Marilyn Anderson’s
ROMANCE ON THE ROAD
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Airfares too high? Tired of Vegas? Think of Phoenix, Arizona, for your next staycation. You don’t have to go far for an absolutely fun-filled, culturally rich and relaxing vacation… still relatively close to home. Phoenix has all kinds of unique and wonderful places to visit. We started with one of the most exciting…
THE BOB BONDURANT SCHOOL OF HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING
This high speed driving school is
just about the coolest place I’ve ever visited. Guys, it’s your dream spot. Women, if you want to get your honey a present he’ll never forget, send him there for a 4-day course. C’mon, if the truth be told, most women know that whether a guy is 18 or 80, he loves racing in a car!
The owner, Bob Bondurant, was a professional race car driver in the 1960s. After he was paralyzed in an accident, doctors told him he’d never walk again. But they were wrong. Later, when he got up out of the wheelchair, he decided to start a driving school.
The classes are a favorite for men of all ages … and women, too. On our visit, I watched
as the students climbed into their finely tuned Corvettes ready to take on the winding curves of the course, at something like 100 miles per hour!
After our walking tour of the facilities, the guide turned to
me: “So, Marilyn, how’d you like to go for some hot laps?
“Hot laps?” I asked. “What’s that?”
“Laps around our track with one of our race car instructors.”
Me, a passenger in a race car? Duh, I don’t think so! I must tell you I have never been into speed. I’m the person who stays in the far right lane of the freeway, and gets a ticket for going 20 miles underthe speed limit! And I’m even more nervous when I’m in the passenger seat.
My boyfriend, Dennis, cajoled me. “C’mon Mar, you can do it.” I thought a beat, and realized… Hey, I’m on vacation. I may be scared, but I’m no wuss. This is something I HAVE to do!
So still shaking my head no… in fact my whole body shaking no, I don a full-face crash helmet and head out to the pit area. The driver, Dave, zips up in a sleek yellow Corvette 
and comes to a screeching stop. Dennis opens the door for me. As I climb into the passenger seat, I hit my head on the door and then mumble a silent little prayer. Dave revs the engine. And we take off. Zzzzzzoooooom!
He hits the curves, the tires slide. I’m holding onto to the sides for dear life. It reminds me of my most hated ride as a child,the Wild Mouse. The car zigs one way, zags the other, whizzes, whooshes and zips like a rocket. As we careen back toward the starting point, Dave asks if I want to continue for a second lap. “No, that’s okay, once around was great!” He pulls the Corvette to a stop.
I get out and head over to Dennis, feeling a tad cocky and enormously proud of myself. Then, he tells me I wasn’t supposed to have my eyes closed!
Dennis took his turn next. I watched as the car zipped around through the hairpin turns. Geez, did I just do that? Yikes! Dennis had bragged to me that he used to race cars when he was younger. So this was no big deal for him. But you know what? When he stepped out of the car, he looked “greener” than I did. He even confessed to me he almost tossed his cookies! You can bet I didn’t let him live that one down!
The Bondurant School has many different choices for classes,two hours; one-day; two-day; three or four days, depending on the skill level you seek. If you want to start a little slower, they have “Go Kart” school, too. And there are special courses for teens as well.
As we left the building, I glanced at the photos on the wall. Some of the celebs that have taken classes include Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Candace Bergen, Clint Eastwood, Paris Hilton, Nick Lachey, Jim Beluschi, David Hasselhoff, Ice Cube and many more. And maybe when you go… you’ll see a photo of that other famous High Speed Dare Devil… Marilyn Anderson!
THE BOB BONDURANT SCHOOL OF HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING
20000 S Maricopa Rd
Gate 3
Chandler, AZ 85226
800-842-RACE
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After you return from your high speed driving course you’ll definitely want to relax. I recommend enjoying a fabulous treatment and massage at one of Phoenix’s wonderful spas…
AJI SPA
SHERATON WILD HORSE PASS RESORT AND SPA
The 17,500 square foot Aji Spa is named from the Pima Indian word for “sanctuary.” It features 17 treatment rooms, salon, fitness center, watsu pool, and services with a Native American flavor. Their one-of-a-kind treatments are developed from ancient rituals, including red clay from the Gila River, Cholla cactus, and Blue Coyote. The Aji Spa is a tranquil and sacred spot of awesome beauty that will soothe all your stress and cares away.
Across a path from the spa is the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort. This 500-room AAA Four Diamond hotel was designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River
Indian Community’s heritage and culture. As such, it offers guests both inspirational and educational experiences. The architecture, design, art, and legends of the Pima and Maricopa tribes are celebrated in every detail of the hotel, indoors and out.
And if you hate those new airline luggage charges….
The new Love Your Luggage package at theSheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa reimburses guests for airline luggage fees. Resort guests who show proof of a luggage charge will be reimbursed $25 per person, up to $50 per guest room. 
The Love Your Luggage package includes one night in a 
traditional guest room and is valid through Dec. 31, 2008. The package rate starts at $169, exclusive of tax and gratuity.
SHERATON WILD HORSE PASS RESORT AND SPA
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard
Chandler, Arizona 85226
602-225-0100
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TOCALOMA SPA
POINTE HILTON AT TAPATIO CLIFFS
From the Spanish phrase “touching the hills,” theTocaloma Spa offers a wide variety of therapies using ingredients indigenous to the Southwest, many provided by Mother Nature 
herself. Guests are sure to leave thoroughly relaxed and revitalized. Tocaloma was named among the Top 10 Spas in Arizona for outstanding service.
The spa is located at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort,which recently underwent a $25 million dollar renovation. Nestled into the rugged terrain of Phoenix North Mountain, about 20 minutes from the airport, this resort is a particularly good spot to go when traveling with children.
Why? The Falls Water Village ! Simply put, kids will love this three-acre oasis of waterfalls, streams and gardens, including a138-foot slide flume known as The Pointe Plunge! While they are happily splashing and screaming with joy, you can be lolling in one of the cabanas, swimming in the main pool with its lap lanes and fountain centerpiece, or relaxing in the grotto pool.
If, in addition to swimming, you like swinging a club, there’s the Pointe Hilton Golf Academy at the Lookout Mountain Golf Club. The flagship school is now celebrating its tenth season.
The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is an all-suites resort, which makes it perfect for families or business trips.
POINTE HILTON TAPATIO CLIFFS RESORT
11111 North 7th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85020
800-947-9784
www.pointehilton.com/indextc.cfm
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For another incredible treat, take a HOT AIR BALLOON Ride…
HOT AIR EXPEDITIONS
We started the morning at 4 a.m., heading out to the base area for our sunrise balloon flight. Surprisingly, I wasn’t at all nervous about going “up, up, and away.” There were three balloons to go up in our group, which included several couples and some families with children.
It was much tamer than I expected – almost no feeling of motion as we drifted high above the desert. “A magic carpet ride” and “riding on a cloud” are two phrases that best describe the beauty, exhilaration and gentleness of ballooning . The balloons travel at speeds of about 5 to 6 miles per hour (just a tad slower than the race cars at the Bondurant School!).
We quickly rose up over 5,000 feet. Yes, a mile off the ground in a straw basket. It was exhilarating! I could see for miles with a 360-degree view, and it was fun to look down at the desert life below. Our pilot pointed out jack rabbit, quail, roadrunner, coyote, and other desert animals. Then, as we descended, we floated within inches of trees and cacti.
For me, the most exciting part was the landing. Instead of the “perfect landing” we expected from the calm air, our basket was buffeted by the hot air and actually tipped over on its side, eliciting lots of nervous smiles and anxious laughter from everyone.
After regaining our “land legs,” we were served strawberries and champagne in flutes while a sumptuous, gourmet breakfast was set up picnic style, with linens and china. It was a beautiful desert experience,absolutely cool,and since it was summer, only 102 degrees in the shade!
HOT AIR EXPEDITIONS
2243 E. Rose Garden Loop
Phoenix, AZ 85024
800-831-7610
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Cultural and Educational Attractions :
THE WRIGLEY MANSION
Built in 1932 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. as a 50 th wedding anniversary gift for his wife, Ada, the mansion is one of five Wrigley homes. It cost $1.2 million to build and remained the largest private residence in the state until the early
1960s. The mansion was named “La Colina Solana,” the sunny hill, because of its dramatic view of the Valley of the Sun, downtown Phoenix, and Camelback Mountain.
Used by the couple as a winter cottage, the 16,850 square foot mansion has 24 rooms, 12 bathrooms and was the smallest of the Wrigley homes. Today much of the original art work remains intact. The residence features art deco tiles, stuccoed structural clay tile walls, balconies, terraces and 11 fireplaces.
In 1992, George Hormel, an heir to the Hormel meat packing family, purchased the mansion, now known as the Wrigley Mansion Club. His main goal was to preserve the 
landmark. He restored the grounds and gardens to the Wrigley’s 1930’s style. It now operates as a private club with dues at $10 per year, which are donated to charity. Tours operate Wednesday thru Saturday at 10am and 3pm.
The Wrigley Mansion is a great place for meetings, weddings and other events. Its signature restaurant and lounge,Geordie’s, also features brunch, dinner and live music on the weekends.
THE WRIGLEY MANSION
The Wrigley Mansion
2501 E. Telawa Trail
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-955-4079
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
The world’s largest collection of desert plants in a natural setting is a must-see. This exquisite garden features thousands of thriving desert plants and wildflowers set throughout five thematic trails with more than 60 interactive exhibits.
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
480-941-1225
HEARD MUSEUM
This is an internationally recognized and world-renowned museum showcasing Native American fine art and culture for 75 years.
HEARD MUSEUM
2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-252-8840
PHOENIX ART MUSEUM
The largest art museum in the Southwest hosts international exhibitions and features more than 16,000 works in its collection. Emphasis is on American, Asian, European,
Latin American, Modern and Contemporary, and Western American art, plus Fashion Design and the Thorne Miniature Rooms of historic interiors.
PHOENIX ART MUSEUM
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-257-1880
ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER
With more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a giant-screen theater, the Arizona Science Center is great for kids and is a fun, informal way for them to learn about science.
ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER
600 E. Washington,
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-716-2000
TALIESIN WEST
Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece is a must-see. In late 1937, Wright purchased land in northeast Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and his young apprentices took on the task of buildingTaliesin West as a winter “camp.” The school is still in full force and guided tours are offered daily of this architectural wonder. Some of the highlights are the Cabaret Theater and Screening Room, Wright’s private office, and the Cove Entrance of his private relaxing room.
TALIESIN WEST
Cactus Rd. and Frank Lloyd Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85261
480-860-2700
www.franklloydwright.org/index.cfm?section=tour&action=taliesinwest
PUEBLO GRANDE MUSEUM AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Visitors can experience a prehistoric Hohokam ruin, see an ancient ballpark, and
experience fascinating exhibits, featuring the ancient Hohokam, archaeology and Southwest themes.
PUEBLO GRANDE MUSEUM AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
4619 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-495-5645
www.phoenix.gov/parks/pueblo.htmL
CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER
The mission of the Challenger Space Center is to inspire, excite and educate people of all ages about the mysteries and wonders of space, science, and the universe in which we
live.
The Center hosts fun-filled family evenings featuring space-themed events and games, along with entertaining and interactive stargazing programs using high-powered telescopes.
CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER
21170 N. 83 rd Avenue
Peoria, AZ
623-322-2001
MILL AVENUE DISTRICT
Downtown Tempe, Arizona
An historic street and the heart of Tempe, this area is always rockin’, especially on weekends. There are dozens of restaurants, coffeehouses, dance clubs, shops and boutiques all within walking distance. It’s a fun, lively, typical college-town area. Mill Avenue is also the site of many local street festivals.
This is located one mile east of Priest Dr., one mile west of Rural Rd., and takes up the area from University Dr. to Rio Salado Pkwy
MILL AVENUE DISTRICT
Mill Avenue at University
Tempe, AZ
www.downtowntempe.com/Maps.aspx
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FINE ARTS AND THEATRES
ORPHEUM THEATRE
203 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-252-9678
This beautiful Spanish Baroque Revival playhouse, built in 1929, once hosted Mae West and W.C. Fields. It is now a popular performing arts venue.
HERBERGER THEATER CENTER
222 E. Monroe
Phoenix AZ 85004
602-252-8497
The Herberger Theater Center is a two-stage complex featuring year-round music, drama,
and dance performances presented by five resident professional performing companies.
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And Phoenix is definitely GOING GREEN…
When you order French fries at the Fairmont Scottsdale , you are helping improve the environment in Phoenix. As part of its Green Partnership program, the Fairmont Scottsdale has launched an initiative to convert its kitchen grease into one of the world’s fastest-growing alternative fuels: biodiesel.
Partnering with local manufacturer AZ BioDiesel , the Fairmont Scottsdale will help to prevent more than 100,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere with the new program. By collecting more than 700 gallons of used cooking oil from the resort’s kitchens each month, AZ BioDiesel will be able to create nearly 600 gallons of biodiesel – enough to power seven diesel vehicles for a year.
For information about the Green Partnership at Fairmont Hotels, visitwww.fairmont.com/environment. And to help with the program yourself, nibble on their tasty French Fries!
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