By Shannon Willoby

Photography by Eric Fairchild

There’s more to experience in the Valley of the Sun than the Heard Museum, the Camelback, and the Bilmore, although everyone who has moved here within the last month should have visited all three. If you have, no, try eating ice cream at Sugar Bowl and riding horses at South Mountain—and everything else on this list that every Phoenician should do during the summertime! Of course, there are plenty more, but this is a good start!

Arts and Entertainment

1. Heard Museum

Learn about Native American crafts from the 19^th and 20^th centuries at the Heard Museum. Located in downtown Phoenix, the Heard Museum is a must-see for any Phoenician, whether they’re native or new to our state. The Heard Museum’s collections include approximately 39,000 works of cultural and fine art. Exhibits change often, and current and upcoming events at the Heard Museum can be viewed online.

heard.org

2. Mystery Castle

Boyce Gulley began building his “mystery castle” in 1930. The curiously constructed house is a point of fascination for many Phoenix residents. And lucky for all of us, Mystery Castle tours are still offered. One of the most interesting features of Mystery Castle is that Gulley used salvaged materials, auto parts, junk, and other artifacts he found in the Southwest and in Mexico to build his home.

(602) 268-1581

3. Rawhide

Even though it packed up and moved to the East Valley, Phoenicians must visit Rawhide at least once in their lifetimes. Where else will you find an 1880s western town, a steakhouse, a saloon, shops, gunfights, and a mechanical bull all in the same place? Step back into the days of the wild, wild West and visit Rawhide, now at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler.

rawhide.com

4. Desert Botanical Garden

The goal of the Desert Botanical Garden is to educate, research, and conserve the desert plants of the world, and they do so by providing a simply breathtaking experience. With fifty acres of stunning outdoor exhibits that feature 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species from around the world, visiting the Desert Botanical Garden is an experience not to be missed.

desertbotanical.org

5. Arcosanti

Arcosanti, an experimental town in Mayer, Arizona, began development in 1970. Upon completion, it will house 5,000 people and demonstrate ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. Walking tours of Arcosanti are available for a small fee and guest rooms are available for an overnight stay.

arcosanti.org

6. Hall of Flame Fire Museum

With almost an acre of fire history exhibits and over ninety fully restored pieces of fire apparatus dating from 1725 to 1969 on display, the Hall of Flame Fire Museum is a tangible tribute to our firefighting heroes. The galleries within the museum contain such items as a 1951 fire engine and steam powered engines. In addition to this, there is a Hall of Heroes that contains the names of thousands of firefighters who have been recognized for their heroism.

hallofflame.org

7. Champlin Fighter Museum

The Champlin Fighter Museum houses World War I and World War II aircraft, as well as jets and automatic weapons. And while only some of the planes are original, what makes this experience so great is the fact that all the aircraft in the Champlin Fighter Museum is flyable. The museum offers daily and private tours in which a docent will tell you stories about the planes, including the rarest in the collection: a 1944 Focke Wulf 190D-12.

(520) 830-4540

8. Arizona Science Center

Children and adults alike will be fascinated at the exhibits featured at the Arizona Science Center. The center boasts an IMAX Theater, a planetarium, and a variety of other hands-on learning exhibits. The center is for all ages, and new exhibit information can be found on their Web site. The Arizona Science Center offers their facilities for adult programs, children’s birthday parties, and other special events and functions.

azscience.org

9. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park

Historic Pueblo Grande Museum is located at 1,500 year-old Hohokam village ruins in Phoenix. The museum has been dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Hohokam culture. The park is an impressive 102 acres, and visitors are invited to explore the ruins of an 800-year-old platform mound, an excavated ball court, and full-scale reproductions of prehistoric Hohokam homes. The site also includes some of the last remaining intact Hohokam irrigation canals, making this experience one of a kind.

phoenix.gov

10. Phoenix Art Museum

You’ll need at least a few hours to truly appreciate all the Phoenix Art Museum has to offer. Thousands of works of art are housed within the museum, including art with an emphasis on American, Asian, European, Latin-American, modern and contemporary, and Western-American art and fashion designs. The Phoenix Art Museum lists upcoming exhibits, lectures, films and talks on their Web site as well as information on their current art pieces. And should you get hungry while you’re visiting, there is an Art Museum Café for dining.

phxart.org

11. Rosson House Museum

The Rosson House Museum is a restored 1895 historic home in Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. The home has 2,800 square feet of space, ten rooms, and five fireplaces, and was constructed in the Eastlake architectural style. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday. Visiting the Rosson House Museum will give you an idea of what life was really like for the Rosson House residents in early Phoenix during Arizona’s late territorial times.

rossonhousemuseum.org

12. Orpheum Theater

It took twelve long years and $14 million, but the historic Orpheum Theater was finally restored to its former glory. The downtown theater showcases many productions, including some straight off Broadway. The theater was originally built in 1929 for $750,000 by J.E. Rickards and Harry Nace for movies and vaudeville. It’s one of Phoenix’s most recognizable landmarks.

(602) 534-5600

13. Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

Arizona has a rich frontier heritage just waiting for residents to explore and the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum is one of the best examples of it. The museum provides over ninety acres of an old 1800s town filled with authentic buildings and historically accurate reproductions. From an Opera House and an 1890s dress shop to a blacksmith’s shop and a sheriff’s office, you’ll feel as if you stepped back into time.

phoenix-arizona.com

14. Scottsdale 6 Drive-In

Whether you want to go alone, with your family, or with that special someone, the Scottsdale 6 Drive-In is sure to be a great time. The concession stand is circular and designed to look like something out of the 1950s. Of course, there will be more than enough snack options to choose from, and the kids can even play a few video games while you’re getting that popcorn. There’s no need to visit a regular old theater when you can have some old-fashioned fun by watching a movie from the comfort of your own vehicle.

(480) 949-9451

15. Sonoran Desert Museum

There is so much natural beauty to explore within our desert, and the Sonoran Desert Museum gives us a renowned zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden, all in one place. Bring your walking shoes because the large museum showcases more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. And you’ll get to see our beautiful desert firsthand, as there are almost two miles of paths going across twenty-one acres.

desertmuseum.org

16. Grand Canyon

While you’ll have to get out of Phoenix to see the Grand Canyon, it will definitely be worth the drive. The vast Grand Canyon has an incredible view and is an archeological gold mine. The oldest artifacts found at the Grand Canyon date back to the Paleo-Indian period and are around 12,000 years old. You can take guided hikes and tours down into the Grand Canyon for an experience you will never forget.

nps.gov/grca/

17. Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is spread across 125 acres of land and houses around 1,200 animals, including mammals, fish, invertebrates, birds. and reptiles. The Phoenix Zoo recommends that you plan to spend two to three hours to experience all they have to offer. Bike rentals are available if you don’t want to see the zoo by foot. There are a variety of gift shops and food options for you to choose from, and new exhibits are constantly being added.

phoenixzoo.org

Food and Dining

18. Durant’s

Durant’s is one of Arizona’s first fine steakhouses, and although it opened its doors over fifty years ago, it continues to be a top choice for excellent food. The atmosphere in Durant’s is a blend of the 1950s and modern times. The menu is filled with tempting steaks, seafood, amazing martinis, and delicious desserts. The staff includes some of the greatest chefs you’ll find, and their wine list is extensive and impressive.

durantsaz.com

19. Pizzeria Bianco

Pizzeria Bianco is located in a beautifully restored historic building in Heritage Square. This popular restaurant is famous for its huge dinner waits, but according to just about every diner, it’s well worth it. The menu is filled with a variety of appetizers, wood-fired pizzas, and a good selection of wine. The pizza is what has really put this place on the map. When you’re done eating, you can walk it off by taking a self-guided tour of the historic buildings in Heritage Square.

pizzeriabianco.com

20. Los Compadres

Los Compadres is a family-owned Phoenix staple that serves up some of the best Mexican food around. Although it’s pretty small, it can still fit quite a few diners within its walls. You order at the counter, but the good news is that the staff is friendly and fast. Tasty lunch specials are offered just about every day of the week for a reduced rate, but if you can help it, come during off hours to avoid the lunch rush.

(602) 265-1162

21. Mining Camp Restaurant in Apache Junction

Located in Apache Junction, The Mining Camp restaurant is a glimpse into our state’s mining past. The restaurant first opened in 1961 and is built of sawed Ponderosa Pine taken straight from Payson. The interior of the Mining Camp restaurant was made to replicate the old mining shanty that still sits at the base of the Superstition Springs Mountain. The food is served family-style, and the portions of chicken, ham and ribs are huge.

miningcamprestaurant.com

22. Rock Springs Café

Rock Springs Café, as their slogan says, is “worth the drive from anywhere.” The restaurant has a long history that dates back to the early 1900s, and once was an Indian encampment. Today, it’s a restaurant filled with locals and visitors from all over who have heard about the delicious food and those pies. Penny’s pies are pretty much famous, and worth every bite. Pie choices change often; be sure to try the pecan pie with ice cream.

rockspringscafe.com

23. Compass Room

The Compass Room in the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel is Arizona’s only revolving restaurant. As the restaurant turns, it gives you an unobstructed view of Phoenix in a way you’ve never before seen. The amazing 360-degree view of the Valley might be enough for some, but the food is excellent, too. The restaurant offers an international menu, making it easy for everyone to find something they like, and the Sunday brunch will please all Arizona residents and guests.

phoenix.hyatt.com

24. Los Dos Molinos

Los Dos Molinos is famous for their spicy Mexican dishes and refreshing margaritas. This popular Phoenix restaurant is family-friendly and pretty easy on the pocketbook. The restaurant used to be home to Hollywood cowboy star Tom Mix before it became one of the top Phoenix Mexican restaurants. But if you like your food mild, don’t come here. Even the owner will tell you that she doesn’t know how to make a mild sauce, so order a margarita or two to quench the fire and enjoy the spice!

(602) 243-9113

25. T. Cooks

When you want to treat that special someone to an exquisite meal with impeccable service, T.Cooks is the way to go. Located in the Royal Palms hotel, the restaurant has received countless awards and high ratings from nationally renowned food critics. But it’s their Sunday brunch that has many locals talking. It’s filled with a variety of delicious food, champagne, mimosas, and much more.

royalpalmshotel.com

26. Mary Elaine’s

For anniversaries, special occasions, or just because, Mary Elaine’s is the perfect setting for an elegant meal. You’ll dine by candlelight, and if you ask beforehand, the staff just might seat you by one of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The service is impeccable and the food is always delicious. They offer a great brunch, too. Enjoy it once—or twice. thephoenician.com

27. Friday’s Front Row at Chase Field

What could be better than catching an Arizona Diamondback’s baseball game at Chase Field? How about catching a game and having a great lunch at the same time? Friday’s Front Row overlooking left field and first base makes that possible. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the game and a tasty lunch, too. frontrowphoenix.myfridays.com

28. Teeter House Tea Room

Although it was built in 1899, the Teeter House Tea Room is still not the best-known historic restaurant in Arizona. It’s a shame, because this Victorian-style home located in Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix is not only a glimpse into the past, but a fantastic place to come for lunch or dinner. The food is light, with salads, sandwiches and soup on the menu, and it’s all good. The home is decorated in a classic Victorian style, and the floor is creaky in that historic, slightly creepy sort of way. The place is also rumored to be haunted by Mrs. Teeter herself, so if you feel like you’re being watched, maybe you are.

theteeterhouse.com

29. Sassi

Put Sassi on your list of must-visit restaurants if you haven’t been. The look and feel of Sassi is very Old World and it just might trick you into thinking you’ve stepped into an authentic Italian villa. Located in North Scottsdale, this Italian restaurant offers fantastic fare in an intimate and elegant setting. While this is probably not a good place to bring the kids, it’s definitely the perfect date spot, no matter if it’s your first or fiftieth.

sassi.biz

30. Barrio Café

Be prepared to wait a bit for a table at Barrio Café in Phoenix, but don’t get discouraged. You’ll be glad you did, from the very first bite you take. This restaurant has been receiving a lot of attention lately, and it comes as no surprise. The cuisine is Mexican with a twist. Don’t be surprised to find the flavors of pomegranate or apricot in your dish, and they know how to make them work. Soda is served in glass bottles like the ones you’ll find in Mexico, and servers are friendly and attentive.

barriocafe.com

31. House of Tricks

Looking for a little romance? House of Tricks has plenty of it, and then some. Tucked away down a street close to ASU, this well-known restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating and twinkling lights for you to dine by. The restaurant was converted from two turn-of-the-century homes, and has maintained its cottagelike feel. Take your special someone for dinner here, and it will be a meal neither of you will soon forget.

houseoftricks.com

32. Los Olivos

Los Olivos in Scottsdale might be one of the best Mexican restaurants around. Fresh ingredients are always used, and the simple, authentic dishes are what make the place such a happening spot. Los Olivos is located right in Old Town Scottsdale, so expect it to be very busy on the weekends. Come during the week if you want to avoid big crowds.

(480) 946-2256

33. Crazy Ed’s Satisfied Frog

A favorite of locals, Crazy Ed’s is a western-themed restaurant that serves up huge portions of chicken-fried steak, fried chicken, fish and chips, and much more. Diners who have been here will tell you that their strawberry shortcake is some of the best around. And if there’s a long wait before you’re seated, there’s complimentary popcorn located in the front of the restaurant for you to snack on.

satisfiedfrog.com

34. Miracle Mile Deli

Located in the Camelback Colonnade, Miracle Mile Deli is the spot for businessmen and -women to have a quick lunch. Miracle Mile first opened in 1949, giving it a long history in Phoenix. Natives and newcomers will tell you that Miracle Mile has some of the best sandwiches, french fries, and perfect crispy pickles in town.

miraclemiledeli.com

Sports and Leisure

35. McCormick Railroad Park

You don’t have to be a kid to fall in love with McCormick Railroad Park. Located in Scottsdale, this park has something others don’t: a train and a carousel. During the holidays, the park is adorned in thousands of twinkling lights, and it becomes a magical winter wonderland. Any other time, the park is still a fun place to take your little ones or to let yourself become a kid again.

therailroadpark.com

36. Turf Paradise

Like to gamble? Like to drink? Like to eat? Turf Paradise lets you do all of that, and more! But Turf Paradise isn’t only for adults—in fact, kids like to come watch the live horse races, too. Turf Paradise first opened its doors in 1956, and business has been booming ever since. If you’re like quite a few other people, this might be one place you’ve always meant to visit but haven’t yet. But once you try it out, you just might get used to the nonstop action and fun.

turfparadise.com

37. Montezuma Castle National Monument

One of the coolest road trips you’ll ever take is to Montezuma Castle National Monument. It’s one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North American, and as you gaze at it, it’s easy to imagine the people who once inhabited it. The castle has twenty rooms, and although you can’t go inside them, there are pictures nearby that will show you what the interior looks like. Don’t forget to also check out Montezuma’s Well while you’re there; it is rumored to host species of animals found nowhere else in the world.

nps.gov

38. Camelback Mountain

Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy a trip up Camelback Mountain, thanks to the few different trail options. Advanced hikers will make it all the way to the top, but beginners will want to opt for the easier trails around the base of the mountain. Either way, hikers will enjoy the beauty of the mountain and all the squirrels and birds you’ll see along the way.

http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikecmlb.html

39. Arizona Diamondbacks

It wasn’t that long ago that Arizona didn’t even have a baseball team, and now it’s hard to imagine our state without one. Tickets for ball games are fairly inexpensive, and it’s a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon with friends and family. Chase Field is located in downtown Phoenix, close to many great restaurants and nightlife. And if you catch a game on a good weather day, they just might open up the roof, too.

diamondbacks.mlb.com

40. Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock is nature’s own version of a water slide. Nestled alongside the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Slide Rock is a creek that follows a path through smooth rocks and boulders. Children and adults can slip and slide down the stream for hours on end, while others prefer to bask in the sun beside the creek. Slide Rock can get pretty busy during the summer, so go early to ensure your spot.

(928) 282-3034

41. Arizona Cardinals

They may not be the best team in the league, but that doesn’t stop fans from flocking to games during football season. And if you haven’t been to the new stadium yet, you’re missing out. The University of Phoenix stadium boasts 1.7 million square footage of stadium and 310 locations for fans to purchase food and beverage. The stadium will also host the 2008 Super Bowl XLII.

azcardinals.com

42. Hole in the Rock in Papago Park

Scenic rock formations make Papago Park in Phoenix unique, but Hole in the Rock is the best known. Accessible by a short trail, Hole in the Rock is a cave-like opening that is about five feet tall. Hole in the Rock provides great views of the surrounding landscape and is a great Phoenician landmark.

phoenix.gov/parks/hikpafac.html

43. Phoenix Suns

It may be hard to believe, but there are plenty of Phoenicians out there who haven’t been to a Suns game yet. And while we have plenty of local sports teams to enjoy, attending a Suns game is an exciting experience everyone will want to have at least once. Because the arena is in the middle of downtown, you’ll have plenty of options for dinner and drinks before or after the game.

nba.com/suns

44. Golfland

Golfland makes it just a little bit easier for Phoenicians to tolerate summer in the Valley of the Sun. Both children and adults enjoy the river rapids, water slides, and lazy river Golfland provides, and it’s the perfect way to beat the heat just when it starts to get unbearable. Take plenty of sunscreen, and plan to spend an entire day basking in the sun and playing in the water.

golfland.com

45. Arizona Rattlers

Don’t forget about the Arizona Rattlers, our very own world-champion arena-football-league team. The arena is located in the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix and tickets are reasonably priced. If you like sports and you haven’t been to a Rattlers game yet, it’s definitely time you bought a ticket and supported the players. It’s a different experience than a Cardinals game, and just as fun.

azrattlers.com

46. Salt River Tubing and Recreation

Who hasn’t been tubing down Salt River? Surprisingly, quite a few Arizona residents have sidestepped this adventure in beautiful Tonto National Forest. As long as you layer on the sunscreen, you’ll enjoy a leisurely day as you float along the cool river. Keep your eyes peeled, because you just might see a wild horse along the way.

saltrivertubing.com

47. Casino Arizona

Casino Arizona is more than just gambling. And while they have plenty of options if you do want to try your hand at blackjack, keno, slot machines. or one of their other gaming choices, they also have concerts, including Showstoppers Live, a musical tribute to Elvis, Tina Turner, The Four Tops, and more. Restaurants and even ancient pottery collections are onsite.

casinoaz.com

48. Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass

Troon Golf Course, Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is a 36-hole luxury golf course on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Streams, lush grass, and beautiful surroundings make this challenging course stand out as one of the best in Arizona. There are a variety of dining options to choose from onsite as well as a golf shop filled with necessities.

whirlwindgolf.com

49. South Mountain Riding Stables

With over forty miles of trails covering 18,500 acres, South Mountain Park is the perfect spot to explore on horseback. South Mountain Riding Stables offers a variety of options—trail rides, breakfast rides, sunset dinner rides, hay wagon rides—and they can accommodate large groups. For the cowpoke in you, try the cookout ride and get a taste of the Old West.

arizona-horses.com

50. Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall

If you like to shop, this is your Mecca. Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is filled with the best of the best, including Gucci, Tiffany and Co., Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lush, Burberry, Coach, and much more. Nordstrom alone is 200,000 square feet of fashion, and don’t forget about the largest Dillard’s in the country at 350,000 square feet. With that much space to cover, it looks like Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall really has made it possible for Phoenicians to shop ‘til we drop.

fashionsquare.com

By Mark Susan

Photography by Eric Fairchild

Puerto Penasco is located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Cortez, and is known for its white sandy beaches, sparkling clear water, and moderate climate. It’s also been known for drunken beach parties and rowdy behavior from intoxicated students. Well, the electricity-charged smell of change is in the air, and the former fishing town is well on its way to becoming a true international resort destination. Soon, the word will be out about the idyllic year-round vacation spot that North Valley residents simply and affectionately call Rocky Point.

Rocky Point, located in the Mexican state of Sonora, is somewhat of an anomaly compared to the more expected evolution of Mexican resort locales. For example, Puerto Vallarta and Cancún have both garnered international acclaim, but have followed a much more planned and predictable growth pattern.

In the 1920s, Puerto Vallarta was still nearly uninhabited. The Montgomery Fruit Company had just begun cultivating its new purchase of 70,000 acres for banana plantations in the neighboring town of Ixtapa. These new job opportunities helped Puerto Vallarta to flourish, and eventually a railroad was put into place to transport the fruit to El Salado and then on to the United States. In the 1950s, the city was “discovered” by North Americans, whose numbers in the town increased as the newly built airport was finally completed. Service from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta began in 1962 by Mexicana Airlines and brought in celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who filmed Night of the Iguana in 1963 and officially put the city on the Hollywood map.

A few years later in 1967, the Mexican government identified Cancún as a possible tourist destination. Located on the very tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancún was nothing but an empty white-sand beach. The National Trust Fund for Tourism Development (NTFTD), Mexico’s most prominent agency for promoting all non-Mexican usage and ownership of its resources, initiated heavy, rapid infrastructure creation. This included an international airport, water and electrical resources, and very extensive master planning. As large hotels began to arrive in the 1970s, tourism grew hand in hand with each new commercial development, and now Cancún is one of the premier resort cities in the world.

In contrast, Rocky Point has grown much more organically. Arizonan pioneers began moving there more than thirty years ago, long before there were paved roads, an airport, or any sort of established infrastructure. The population has slowly grown over time without the aid of the NTFTD or any other master-planned tourism influence. Recently, however, the government has finally stepped in with three exciting initiatives to further stimulate tourism: The Coastal Highway, The Nautical Ladder, and the new international airport.

The Coastal Highway project is an enormous undertaking, and will connect Rocky Point to the United States with a new modern highway. Drive times from Southern California will be greatly reduced, and the distance from San Diego will drop below 300 miles! This project is in its advanced stage of completion and will be finished very soon.

The Nautical Ladder is a plan to develop tourism up and down the Baja coast with a “ladder” of hotels, marinas, golf courses, and restaurants, all within a day’s sail of one another. Rocky Point, as other cities on the coastline, stand to gain both infrastructure and waterway upgrades that will be financed by the government.

Finally, construction of the new international airport has begun and is being funded by a three-way collaboration of the state of Sonora, the Mexican federal government, and a group of private investors. The airport will open Rocky Point to all residents of the United States and Canada, and will serve as an entry point for travelers moving on to other parts of Mexico.

Even before the Coastal Highway project is finally completed, this booming little town will be well within driving range of any of the Southwestern U.S. states. From Phoenix, it’s only about a 3 ½-hour drive to travel the 210 miles down into Mexico. The roads are paved and well marked with opportunities for snacks, supplies, and gasoline

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When traveling to Rocky Point by car, make sure to purchase special Mexican auto insurance and keep the paperwork in a safe place. Do not keep it in the glove box. A written policy document doesn’t help nearly as quickly if it’s located in the car that just got stolen. Mexican law states that only companies licensed in Mexico can provide “civil liability” coverage that’s recognized by their judicial system. A select few U.S. insurance companies may provide coverage for physical damage to your vehicle, but they can’t provide any liability insurance. Finally, vehicle insurance is considered invalid if the driver is found to be under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, so always be responsible when driving in Mexico.

Currently, driving between Rocky Point and the United States does not require a passport for reentry, but the more proof of citizenship available—a social security card or birth certificate, for example—will only speed the return back home. If flying from Mexico, a passport is mandatory for U.S. reentry, but will not be necessary when driving until January 1, 2008.

Finally, be aware of Mexican law that prohibits guns or ammunition. If you bring your dog, make sure you carry documents from your veterinarian with proof of rabies inoculation. Do not bring any wildlife, plants, fruit, or fireworks back across the border into the United States. Enjoy the beauty, but be mindful of the laws and customs that are already in place.

Upon arrival into Rocky Point, there is a myriad of activities to enjoy! The fabulous beaches ebb and flow, leaving behind sparkling tidal pools filled with barnacles, crabs, small fish, and beautiful seashells. Kite surfing has become very popular among visitors and can be seen daily up and down the coast from Laguna del Mar to Miramar. Other activities include playing 18 holes of golf, shopping, sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and whale watching. Finally, there’s always the old standby: lying on the beach and relaxing with a cold refreshing margarita!

With so many amazing new resorts and condominiums in Rocky Point, both first-time visitors and seasoned real-estate investors will find plenty of opportunity in this expanding city by the sea. The Las Palomas luxury resort is part of the Sandy Beach Resort Area and features 430 deluxe suites, all with outrageous ocean views. They have contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations, an 18-hole golf course, a world-class restaurant, fitness center, and negative-edge swimming pools with a spectacular view of the Sea of Cortez.

Other resorts scale up or down, depending on the level of service and amenities desired, and are available for anything from vacation stays to investment purchases. Many of the resorts operate as full-service hotels, with the actual suites owned and furnished by individual people, families, and companies. There are also plans for a Hilton and a Sheraton hotel to be built, and when that happens, the demand for Rocky Point leisure will skyrocket. Housing and condominium-purchasing opportunities are still very attractive and can only appreciate as the new airport finishes construction and Puerto Penasco becomes available to the rest of the world.

The electric aura of growth is in the air, and the daily clanging of hammers should be a cue to savvy travelers and investors that Rocky Point is poised to emerge as the next great destination in Mexico.

By Kailie McNabb

Who said the backyard is not considered a room? The latest trend in interiors is not just the inside of a home—designing a living space outside, using all the elements that are typically used inside, is now considered an extension of your living space. The outdoor living areas are great for entertaining or getting cozy with a glass of wine and a good book. Here are a few trendy ideas to accentuate your patio.

Four elements to a cozy, soothing and inviting outdoor room

Visual Texture Having a variety of texture in the space is key to designing any room. It creates a sense of harmony that makes the “outdoor room” feel like you are inside the home.

Color Color sets the mood of the outdoor room. The colors portrayed can soothe the soul or set the tone for entertaining. For instance, blue is soothing and calm for a design set, while oranges and reds are better colors for entertaining and conversation areas.

Lighting This is the element that creates the ambience. Lighting is the most important element in design. Soft lighting outdoors with candles or gas lamps can be romantic, and other chandeliers, sconces, or fire pits can be great for entertaining.

Textiles Choosing the right fabrics for the outdoors can be challenging, but it can also make the necessary difference. Outdoor drapes are the hot trend right now. They can make the space feel intimate and cozy and make a statement at the same time. The use of good textiles can make the outdoor living area feel like a retreat.

Getting this warm, inviting outdoor space doesn’t require a huge patio or porch. The trick to creating a great area in a limited amount of space is the scale of furniture and items, and engaging those four elements!

By Ben Miles

Spamalot, the silly-fest created by comic icon Eric Idle (a founding member of the British comedy troupe Monty Python), is still filling seats in New York, and has also landed for an indefinite run in The Grail Theater at the Wynn Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Essentially lifted from the Manhattan production, the Vegas Spamalot retains its East Coast credentials. Mike Nichols receives credit for his far-out and farcical direction of each staging.

What’s more, Spamalot, at 90 minutes with no intermission, is a good fit for the frenzy that defines Sin City. And while the production in the desert is indeed a mutation of its Great White Way incarnation, the conceit was initially delivered in the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which in turn was loosely borrowed from the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable. Spamalot is, of course, also a take-off on Lerner and Loewe’s 1960 Broadway blockbuster Camelot.

The wafer-thin plot follows the absurd adventures that accompany King Arthur and his knights as they search for that most coveted of cups—The Holy Grail. The journey takes us through sixteen musical numbers, each loaded with laugh-inducing lyrics and crafty choreography (by Casey Nicholaw). A couple of highlights in the parade of melodic parodies are “He’s Not Dead Yet,” performed by a cartful of would-be corpses, and what may be considered the Python anthem, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” The music, composed by John Du Prez, is performed by the Spamalot Orchestra and conducted ably by Maestro Wayne Green.

John O’Hurley (Seinfeld’s Mr. Peterman) fills Arthur’s crown nicely. His double takes and deadpan responses are delightful. Moreover, O’ Hurley’s showing last year on TV’s popular Dancing with the Stars was no fluke; his fancy footwork is royally displayed here. Furthermore, O’Hurley’s full baritone and monarchic bravado energize the cheeky proceedings.

As The Lady of the Lake, the full-figured Nikki Crawford is makes quite a splash. Her solo reprise of “The Song That Goes like This” is a showcase meant for a diva, and Crawford doesn’t disappoint. Notable performances are also given by Edward Staudenmayer as Sir Galahad, Harry Bouvy as Sir Robin, J. Anthony Crane as Sir Lancelot, and Randal Keith as Sir Bedevere. In addition to their roles as knights, each of the players doubles, chameleonlike, as other characters. Bet you can’t spot who’s who beneath the costumes (created by Tim Hartley, who also designed the set) and distinct characterizations.

Spamalot in fact is not brilliant, but many facets of the show do shine brightly.

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By Matt Sheker

“Research has shown that 60 percent of people buying wine base their decision on the look of the bottle and the label,” says Bob Nugent, curator of collections for the Benziger Family. There are two schools of thought when wineries design a wine label. Do you want to have your wines in a restaurant where the standard classy, elegant label is desired, or do you want a fun label that will be purchased from your local wine store because the label makes you laugh, or tells a story through unique packaging?

Amazingly, a tremendous amount of thought and energy go into designing wine labels. After all, with so many winemakers and different choices for consumers, you need to have either name recognition or a remarkable eye-catching label to make your wine stand out from the crowd. Wineries have the advantage of being able to use unlimited creativity and resources for their label designs. The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco) requires that certain information be presented on the wine label; however, most wineries give the labels personality to reflect the character of their wineries. The wine label can play a huge role in the success or failure of a wine, regardless of its quality. Yellowtail from Australia, for example, which is widely credited with starting the “crazy critter” trend, sold 7.5 million cases in the United States in 2005, making it the most imported wine in the United States. People were buying it off the shelves at a staggering pace based on the appearance of the label and not the contents of the bottle. The winemakers’ note on the back of the bottle describes raspberry, oak, and soft tannins, but instead, you taste a noncomplex sweeter wine that’s more like fruit punch/ But at least the wine label gave the guest at your extravagant party something to talk about besides the quality of the wine. Chances are, without a kangaroo or a penguin on the front of the bottle to catch your eye, you would not have purchased that particular bottle. Europeans, who have been making wine for years and have a long and intimate history with wine, consider geography to be the single most important factor when classifying a wine. This is different from American wine as well as other New World wine-producing countries where the wine is named for the grape varietal as opposed to where the wine was made. The European system reflects centuries of trial and error, so that by now, growers have figured out the best places to be as flamboyant with their labels because their wines come from a region of California, which is known for producing award-winning wines.

Because most Europeans buy their wine based on region and producer, there hasn’t been much need to put a lot of effort into coming up with flashy labels. In the United States, however, loud and showy packaging is almost a must to get noticed on the rack. In some of the larger wine stores, you can find just about any theme you can dream up on a wine label. Some go for high art, others for cartoons, and still others have a choice of animals of all sorts. Some wineries have opted for a retro look in an effort to instill the notion of sophistication, and others have gone with the basic black-and-white label with a fancy script font to resemble the classic wines of Europe.

Wineries know full well that many Americans buy wine simply on how appealing the label is. This is often done to compensate for lack of wine knowledge, and that is why wineries invest so much time and expense in producing something that is so eye-catching. Most wine stores have a great selection of wines with “crazy critters” and traditional wine labels. Ask your local wine shop if the wine inside the bottle compensates for the wine label, or if the wine label compensates for the wine.

By Jon Kenton

Whenever I am asked for advice on which digital camera to buy, the question of how many megapixels (MPs) is the one most frequently asked, and is in fact often the first one asked. What usually follows is “I saw this 7 megapixel camera on sale for $50 less than a 5 megapixel one. It must be a good deal—right?” While more MPs can be of benefit in certain situations, it is not necessarily a measure of a better camera nor does it assure better-quality photographs. Why is this, and what should one look for in a digital camera?

The vast majority of digital cameras are purchased for family and vacation photos to capture those special and precious moments. Typically, they will be printed either at a local outlet or at home in sizes similar to conventional film cameras: 4 by 6 inches, 5 by 7 inches, and occasionally 8 by 10 inches. It may surprise you to learn that even a humble 3 or 4 MP camera is more than up to this task.

A megapixel is a measure of the number of photocells, or sites on the sensor of the camera. MPs are calculated by multiplying the width by the height. Thus, a sensor 2,816 by 2,112 yields 5,947,392 total pixels or, rounded off, 6 megapixels. An MP is, in fact, an area measurement, like a square foot. As the total area increases, it seems as if you have a lot more, but in terms of usable dimensions it’s not that significant. Think of comparing two rooms, the first 150 square feet and the second 204 square feet. Although 204 sounds like a lot more and is over 30 percent bigger than the first room, we are actually comparing a 15 by 10 square foot space against one that is 17 by 12. That means only an extra foot all round the room; while it is bigger, it’s not really substantially more usable space.

Bringing us back to our photographs, let’s see how prints change with MPs. Most high-quality prints need 300PPI (pixels per inch). For home use, it is perfectly possible to get acceptable prints using only 200PPI. Most home printing software and all professional lab equipment use a technique called interpolation to fill in the missing pixels when lower than 300PPI images are used.

The following table shows a range from 4 to 10 megapixels and how they approximate width and height with print sizes at 200 and 300PPI. The columns bellow the 300 and 200PPI show the width and height divided by 300 and 200 respectively. Rounding these down will indicate the maximum picture size. For example, 4MP with 300PPI works out to 7.57 by 5.68. Rounded down, this gives you a 7 by 5 photo.

We can see from this table that 4 MPs will easily yield a high quality 5 by 7, and at 200PPI, an 8 by 10. It also shows how small increases in MP density, much like our “larger room” example, don’t buy you much in terms of greater print size. If you are looking for an upgrade only for extra MPs, then you need to jump by at least 3MP to gain any reasonable return in terms of increased print size.

There are a couple of primary situations in which more MPs are desirable. The first relates back to our discussion on print sizes. If you intend to create a large number of high-quality poster-size prints, then you’ll want more pixels—the more you have, the larger you can blow up your photographs without sacrificing quality through “pixilation.” The second advantage is when you want to crop your photos—cutting out a smaller section of a full image. If you start with a 10MP image, you could crop out 50 percent of the area and still be left with 5MPs, plenty for a good 5 by 7 print.

As we have seen, megapixels are important, but are not the overriding attribute of a digital camera when it comes to shooting better photographs. There are a number of key factors to take into account when deciding on which camera is best for you, not least of which is making sure you get the best value for your money, or all the features you need or want at a price that makes sense to you. When making your decision, you should consider at least the following factors as they relate to your personal needs.

• Size Small enough to fit in your pocket, or large enough to fill a backpack

• Features Advanced shooting modes, battery life, movie modes

• Lens Quality glass, optical zoom, wider apertures, ability to use filters

• ISO range Noise, low light capabilities

• Sensor Type, sensitivity, physical size

• Image Stabilization great for long zoom and indoor/low-light shots

We don’t have time to go into each of these items this month, but watch out for future articles or the Ask the Techno-file column. Until next time, I wish you good shooting and the hope that megapixels are no longer mega-puzzles to you.

By Lea Friese-Haben

Dear Fabulous Singles: This issue’s column addresses the taboo subject of dating a friend’s ex. This is not a good thing—no excuses—and the repercussions aren’t fun, either. Read on.

Dear Coach Lea,

I am in a quandary. My best friend Susan broke up with her boyfriend three months ago. I ran into him last week while clubbing with another friend. He is gorgeous and a lot of fun. He asked me out, and I really want to go. I am afraid to tell Susan, as she was really devastated when he broke up with her. He said that the breakup was mutual and that there was no need to feel bad. I really want to go out with him. What should I do?

Dear Friend,

Put yourself in Susan’s shoes. This will probably end the friendship if you decide to pursue this relationship. How would you feel if Susan dated the ex who just broke your heart? Relationships come and go, but a good friendship isn’t worth giving up just because of a few raging hormones. Take her to lunch, and give him the boot.

Dear Lea,

I have been divorced for about six months. I have been dating my ex-wife’s best friend for two months now, and feel like I should tell my ex. Tammy is freaking out and begging me not to say anything to my ex. She is afraid that it will jeopardize her friendship. (I think it will end their friendship—I basically left my wife to pursue the relationship with Tammy as she told me she could never date a married man). I am caught in the middle and am sick of the guilt.

Dear Guilty,

How did you think it would turn out? It’s a little late to feel guilty now. You have taken two relationships away from your ex. That is not fair. These kinds of relationships never workout, and karma will undoubtedly come back to bite you hard. Couldn’t you have found someone to date who didn’t have a connection to your wife? Come clean and end the relationship now before it escalates.

Dear Coach Lea,

My best friend and I have been together since we were 9, and we are now both 27. Her ex broke up with her last year on New Year’s Eve. He and I work at the same company and he has expressed an interest in me. He is very sexy and a lot of time has gone by. (They only dated for two years—it’s not like they were married). I told one of our friends and she was absolutely horrified, and said that if I pursued the relationship, she could not talk to me anymore. She said that the rest of our gang would shun me as well. What should I do.? I really like this guy. I know my girlfriend hasn’t gotten over him yet, but how long should I wait to date him? I am anxious to see him in the open and have our friends accept it.

Dear Anxious,

This relationship is a first-class trip to nowhere. Would you want to be with a guy who would dump a person on New Year’s Eve? That is kind of heartless. You have been friends with this woman for eighteen years. What kind of friend are you? If you should try to pursue this, you will lose her forever, as well as all the friends whom you currently share with her. There isn’t going to be a woman in your circle who will ever trust you around her significant other after the disrespect and treatment you have shown your friend of eighteen years. Keep your friend and dump the dude. Men are like buses—there is always another one coming.

Dear Fabulous Daters,

A friend is someone who accepts us for who we are and is always there for us, come rain or shine. Take stock in the current friends that you have, and extend the kindness and courtesy that they show you. A true friend is a priceless gift.

Seven Big Reasons to Invest in Preforeclosure

By Ben Innes-Ker

Looking for an “in” to real estate investing? One of the more promising home-business opportunities is real estate investing. Real estate investing is the perennial wealth builder, and the transition from working a job to achieving wealth through real estate investing is becoming increasingly well documented. You’ve probably thought about investing in real estate yourself, but you’ve not gone for it because you thought you needed tens of thousands in savings for a down payment, and perfect credit along with strong banking relationships.

It doesn’t hurt to have those resources. But it’s not necessary to have a huge pile of cash and perfect credit to buy a house cheaply and resell it for a profit. It’s especially not necessary in the preforeclosure market. Preforeclosures are houses in the default phase of foreclosure, in which the bank has filed initial foreclosure papers but the sheriff sale or trustee sale in which the bank auctions off the property or repossesses it if no one buys at the auction hasn’t occurred yet. Buying during the preforeclosure period is one of the best ways for anyone to get involved in real estate investing. With little more than a few hundred dollars and some specialized knowledge, you can buy a house at a substantial discount and then resell it, picking up a five-figure profit check in the process.

1. When people default on their mortgages, they have stopped making payments to the bank. So, when you are negotiating with the seller and the bank right up until the point where you buy, no one is making the payments. For novice investors worried about holding costs, this is a huge advantage.

2. Preforeclosures are a very well-defined niche market. One of the most deadly mistakes rookie investors make is trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, going after any and everything they can lay their eyes on. The result of this lack of focus is that they are soon back at their jobs. As a defined market, preforeclosures allow you to develop focused marketing campaigns and standardized processes to get deals completed and closed.

3. One of the fundamentals of real estate investing is contacting and talking only to motivated sellers and avoiding everyone else. Sellers in preforeclosure are some of the most motivated that you will find. Their world has been turned upside down; they are about to lose their house, and their motivation is such that they just want out and the bank off their backs. By buying houses from people in preforeclosure, creating 30 percent-plus equity spreads on houses often in good condition is not a difficult thing to do.

4. Buying houses in preforeclosure enables you to create unusually large equity spreads. Recent economic uncertainty has resulted in many foreclosures, and rising rates will cause more in coming years. If banks had to take back all the properties that went into foreclosure, the FDIC would shut them down. They know this, so they try not to take properties back that they don’t have to. By requesting the lender discount that is owed on their payoff, large spreads of equity can be created on houses that are totally maxed out with loans. This can’t be done on loans that are not in default.

5. Because lenders are under pressure to liquidate bad loans rather than take the property back, large discounts can be negotiated. After becoming familiar with the issues that cause lenders to discount, larger and larger discounts can be achieved as you hone your negotiating skills.

6. If your plan is to buy and hold the property, having good enough credit and financials to get bank financing excludes a great many people from getting into real estate. On top of that, if you do get a bank loan, your financial exposure is at its maximum when everything is in your own name and personally guaranteed. Buying houses in preforeclosure allows you to simply take over the existing financing already in place. No qualifying needed. You can take title to the property in a land trust, begin making payments on the existing mortgage(s), and still get all the tax advantages, appreciation, and depreciation without any of the risk of being personally liable for the mortgage and the property.

7. If you have ever bid at auction for property at the courthouse steps, you are only too aware of the competition breathing down your neck. Lots of mind games. The forty thieves are talking trash to you trying to get you not to bid. If you are Larry Bird, no problem. Make sure you have $500K on your credit line, however. If you are not the Bird and you don’t pack half a mil of credit, you can sneak in and avoid this NBA showdown by buying the house during the preforeclosure period…before the auction.

Make no mistake about it, there are many ways to make healthy profits in real estate investing. But when you look at how easy preforeclosure makes it to buy houses cheaply and resell for five-figure profit checks, all the while helping people out of agonizing life circumstances, it makes little sense to pursue real estate investing any other way.

Before you make any real estate purchases, be sure to discuss them with your financial or real estate advisor.

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By Ben Miles, Ed.D.

Blink, Malcolm Gladwell’s latest treatise, is a book that is certain to open readers’ eyes. The subtitle, The Power of Thinking without Thinking, is a koanlike synopsis of Gladwell’s premise. In a text of 254 pages—not including eight pages of notes, three pages of acknowledgments, and nearly a dozen pages of index—Blink comprises such unrelated topics as sixth century B.C. Kouroi statues, couples therapy, police shootings, and auditions for a world-class philharmonic orchestra.

The book’s title refers to the rapidness of the response of our eyelids to stimulation. The analogy between rapid eye coverage and quick cognition is well stated. Moreover, Gladwell’s approach to the subject is eclectic and engaging, yet the sum of his various stories and examples don’t quite add up to a full and cogent picture.

Gladwell’s thesis is surprisingly simple. Using a concept in rapid cognition known as thin-slicing—“the ability of our unconscious to find patterns in situations and behavior based on very narrow slices of experience”—Gladwell takes us on a journey that is both fascinating and frustrating.

It is fascinating to be exposed to the plethora of information that the author’s research has yielded. For instance, marriage therapist John Gottman is cited in Blink as a premier thin-slicer. Working with over 3,000 married couples in his so-called love lab near the University of Washington campus where he is a professor of psychology, Gottman has developed what is now referred to as SPAFF (for specific affect), a coding system consisting of twenty categories of emotions that a married couple might express in the course of a conversation. So accurate is Gottman’s design that within three minutes of a couple’s talk, it can be predicted with “fairly impressive accuracy who [is] going to get divorced…”

Indeed, Gottman has isolated what he has termed the Four Horsemen of relational disintegration: defensiveness, stonewalling, criticism, and contempt. But of this quatrain of behaviors, contempt is by far the number-one omen of a marital dissolution.

“If you can measure contempt [insults, eye-rolling, etc.], you don’t need to know every detail of the couple’s relationship,” Gladwell writes. As he phrases it, we zero in on what really matters, and as he says, this is the benefit and power of thin-slicing.

What is frustrating about Gladwell’s unique read on cognition is that it is not, in spite of its alluring and simplistic title and subtitle, a how-to-manual. The reader is informed about a human being’s “optimal state of arousal,” i.e., when the heart pumps at a rate of 115 to 145 beats a minute. At this pace, one is more likely to be at peak performance. Above 145 ticks per 60 seconds, however, complex motor skills start to break down. But the best remedy Gladwell has to offer us as a means of avoiding such a breakdown comes from former army officer and author, Dave Grossman, and that is: “You must rehearse.”

Nevertheless, Blink is a compact and compelling book. It is easily comprehended and a quick read, thanks to Gladwell’s swift storytelling. For those interested in an uncanny peek into human consciousness, Blink is both informative and entertaining, and is now available in paperback.

(Little, Brown and Company, 2005, ISBN 03-316-17232-4)