19 Jul 2019
A Brief Update of News Around Arizona July 2019

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Arizona Office of Tourism

Culinary

New menu and design at ZuZu Restaurant in the Hotel Valley Ho

ZuZu Restaurant, located inside of the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, will unveil a complete renovation and menu revamp in Sept. 2019. The renovation will feature a new mid-century modern design with a contemporary twist. The lounge and dining room will become one expansive space, while a transitional seating arrangement will form the centerpiece of the restaurant, with a breakfast configuration that will change into a chic lounge in the evening. A new hidden wine room, The Rosie Room, will offer guests wine from around the world. ZuZu's overhaul centers on an action station where the chef will cook tableside every evening, bringing live cooking demos to the entire restaurant. During weekend brunch hours, the station transforms into a seafood display to complement the restaurant's famous Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar. Chef LaCasce will focus the new menu on small, shareable plates featuring ingredients from the property's brand- new garden. The 240-square-foot, onsite herb garden will feature crops ranging from eggplant and shishito peppers to the classic staples of basil, thyme, and cilantro. ZuZu will offer two monthly revolving dishes: Cut of the Moment and Farmer's Plate. The cocktail menu will introduce fresh libations, like the ZuZu Mango Tango punctuated by grilled jalapeño straight from chef's herb garden.

PR Contact: J Public Relations Phone: (619) 255-7069
Email:
hvh@jpublicrelations.com

 

Attractions

New Western Heritage Center in Prescott

The new Western Heritage Center in Prescott is a unique collaboration of more than 25 organizations, including museums, historical societies and other related organizations that promote Arizona's western heritage. Independent exhibits featuring the Rough Riders, ranching, railroad, film history, mining, and more will also be included, enhancing the Center's attraction. The Western Heritage Center, located across from the Courthouse Plaza on Montezuma Street, will engage with its visitors, educating and bringing to life the area's rich heritage and history. Later this year, interactive touch screens will encourage visitors to learn more about each organization's history and mission, while also offering directions to their locations.

PR Contact: Dennis Gallagher

Email: pwhfpresident@gmail.com 

'Surprise Your Eyes' art experience at Odysea in the Desert

Odysea in the Desert, the entertainment complex on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale, announced their new 3D optical-illusion pop-up art installation. The 'Surprise Your Eyes' art exhibit consists of 30, three- dimensional photo backdrops designed for visitors to become part of the art. The backdrops range from a fighting arcade game, a castle with a dragon, walking on the moon, fighting with dinosaurs, and a player catching a football. Visitors are encouraged to come in groups of two or three; some scenes require two or more people to interact.

PR Contact: Karin Korpowski-Gallo

Email: media@odyseainthedesert.com 

The National Audubon Society designates third Important Bird Area (IBA) in Camp Verde

The Arizona office of the National Audubon Society science review team approved a third Camp Verde Important Bird Area (IBA). The IBA designation acknowledges the biodiversity of the area and the value it has to bird conservation. The recognized area includes the 17-mile corridor of the Verde River, plus West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek, within the corporate boundary of Camp Verde. The Verde River's vast watershed is habitat for one of the largest concentrations of resident and migratory birdlife anywhere in the Southwest. This new area brings a total of six IBAs to Yavapai County.

PR Contact: Karon Leigh Phone: (206) 200-8258
Email: karonl@verderiver.org 

 

Hotel News

Christmas Camp holiday experience at The Phoenician

After writing the Hallmark original movie, Christmas Camp, and the novel Christmas Campand sequel, Christmas Camp Wedding, three-time Emmy Award-winner Karen Schaler had to bring her Christmas Camp® story to life, for everyone to experience. The Phoenician in Scottsdale will host the real life Christmas Camp experience, with a Champagne Reception and Book Signing with Karen Schaler, baking and culinary classes, mixology classes, wine and cocktail tasting, spa treatments, Christmas craft classes, charitable activities, and more. The Phoenician is offering a Christmas Camp Room Package, available Dec. 5 – 9, 2019 and Dec. 12 – 16, 2019 starting at $259 per night with all Christmas Camp experiences included.

 

PR Contact: Denise Seomin
Phone: (480) 423-2657
Email: denise.seomin@luxurycollection.com 

 

General

 

Arizona State Parks and Trails partners with Google to provide mobile trail conditions to hikers

Arizona State Parks and Trails staff have been using the Google R7 Trekker Camera to capture in detail the trails within state parks across Arizona. During spring of 2019, staff walked more than 200 miles carrying the Trekker, which weighs 45 pounds and includes 15 individual lenses to capture a 360-degree view of each trail. The data will help visitors understand the difficulty and accessibility of trails, topography, and what to expect to see along the route. Google will process and upload the trail data to the existing Earth and Maps databases free of use for the public. The project also aided in identifying trails in need of maintenance or repair in the park system. The project does not have a specified deadline.

The National Park Service and the International Dark-Sky Association awarded Grand Canyon National Park an official International Dark Sky Park certification. The certification gives Grand Canyon National Park support to continue to grow the park's educational programs and creates economic opportunities for neighboring communities as well through astronomy-based tourism. The amount of lights inventoried and retrofitted in this process makes Grand Canyon National Park one of the largest, most complex, International Dark Sky Parks in the world.

PR Contact: Becky Latanich

Phone: (928) 638-7958

FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel celebrates the season with “Summer Fun Package”

The FOUND:RE announces their “Summer Fun Package” deals available from May 24 – Sept. 2, 2019. Room rates start at $129 plus tax and include 25 percent off the standard rate for a “re:markable” room, $25 poolside food and beverage credit and poolside swag (including sunglasses, a pool floatie and sunblock) per stay. Booking dates are from May 1 – Sept. 2, 2019.

PR Contact: Eric Butruff
Phone: (602) 751-5635
Email: eric@knifeandforkmedia.com 

The Hermosa Inn announces hot summer 2019 rates and cool dining dates

Available May 19 – Sept. 30, 2019, The Hermosa Inn offers rates starting from $149, plus tax and resort fee of $32. The resort fee includes valet parking, two drink tickets per room, $25 daily food and beverage credit, and daily poolside treats. Based on availability, guests will receive a free upgrade and early check-in and late checkout.

PR Contact: Keeley Ast Phone: (480) 220-1061
Email:
keeley@keeleyast.com

Cool Summer Rates at Arizona's Three JW Marriott Resorts

The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa announced a "Splash Into Summer" deal that includes a $50 resort credit, a $10 donation to Phoenix Children's Hospital, and resort fee (which includes high speed internet, two comp hours of pickleball, comp use of driving range, tennis courts and two hour bike rental). Prices start at $199 and are available May 23 – Sept. 7, 2019. Must use promo code SPU when booking. JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson unveiled new summer special called "Casitas & Rita's" includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious casita, two specialty-handcrafted margaritas per night and a $50 resort credit per night. Prices starting at $199, and are available May 24 – Sept. 2, 2019. Must use promo code ES1 when booking. JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa "Fling & Swing" summer special includes overnight accommodations, unlimited golf for two per day beginning at 1 p.m. day of arrival, and $50 resort credit per night. Prices starting at $189, and are available March 27 – Sept. 7, 2019. Must use promo code 33G when booking. All prices do not include tax or resort fee and are based on availability.

PR Contact: Carol Baetzel Phone: (602) 931-5422 Email: cbaetzel@cbprco.com 

“Steak-Cation” Summer Package at JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

JW Marriot Camelback Inn Resort and Spa's Steak-cation summer package includes accommodations in a luxurious, adobe-style casita, and a $100 credit to Lincoln, the award winning, JW steakhouse. Room rates begin at $269 per night, not including taxes. The “Steak-cation” summer
package is available May 24 – Sept. 2, 2019, 
excluding Sundays and Mondays from June 30 – Aug. 26, 2019. Must use promo code ZJ8 when booking.

PR Contact: Carol Baetzel Phone: (602) 931-5422 Email: cbaetzel@cbprco.com 

Summer Staycation Packages at the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center

We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center announced their one and two-night summer staycation packages. A one-night stay includes a deluxe guest room with one king or two queen beds, $25 food and beverage credit, one $10 casino slot play, 25% off regular priced spa services, and a waived $25 resort fee. Prices start at $99, not including taxes. A two-night stay includes a deluxe guest room with one king or two queen beds, $75 food and beverage credit, one $10 Casino slot play, 25% off regular priced spa services, and waived $25 resort fee, per night. Prices start at $189, not including taxes. The summer staycation packages are available May 1 – Aug. 31, 2019.

PR Contact: Gail Manginelli
Phone: (480) 250-8236
Email: gail@gmandassociatespr.com 

Summertime room packages and activities at L'Auberge de Sedona

L'Auberge de Sedona, A Destination Hotel in Sedona, announced their “Cooler by Nature” summer package, available now until Sept. 30, 2019. The package includes a two night stay, up to 20 percent off cottages and suites, and $40 credit at ETCH Kitchen + Bar. L'Auberge de Sedona offers exclusive summertime activities such as creekside dinner at Cress on Oak Creek, summer nature-focused spa and wellness treatments at L'Apothecary Spa, or a customized hike through The Hike House.

PR Contact: Alissa Kasawdish
Phone: (619) 255-7069
Email: akasawdish@jpublicrelations.com 

 

Mormon Lake Lodge announced midweek summer specials for groups and couples

Mormon Lake Lodge offers groups two-for-one pricing on cabin rentals during midweek (Sunday through Thursday) for spring and summer 2019. Every night booked would include a second night at no charge. Choose from a variety of cabins ranging from $59 - $324 per night. The Lodge is situated on 300 acres of pristine forest that offer flexible facilities and amenities for corporate meetings, family reunions, retirement parties, weddings, group functions, and team-building events.

PR Contact: Christina Cober
Phone: (541) 778-2738
Email: christina@thevoxagency.com 

“Giddyap Mountain Getaway” summer package at Mormon Lake Lodge

Located southeast of Flagstaff, Mormon Lake Lodge announced their midweek “Giddyap Mountain Getaway” summer packages. There are three packages to choose from, each include a horseback-riding excursion, a meal and an overnight stay in a Mormon Lake Lodge cabin for two. Sunrise Mountain Saddle Up package offers a one-night cabin for two, a 1.5- hour guided horseback ride at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast at 9 a.m. The room rate is $198 plus tax and $55 per person for an additional person in the same cabin, and $45 per person for an additional one-hour horseback ride. Chow Time Late Morning Ride package offers a cabin for two, a two hour guided horseback ride departing at 9:45 a.m., and lunch in the lodge. The room rate is $239 plus tax and $72 per person for an additional person in the same cabin, and $45 per person for an additional one-hour horseback ride. Dinner Bell Afternoon Ride package offers a one night cabin for two, a 1.5-hour guided horseback ride at 4 p.m., and dinner at the steakhouse. The room rate is $229 plus tax and $72 per person for additional person in same cabin, and $45 per person for an additional one-hour horseback ride. Guests can add an additional night to any summer package for $98 per night.

PR Contact: Christina Cober
Phone: (541) 778-2738
Email: christina@thevoxagency.com 

 

 

Centennial Celebrations in 2019

Grand Canyon Centennial, Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon celebrates 100 years of its designation as a national park. The Centennial year will feature virtual and in-park events throughout 2019 at the South Rim, North Rim, Desert View, Inner Canyon, and surrounding gateway communities.


Watch it here: Senate (starts at 11 min 35 sec mark) -http://azleg.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=22237&autostart=0 

Read it here: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/1R/bills/SR1001S.htm 

PR Contact: Mindy Riesenberg, Grand Canyon Conservatory Phone: (928) 863-3878
Email: mriesenberg@grandcanyon.org 

Hotel Congress, Tucson

The hotel was established in 1919, but while digging up historical facts about Hotel Congress, the building was constructed in 1918 with a soft opening in November of that year. The celebrations will continue through 2019 with events toasting the hotel's dedication to serving the Tucson community.

PR Contact: Dalice Shepard, Hotel Congress Phone: (520) 622-8848
Email:
dalice@hotelcongress.com

Semicentennial Celebrations in 2019

Lunar Legacy, Flagstaff

On July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon. All astronauts who walked on the Moon – including Neil Armstrong, Alan Shepard, and Buzz Aldrin – completed their training in Flagstaff, and at several other locations in northern Arizona. After 50 years, it is time to celebrate Flagstaff's scientific role in the Apollo Moon Missions of 1969.

PR Contact: Meg Roederer, City of Flagstaff Phone: (928) 213-2924
Email: mroederer@flagstaffaz.gov