Blogpaws 2016: A guide to Arizona

 

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Fun Things to Do in Arizona[/heading]

While you’re in Arizona, you should take full advantage of our scenic hikes (in the very early morning) or a moonlit hike (with a friend who knows the area).

Here’s a map of the hotel grounds you can download as a .pdf file. [button url=”http://www.wingilariver.com/view/download.php/misc/whpda-location-map” target=”blank” icon=”icon: arrow-right”]Download Map of Shuttle Locations[/button]

If you decide to go shopping or walk the town of Rawhide or visit art galleries in Scottsdale, there are some amazing pet-sitters you can book who can come to your room and keep an eye on your tired pups and stressed out cats.

Check out Pampered Pets and Plants for some discounted rates and easily book online!

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Transportation[/heading]

The best way to travel in Arizona is by renting a vehicle since our state is so spread out. However, if you don’t want to do that, Uber and Lyft are the best ways to get around in Arizona.

The hotel also has a shuttle that will take you around to a bunch of great locations on site. The Resort grounds are huge so be sure you use the shuttle (especially in this heat!).

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Shopping[/heading]

If you love to shop, you’ve come to the right place. Arizona is a shopping mecca and the outlet stores are right across the street from Wild Horse Pass (but we recommend you take the free shuttle). Best to leave pets at the hotel since there is outdoor walking involved from store to store.

[box title=”Outlet Stores Near Wild Horse Pass” box_color=”#996633″]

• Crocs
• Boss
• Adidas Factory
• Charlotte Russe
• Fossil
• DKNY
• Direct Tools Factory Outlet
• Kitchen Collection
• Michael Cors
• Calvin Klein
• Crabtree & Evelyn
• Coach Converse
• Nike
• Aldo
• Sketchers
• Van Heusen
• Sunglass Hut
• j. Crew
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Helzberg Diamonds
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Levis

[/box] [heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Visit Rawhide![/heading]

Rawhide is a fun little ghost town experience that hearkens back to the 1800s. It was originally located up north, but they moved it all down to Chandler (buildings and all!). The actors put on skits in the middle of the street, you can have friends arrested (but be careful – they really do require bail money), and you can take some fun western-style photos complete with outfits!

[note style=”5″ type=”warning” icon=”yes”]Dogs who are reactive to loud noises should stay at the hotel as the actors provide reenactments of gunfights in the street.[/note] [box title=”Visit Rawhide!” box_color=”#996633″]

Open to the Public:

• Fridays 5pm-10pm
• Saturdays 12pm-10pm
• Sundays 12pm-8pm

Admission and Parking to Rawhide is FREE (excluding special events).

You can walk around and shop at the retail stores at your leisure…

For Attraction Rides and Shows, purchase any of the following on-site.

• $4.95 plus taxGood for one-time use for one attraction or show. (subject to change)
• $14.95 plus taxTown Pass Attraction/Show Wristband: Good for unlimited rides and attractions for that day. (subject to change)

[/box] [heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Go Horseback Riding[/heading]

The Koli Equestrian Center is located on site at Wild Horse, so you can grab one of the casino’s shuttles and head over. Remember to only book  early morning and late evening rides.

Maybe a hay ride is more your speed? You can book a party online! Your pets will need to stay behind in the room, but you can maybe join forces and hire a sitter while you enjoy the sites!

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Whirlwind Golf Club[/heading]

Are you a golfer? You’re in the right place… Arizona is the ultimate golfers paradise. The Whirlwind Golf Club has plenty to offer on their 18-hole course. Be sure to reserve a time early. The golf courses fill up in the morning hours.

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Take a Swim or Float the Lazy River[/heading]

The pools are amazing down here and water features are a big draw. Wild Horse Pass has an amazing system of pools as well as an entire lazy river experience on shaded boats. Book your river tour early as they will fill up quickly.

If you want to head out to the desert and maybe see some beautiful wild horses, head out to Salt River. The horses are generally near the river and with a short hike, you’re likely to see a few.

 

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Scottsdale Art Walk[/heading]

If you’re coming in early, you may want to head up to Old Scottsdale and participate in the Art Walk. The 40-year tradition of Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way in downtown Scottsdale. Once a week, the galleries extend their hours and show off the work of outstanding artists. ArtWalks typically feature show openings, artist demonstrations, food samplings and more!

The mist systems keep the outer walkways slightly cooler and you have plenty of great opportunities to head into each gallery. Don’t forget to grab dinner at one of the outstanding restaurants in the area!

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Embrace your wild side[/heading]

Want to see some wild horses? Take a trip out to Salt River, which is about an hour from the resort.You’ll need to go with a group of friends (be sure one of them knows where the horses might be as they tend to wander). The best time to see the horses is dusk and dawn. It’s worth it…

[heading style=”1″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Enjoy the Desert[/heading]

Take time to enjoy the desert while you’re here. Yes, it’s a harsh environment, but to me, that’s part of the appeal. We have plants you’ll never see anywhere else, including our state cactus, the Saguaro.

The Sonoran Desert is unique with its unusual rock formations and amazing ecosystem. Consider visiting the botanical gardens or just hike through one of the many trails on the property. If you’re feeling adventurous, the best way to enjoy the desert is with a moonlit hike.

One of our favorite places is Papago Peak and it’s not too terribly far from the hotel. Download a map of trails here. This is the map from Wild Horse Casino to Papago Park

[gmap address=”wild horse casino to papago park”]

The Botanical Gardens are ALWAYS worth the short drive. You’ll find them at the base of Papago Peak, right next to the Phoenix Zoo.

We all survive the summer – but mostly because we exercise caution. We just do our best not to go out during the day – the city comes to a virtual halt from 2 – 4 unless you’re stuck in hours of traffic.

 

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