Posts Tagged ‘Arizona Science Center’

First Friday for September

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

If you’re heading Downtown for First Friday, you’ll find some juicy new attractions this week. And by juicy, I mean melt-in-your-mouth burger sliders and pot roast with gravy, just to name a few of the dishes at Bliss, a brand-new eatery.

But first, for any newbies who don’t know about First Friday, I’ll keep it short and sweet: First Friday is the country’s largest, self-guided art walk. This event takes place every month in Downtown Phoenix from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the pleasures range from live music, food and performance artists to more than 100 art galleries.

Just as a heads-up, the street closure is still on hiatus for Roosevelt, but Roosevelt Row restaurants are always open for business, so be sure to check out Bliss and its companion bar ReBar, which just opened at Roosevelt and Fourth Streets.

American Comfort Food, Updated

Bliss is co-owned by Mark Howard, who also owns Fez, one of the most popular restaurants in central Phoenix (oh, Fez, if only you delivered those sweet potato fries). The menu for Bliss features a new angle on American comfort foods, from pot roast and pork chops to mac and cheese with chicken and bacon.  After 10 p.m., Bliss offers $5 nibbles including mini beef tacos and burger sliders.

Target Free First Fridays

childrensmuseumThanks to Target, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is open and free of charge during First Friday. A tribute to imagination, this interactive museum has one kid-friendly exhibit after another, from the Noodle Forest to the Texture Café, where kids use fabrics to create entire meals. The astonishing 3-story Climber, made from odd and found materials, provides kids with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Adult’s Night Out

This adults-only event returns this Friday to the Arizona Science Center with a free lecture from an actual CSI-type scientist. Kim Kobojek, forensic scientist, will give you the skinny on Hollywood vs. reality when it comes to crime labs. The lecture starts at 7 p.m., but for the regular admission fee, you can stick around and see an IMAX film or a Dorrance Planetarium presentation at 8:15 p.m. (the topic is “Black Holes”).

Downtown Grab Bag

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

When I was a kid, I used to love pulling presents from a grab bag. Or getting those mystery lollipops wrapped in question marks. If you’re like me, and have a soft spot for the unexpected, this is your week in Downtown Phoenix.

Face Your Fears at Arizona Science Center

snakesI know plenty of people who are fascinated by eight-legged critters and will rush over to see the spider exhibit from the ASU Spider Lab. I’ll be avoiding it like the terrified, overgrown child I really am. But, the rest of this event should make for spine-tingling fun, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From Pyrophobia (fear of fire) to Coulrophobia (fear of clowns; no joke), this event will help you face your fears or at least laugh them off for a while. If you’d like to overcome a fear of needles – or just do some good – The American Red Cross will be sponsoring a blood drive on site. Contact Brittany Conklin at conklinb@azscience.org to pre-register.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Churchill’s Fine Cigars – Open to the public this Thursday from 4-8 p.m., this charity event will benefit the 100 Club, which supports the families of police officers and firefighters. That’s a fine thing, but so are the Perdomo cigars you can taste for free. Nick Perdomo, the owner of Tabacalera Perdomo in Florida, makes some of the best Nicaraguan cigars in the country.Churchills_CigarsWEB

Third Fridays Latino Style – The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) currently has an exhibition that focuses on urban Phoenix through the eyes of Hispanic artists. The exhibit, called “La Phoeniquera,” should be soul food for lovers of Phoenix history and culture. This Friday, from 6 pm to 10 pm, you can also catch live painting demonstrations and hear Latin music.

Fashion 4 A Cause – This live fashion show at the Wyndham Phoenix highlights a nonprofit group called Athletes 4 Awareness, which works to enlighten the community about health and fitness. Local clothing designers, hair stylists and barbers will display their cutting-edge skills. Tickets are $15 per person.

Live Fridays at Seamus McCaffreys – In case you’re wondering what’s surprising about this event, it’s the pairing of an Irish pub and a pop/funk/jazz trio, Nick Heward and The Elements of Style. The show starts at 9 p.m., and you can knock back a Guinness or two beforehand.

What to Do with Dad

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Of all the birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other gifting occasions on the calendar, Father’s Day is by far the most challenging from a giving perspective. Dads are impossible to buy gifts for because anything they like (rifles, lawnmower blades, tools, TVs, etc.) they will just go out and buy for themselves.

DadSo this Father’s Day, show the old man how much he means to you by taking him out for a good time in Downtown Phoenix. Since men like very few things in this world outside of food and sports let’s stick to those key areas for the purposes of this particular exercise.

Food

Devour awe-inspiring views and a feast fit for a king at the Father’s Day Brunch at Compass American Grill.

Dad’s Eat FREE at 1130 The Restaurant on Sunday with customers getting one free entree with every entree purchased (limit 2 per table).

Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill is a Downtown institution. Brunch is served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a Belgian waffle station and omelettes made to order.

Sunday Brunch at Marston’s Cafe at The Wyndham is one of Downtown’s hidden gems. For $15 dad can eat fresh and local with scrambled eggs, hickory smoked bacon and sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, steel cut oatmeal, griddle items, pastries, fruit, coffee and juice. Buffet served until noon.

Sports

The Rose & Crown is Downtown’s World Cup headquarters all tournament long and features classic British pub fare as well as a global beer selection. GOAL!

You can take dad over to Hooters at Arizona Center to watch Friday morning’s big USA vs Slovenia match. Enjoy breakfast burritos with hash browns plus $3 Bloody Mary’s, $3 Screwdrivers, and ever-charming table service.

Experience the lightning fast, hard-hitting action of Arena League Football as the Arizona Rattlers take on the Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings Friday night at US Airways Center. And I double-dog dare you to say “Boosier-Shreveport BattleWings” five times fast.

The defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury play two home games this weekend with the San Antonio Silverstars visiting US Airways Center on Friday and the upset-minded Connecticut Sun coming in on Sunday.

If dad is a golf fan,  you can take him to Majerle’s Sunday afternoon to watch the final round of the US Open. Or, if he’s more the cerebral type, bring him down to Arizona Science Center where dads get in FREE all day on Sunday. In partnership with Dixon Golf – the official golf ball of Arizona Science Center (yes, they have their own golf ball), the first 500 visitors get a voucher from Dixon Golf for more than $300 in products. Dads and families can also try their hand at a hole in one using one of the Center’s wacky putters made from copper pipes, electrical fuse boxes, thermos cups and granite countertops. Buddy, the T-Rex from PBS’s “Dinosaur Train,” will also be on hand to entertain dad.

Have a fantastic Father’s Day Weekend!

Downtown Food Diaries Returns

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

This week we posed the following questions to our online community:

1) Where do you take a date out to dinner in Downtown Phoenix

2) Who dishes up Downtown’s best pizza?

3) If you only have 15 minutes for lunch, where do you go?

74866776And here are some of the answers we received…

“I love 1130 The Restaurant or Sam’s Cafe at Arizona Center. The patio at Sam’s Cafe is so wonderful, especially when it’s lit up at night.”Kim W. [via Facebook]

Hanny’s is a great place for drinks–strong, classy and smooth. Roosevelt Tavern is also a great neighborhood bar.”az_cdog [via Twitter]

 

“1) Hard Rock Cafe; 2) BKLYN’S NYC Pizza; 3) Fabulous food at the Arizona Science Center.”Courtney S. [via Facebook]

“Cibo for a date, Hanny’s or Cibo for pizza, and Two Hippies Tacos for a 15-minute lunch.”Penny B. [via Facebook]

Sing High. Why? Pork Fried Rice!”c_licious [via Twitter]

“1) Main Ingredient; 2) I work next to Z Pizza so that’s my default; 3) Hero Factory!”Valerie P. [via Facebook]

“1) The District; 2) Cibo; 3) Majerle’s.”Lynn S. [via Facebook]

“1) Thai Elephant; 2) Cafe Roma; 3) 7-11.”Demitrius R. [via Facebook]

“Cheuvront’s  has an urban atmosphere and great wine list.”wklywinejournal [via Twitter]

“Cibo! Love that place… best pizza and very romantic!”Padmaja K. [via Facebook]

“Local Breeze for brunch dates!”Amanda H. [via Facebook]

“1) Coronado Cafe; 2) Pizzeria Bianco; 3) Pane Bianco.”Rafael N. [via Facebook]

Thanks for all of your great responses and stay tuned for more posts chronicling Downtown Food Diaries  

Want to devour more Downtown dining news? Text “FOOD” to 25866

Superhero Weekend at AZ Science Center

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

CaptainScienceEnjoy a SUPER Memorial Day Weekend with your friends and family at Arizona Science Center – where it’s always a cool 73 degrees!

Meet the Center’s newest superhero, Captain Science! Explore the real science behind fictional powers with fun activities like the “Science of Iceman,” “Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth,” “Power of Magneto” and more!!! Plus, you won’t want to miss the Center’s brightest new gallery, Solarville in the APS Solar Gallery, featuring The Renewables! Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Attending Phoenix ComiCon? Just show proof of your ComiCon admission and you’ll get $2 off general admission to the Science Center this weekend!

You Like Us, You Really Like Us!

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Arizona-Science-Center-Entrance-294x300It’s good to have friends. Especially on Facebook! “Like” Arizona Science Center on Facebook and get an insider’s look at new galleries, IMAX features and summer programs, not to mention great discounts (like $5 admission days!). Get connected with Arizona Science Center and Downtown Phoenix for the latest happenings and events!

You can also head over to the Science Center website to get the dish on everything happening at the center, including the Solarville exhibit in the APS Solar Gallery, Preschool Science programs, Summer Science Camp 2010, the Face Your Fears exhibit at Goosebumps and ongoing Super Museum Month going on thru May in cooperation with Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

Coolest Summer Camps Along Light Rail

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Since the official start of summer is right around the corner, many parents who live and work in Downtown Phoenix might want to consider day camps for their kids. There are several activities–from very wet to very wild–taking place in our urban core along the light rail.

Science_CampIs your teen interested in being a doctor or doing scientific research in a lab? The Arizona Science Center is offering a week-long summer course where kids can learn what it’s like to work with doctors and researchers at the Biotechnology Medical Institute of Barrows Neurological Institute. The first session starts July 12 and tuition is $200 for Science Center members. More information can be found here. Barrows is located on the St. Joseph’s campus, just a short walk from the Thomas and Central light rail station.

The Children’s Museum is teaming up with the Phoenix Theatre (McDowell light rail station) to offer workshops for kids ages 4-18. A storybook or fairy tale workshop is available for the younger kids, while the older kids have options like musical theater and dance workshops. The first session starts June 1st through June 25 and the second session runs July 6-30. The workshops range in price from $300 to $600 per four week session, or a weekly tuition is also available. For more information on the classes and location click here.

The Chase Field Camp Experience (July 7-9) is probably the ultimate urban summer camp. As the name suggests, the three-day workshop is held at Chase Field and involves an on-field clinic in addition to batting practice in big league batting cages. Arizona Diamondbacks personalities will also be on hand during parts of the camp and tuition includes two tickets to a game. More information on the $350 camp for kids ages 6-12 can be found here. Chase Field is located at the 3rd Street and Jefferson light rail station.

Probably one of the most important life lessons you can teach your kid is how to swim! The Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA offers summer camp swim lessons for kids ages 5-12 starting June 7 and ending July 29. Tuition starts at $10 per three-day session. Hint: to help fill the day, parents may also want to pair the swim lessons with one of a variety of YMCA activities also held at the facility. The Y is located directly across the street from Central Station. Information on this and all the summer camps at the YMCA can be found here.

If your kid is an animal lover, then they will love Camp Zoo at Phoenix Zoo (Priest light rail station). The summer camp is geared for kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Sessions for older kids include activities like Discovering What It’s Like To Be an Animal Presenter where kids will put on a show for parents! Younger kids get to do activities like getting to know the zoo animals and other behind the scenes experiences. Camp fees start at $153 for half day sessions. After camp care is also available. Information on Camp Zoo can be found here. Keep in mind, there is a bus transfer at the light rail station in order to get to the zoo.

Valley Youth Theatre (Central Station) offers acting workshops for kids during the summer months. VYT provides two types of fun-filled educational camps: one in theatre basics ($300) and the other involving musical theatre ($630). The theatre’s summer camp is a four-week long program that includes a final day performance. The theatre also offers before and after care for an additional fee. Information on the classes, which start on June 7, can be found here.

Information on how to ride to summer camp can be found on my blog which is here.

Chimps, Beach Balls and Toe Shoes

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Chimps!

CHIMPSWe all have our heroes. One of mine is Jane Goodall. This heroic woman chose to work with animals in the wild more than 40 years ago, and her research into the lives of chimpanzees changed the way we understand both apes and humans. Jane’s research transformed her into an animal advocate, committed to the survival of chimpanzees and the wild places in which they live.

By this time, you’re probably thinking: Alright already, enough with the lecture.  What does this have to do with interesting stuff in Downtown Phoenix? Glad you asked.

Right now, the first and only giant screen film on this conservation pioneer is showing at the Arizona Science Center IMAX theater in 3D. Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees provides a rare and close-up look at the lives of wild chimps in Tanzania and the work of Jane Goodall. For times and tickets, visit the Arizona Science Center online.

Beach Balls!

Well, one beach ball, anyway. The Beach Ball 2010 will play host to a parade of the Valley’s best bodies, all hanging out poolside at the Wyndham Hotel on 50 E. Adams. The event includes both male and female swimsuit competitions, music from dance DJ Roland Belmares and food and drink specials.

The Beach Ball 2010 takes place this Saturday, May 15th from 1 pm to 7 pm. The price is $10 per person. Open to partiers 21 and older, the event is sponsored by Echo Magazine and will benefit the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi and transgender) community.

And last but not least: Toe Shoes!

Now, I realize that many people – guys especially – have a certain allergy to ballet. But think of it this way: Ballet Arizona is one of Downtown’s real treasures, and if you’ve never been to any performances, it might just surprise the heck out of you.

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 14-May 16, Ballet Arizona’s Play, a new ballet from artistic director Ib Andersen, explores a full range of emotions – from the erotic to the joyous – with inventive choreography, costuming and lighting. Ticket prices start at $18.40 per person, and give you the chance to experience the glorious Orpheum Theatre, yet another of Downtown’s gems.

Give Your Date the Moon and Stars Saturday Night

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Spring is here! Whether stargazing on a hot date or a fun family outing, our Arizona skies are beautiful this time of year!

Butterfly NebulaIf you haven’t been recently, I encourage you to check out the Dorrance Planetarium at Arizona Science Center. And what better time that Astronomy Day? Arizona Science Center will celebrate 400 years of astronomy this Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with tons of exciting, family-friendly activities including: marshmallow atmospheric tests, boiling water with ice, making comets, opportunities to meet professional astronomers and more! They will also be raffling off great prizes (like a Celestron telescope)!

Then, from sunset to 10 p.m. (weather permitting), there will be a free Star Party! After enjoying the fantastic Urban Wine Walk 2010 event, head over to Heritage & Science Park for free guided telescope viewings of our amazing Arizona skies. Be sure to look for Saturn, which is gorgeous this time of year! For more information, visit azscience.org.

Face Your Fears at Arizona Science Center

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Afraid of falling? Imagine being strapped to a platform that slowly tilts back, then falls to the ground. Scared of loud noises? Then picture yourself startled by noise and able to watch your own reaction, filmed in slow motion.

bee_beard7-330Both scary and giggle-inducing, the new exhibit at the Arizona Science Center will help you understand the science behind our common fears in a series of creative, first-hand encounters. “Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear” is another terrific example of the Center’s ability to make learning a thrilling, interactive experience.

In the Fear Challenge Course, you’ll have the chance to face four common fears – animals, electric shock, loud noises and falling – in a safe environment. Fear In The Wild is a put-yourself-in-the-picture video game that lets you explore common responses to danger, including the freeze, flight and fight mode.

Since most of us are overgrown kids, this exhibit is perfect for just about any age. It also includes a provocative look at the way media and pop culture reflect our collective fears, plus useful tips to help kids move past those early-age fears.

The exhibit is free to members, $15 per person for children and seniors and $17 per person for adults. And yup, that price includes general admission to the Center.

Want another Fear Factor experience? You have until March 12th to enter for the chance to wear a beard of live bees. True story; I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

On Saturday, March 20th, six winning entries, drawn at random, will proudly wear their bee beard at the Arizona Science Center. If you’d rather watch than participate, demonstrations begin at 11 a.m. and run every 30 minutes until 1:30 p.m.

As for me, I have apiphobia (fear of bees), and I’ll be happy to let you wear the beard in my absence. Just don’t try to shave it off.