We bought our tickets online via there online ticketing system. We got the family 4-pack, a little online discount and we were on our way. Upon entrance they had very nice signage leading us straight to the exhibit. We walked up with our pre-printed tickets and we were entering in a matter of minutes. Bathrooms conveniently located before the entrance for that last minute situation. No restrooms inside so utilize them before you go in. Nothing like an accident to ruin the aquarium viewing pleasure for yourself and many around you.

Before you enter a nice video plays and a narrator talks to you about sea life. It is actually pretty entertaining and hypes the atmosphere. My kids had no idea what was going on as they were trying to name some of the sea life painted on the wall. Every creature seemed to be named nemo on this trip, ahhh the vocabulary of a 3 year old.

When the narrator finishes the doors swing open automatically and you are in. Inside is designed and painted perfectly for all ages. Everything looked like a reef and all the windows for viewing were the proper height for all ages. They even had a touch tank. Yep, a tank where the kids, or parents, can put there hands in and pickup a star fish or little crab. Sorta creepy at first yet very cool that this exhibit, in the mall, is offering this cool feature.

All throughout the place they have “orbs” that are inside the tank. However, they are designed so anyone can get down low and climb in. Its a little crawl on the knees for most adults. It kind of looks like a little cave but once in you can stand up and your head is inside the actual aquarium. Face to face with the fishies. The kids absolutely loved it.

They also had a decent variety of sea life as well. Sting Rays, Sharks, Star Fish, and a pretty good selection of Sea Horses. Those are the craziest darned things. They just float around and they are so fragile looking. Truly amazing, and since I have never seen one up close I was somewhat mesmerized along with our three year old.

The exhibit ends with a 12 foot walking bridge/tunnel where the entire aquarium is around your. Before you leave there is a cool video projecting onto the floor that looks like splashing water and the kids can run around on it. With popping bubbles on the floor and water from the projector it was an exciting end.

There is also a small jungle gym and play area on the way out to get the kids to unwind a little before heading into the public spectrum. Overall the Sea Life Aquarium at Arizona Mills Mall did not disappoint. So good in fact that I will be taking my kids back again.

Sea Life offers a wide variety of tickets types and costs. From family 4-packs to flexi and twilight tickets. The family pack is $50 ($12.50 per person) for 4, and a few small perks. Sea Life at Arizona Mills is getting the thumbs up here and we will be going back.

Aquarium Orb

Aquarium Tunnel

Image Projected on floor

Cool inside view

Another Cool Inside View

Another Orb Picture

On the idea of great shows I saw Bela Fleck and the Fleck Tones. Victor Wooten could be considered the greatest bass player of all time. Bela Fleck is hands down the greatest banjo player of all time. Musically they are amazing, it is technical musicianship at its best.

Second I saw Dave Mathews Band at Red Rocks on Fourth of July Concert. They make multi platinum cd’s and DVD’s from a scene like this. To top it off, a little band known as The String Cheese Incident opened and jammed with them the entire time. Fire works and such in northern Colorado, okay you get the idea.

Lastly I was on stage at the Tempe Music Festival with Blues Traveler, Live, and Collective Soul. Laugh now, but it is unknown how musical these people are. We stood next to the drummer of Live, on stage as John Popper played harmonica…Simply unequivocal.  After the show he gave a harmonica to my brother…but thats another story if anyone is interested.

The point is, I have witnessed some pretty epic concerts, great musicianship, and very excited that these bands were into the music only. They seemed to play for the music and nothing else. I am aware of DMB and their amazingly fiscal tours but, for the sake of argument, they started and still appear to be all about the music.

ZBB did not slack in the musical bliss we are talking about. They are hands down the most musical group I have ever seen…. Yep ever, they are as technical as any band on earth…just saying.  I read an inteview were Mr. Brown said “above all, my band members can play their faces off” or something similar. Anyhow the point is, he claims they are, above all, musicians and they clearly proved it.

It was a moving, emotional experiance and I will pay money to see them again. They have a cruise coming up and I wish I could afford to go. It would be amazing!!

I just need to voice one opinion. I happened to leave my seat and on the way out land in an autograph line….at the front no less. At the end of the show, Zac Brown himself said “We Will Stay Til All Autographs Are Signed!” Awesome I thought…this guy is great!!

45 minutes into the line the security says, if your “passport isn’t signed you don’t get an autograph” the passport is a printed piece of coolness that is givin away upon entrance into the show. The only way the “passport” can get signed is if you buy merchandise. AKA $60 worth of shirts.

REALLY?? Your autograph is only worth more merchandise, not worth the $100 we spent on the tickets?

I felt like I saw the greatest show I have ever paid for, and was belittled into buying merchandise to feel worthy. Just didn’t seem right! I may be making something out of nothing, but so what!!! For the record Gretchen Wilson also did this at her concert. Hers was free to get in, it was held at Toby Keith’s I love this bar, but for the sake of arguement….IT WAS FREE!

Anyhow, great show ZBB you guys are truly epic, your abilities are unparalleled, I will definitely

see you again… ohh and thanks for the super tight shirt!!

They call this thing the greatest show on grass mainly for one reason. The 16th hole. They have turned this thing into a stadium of mayhem and hoopla, drinking games, and general tomfoolery. They found a way to enclose the entire thing with stadium stye seating. They clearly have no consumption limit here, and the frat boys run wild!

Sometimes creative and often stupid chants break out and the entire crowd joins in, and believe me they will say just about anything to get a reaction. Speaking of reactions, this year saw 15 fist pumps, a hat over the face, a iron toss, and a European birdie..(not the good kind).

It is wild, crazy and BRILLIANT. Its one of the easier holes on the PGA Tour schedule. Roughtly 165 – 180 yds, barely any trouble, pretty large size green, they needed a way to make this thing a little harder. Around 2004 the stadium @ the Stadium Course began to develop and you can see a major decrease in birdies. In 2003 43.75% of players were recording birdie on this hole. 2009 say a mere 15% record a birdie.

It gets the exposure to the city, the tour, and clearly the field is getting better and better every year. Even without Tiger, it is well worth the trip. Since they have no limit to ticket sales it is probably the cheapest tournament to go to. With beer gardens, and food stops everywhere you turn, there is no shortage of entertainment.

Recently, well as in 2009 and 2010 they have added a few new places to hang out. Down the 18th hole is quickly becoming a longer version of the 16th hole. Although it isn’t stadium style (yet) its is definitely brewing. The Tilted Kilt has put up a 2 story floating bar, jammed full of their best employees and more draft beer than could ever be consumed. Easy access to bathrooms and easier access to getting the players attention this thing is only going to get better. Secondly, this year straight across from the 2 stories of heaven is a new beer garden. This year I believe it was sponsored by Rock Bottom Brewery. It spans half the hole, open to the public, and had the some Tempe12.com employees getting the party going. I can foresee some interesting events taking place. If one side were to begin chanting, the other would easily hear them…just saying.

The total attendance was down this year, but you can chalk that up to the local weather channels saying saturday was going to be raining all day…It wasn’t! The weather was perfect, the scenery was perfect, the greatest show on grass remains supreme. I will see you guys next year, you will find me on 18 fairway, 2 stories off the grass!

Jake Peavey's WoodJock JamFest

So its been awhile for a post, but we were..umm..uhh..well waiting for the good stuff to start happening for 2010. Yeah thats it! Anyhow, here is one that is near and dear to this humble rockstar at iTourAz. Jake Peavey’s,  WoodJock 2010 Big League Baseball Jam. In a nut shell, some major league ball players are gonna use their musical talents to raise funds for some great causes.

These causes happen to be

• Team Focus: A community outreach program for children 10-18 who do not have a father figure in their life.
• Stikeouts for Troops: This is an organization dedicated to providing the “comforts of home” and lift the spirits of our wounded troops.
• AUTISM SPEAKS: The bombest charity in all the land. These guys provide advocacy and education for families who have individuals on the autism spectrum in their lives. They host the grass roots fundraising effort Walk Now For Autism Speaks. Held every year in Arizona in late October early November. This year it will be on Ocotober 31st!. Yes that halloween, but its in the morning and fun! Amongst being super cool, this particular walk partners up with SARRC (Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center). I could go on for days about the amazing things they do there but that is for another post. Either way, this is hands down the best charity I have ever known and I would elect them president if I could!! (sorry, I just really like them).

Can you tell which charity I am affiliated with? Well, the point here is to highlight the first kickoff event for this years fund raising efforts. Although the name is sorta weird, mildly catchy, and brings a smile to my face for many juvenile reasons, it is going to be awesome. The first of its kind, it is going to showcase the abilities of some current and past major leaguers who happen to have other talents that don’t involve sticks and balls (hehehhehe).

Here is some inside info for ya. We know that Jake Peavey of the Chicago White Sox is headlining this event. Also committed are some names such as Hall of Famer Peter Gammons your favorite Sportscenter know-it-all. Barry Zito of the Giants, Bernie Williams ex-Yankee and future HOF’er.(hehehe) Just to name a few. Head here to see the entire line-up. I know, thats not insider info, its coming..keep your pants on. It was released today that other famous musicians who happen to be friends with these guys have committed to be there as well as some MAJOR names in baseball. They won’t release the names until closer to the show but rumor has it this thing is getting BIG!

On a serious note, it should be clear that I do have Autism in my life. I have 4 year old on the spectrum. I can say without the help of SARRC  I would have been so utterly lost. My son has made some major advancements and I feel I owe a majority of it to SARRC. So that is why this is an important event. The bonus to all of this is 1) I am on the entertainment committee for the walk so hopefully I can bring you some inside views of some cool fundraisers this year. 2) I will be firmly seated in the VIP section and behind the scenes for this Jam so hopefully I can sneak you some inside info about this awesome event…and maybe about some of these guys behavior, but don’t tell anyone!

So buy your tickets now before they are all gone. The event is Thursday March 11th @ The Venue Of Scottsdale
Tickets vary

• General Admission – $39.00
• V.I.P Admission – $200.00
• V.I.P Group Packages – $700

These prices will change as the event gets closer, so get your VIP and come talk to me and I will hook you up with something good!

View Larger Map

I actually enjoyed it myself. The phoenix Zoo Light Display boasts 2.5 million lights and 500 light “sculptures”…Well, put down the false advertising lawsuits because they are CORRECT! The place was lit up like my uncle on New Years Eve, and there was probably MORE that 2.5 million lights. They had an amazing light show that was choreographed by music. Unfortunately, the one we watched, we could only catch the end, but that amount was pretty cool. The music was pretty intense and I am mad we missed it. I guess another reason to visit the Zoo Lights Display again.

The sculptures was the highlight for the kids. They kept screaming out the names of the sculpture and acting silly, and we did manage to catch a few animals out and about. The zebras were practically close enough to touch and I think the badgers were showing off!

Overall, Phoenix Zoo Lights was well worth the $9.00 per person we paid. Sun -Thurs they are discounted to $9.00. Unfortunately, kids and adults are the same price unless your child is 2 or under, then they are free. The last thing on the way out was a Carousel. It is bright and shiny with fun music, so of course we had to go on it. I have 2 young children who were a little scared at first, but as time went on they loved it. And for $2 per child it is well worth it. And for the “older” kids…yeah I mean the parents…They let you on for free to assist your child.! Yep, a little inside number from the iTourAz team, but don’t go blasting it everywhere, you saw what happened to Martha Stewart.

So there you have it. Phoenix Zoo Lights is getting thumbs up from this iTourAz teamster, and I will definitely go back next year. The Zooo is Coooo!!

Photo Courtesy of @morningtheft

Arizona is known for Cars! That is correct, you can find some really hidden classic cars in the sate of AZ. You can also find some pretty darn fancy ones if you head north to Scottsdale. Ferrari’s, Mazerati’s, and Bentleys can be found in south Scottsdale, all conveniently being sold next to each other. Also, Arizona knows how to drive! The city is so spread out, its 20 miles every time you leave your driveway. However, there is an upside to this car and driving obsession…Car Shows! Yeppers, custom cars, trucks and hotrods are on display every weekend somewhere around here, and we get the best! Don’t believe me? …Barrett-Jackson! Aside from that custom car show monster, we still have plenty of events. Especially at WestWorld in Scottsdale Arizona. The most current is the GoodGuys Rod and Custom Car show.

GoodGuys Rod & Custom Association is a company focused on bringing custom cars and hotrods to the masses . They offer over 20 events annually. They have 2 day events and 3-4 day events, and these can bring in up to 100,000 people. That’s more gear heads than a Nascar Stop. GoodGuys is the worlds largest custom association, they boast over 70,000 members, and have been growing since 1983. All events have vendor booths, exhibits, live entertainment, and a boat load of fun!

Dates	11/20:  8am-5pm 11/21:  8am-5pm 11/22:  8am-3pm
Location	WestWorld of Scottsdale
Features	Over 2,000 Hotrods, Customs, Classics, and Muscle Cars. Vendor and Manufacture Exhibits Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral Model & Pedal Show Hotrod Cruise
Award Show	Judy Murray Memorial Award 2010 Muscle Car of the Year Finalist PPG Dream Car Classic Trucks Finest 5 Awards GoodGuys Builders Choice Award
Admissions	General:          $17 Kids (7-12):    $6 6 and under:   Free Parking:          $5.00

Clearly not one to miss if you enjoy classic cars, street rods, and muscle cars! This is home to some of the worlds best custom cars and is clearly worth the time to go!

Picture courtesy of @darrenrowse

As we have told you, The Phoenix Zoo is the Nation’s Largest nonprofit zoological park. Nor does the Phoenix Zoo receive public subsidies for operational expenses. In other words..they earn their own money! That being said, they don’t print money at the Phoenix Zoo. They rely on the good folks of Arizona for many funding ventures. The Zoo is always working diligently to find fun, exciting ways to raise funds. They take donations, they sell bricks, they host events, and are always reaching out to help the community. iTourAz loves the Zoo and loves when Az reaches out. The Phoenix Zoo is quickly becoming a major tourist attraction and staple of the valley of the sun. Helping the Phoenix Zoo is helping a great cause. and here are 5 good ways to help out.

1. Use the Internet: Being that we are tech junkies here at iTourAz, this one has landed on the top of the list. GoodSearch.com. This is a search engine, powered by yahoo, that donates HALF of their revenue to charities. The Phoenix Zoo has partnered up with them. Using this search engine, just as you would google.com or yahoo.com, will generate about 1 penny for every search. This is awesome! It costs you nothing but your time. Times are tough, but this is a fantastic way to help.
2. Hold an Event: Arizonians like to paarrteaay!. As an ultra friendly community, the valley of the sun is known to gather. Why not use the Zoo as your next gathering place. If you are sampling new perfumes I will understand if you don’t, however, any other gathering will work. If you are planning to get together for birthdays, quinceaneras, business meetings, or even getting hitched. The Zoo is the place to go. As a matter of fact, iTourAz has experience with the Zoo and Weddings, send us an email and we can explain the magic!
3. Become a Guardian: By becoming a Guardian, you enter into an elite group at the Phoenix Zoo. This is a group of individuals dedicated to philanthropy and animal conservation. This membership earns you some bragging rights as well as some free swag such as tickets to zoo light, many discounts, and invitations to exclusive Zoo Previews, Black-Tie and Guardian events. So if you have the money and the heart…Get it Done!!
4. Purchase a Tile: This is another fun, low cost way to donate and see some cool results. The Zoo recently upraded their hospital that takes care of their animals. This is one of the most important endeavors at the Zoo. No vets = No Zoo therefore they are selling commemorative tiles that are placed on their “Wild Wall.” Just outside the Joyce Corrigan Memorial Care Center, the wall is displayed with your name on the tile showing the world your support. Tile prices range from $150 – $350 depending on the size you would like to purchase.
5. Sponsor an Animal: This idea allows you to be a special parent of the Zoo. If you thought you spent alot of money at the grocery think again….The Phoenx Zoo spends over $200,000 a year on food. Simply choose from the list of animals they have displayed and help them care for their children.

Phoenix Zoo is clearly one of our favorite places to visit and we want to keep it growing. Simply taking your kids to the Phoenix Zoo is a great way to help as well. Have fun and see you there!

Courtesy of @deserttrumpet

Every year in the this wonderful valley we call Phoenix Arizona, a staple of the community hosts and annual shindig for your viewing pleasure. This event is call Zoo Lights. Held at the Phoenix Zoo starting November 26 until January 10th. It is available every night from 6-10pm. I will ask the question for you. “What exactly is a Zoo Light?”

Zoo Lights is the annual event at the Phoenix Zoo in which the staff create a magical light show of custom-made Christmas lights in the form of animals and nature light sculptures. The animals go down for sleepy and the lights come on. I will warn you, The Phoenix Zoo is no slouch, they take their lights serious. They have over 2.5 million lights, and over 500 sculptures! Many of the animals can’t get enough of the spot light so you are sure to see a few wondering around at night, creating an awesome display for everyone.

This year will be even better. Zoo Lights is boasting a Komodo Dragon exhibit this year. New to the Zoo, this display will definitely be Awesome. They will also have a plethora of other activities including, “music in motion” which is a dancing tree show, Horse-drawn wagon rides, carousel rides and camel rides….aanndd JENGO RETURNS! this will be his 5th year, and if you have been living under a rock and don’t know Jengo, I guess you will have to visit Zoo Lights this year and see it for yourself!

iTourAz is a HUGE fan of the Phoenix Zoo. We will be posting many informational articles about the Zoo and all it has to offer. It is a great place for everyone. Rated one of the nations top 5 Zoos for kids, it is no wonder that it is so popular. We plan to enlighten you would be travelers on some lists that we feel are exciting for the Phoenix Zoo. Fun Facts, Exhibits you will look forward to, how to make a difference and help the zoo, kids corner…etc. Ok Sparky don’t get to excited!

This year the Phoenix Zoo is offering tickets at a measly $10 for Friday and Saturday or at a discount of $9.00 valid Sun-Thursday. I heard the cocoa and cider lines were so long even iTourAz members couldn’t wait that long, and I promise you have no idea the importance of cocoa or cider around here! So… lesson be learned. The Phoenix Zoo will pack the house for Zoo Lights 2010…..be there or be square!!

Here are some of the companies in Arizona and around the country with the best deals…

Kmart: Yeah I know,  are they still around? Yes you can find a couple here in Phoenix. I am assuming they are on the comeback trail, so this black Friday should prove to be good. They have even gone as far as to rename it “Blue Friday” in honor of the once famous blue light special….I guess!

Old Navy: This staple of cheapness will try to out do themselves for sure. They are already the home of affordable cargo shorts and the never say die approach to rugby shirts. They refuse to let trends die and will surly have some unbeatable deals. If you end up with the same rugby shirt you had in high school…don’t say I didn’t worn you!

Wal-Mart: Ole Sam Walton is probably turning in the grave in anticipation of this years Black Friday. He epitomized the idea of pre-black Friday. Once gunning with the motto “name-brands at low prices” to his brilliance of inventory turn, Wal-Mart will not be undersold! Well, whatever, Wal-mart will have the best deals and will definitely have them first….so get in line. Also, for entertainment value, and I am sure this is going to be true, keep an eye out for priceless pic’s for peopleofwalmart.com

Best Buy: There is split opinion at iTourAz about this one. You say best buy, I say NOT! either way, they will be slashing some prices and will have some really great deals online. For example, using PayPal to get $20 cash back on $100 purchases.  And since NOTHING at best buy is less than $100 you are sure to get that deal. They are also boasting a No Shipping, No Waiting offer that will allow you to buy online, have it shipped to the store, and pick it up without waiting in line. Maybe Wal-mart should employ that strategy. There must be some fire code being broken there.

Sears: The creature of the online hoopla. The leaked ad that is destined for your newspapers began the insanity we call black Friday 2009. Why is it called black Friday? Lets just say it involves death, suits, sales, and corporate shenanigans. All very fitting I would say. But Sears will prove to be the very best deal of the year on the necessary tech bargains such as TV’s, Cameras, and DVD players so don’t miss out.

Kohl’s: The Grand Daddy of them all. Phoenix, Arizona’s Finest! This is hands down iTourAz’s Go-To Black Friday experience. They too have caught the online bug and will be offering some major online pre-black Friday gifts, with a buy one get  one free coupon to kick it off. We will be online and in person at Kohl’s this year, like usual.  The group with the walkie talkies and the over filled carts is us. Feel free to say Hi!

For a complete guide to Pre-Black Friday. Although mostly online you can definitely find in store deals  all over Arizona. Remember, Shop with Caution….and buy American!

Ok…..here is the story of black Friday. Did you really think I would leave you hanging? Black Friday Origin

The Desert Shrimp Festival is a gathering put on by the Gila Bend Chamber of Commerce. Its held the first full week of November every year. This year the magic is happening on Nov 7th 10am-10pm and Nov 8th from 10am-6pm at the Gila Bend Community Center Park. This event will have numerous arts and crafts booths as well as many food booths to keep you busy. This is a family affair with shrimp eating contests, shrimp cooking expos, and bobbing for shrimp….and I hear the shrimp are floating in cocktail sauce. You be the judge!

There will be a kids coloring booth, kids sand castle building, and many more activities. This is truly a family fun event to show off and promote more of the amazing things we have here in AZ, and this shindig that fits the bill. These are locally grown shrimp in environmentally friendly ponds keeping the shrimp free from chemicals, hormones, mercury and preservatives. The best and safest shrimp you can buy, right her in AZ. If you want a great story to tell and fantastic memories don’t miss the hoopla of the 7th Annual Desert Shrimp Festival

	7th Annual Desert Shrimp Fest
Dates:	Saturday Nov 7th 10am-10pm Sunday   Nov 8th 10am-6pm
Location:	Gila Bend Community Center Park
Price:	$3.00 for adults
Events:	Shrimp eating contest Shrimp cooking contest Shrimp Bobbing Contest Tour the Shrimp Farm Carnival Kids Sand Castle Building Live Music Door Prizes Gila Bend All-Class Reunion