Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [44]
Peoria Sports Complex
Home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners; whole rows of chain hotels and restaurants line the nearby streets. 623-773-8700; www.peoriaaz.gov/sportscomplex; 16101 N 83rd Ave, Peoria
Phoenix Municipal Stadium
A 7800-seat stadium that’s the spring training home of the Oakland A’s; it’s just a stone’s throw away from both the Tempe and Scottsdale borders. 602-392-0074; http://athletics.mlb.com/spring_training; 5999 E Van Buren St, Phoenix
Scottsdale Stadium
Home of the San Francisco Giants and within a walk or trolley ride of Scottsdale bars and eateries. 480-312-2586; www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium; 7408 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale
Tucson Electric Park
Awesome views of the mountains and home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox – both World Series champions. 520-434-1000; www.pima.gov/tep; 2500 E Ajo Way, Tucson
EAT & DRINK
El Charro Café
Where locals take out-of-towners every chance they get. Carne seca is meat that’s been dried and then rehydrated; super delicious. 520-622-1922; 311 N Court Ave, Tucson; mains $8-18; lunch & dinner
Four Peaks Brewing Company
A quintessential neighborhood brewpub set in a Mission Revival–style building. Enjoy that patio before it gets too hot. 480-303-9967; www.fourpeaks.com; 1340 E 8th St, Tempe; 11am-2am
Pink Pony Steakhouse
Full of memorabilia, it’s the best place in the state for post-game suds and grub. 480-945-6697; 3831 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale; 10am-10:30pm Mon-Fri, 4-10pm Sat-Sun; mains $15-25
SLEEP
Hotel Valley Ho
A mile away from Scottsdale Municipal Stadium and a great place for non-fans to while away the day. 480-248-2000; www.hotelvalleyho.com; 6850 E Main St, Scottsdale; r $320-610
Windmill Inn at St Philips Plaza
The two-room suites feel big as half a ballpark. Kids under 18 and pets stay free. Free bike rentals, too. 520-577-0007; www.windmillinns.com; 4250 N Campbell Ave, Tucson; r $80-220;
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.cactusleague.com
LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
11 48 Hours in Greater Phoenix
21 Southern Desert Wanderings
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Return to beginning of chapter
Big Skies & Weird Science
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WHY GO Whether it’s seeing the bright rings of Saturn or standing in the room where two men could have plunged the world into a nuclear winter, prepare for a mental blast off. Even people who think they don’t like astronomy or science will have a few “wow” moments on this trip with professional stargazer Cliff Ochser.
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TIME
3 days
DISTANCE
425 miles
BEST TIME TO GO
Oct – Mar
START
Flagstaff, AZ
END
Tucson, AZ
ALSO GOOD FOR
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Long-time fixture in Arizona astronomy and stargazing guide Cliff Ochser says, “Arizona’s great for astronomy because we have more research telescopes than any other state and we have 300 days a year of clear skies.” Ochser suggests starting at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. At 7000ft of elevation, Flagstaff isn’t just closer to the stars than any other big city in Arizona, it’s the first International Dark Sky city in the world. Stars here shine like diamonds sprinkled on black felt.
Experience the nightly stargazing during the week. Weekends can get crowded and long waits to look through a telescope are common – and seeing the bright rings of Saturn are worth the wait. The privately built observatory (in operation since 1894) is where Pluto, the celestial body formerly known as a planet, was discovered in 1930. “A day tour is still worthwhile at Lowell,” says Ochser. “It’s really about the history there and they have some good films and great exhibits.”
Two miles from Lowell Observatory, Comfi Cottages gives families and those in need of privacy a base of operations in Flagstaff. Perks include a fridge stocked with breakfast foods, a barbecue and bikes.
After a starry night in Flagstaff head 40 miles east on I-40