Looking to be the hostess with the mostess this holiday season? Take your out-of-town guests to these fabulous Arizona favorites that will be sure to win over their hearts.
The Farm at South Mountain
Enjoy the Arizona winter weather this holiday season at this dreamy outdoor destination. This dazzling 12-acre property gives visitors an elegant dining in Quiessence Restaurant. If you are looking for something more casual, the Farm Kitchen serves up delicious sandwiches, fresh soups, seasonal salads and made-from-scratch baked goods. All of which come in picnic baskets, giving you the opportunity to dine alfresco under the pecan trees. In the mornings, breakfast consisting of house-baked muffins and pastries, locally made sausages and seasonal omelets are served at the Morning Glory Café. The Farm at South Mountain is a kid-, bike- and dog- friendly location and accommodates to any size group. www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com.
Polar Express
Take a ride up to Williams and hop aboard the Polar Express. Trains depart from Williams Depot at 6:30 p.m. and take you on a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole. Guests are able to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while they listen to a magical Christmas story. Santa and his reindeer await your arrival into the North Pole, and board the train to hand each child their own special gift.www.thetrain.com.
Have Dinner at Modern Steak
Discover a dining experience like now other at Modern Steak! The incredible Sam Fox has taken all the culinary elements one would expect to find in a traditional steakhouse – tantalizing appetizers, mouthwatering prime-aged beef and seafood dishes, exquisite sides and salads, irresistible desserts, creative cocktails and an outstanding wine selection – and have given them a unique, fresh and entirely “Modern” spin. But the to-die-for food is not the only thing on the menu. The setting is all about glamour. From the striking white metal sculpture that artfully shades the outside climate controlled patio and all throughout the beautifully appointed dining room, bar and three private dining rooms, Modern Steak offers comfortable, yet affordable elegance and Fox Restaurant Concepts’ signature hospitality.
Luxe iPic Theaters
iPic Theaters, the premier movie going experience, is coming to the booming Scottsdale Quarter Dec. 17 and there's no where better to take your guests for an all-new flick. This luxe, VIP theater offers:
- Comfort: two levels of reserved premium stadium seating with unobstructed views for you to choose from
- Selection: extensive food assortment from our seasonal menu
- Service: from free valet parking to a guest service area that can check you in
- Technology: the latest and greatest technology to your movie going experience with online reserved seating. iPic Theaters is an all-digital cinema with state-of-the-art technology in sound and projection including 3D.
Reservations and ticketing are available 24 hours a day at ipictheaters.com, in addition to in-person during cinema business hours. The show schedule typically goes on sale on Tuesdays for the new week beginning Friday.
iPic Theaters – Scottsdale Quarter
15257 N Scottsdale Road, Suite F-220 & F-230
Heard Museum
The Phoenix Heard Museum is one of the area’s first cultural attractions and now has grown to be one of the world’s finest destinations for learning about American Indian arts and cultures. Just in time for this year’s holiday season, the Heard Museum will be featuring “Holidays at the Heard,” which, starting Dec. 26, will include daily music, dance performances, book signings and hands-on activities at the Downtown Phoenix location. Visitors can also enjoy 10 exhibit galleries including HOME: Native People in the Southwest as well as two exhibits that feature hands-on craft activities and artwork that are perfect for families. Admission is $15 for adults. www.heard.org.
West Wind Scottsdale 6 Drive-In
Enjoy a family movie night—be sure to tote along some warm hot chocolate and gingersnaps—at the Drive-In in Scottsdale. Six jumbo screens allow you to see the feature film from any angle. Admission is $6 and allows you to see two featured films. 480.949.9451.
Shopping
Tie up all loose Christmas shopping ends at Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Biltmore Fashion Park and Kierland Commons. At these upscale shopping meccas, out-of-towners will enjoy spending at luxury retailers like Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co. and Jimmy Choo. Plus, the centers’ halls are decked with glorious holiday décor. www.westcor.com.
