Thomas' Guidebook to Phoenix
Hikes
The best trails for hiking around the city
Beautiful hike around Saguaro lake. Not very challenging. Can also swim and take kayaks on the lake.
Butcher Jones Trail
Butcher Jones TrailBeautiful hike around Saguaro lake. Not very challenging. Can also swim and take kayaks on the lake.
More challenging hike with great views of the desert. Especially pretty hike in the spring.
Goldmine Trail
Goldmine TrailMore challenging hike with great views of the desert. Especially pretty hike in the spring.
This one is just down the street from the house. Fabulous hike at sundown; watch the city lights come on. Fairly difficult, but not Camelback Mountain.
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Mormon Trailhead
8610 South 24th StreetThis one is just down the street from the house. Fabulous hike at sundown; watch the city lights come on. Fairly difficult, but not Camelback Mountain.
This one is the closest to the house and takes you to Dobbins Lookout. There is a back road to the top in case you get too tired and want to Uber down, but most can handle the full hike.
Holbert Trailhead
South Phoenix South Mountain ParkThis one is the closest to the house and takes you to Dobbins Lookout. There is a back road to the top in case you get too tired and want to Uber down, but most can handle the full hike.
Not for the faint of heart. This one is a doozy, but so worth it.
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The Flatiron
6109 North Apache TrailNot for the faint of heart. This one is a doozy, but so worth it.
The pinnacle of hikes in Phoenix. Be sure to try both sides of the mountain. It’s not easy that’s for sure. You’ll especially like the handrail portion. At Christmas, Santa and a tree hangout at the top all day. Great photo opp.
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Camelback Hike
5700 N Echo Canyon DrThe pinnacle of hikes in Phoenix. Be sure to try both sides of the mountain. It’s not easy that’s for sure. You’ll especially like the handrail portion. At Christmas, Santa and a tree hangout at the top all day. Great photo opp.
I call it “Camelback’s Sister”. Not as challenging, but similar views.
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Piestewa Peak
I call it “Camelback’s Sister”. Not as challenging, but similar views.
A solid hike. Great view from the north side of Phoenix.
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Tom's Thumb Trailhead
23015 N 128th StA solid hike. Great view from the north side of Phoenix.
A good 90min drive, but I promise you will be astonished. Grab lunch in Payson; a great little town to camp & hike around.
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Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Nf-583AA good 90min drive, but I promise you will be astonished. Grab lunch in Payson; a great little town to camp & hike around.
A hidden gem of Arizona. Cliff jumping and creek exploration for multiple miles. Bring a backpack with lunch and drinks. You won’t regret a day spent here.
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The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
Bell TrailA hidden gem of Arizona. Cliff jumping and creek exploration for multiple miles. Bring a backpack with lunch and drinks. You won’t regret a day spent here.
Everyone’s favorite. It is a good 15miles round trip hike so bring lots of food and water.
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Fossil Creek Waterfall
Everyone’s favorite. It is a good 15miles round trip hike so bring lots of food and water.
Canyon Lake
Hike. Boat. Hangout. It’s a beautiful area.
Dancing
Country dancing is huge in Arizona. It’s a tradition and something most become infatuated with. Best thing I ever did was learn. I promise it’s not as hard or as scary as you think. It’s a very supportive dance atmosphere. Champions and newbys share the same floor most nights. As my Nana says “find you someone who can dance
Best all around dance spot in Phoenix. Downtown Gilbert is adorable. Thursday is country dancing. Friday & Saturday are live bands & more pop music/club atmosphere. Best place to hangout on a Sunday for live music and football.
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Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Gilbert
323 N Gilbert RdBest all around dance spot in Phoenix. Downtown Gilbert is adorable. Thursday is country dancing. Friday & Saturday are live bands & more pop music/club atmosphere. Best place to hangout on a Sunday for live music and football.
The real hidden gem of Arizona. Go really embrace country music with the locals. Jump in on a line dance. 0.50cent drinks until 10pm. Dead serious. Open Wed-Sat 6pm-2am.
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Denim and Diamonds Mesa
7336 E Main StThe real hidden gem of Arizona. Go really embrace country music with the locals. Jump in on a line dance. 0.50cent drinks until 10pm. Dead serious. Open Wed-Sat 6pm-2am.
Yes they have steak and dancing. BUT they also have bull riding. I dare you to signup. This is Arizona bucket list material. Don’t worry, the bulls are past their prime.
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Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse
6823 E Cave Creek RdYes they have steak and dancing. BUT they also have bull riding. I dare you to signup. This is Arizona bucket list material. Don’t worry, the bulls are past their prime.
Great live music and dancing every night. A little older crowd many nights but still a great time.
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The Stillery
130 South Arizona AvenueGreat live music and dancing every night. A little older crowd many nights but still a great time.
Monday nights at 7 is the Crystal Clear Country group class. Crystal’s class is the best around. She has been doing this for over a decade. I promise Arizona Country Swing and 2-Step are worth learning. Tell her Thomas Metry sent you; she will take extra good care of you.
NRG Ballroom
931 E Elliot RdMonday nights at 7 is the Crystal Clear Country group class. Crystal’s class is the best around. She has been doing this for over a decade. I promise Arizona Country Swing and 2-Step are worth learning. Tell her Thomas Metry sent you; she will take extra good care of you.
Great steaks at a very fair price. Live music and outdoor dancing on the weekends. Queen Creek is one of the fastest growing areas in Phoenix.
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San Tan Flat
6185 W Hunt HwyGreat steaks at a very fair price. Live music and outdoor dancing on the weekends. Queen Creek is one of the fastest growing areas in Phoenix.
If you want to ensure sobriety, go dancing here. No alcohol allowed. Just dancing and cheery people.
Scootin' Boots Dance Hall
515 N Stapley DrIf you want to ensure sobriety, go dancing here. No alcohol allowed. Just dancing and cheery people.
Neighborhoods
Best places to explore in Phoenix. Could spend an entire day in each spot and be fully entertained.
The Gilbert Heritage District is the best space to hangout in Arizona. All the charm and night life of Scottsdale, half the price. Variety of restaurants and bars. Everything walking distance. Most Thursday nights I’m here dancing at Whiskey Row.
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Gilbert
The Gilbert Heritage District is the best space to hangout in Arizona. All the charm and night life of Scottsdale, half the price. Variety of restaurants and bars. Everything walking distance. Most Thursday nights I’m here dancing at Whiskey Row.
Go party with the Arizona State University crowd. I promise you will have a blast. Especially at Low Key Piano Bar. Fishbowl drinks and hilarious dueling piano acts. 15 minutes from the house.
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South Mill Avenue
South Mill AvenueGo party with the Arizona State University crowd. I promise you will have a blast. Especially at Low Key Piano Bar. Fishbowl drinks and hilarious dueling piano acts. 15 minutes from the house.
You have to go once. Always a party. At night I refer to it as “Mini Vegas”. Be sure to bring your wallet. 20 minutes from the house.
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Old Town Scottsdale
3200 N Scottsdale RdYou have to go once. Always a party. At night I refer to it as “Mini Vegas”. Be sure to bring your wallet. 20 minutes from the house.
Chandler has the cutest downtown with everything you could want. Exceptionally cute during the holidays. I personally love the variety of restaurants and Puro Cigar Bar is a favorite of mine. Go to The Perch and eat with all the exotic birds. 30 minutes from the house.
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Downtown
Chandler has the cutest downtown with everything you could want. Exceptionally cute during the holidays. I personally love the variety of restaurants and Puro Cigar Bar is a favorite of mine. Go to The Perch and eat with all the exotic birds. 30 minutes from the house.
Big mall. Cardinals football. Coyotes hockey. Tons of restaurants and bars. 30 minutes from the house.
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Westgate
Big mall. Cardinals football. Coyotes hockey. Tons of restaurants and bars. 30 minutes from the house.
Suns games. Diamondback games. Comerica Theater. The Van Buren Concert Venue. Tons of bars and restaurants. 10 minutes from the house.
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Downtown Phoenix
Suns games. Diamondback games. Comerica Theater. The Van Buren Concert Venue. Tons of bars and restaurants. 10 minutes from the house.
Sightseeing
Horseshoe bend. Antelope Canyon. Go for a weekend and see all the sights. Fair warning, it is a 4 hour drive. Big John’s Texas BBQ is divine.
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Page
Horseshoe bend. Antelope Canyon. Go for a weekend and see all the sights. Fair warning, it is a 4 hour drive. Big John’s Texas BBQ is divine.
About a 2 hour drive. I really like the Devil’s Bridge hike. It’s not too challenging and the view is incredible. Spend a day there and get lunch in Oak Creek Village just south of Sedona.
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Sedona
About a 2 hour drive. I really like the Devil’s Bridge hike. It’s not too challenging and the view is incredible. Spend a day there and get lunch in Oak Creek Village just south of Sedona.
If you go to Flagstaff for the day, make a pit stop. It’s just so massive, you can’t fathom this all came from a Mini Cooper sized meteor.
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Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
233If you go to Flagstaff for the day, make a pit stop. It’s just so massive, you can’t fathom this all came from a Mini Cooper sized meteor.
Winter - great skiing with temps in the 30s
Summer - great hiking with temps in the 80s
Fall - ride the gondola for some of the best views you’ll ever see
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Arizona Snowbowl
9300 North Snow Bowl RoadWinter - great skiing with temps in the 30s
Summer - great hiking with temps in the 80s
Fall - ride the gondola for some of the best views you’ll ever see
Summer only. Ever floated down a river with a tube full of drinks/snacks, blasting music, and passing wild horses? Here’s your chance. Just be prepared for lots of time in the sun. Tube rides last 4-6 hours.
*It is illegal to approach the horses!
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Salt River Tubing
9200 North Bush HighwaySummer only. Ever floated down a river with a tube full of drinks/snacks, blasting music, and passing wild horses? Here’s your chance. Just be prepared for lots of time in the sun. Tube rides last 4-6 hours.
*It is illegal to approach the horses!
A 4 hour drive, but well worth it. I have connections to boats you can rent. Don’t miss out on some wake boarding and water skiing.
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Lake Powell
A 4 hour drive, but well worth it. I have connections to boats you can rent. Don’t miss out on some wake boarding and water skiing.
Another lake within a few hour drive of Phoenix. Incredible views and connections to renting a boat are what I can offer.
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Bartlett Lake
Another lake within a few hour drive of Phoenix. Incredible views and connections to renting a boat are what I can offer.
Just on the outskirts of North Phoenix, about a 45min drive from the house. I’ve got connections to boat rentals if you’re looking for a nice lake day.
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Lake Pleasant
Just on the outskirts of North Phoenix, about a 45min drive from the house. I’ve got connections to boat rentals if you’re looking for a nice lake day.
The most beautiful college town you’ve ever seen. Trust me, you’re going to want a day trip here at the least. Make a weekend of it and see the Meteor Crater, Grand Canyon, & Snowbowl.
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Flagstaff
The most beautiful college town you’ve ever seen. Trust me, you’re going to want a day trip here at the least. Make a weekend of it and see the Meteor Crater, Grand Canyon, & Snowbowl.
Tucson is about a 90 minute drive south. Cute college town, home of The University of Arizona. The caves are the real gem. The tours are incredible.
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Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16721 E Old Spanish TrailTucson is about a 90 minute drive south. Cute college town, home of The University of Arizona. The caves are the real gem. The tours are incredible.
Known as the Spring Break destination of Arizona. A literal oasis. 3 hours from the house.
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Lake Havasu City
Known as the Spring Break destination of Arizona. A literal oasis. 3 hours from the house.
Golf
I’ll list you the best courses near the house, but there are over 200 courses in the Phoenix metro so you have plenty of options. Arizona loves golf. Many call us the US Golf Mecca.
Aguila Golf Course
8440 South 35th Avenue3 miles from the house. Public course. Great rates and views.
5 miles from the house. Fairly affordable fancy golf club. You won’t be disappointed.
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Legacy Golf Resort
6808 S 32nd St5 miles from the house. Fairly affordable fancy golf club. You won’t be disappointed.
5 miles from the house. Across the street from Legacy. Very different courses. Play them both. This one can be expensive.
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Raven Golf Club
3636 E Baseline Rd5 miles from the house. Across the street from Legacy. Very different courses. Play them both. This one can be expensive.
15 miles from the house. My favorite course around, especially for its price. Very challenging. It’s used for the high school state championships.
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Grand Canyon University Championship Golf Course
5902 W Indian School Rd15 miles from the house. My favorite course around, especially for its price. Very challenging. It’s used for the high school state championships.
8 miles from the house. Offer both 18 and executive 9 hole course. Great prices.
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Encanto Golf Course
2775 N 15th Ave8 miles from the house. Offer both 18 and executive 9 hole course. Great prices.
This course used to be the home course of Arizona State University. Some solid bang for your buck here. Just 9 miles from the house.
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Papago Golf Course
5595 E Karsten WyThis course used to be the home course of Arizona State University. Some solid bang for your buck here. Just 9 miles from the house.
Events
Unique places and businesses in Phoenix
Like old cars? Go check out the auction house. You won’t regret it. Maybe drive away with your own little beauty.
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Barrett-Jackson Auction Company LLC
15555 N 79th PlLike old cars? Go check out the auction house. You won’t regret it. Maybe drive away with your own little beauty.
Phoenix holds half of Major League Baseball’s spring training facilities. 15 teams; all of which a 10-30 minute drive from the house. They’re here all February & March. See pictures for map of fields and teams.
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Spring Training Bonspiel
2202 W Medtronic WayPhoenix holds half of Major League Baseball’s spring training facilities. 15 teams; all of which a 10-30 minute drive from the house. They’re here all February & March. See pictures for map of fields and teams.
In addition to hosting spring training, Arizona also hosts the Major League Baseball Fall League. The best minor leaguers from around the country put on 8 teams, playing daily in October & November. Come watch the future all-stars and get a picture/autograph before they hit the Big Leagues.
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Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N Pima RdIn addition to hosting spring training, Arizona also hosts the Major League Baseball Fall League. The best minor leaguers from around the country put on 8 teams, playing daily in October & November. Come watch the future all-stars and get a picture/autograph before they hit the Big Leagues.
If you like golf and have never been to a Top Golf facility, you are missing out. It combines golf with virtual targets. The closer you are to a pin, the more points you get. We have 4 in Phoenix, all of which are within 30 minutes of the house.
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Topgolf
9500 Talking Stick WayIf you like golf and have never been to a Top Golf facility, you are missing out. It combines golf with virtual targets. The closer you are to a pin, the more points you get. We have 4 in Phoenix, all of which are within 30 minutes of the house.
Phoenix has 7 casinos, 2 of which are within 15 minutes of the house. Sports gambling was just legalized so why not wager on a Suns game. Suns in 4!
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Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
5040 Wild Horse Pass BlvdPhoenix has 7 casinos, 2 of which are within 15 minutes of the house. Sports gambling was just legalized so why not wager on a Suns game. Suns in 4!
Like driving really fast? Phoenix has 2 go kart tracks, both of which have exceptional karts that will give you chills as you round a corner. One is 10 minutes from the house. I highly recommend.
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K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities
2501 S 21st StLike driving really fast? Phoenix has 2 go kart tracks, both of which have exceptional karts that will give you chills as you round a corner. One is 10 minutes from the house. I highly recommend.
The best 4 day country festival in the USA. Come truly experience country music and it’s people in their element. The biggest names and best acts all in attendance. You’ll never be the same. Just one hot from the house. Normally takes place in April, but due to Covid is happening in October of 2021.
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Country Thunder Arizona
20585 E Water WayThe best 4 day country festival in the USA. Come truly experience country music and it’s people in their element. The biggest names and best acts all in attendance. You’ll never be the same. Just one hot from the house. Normally takes place in April, but due to Covid is happening in October of 2021.
Food scene
Fantastic New Mexican based restaurant just down the street. The margaritas are amazing. Order by the pitcher.
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Los dos molinos
4855 Warner RdFantastic New Mexican based restaurant just down the street. The margaritas are amazing. Order by the pitcher.
El Entronke Bar & Grill
9032 South Central AvenueLiterally around the corner. Solid food selection. Plenty of space.