Different Pointe of View and Terrace Room Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort Phoenix Arizona

My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB.

Fine dining with a view and possibly the best food I’ve ever had, ever. The Different Pointe of View on the Tapatio Cliffs Resort Pointe Hilton in Phoenix Arizona is a distinct and unforgettable Phoenix dining destination that over its 25 year history has evolved into a culinary experience just as memorable as its stunning views atop North Mountain in Phoenix. And they have won so many awards, I was in shock, until I tasted the food then I just thought well of course. They deserve all of those awards. Here’s a shot of the view behind where I was sitting outside the Terrace Room.

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The genius of Different Pointe of View is its aptitude to make fine dining an enjoyable and relaxed experience. Of course I think part of it is the grand view. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the dramatic panoramas of the Valley’s desert landscape, the city’s twinkling lights and Arizona’s breathtaking sunsets. Whether seated indoor or out, the sense of dining on top of the world cannot be ignored. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful and each person had their own job. One guy was the “wine guy” and he was awesome.  Everyone was awesome.  IMG_5028

We also enjoyed the Terrace Room at Different Pointe of View. There you will experience an ultra-chic indoor or outdoor gathering. This unique Phoenix restaurant has a clean and linear interior design, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and gourmet menu featuring finely crafted dishes expertly paired with heady wines.

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We had many appetizers and enjoyed them greatly. They were healthy yet decadent and unbelievable in flavor.

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IMG_5030Inspiring interior décor quickly draws you in via the dramatically backlit red glass floor, plush settees and confidante sofas, red glass accents and beaded wall coverings. Head outside to the Terrace Room patio and settle back into cozy rattan furniture in a Tuscan bronze finish.

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The nine-foot outdoor fire pit adds a warming glow to even the chilliest desert nights. As an added bonus, the Terrace Room now offers Bailey’s Irish Cream, Frangelico, Amaretto and Kahlua infused marshmallows, along with several dipping sauces, ideal for roasting over the outdoor flame. The marshmallows are delicious and they don’t melt as quickly as regular marshmallows.  IMG_5086Outdoor décor is complete with an eight-foot-tall, hand-forged iron arbor framing a gurgling, cliff-edge fountain.



The Music Culture Museum in Phoenix Arizona: Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) #bloggersgo #myphx

My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB.

The culture of music can all be explored in one fantastic place, the Musical Instrument Museum, MIM. MIM is an inspiring venue for sharing the world’s music. Travel the world by experiencing musical instruments in five Geographical Galleries. Using state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, you will hear, see, and feel the creative spirit of people from around the world playing instruments within their cultural context. They have the most amazing way to experience exhibits. I was so impressed. They gave us these headsets, see the photo below.

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You were these and as you walk up to an exhibit the music from that time period, group, or location plays and it’s amazing. The way it gradually goes in and out. I could have spent hours in the MIM museum and hope to go back there some day. I have a huge passion for music and loved all of the instruments and history in this place. It was a fantastic experience and one of my favorite past times from the trip. All ages are invited to bang a gong, strum a Burmese harp, and beat on drums from Africa in the Experience Gallery. The Experience Gallery was awesome because you could play on all kinds of instruments. Even instruments that are very rare. You can see instruments and clothing from such music icons as John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana, and more in the Artist Gallery. image

And you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the museum preserves and protects instruments from its 15,000-object collection through a window to the Conservation Lab.

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I spent an hour in the museum and felt like I didn’t see half of the museum. I was just in awe at all the clarinets, trumpets, stringed instruments and pianos. I mean, I had no idea there were really zither’s, I thought that was just a made up word from Dr. Seuss. I don’t remember how many hours they said they had of recorded material but it’s so immense that it would take weeks to listen to it all.

Check out this Harpsichord:

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And this reed organ. I had one of these as a child

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I’m really excited about the Musical Instrument Museum, so much so that it’s very hard to organize my thoughts about it. From location in the world, to time period to artist this museum pretty much has it all.



Searsucker The Best Creative Twist Restaurant In Arizona #myphx #bloggersgo

My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB

The place to eat if you want to be daring and try new things is Searsucker in Scottsdale Arizona. Top Chef finalist and Taste judge, Brian Malarkey has brought nationally recognized Searsucker to Scottsdale, Arizona. Designer Thomas Schoos, whose past projects include Searsucker San Diego, has turned the 9,500 square foot Scottsdale restaurant into a space that is comfortable and warm – yet classic. Executive Chef Malarkey’s menu features playful dishes that represent his fun personality showcasing New American Classic dishes with creative twists with serious flavor. Searsucker Scottsdale’s striking, but inviting atmosphere is the perfect place to entertain, wine and dine, or better yet, stay awhile.

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While I was eating there I think we tried almost everything on the menu. We had cow tongue, cow balls, yes really, cow balls. I’ve heard that it’s actually not that much of an unusual dish to have, it’s often called cowboy caviar. I tried so many crazy different items and I put on about 10 pounds while I was eating in Arizona. Who knew Arizona was such a great place to eat.

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Enjoy New American Cuisine At Searsucker

At dinner, you can browse our ‘Ocean,’ ‘Ranch,’ ‘Farm’ and ‘Greens’ to create a meal that is truly an “experience.” And if you are just craving a snack, come by for the happy hour and have some “Bites” with friends. We had a lot of bites that we shared. And I had some really great drinks.

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I tried the squid and scallop surf and turf. They were both very good. We also had habanero pickles and as I’m writing this review I find myself wishing I could have another serving of them. YUM! For dessert I ordered rum & coke which was rum cake with coke mouse and lime. It was delicious. I ate it before getting a photo of it.

Keep up with all things Phoenix here:

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Horse Back Riding in Phoenix: Ft McDowell Adventures #myphx #bloggersgo

My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB.

I haven’t ridden on a horse for almost 20 years and while I was in Arizona last month, I actually got back on and found that it’s just like riding a bike. I loved riding horses as kid, until I found myself riding on a horse that decided he wanted to try to eat my show while I was riding on him. That freaked me out a little bit and then I didn’t really want to ride anymore. I was a little nervous to get back in the saddle, but at the same time I was really excited too!

The Stables at Fort McDowell Adventures is one of the finest stable operations in the Southwest, operated by Mr. Troy Haviland and his family and they don’t mess around. When we got there I expected someone to sort of go over the basics of riding and that but nope. We got on the horses and the horses knew what to do, my house wanted to jump ahead of everyone and lead the pack but I had to pull him back. Sterling was his name and he was a beautiful horse.

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I think that we were part of their most popular ride, the 1 1/2 hour trail ride through the ever flowing Verde River. 1 and 2 hour rides, along with 1/2 day rides are also available. That or we just did the one hour, I’m not exactly sure, I just know that it was a beautiful ride. I caught this fabulous splash as I was riding with my phone.

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Horseback riding in Arizona was peaceful, the temperature was just right, it wasn’t too hot. Their family dog was just adorable. He was still a puppy and so cute. He was on the look out for snakes and looked like he found more critters to play with then he did work. What an amazing job to have though, just to run about free on the range. While we were on our horse back tour, we came upon wild horses. They said there were about 124 wild horses running around out there.

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Horseback Riding reservations please call The Stables directly at 480.816.6465 x2.

Interested in a Friday afternoon ride? Check out Sign Up For Adventure.



Summer Family Fun at Pointe Hilton & Pointe Hilton Squaw Resorts in AZ

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is making learning fun for guests with local attractions during this summer’s “Edu-tainment” program. The program will combine visits from the Musical Instrument Museum, which I believe you had the pleasure of visiting, Arizona Museum of Youth, Arizona Science Center and Wildlife World Zoo and enjoyable activities for a summer of fun and education.

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“Edu-tainment” will take place from May 28 to September 7 with visits from different partners and themed dive-in movies. The line-up includes:

May 28 – Sept. 7: The Falls Water Village will transform into a zoo with the visit from the Wildlife World Zoo who will bring furry friends and creepy crawlies.

June 22: The Musical Instrument will bring music and crafts for a sing-song event that includes the musical dive-in movie of the night, “The Muppets.”

July 20: The Arizona Museum for Youth will visit with artistic crafts for mini-Picassos and an artwalk displaying their masterpieces for both kids and adults. The day’s activities will lead up to the dive-in movie, “Bedtime Story.”

Aug. 2: The Arizona Science Center will bring a mad scientist’s lab to the lobby with experiment, brain teasers and more before the dive-in movie, “Innerspace.”

All the details can be found here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/4/prweb10607372.htm

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

The fantasy worlds of space, major league sports and superheroes are coming to Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. this summer for added-value enjoyment of guests. The resort is announcing its “Summer of Imagination” program tomorrow, but in hopes you would be interested, here is the information in advance.IMG_5019

The Summer of Imagination will take place from May 28 to September 7 and will transform the River Ranch into a different theme each month. Every theme will include snacks, activities, crafts and Friday dive-in movies. The line-up includes:

June: The science fiction theme will include cosmic putt-putt golf, green slime sno-cones and making spacecrafts to take home. Dive-in movies will include: “Despicable Me,” “Back to the Future” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”

July: Superhero activities and snacks will include making superhero capes and Captain America shields. Guests can enjoy the River Ranch’s super human snacks, a mix of tasty delights and healthy treats. Dive-in movies showing: “Captain America,” “The Incredibles” and “Spiderman.”

August: This month features baseball and football training camps and mini tournaments, home-made Cracker Jacks and a classic hot dog cart. The Friday night dive-in movies will include “The Rookie,” “A League of their Own,” “The Blind Side” and “Remember the Titans.”



The Walt Disney Museum in San Francisco Through Pictures #MonstersUEvent

The first time I went to the Walt Disney museum I wasn’t allowed to take photos in the museum. They gave us photos to use to do our reviews and that was that. I enjoyed it both times, however, since I’m someone that loves to take my own photos it was really wonderful getting to take my own photos.

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The museum is filled with the history of everything we now call Disney, specifically the museum focuses on the man behind the legacy. Walt was such a creative man who learned from failures. There were a few times he thought about giving up, but he didn’t, and really I’m not even sure he really considered giving up. I remember the tour guide said he went through a down time. Times were hard for all of the studios, but he made it work. He made his whole life work. He moved to California on the change in his pocket. That’s determination. It’s determination that created a Dynasty that’s still growing and changing to this day.

He loved to draw:

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And if there was something he couldn’t do then he innovated. He created cameras that changed the way animation worked. He took cameras out into nature and that’s now known as DisneyNature.

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He created Oswald and then that was stolen from him so he created Mickey Mouse, and that lead to Minnie and Donald and Goofy and Pluto.

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My husband and I used to have a huge collection of Pluto dolls and memorabilia.

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His animation tacked the stories we now know and love and girls everywhere collect. The Disney Princess, starting with Snow White.

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And then we have the parks and the castles inside the parks and in the movies. They are spectacular.

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Of course I took closer to 100 photos, but I’ll spread them out through my photography posts that I’m trying to have up one a day! You’ve heard me say that before though. Thank you to Disney for comping the tickets to the Walt Disney Museum.



It’s Warm In A Hot Air Balloon Rainbow Ryders

I’m afraid of heights. I can’t look up at things that are really really tall. Skyscrapers make me feel upside down. Looking down I feel like my body is going to flip over…So I’m all over the place when it comes to looking up high or down low from somewhere high. When I was in Arizona I had to get up early to meet up with Rainbow Ryders. Rainbow Ryders are the premiere balloon ride company in The Southwest, or so they claim. It was my very first time so I don’t’ have much to compare it too. They offer scenic hot air balloon rides daily in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Scottsdale. We were in Phoenix.IMG_5118

I never really thought about the process of riding in a hot air balloon. You have a basket and then the balloon portion. They assemble the hot air balloon right before your eyes. Two of my friends were even able to help by holding the balloon open to the air. IMG_5143

The fabric portion of the balloon is huge. IMG_5145

Now, you never know where a hot air balloon is going to end up. They have some control but not enough to land in an exact location. So there is a truck that follows the balloon to get an estimate on where they will land. IMG_5146

We rose into the air and I wasn’t scared. We were crowded in the balloon which made me feel very safe. And watching the sun rise as we were soaring over Phoenix was adventurous and beautiful. IMG_5154

The shadows, the houses, the dessert I was in awe and I’ve never really found the dessert to be an attractive place and I feel like I was wrong. Seeing things from the air was amazing.

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We saw a dam that protected them during their very short rainy season. Because when if finally rains it pours.

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Our tour guide entertained us with jokes and when it was all over we had the traditional survival toast. Everyone has a glass of champagne as we thank God that we survived. It’s a good thing they tell you about that afterwards!



Sun, Fun, Sports, & Travel: Don’t forget the SunBlock Coppertone SPORT®, Babies & Kids

we received a sample to write this review:

By Alyson


If your kids are like mine, there is nothing they love better than getting to play outdoors.  Whether they are riding their scooters, jumping on the trampoline or just hanging out with their friends in the backyard, they have had many times.  Of course, nothing can spoil those good times faster than a sunburn and here in Texas, those are easy to get, especially in the Springtime.  Spring is when the days are sunny, the clouds are scattered and the air is cool so the time flies by before you know it. Thankfully, liberal use of a good quality sunscreen can stop sunburns and skin wear and tear before it has a chance to start.
 
Coppertone recently sent us some of their new Travel Size Sport, Kids and Babies line to try.  Coppertone has long been my brand of choice, ever since I was a kid and they had the early ads with the toddler and her dog. ;)   As I said though, these were new – new in size and new in formula to me so we were more than happy to give them a try.  Here is what we sampled:


Coppertone Travel Size offerings are now available in the Coppertone Sport, Water Babies, Coppertone Kids and Tanning lines.  The 3 oz. lotions are made specifically for convenience and comply with TSA travel size regulations.  These lotions are perfect for traveling and provide broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Coppertone SPORT® Travel Size Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen

  • Portable, convenient and perfect for carry-ons or the diaper bag
  • Photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Water resistant (80 minutes)
  • Available in 3 fl. oz.


 

 

 

Coppertone SPORT® Travel Size Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen

  • Portable, convenient and perfect for carry-ons or the diaper bag
  • Photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Water resistant (80 minutes)
  • Available in 3 fl. oz.

 


 

WaterBABIES® Travel Size SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

  • Portable, convenient and perfect for carry-ons or the diaper bag
  • Photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Water resistant (80 minutes)
  • Available in 3 fl. oz.

Kids Travel Size Tear Free Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen

  • Portable, convenient and perfect for carry-ons or the diaper bag
  • Photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Water resistant (80 minutes)
  • Available in 3 fl. oz.

 

Coppertone Sport Lip Balm SPF 30 is a convenient new lip offering from the #1 sport sunscreen brand.  The product helps smooth and soften lips and provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.


Coppertone SPORT® Lip Balm SPF 30 Sunscreen

  • Portable
  • Photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Water resistant (80 minutes)
  • Available in .15 fl. oz.
Both the kids and I loved the products.  We tried both the Kids and the Babies line on the girls.  The texture was fantastic ~ smooth and creamy but disappeared  without problem when you rubbed it into their skin.  My oldest is the fairest of the bunch so we put the Babies line on her.  Instead of the pasty white cream she would have been embarrassed to wear, we rubbed it in and she was good to go for almost an hour and a half.  My youngest, who sweats like crazy, never complained once about the sunscreen stinging or burning while the sweat ran down her face and into her eyes.  This was HUGE.
 
I am the lip balm wearer in our home and had never really tried a brand with higher than SPF 15.  The lip balm glided on smoothly and kept my lips soft and moist for several hours without reapplication.  Of course, I am also the lucky one who has two skin colors – snow white and lobster red. ;)   Having the Sport line in the SPF 50 was exactly what I needed to avoid the misery of a sunburn and protect my skin from the harm the sun can bring.  Now I keep one in the car to apply to my left arm when I am busy being a soccer mom and ferrying my kids all around.  You know what I’m talking about, the one that spends most of the drive time in the sun.  I have some travel coming up and they will be going along then as well since the tubes are perfectly TSA compliant and I make it a point to never have to deal with the TSA more than I have to. ;)  
 
So now the girls, of course, are looking forward to this Summer and the time we get to spend at the pool.  I am looking forward to being able to keep them protected and not having to tote a hundred pound bag along at the same time!  Coppertone Travel Size products and my cool new lip balm will certainly be along for the ride!

Sun protection can be a complex topic, but if you are interested in learning more about sun safety as well as how the FDA regulations may affect your sunscreen habits, you are not alone:

 
The COPPERTONE Solar Research Center continuously seeks to educate consumers on sun protection so that they can continue to embrace the sun™ with confidence.
Jumpstart your education in sun protection by exploring these tips from Dr. Elizabeth Hale, expert dermatologist and consultant to the makers of COPPERTONE®. And for more information on the FDA’s new sunscreen regulations, browse this Q & A.
Coppertone Sport Lip Balm retails for $2.99; the Coppertone Travel Size Lotions retail for $3.99.  Their products are available nationwide at food, drug, mass and Internet retailers.
 
Keep up-to-date on the latest sun information by following Coppertone on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclosure – This product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Alyson

Alyson is a Stay-at-Home Mom blogger and a work-in-progress author. She is blessed to stay home to raise her three crazy, amazing girls and be married to her hero. She loves all things Disney, scrapbooking, reading, travel, cowboys and horses. You can read about her ups, down and craziness on Facebook or Pinterest.



Butterfly Wonderland: Largest Butterfly Pavilion in Scottsdale Arizona May 25th #myphx #Bloggersgo

Scottsdale is poised for a new, destination attraction as Butterfly Wonderland, the largest butterfly pavilion in America, readies for its May 2013 “emergence.”  Spanning a 5-acre parcel of land, this state-of-the art new facility, located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, will entertain and enchant as it educates visitors of all ages on the wonders of one of Mother Nature’s most beloved creatures. It will feature a magnificent glass atrium that brings a tropical rainforest environment to the Arizona desert, as well as educational laboratories and interactive exhibits, a 3D movie theater, gift shop, and a café-style dining area.  Butterfly Wonderland is the first phase of a planned “Odysea in the Desert,” 522,000 sq. ft. entertainment complex that will eventually include the largest aquarium in the southwest, an IMAX theatre and a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.  BW

In an era in which children and adults alike increasingly turn to the virtual world for entertainment and education, Butterfly Wonderland will provide an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and learn about its splendors in a tangible and engaging way. The self-guided tour will begin with a 3D theater experience, followed by a Chrysalis Lab. Visitors then will be welcomed into a magnificent, lush, rainforest atrium where thousands of butterflies from around the world will fly freely, alighting on fragrant flowering plants – from sweet almond verbena to plumeria, and, quite possibly, on a friendly visitor’s shoulder or finger.  From the atrium, visitors will continue on to several interactive exhibits about other natural wonders, from honey bees to aquatic life.  The interactive nature of the exhibits means that no two visits will be the same.

“Our facility is more than a museum; it is a living, sensory experience,” said Curator, Dana Cooper.  “The Scottsdale setting is a dramatic choice, as it juxtaposes two distinct eco-systems, allowing visitors to step from the arid Arizona desert directly into a tropical rainforest environment.”  Butterfly Wonderland Scottsdale(Robert-Jing)01

The Butterfly Wonderland facility includes: 

The Conservatory
This dramatic, glass-enclosed atrium is home to thousands of butterflies from the far reaches of the world in a carefully controlled rainforest environment that is meticulously maintained by  Curator Dana Cooper.  The Conservatory will create opportunities for visitors and butterflies to interact, including providing nectar sticks to children to encourage butterflies to alight on their fingers.  More than a traditional viewing facility, the Conservatory is lush and tropical with waterfalls and colorful plants and trees. A large Koi pond will also house colorful species of fish.

3D Theater
With stadium seating for 196, this is the setting for the specially edited version of the 3-D feature film, the “Flight of the Butterflies,” that introduces visitors to the fascinating life of butterflies.

Butterfly Emergence Gallery
After leaving the theater, guests move into the chrysalis viewing area, where they will observe the most dynamic stage of a butterfly metamorphosis.

Rivers of the Amazon
Large freshwater aquariums will house will house creatures from the Amazon and other habitats.  Through 10-foot picture windows, guests will view everything from stingrays and eels to piranha and exotic fish.

Live Ant Colony
An engaging live ant colony will encompass distinct habitats which allow guests to follow the ants to different environments. Acrylic cases allow 360-degree viewing.

Honey Bee Extravaganza
This intricate exhibit features a series of beehives, protected by glass, that allow each visitor an unimpeded view as the bees produce honey and go about their daily activities.

Butterfly Treasures
This appealing gift shop is stocked with memorable keepsakes ranging from books and videos, to an assortment of tee shirts, butterfly art and rainforest merchandise. 

Multi-Purpose Room
Available for birthday parties, private events, and small receptions, this space can accommodate 30 to 40 people.

Café
The café offers indoor and outdoor patio seating.  Visitors will continue to be engaged throughout their dining experience through viewing monitors presenting information about butterflies and a stunning art exhibit. 

Location

The Butterfly Wonderland is located on the NE corner of the 101 Freeway and Via de Ventura in Scottsdale, Arizona, within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.  There is a Native American saying:  If you whisper a wish, the butterfly will carry it to heaven and your wish will come true.   It is a particular point of pride, then, for the location of the Butterfly Wonderland within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where reverence for the natural world is so integral to the culture.  

Hours of Operation

The facility will be open 9am-5pm daily with seasonal promotions throughout the year. The entrance fee is $18.95 per adult, $9.95 per child and $16.95 for students and seniors and Group Rates are also available.  Annual Passes can be purchased for adults at the cost of $39 and $25 for children; which includes a 15% discount in Butterfly Treasures gift shop. Founder’s Lifetime Memberships are available for a limited time. Cameras are welcome. 



Bloggers Go Global Group Photo #BloggersGo #MyPnx

Our first group shot beginning a fantastic girls weekend getaway thanks to Phoenix Arizona CVB and surrounding attractions.

Bloggers Go Group

I love these girls they are some of the best friends that I have made and it’s all thanks to blogging. I’ve known Crystal for almost four years and Kas and Jeana about the same amount of time. Tara and Jen I’ve only known for a year and a half and it’s just been a ton of fun!

 

And as you can see, I could use a little sun.