A BRIEF UPDATES OF NEWS AROUND ARIZONA MARCH 2021

A BRIEF UPDATES OF NEWS AROUND ARIZONA MARCH 2021

 Culinary

Prescott's First Modern Taqueria and Tequila Bar

La Planchada is Prescott's first modern taqueria and tequila bar. Delivering a daily menu of Mexican inspired specials and inventive tacos, wrapped in Arizona-made tortillas. The modest 42-seat outpost is a trendy-neighborhood hangout, ideal for a quick dinner pop-in or a late-night gathering with friends. A custom zinc bar accented with Mexican-inspired tilework is the center of the restaurant and complement the vibrant, street-art style murals adorning the walls. When guests first walk-in, they'll be guided by rows of taco-bar style communal tables that are illuminated by star-shaped chandeliers. Following the path outdoors to a lively patio which offers direct access to Prescott's Whiskey Row Alley.

 

Mediterranean restaurant opens at Talking Stick Resort

The newly opened restaurant at Talking Stick Resort, Tash, is an eclectic, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. The word “Tash” originates from the O'odham Language spoken by members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and it means sun, day or time. Courses are designed to be shared and artisan-prepared cocktails are made from classic and innovative recipes using the precise fresh fruit, herb or vegetable that accentuates the character of each spirit. Ample lounge seating is also available inside the restaurant and outside on its expansive patio with stunning views of Camelback Mountain and Tribal land. Tash is more than a culinary adventure. It is unforgettable flavors that recharge the soul and create an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.

 

Attractions

 

New We-Ko-Pa Casino and Resort at Fort McDowell

On October 29, the new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort opened its doors in Fort McDowell. In addition to offering a full complement of slot machines, tables, bingo and gaming amenities, the new casino features a wide variety of dining establishments, event venues, Native American design elements and other attributes designed to maximize the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all who visit the casino and stay at the adjacent AAA Four Diamond hotel. The new 166,341-square-foot casino replaces the original Fort McDowell Casino that initially opened in 1984 as a bingo space hall. The first-class We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is connected to a new four-story covered parking structure and the existing 246-room hotel. The casino shares its name with the upscale We-Ko-Pa Golf Club across the street that boasts the consistently award-winning Saguaro and Cholla courses.

Company/organization response to COVID-19.

 

Salt River Art Tour at Talking Stick Entertainment District

The Salt River Art Tour is a self-guided tour throughout the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's Talking Stick Entertainment District. The Salt River Indian Community represents two of 22 tribes in Arizona. Explore the Salt River Art Tour and experience the rich history and stories of the Pima and Maricopa through the eyes of Community member artists including Jeffrey Wilder, Anthony Collins and Jacob Butler. The tour is accessible by car; once at each location, it is walkable.

 

Grand Canyon National Park launches virtual cultural demonstrator video series

March 2nd, Grand Canyon National Park's Cultural Demonstrator Program at Desert View launched the 'History Behind the Arts' video series. This series features cultural demonstrators from the 11 traditionally associated tribes of the Grand Canyon and highlights the history of tribal crafts and personal interviews with artisans. The Cultural Demonstration Program provides the opportunity for viewers to learn more about each tribe's culture, their history, and the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. Through symbols, patterns, and designs, native art of the Southwest displays the everyday life, beliefs, dreams, visions, and long-lasting traditions of tribes.

 

Willcox Wine Country new 2021 Digital Passport Promotion

Arizona's premier wine growing region, Willcox Wine Country, has implemented an innovative, region-wide visitor Passport Promotion utilizing a digital application. The digital passport earns the holder discounts and entry to more than 120 events that began in February and continues through December 2021, including the Willcox Spring and Fall Wine Festivals, four regional interactive events, and dozens of individual vineyard experiences. Wine visitors to Willcox will “play” wine touring “games” based on Scratcher Game, Wineopoly, Scavenger Hunt and Poker Run.

 

New boat rental at Tempe Town Lake

Boat Rentals of America announced their newest rental boat at Tempe Town Lake, the “donut” boat. The Donut Boats hold up to 10 people and are electric, making them easy to drive. There's a round table in the middle for sharing food and beverages, and the circular seating makes for easy conversations.

 

Hotel News

 

Downtown Phoenix welcomes new hotel

AC Hotel Phoenix Downtown, located at the Arizona Center offers 199 rooms, 5,000 sq. ft of meeting space, two media salons and a board room with indoor and outdoor accommodations. AC Lounge, the lounge and lobby bar, features craft cocktails, tapas, an outdoor patio and cozy fireplaces. The boutique hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center with panoramic views, library, business center, hydration stations and AC Store. Guest rooms include complimentary WiFi, smart TVs and premium toiletries including lavender satchels in each room. The AC Kitchen offers European-inspired continental breakfast which includes imported meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, yogurt parfaits and more.

Company/organization response to COVID-19.

 

Historic hotel in downtown Clifton opens after extensive renovations

The Clifton Hotel, located in Clifton, Arizona, was built in 1890. The hotel was used for a variety of purposes, including office space for businesses, a home for children in transition, and it was even a private residence for a time. It eventually became an apartment building in the late 1960s, but closed its doors in the mid 1970s. Over 40 years after the building was abandoned, new owners Matt and Karen Frye restored the hotel and kept the authentic feel with 14-foot ceilings, turn-of-the-century wallpaper, and antique furniture and light fixtures. The renovations include: three studio rooms with bath and kitchenette, two suites with clawfoot tubs, a new courtyard, onsite bar, and a common area. The bar, which is reminiscent of a western tavern, has an ornate bar-back that was built in 1904 in Silver City, New Mexico. There is also a commercial kitchen and a cook who creates both traditional and signature meals and desserts. All wiring, plumbing, heating, and cooling are new. There are three more rooms undergoing renovation, and one should be open by the end of April 2021.

 

Flight Service

 

New non-stop flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

March 4, 2021, American Airlines began a nonstop flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Culiacan in northwestern Mexico and to Calgary, Canada. Southwest Airlines began its Phoenix – Colorado Springs route March 11, 2021 and began flying to Cancun.

Company/organization response to COVID-19.

 

General

 

National Park Service launches new mobile app

The National Park Service launched a new mobile app. The product, titled National Park Service, is available for free on Android and Apple and boasts a number of features, like accessibility information, lodging reservations, hike suggestions, audio tours, restaurant hours, and, perhaps most importantly, maps available to download for offline use. The goal of the Park Service is to offer visitors a one-stop shop where they can glean news, alerts, and trail recommendations for all of its 423 units. Users are greeted with stunning photos of some of the most visited national parks. Users have the option to find a unit by mapping to your current location, searching a specific state, or typing a park name into the search bar.

 

PR Contact: Office of Communications

Phone: (202) 208-6843

 

Virtual Tours

 

The following are a few virtual tours from throughout the state, for more please visit our website.

 

Petrified Forest National Park

You can check out the view on the park's webcam, right outside the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.

 

Phippen Museum

Since you can't come to us, we thought we'd share a short stroll through our galleries to do our part to continue connecting with our community and bring this great art experience to those who are sheltering in place and following CDC guidelines on social distancing.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/phippenartmuseum/videos/970052080055872/?v=970052080055872

 

Phoenix Zoo

The Zoo is providing educational, fun, unique content and behind-the-scenes access to animals, keepers and the staff who keep the Zoo running even while the physical grounds are closed to the public. On the Digital Safari page you will find links to exclusive YouTube videos, blog posts, photos, animals facts and activities to keep the kiddos busy while stuck at home. Tune in every day at 1 p.m. for new content!

Website link: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/digital-safari/

 

USS Arizona Memorial Gardens

The outdoor memorial – an outline of the exact length and width of the USS Arizona, indicated with more 1,500 commemorative columns that illuminate – honors the brave individuals that served aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.

Website: https://www.discoversaltriver.com/uss-arizona-memorial-gardens-at-salt-river

 

COVID-19 Updates in Arizona

For visitor guidance due to COVID-19 such as mask-wearing, a list of tourism-related re-openings or closures, and a link to public health guidelines, click here: https://www.visitarizona.com/covid-19/ . Some attractions are open year-round and some are open seasonally or move to seasonal hours. To ensure the places you want to see are open on your travel dates, please check their website for hours of operation.