recording artist, his shows include all types of music, enriched by his award-winning vocals and warm and friendly performance style.  His self-titled debut album is available on iTunes, Spotify and Pandora!

Urban Electra:  From classic rock to alternative rock, pop, club music, and cutting edge electronic music, Urban Electra electric string quartet brings to the stage an electric repertoire of original works and chart toppers.

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Urban Electra

 

Bring your blankets, chairs, family and friends, and spend the day finding it all in Fountain Hills. This year’s music fest will begin at 4:00 pm, and admission is free. This year features various food trucks such as Loca Popa, which specializes in homemade falafels and hummus, Circle R Farms, and Queso Good, specializes in gourmet quesadillas. Fountain Hills Water and Ice will also be on site serving up their delicious kettle corn and shaved ice!
For more information please e-mail the Town of Fountain Hills at tourism@fh.az.gov.

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Find the Perfect Gift at Art on the Avenue!

If you just can’t get that perfect accessory or tasty treat out of your mind, this is a good time to visit your favorite artist at Art on the Avenue/Farmer’s Market.

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Shopping on Art on the Avenue

The growing season is early in Arizona, and most of our artists take advantage of market opportunities in the cooler climes during the summer.

The last day of the Art on the Avenue will be April 13th , then the Market will close until October. Make sure to visit the Last Chance Sell at the Market, where all the artisans will be having an end of the season sale on their jewelry, and paintings.

So call a friend to join you for the breakfast, lunch or happy hour on the Avenue, and buy that necklace—you deserve it! And as always, when you are on the Avenue, we love to have you drop by Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate and show us your treasures.

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Animal Love: How Fearless Kitty Rescue Is Saving the Lives of Cats in Fountain Hills

Finding your passion is sometimes about finding your mission and place in this world. Such is the case for both Paula Stefan and Kim Kamins, founders of Fearless Kitty Rescue, traveled different paths until their love for animals brought them together in 2011. Both Paula and Kim met while volunteering with another cat rescue group, and their passion
was evident from the get-go. Their motivation and dedication to help find loving homes for theses cats ensured the success of that group. However, when the cat rescue group decided to move in a different direction; both Paula and Kim found themselves at a crossroads.

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Fearless Kitty Rescue is a free-roaming adoption center in Fountain Hills.

Their love for rescuing and the adoption of cats led them to the founding of Fearless Kitty Rescue in August of 2012. In September 2012, Fearless Kitty Rescue became recognized as a non-profit
organization. Doing what they love and loving what they do has turned their non-profit organization into a free-roaming adoption center that allows cats to transition from rescues and placing these animals in loving homes.Every year, Fearless Kitty Rescue holds  an annual 5K Run and Walk at the Scottsdale

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Some of the rescues at Fearless Kitty Rescue.

Sports Complex to raise funds to continue their mission to protecting the most vulnerable. On March 26th, you will be welcomed by cat lovers of all ages as they run and walk to support Fearless Kitty. The course is an easy, flat course which takes place in 2 laps and wraps around soccer fields that are accompanied by beautiful landscaping.

You can register by online or the day of the race. To register online, please visit www.fearlesskitty5k.org, and to register now is $40. If you register on the day of the race, the registration will be $45. Each registrant will receive a Fearless Kitty Rescue Medal and a t-shirt with their registration. If you can’t attend the event in person, there is a virtual option which enables you to participate, and get a medal and t-shirt from the comfort of your home. The 5K registration begins promptly at 7:00 am, and registration costs $45 on the day of the race. The race will begin promptly at 8:00 am. For more information on the 5K run, please contact Lisa Cargill at lisa@fearlesskittyrescue.org.

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Ride the Pony Express with the Sonoran Lifestyle Crew

There are few sights on the Avenue of the Fountains to rival the Hashknife Pony Express posse thundering by, deer-skin fringed leather jackets flying, as the authentic “Old West” riders deliver and pick up mail at the Fountain Hills Post Office.

For 58 years, the Hashknife Pony Express has made this ride during January/February, traveling 200 miles from Holbrook to Scottsdale, Arizona, delivering 20,000 first-class letters by horseback. This is the oldest officially sanctioned ride in the world, and the only one still authorized by the US Postal Service. Each of the 24 riders is sworn in as an honorary mail messenger braving weather, terrain, and modern-day obstacles to deliver the United States mail.

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Fountain Hills Residents can take letters to the Fountain Hills Post Office to be stamped and carried by the riders, which will then be delivered via regular mail to the address on the envelope. Think what a thrill it would be to receive this piece once in a lifetime slice of Western history.

The front veranda of the Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate office on the Avenue Fountains is the perfect vantage point to take in this celebration.  Join us for a once in a lifetime event on February 9th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Yeeee Haw!

Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate 16824 E Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

  • Free parking and Handicapped access in lot behind SLRE; Enter Lot from Saguaro Blvd or Parkview Avenue

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FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16, 23, 2017

Art on the Avenue

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Fountain Hill’s awesome Artisan market is one of the best “Day Trip” destinations in the Valley. Many nationally-known artists winter in the Phoenix area, making this show a special gem…Compact venue on the Avenue of the fountains, easy free parking, and numerous restaurants within the view of the famous Fountain make this show a special treat.

50 artists create unique items to amaze and delight, including many “wearable art” jewelry and clothing pieces reflecting the unique flavor of the Southwest.

Many of these talented artists produce easily “packable” items as small as hand-made tote bags or note cards. Others are sought out for their stunning Décor pieces and paintings to highlight that special spot in your home. Art on the Avenue is the perfect place to “Shop Small” and support local entrepreneurs!

 

East end of the Avenue of the Fountains between Saguaro Blvd and Verde River Drive;

Great parking in large lot behind Sonoran Living Real Estate, 16824 E Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.

 

 

Cruise-in at Phil’s.. One of the 4 Best Car Shows in the Valley

pic-1-phils-20160124-img_6242Dig out your Bobbie Socks and your ‘Ricky Ricardo’ jacket and join the Cruise-in at Phil’s Filling Station on Parkview Avenue in Fountain Hills City Center.  This free Sunday morning event hosts more than 100 Cruiser vehicles from across the Valley.  Austen Browne identified Cruz ‘n at Phil’s as one of the four best Car Shows, Auctions and Cruise-ins of the Valley in the January 2017 issue of PHOENIX Magazine.

The cars cover most of the parking lot around Phil’s Filling Station Diner, and the friendly Club members are fun to visit with on a lazy Sunday morning.  There are always a glittering assortment of Muscle Cars from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, but during the peak investment-carwinter car show season, many of the cars on exhibit are classic oldies from the 30’s and 40’s.

This event is Free and friendly, Phil’s Diner is a great place to catch a burger or breakfast, and the view of the Fountain is always uplifting.  What a treat for all of your winter visitors.

Check out the Cruz ‘n at Phil’s web-site: www.arizonaautoscene.com

It has complete Arizona Automotive Event Listings and weekly News & Photo Coverage of major Car Shows, Cruise Nights and Drag Racing.

Cruz ’n at Phil’s—Sundays 10-3p.m., weather permitting, October through May

Phil’s Filling Station, 16852 E Parkview Ave, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268—480 816-8200

Ready for a Tasty-Treat You Can’t Resist? Check Out Oyo Frozen Yogurt

 

Ready for a tasty-treat you can’t resist? Whether it’s ice cream, gelato or frozen yogurt that strikes your fancy, Fountain Hills has the only go to super sleek and modern frozen yogurt shop in town, which is Oyo Frozen Yogurt. Located in Fountainside Plaza, that gives you a beautiful view of the Fountain, Oyo Frozen Yogurt is the perfect place to indulge in the perfect version of an icy dessert.3152984_orig

The frozen yogurt trend has been going strong for years now, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With a wide array of flavors and toppings including the likes of strawberry boba, fruit and candy, there is something for everyone. OYO creates many of their flavors on site including: Greek honey, caramel custard, peanut butter, creamsicle, pistachio and their chocolate and vanilla frozen custards.   Oyo Frozen Yogurt — with its self-serve format and wide variety of toppings, gives you the experience to pump, mix, and add all the toppings you desire.

Grab a spoon and enjoy the healthier way to chill out-by enjoying a tasty frozen yogurt from Oyo Frozen Yogurt, your best bet for frozen yogurt in Fountain Hills.

For more information, please visit:  http://www.o-yogurt.com/

 

3 can’t-miss collector car shows and auctions for 2017

Do you have a need for speed and a desire to find the perfect vintage car? For car collectors and enthusiasts, January is one of the busiest times of the year, 580b585b2edbce24c47b2cdewith tons of auctions across the valley. Thousands of beautiful and vintage hot rods, classics, sports cars, and other memorabilia will be on display.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction celebrates 46 years of producing world-class car auctions. This year over 1,730 cars are scheduled to cross the auction block this year. Barrett-Jackson has an eclectic mix of classic American cars to European imports. This year, cars from Justin Bieber, Steven Tyler, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will hit the auction floor. Other featured classes include a: 1964 Aston Martin DB5, 1970 Plymouth Superbird, and a 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350, 1.

Barrett-Jackson will begin on Jan 14th– 22nd, and the gates will open at 8 am each day at WestWorld in Scottsdale. Tickets are $17 to $75 for general admission and $8-$30 for ages 6-12. For more information, please visit: www.barrett-jackson.com

Gooding & Co.: The Scottsdale Auctions

The Gooding & Co. begins their auctions with a four-day viewing showcase before the classic-vintage-cars-png-26bidding commences at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Included in this showcase are a 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix, a 1964 Aston Martin DB5, and a 1932 Alfa Romero 6C 1750 Series V Grand Sport Roadster. The preview runs from January 18th-20th from 9:00 pm to 5:00pm. The auction commences on January 20th-21st at Scottsdale Fashion Square. $40 admits one to all events, and $100 admits two to all events and includes catalog. For more information, please visit: www.goodingco.com.

Silver Auctions

One auction is making its way into our backyard of Fountain Hills this week, Silver Auctions is hosting the January in Arizona 2017 extravaganza on January 19, 2017. This year, Silver Auctions is celebrating 25 years of bringing their world-renowned auctions of collector cars to Fort McDowell Resort and Casino since 1992.

Silver Auctions has skillfully established a reputation for auctioning affordable collector cars in a relaxed environment. Each year, January in Arizona, continues to grow because it offers a much-needed auction alternative. Silver Auctions offers buyers and sellers a relaxed environment in which they are personally comfortable in. This year of over 600 cars are expected. Gates open on 8:00 am on January 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Admission is $20 and children 12 and under are free. For more information, please visit: https://www.silverauctions.com/

 

 

The Golfers Guide To Fountain Hills

We get it. Some days, you want to challenge your skills.  Others, you just want a nice friendly round and time to enjoy friends.  Fountain Hills offers a wide range for all golfers…and sometimes even on the same course! golfer2

Here are our four favorite public golf courses around Fountain Hills:

  1. SunRidge Canyon: sunridgegolf.com

It might seem intimidating to play a course nicknamed “The Wicked Six.”  In fact, people come from all over the world to enjoy that challenge.  Yet, for those who may not hit as long (or wide!) it’s a fun day on one of the most beautiful tracks in the Southwest.  The course starts at the upper mouth of the namesake canyon, and works its way slyly downhill to the bottom.  Then, it’s time to play the back nine uphill and it’s those last 6 holes that will remind you of its wicked nickname.  Relax, just enjoy the incredible canyon atmosphere and look forward to your stop at the 19th Hole with a presentation style kitchen, great bar and killer outdoor fireplace! The Jim McLean Golf School on premises is idea for “tune-ups.”

  1. Golf Club at Eagle Mountain: eaglemtn.com

The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain can be either challenging or golfer friendly. If you like the challenge of fast greens and a true desert atmosphere, you’ll be excited.  Yeteagle-mountain-2, the stadium design of this golf course helps the fairway shots roll toward the middle if you’re not too far in the rough. Eagle Mountain has lots of rolling fairways with up-hill and down-hill trajectories to the greens. And, every fairway on the course offers an incredible view.  This course has character with a unique layout, and is fun to play.

  1. Desert Canyon Golf Club: http://desertcanyongolf.com/

Desert Canyon’s setting is stunning, the layout interesting, and provides a challenge for all levels of golfers. With more turf than the other courses, DCGC twists through hills and valleys with mountain views all around.  The view from the elevated tee on the signature “Sweet 16,” (where the sure-fire promise of a hole-in-one may prove a bit fickle) the 10th with a view to Red Mountain, and the 18th with a drive directly toward the Four Peaks are each alone worth the trip.  The staff is friendly and will ensure you have an enjoyable time.  Stop in afterward at the DC Grill, and it’s a perfect day.

  1. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: https://wekopa.com/

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is the hallmark of the Fort McDowell Casino Resort, offering two award-winning golf courses that provide different levels of play and different experiences, but in a pristine natural environment rarely seen these days.  We-Ko-Pa is Yavapai for “Four Peaks,” and indeed, the stately mountain casts a long shadow over this2-cholla-lonna-tucker beautiful region, with its breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, and the Superstitions. The Cholla course is a quintessential target style desert golf course.  The Saguaro course was designed as a more traditional style golf course with greens closer to tees.  It is ideal for walking and follows the natural contours of the land.