< PreviousBY SUZANNE KOCH108sportsBEST OF OUR VALLEY 2019April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 384/9/19 4:20 PM128BEST PRIVATE CLUBCountry Club at DC RanchComing soon, the Country Club at DC Ranch welcomes Phase II of its highly anticipated 8.million e pansion and update. The e pansion brings a new tness center, group e ercise rooms, a resortstyle pool, a casual indoor dining room, a poolside itchen, an e panded ladies lounge, a larger clubhouse itchen and enhanced golf practice areas and course enhancements. The fresh programming and amenities available at the Country Club at C anch won t ust off er bestinclass opportunities to the adults members; with additions like a tween room and an e panded id s playroom, the littlest guests will have much to loo forward to as well. ccdcranch.com.The members of Country Club at DC Ranch were named Most Philanthropic Country Club Community for the second year in a row. BEST 19TH HOLE, BEST PUBLIC COURSE AND MOST SCENIC COURSEQUINTERO GOLF CLUBDesigned by master golf course architect ees Jones, Quintero s 18 holes are nestled into a secluded desert environment. The northwest Peoria course is often described as the purest golf e perience in the Southwest and it s not hard to believe after one look at the impeccably groomed greens and mountain views. Quintero has even earned accolades from some of golf s best publications like Golf Digest, Golf Weekly and Golf Advisor. Players can tee up from its championship tees for 7,200 yards of stunning desert play. For those looking to get a few more rounds in, rela in onsite luury condos for a stay and play option. quinterogolf.com.BEST ARIZONA CHEERLEADERS ORDANCE TEAMASU SPIRIT SQUAD AND DANCE TEAMf you ve ever been to an AS football, basetball or volleyball game, odds are you ve 109seen this athletic bunch serving as the o cial ambassadors of Sun evil Athletics, alongside Spar y of course. Not only do they add an e tra dose of spun to game days and community outreach events, the team is also highly competitive. In fact, the dance team is ranked among the top three in the nation and is the most decorated dance team in the ac12. Follow the squad on social media at @asuspiritsquad and @asudanceteam. thesundevils.com.BEST CLUBHOUSE SPAALVEA SPA & WELLNESS AT ENCANTERRADrawing its name from the Spanish word for river bed (alveo, spagoers will note the water and oasis theme throughout. ith a focus on rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit, soothing services include body treatments, massages, facials, waing and tinting and more. Alvea Spa ellness at ncanterra is one of the only full-service spas in the area and is open to both members and the public. alveaencanterra.com.BEST CUSTOM GOLF CLUBSCOOL CLUBSA unique performancebased tting method based on four components—equipment, e perience, proprietary software and TrackMan—has grown Cool Clubs into the world s largest independent club tting organization. t has more than 20,000 shaft and head combos and all clubs are built in-house at their Scottsdale headquarters. Furthermore, Cool Clubs has no a liation with any speci c club manufacturer, ensuring players walk away with what truly helps them perform their best on the course. coolclubs.com.BEST GOLF CLOTHING & SHOPPINGAPACHE CLUBHOUSE AT DESERT MOUNTAINAfter a round of golf, stop in to shop gifts, accessories and apparel for on and off course needs. nique items include madetomeasure belts, Martin ingman ne leather footwear and Smathers & Branson goods. There s also plenty of golf swag to go around, from bags and putter covers to apparel and more from brands like MDC, reyson, eter Millar, ol no and olo Ralph Lauren. desertmountain.com.BEST GOLF COMMUNITYDC RANCHResidents of DC Ranch have some of the alley s top golf at their ngertips along with a vast array of lifestyle amenities, programs and events. ome to 27 neighborhoods in four distinct villages, DC Ranch focuses on bridging the community with its stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. Adacent to orth Scottsdale s Mcowell Sonoran Preserve, the 4,400-acre community is home for appro imately sportsApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 394/9/19 4:20 PM1291107,000 residents who enjoy an enriched day-to-day due to DC Ranch’s brand promise: living connected. This is achieved through its unbeatable location, luxury lifestyle and family-friendly environment. dcranch.com.BEST PRIVATE CLUBFIREROCK COUNTRY CLUBClose enough to town but far enough to feel like a desert retreat, this Fountain Hills club caters to both an active and laidback lifestyle. The 18-hole Gary Pans-designed golf course o ers players a challenging yet playable layout while tennis, fi tness, swimming and dining are available for o -course fun. The club’s warm and inviting atmosphere is what makes this club so desirable. The best part of it all? Residency in the community isn’t required for membership.fi rerockcc.com.BEST PRO SHOP AND MOST CHALLENGING COURSEWIGWAM GOLF CLUB/THE GOLD COURSE AT WIGWAMDesigned by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., The Gold Course is one of three 18-hole courses at The Wigwam. Long par 4s, memorable par 5s and small elevated greens characterize the 7,345-yard course. A renovation led by PGA TOUR veteran Tom Lehman in 2015 modernized the bunkering and layouts while keeping Trent Jones Sr.’s signatures greens as he intended. The course’s name comes from one of the offi cial colors of the property s original developer and then-owner, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. For post-play shopping, the club’s pro shop stocks all the industry’s top apparel and equipment brands. wigwamgolf.com.BEST SPORTING EVENTWASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPENA favorite annual event of locals and visitors alike, the tournament is played at the TPC Stadium Course with some of golf ’s top names competing for the winning title. Home to the raucous 16th hole and Birds Nest entertainment venue, the WM Phoenix Open has done an excellent job at attracting spectators outside of the golf community. The tournament also benefi ts many local charities and has raised more than $134 million in its 83-year history. wmphoenixopen.com.BEST UP-AND-COMING ARIZONA TEAMPHOENIX RISING FCAs the 2018 USL Western Conference Champions, Phoenix Rising is quickly gaining momentum. Last season set multiple attendance records with more than 106,000 regular season spectators. Season ticket sales are also up from this time last year and more than 55 sponsors have already signed on for the 2019 season. Even the next generation is getting in on the action. Nearly 8,500 kids are playing for Phoenix Rising FC youth soccer clubs. phxri singfc.com.FAVORITE ARIZONA COACHKEVIN GUY, ARIZONA RATTLERSTo say Kevin Guy’s list of accomplishments is impressive would be an understatement. He’s spent 10 seasons with the Rattlers and is the winningest coach in the team’s history. He also boasts the highest winning percentage in Arena Football League history and has been named Coach of the Year three times. Additional standout accolades include AF2 Hall of Fame and University of West Alabama Hall of Fame inductee, three-time ArenaBowl Champion, 2017 Indoor Football League Champion and many more. azrattlers.com.The Ari zona Rattlers was named Best Pro Sports Team!FAVORITE ARIZONA PRO ATHLETE AND MOST PHILANTHROPIC ATHLETELARRY FITZGERALD, ARIZONA CARDINALSLoyalty rings true with Cardinals’ wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. His entire pro career he’s donned the red jersey and currently ranks fourth all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game. This past season, he even threw his very fi rst touchdown pass of his NFL career. He also inspires o the fi eld with his own foundation, the Larry Fitzgerald irst own und, benefi ting both the youth and the ongoing e ort to prevent and cure breast cancer. larryfi tzgerald.com.Fast Faves2018 WinnerBest Golf Instructor MIKE MALASKA, SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB AND LAS SENDAS GOLF CLUB, malaskagolf.com.Best Sporting Goods Store ROAD RUNNER SPORTS, roadrunnersports.com.Best Sports Venue CHASE FIELD, chase.crowndns.com.2018 WinnerBest Spring Training Field SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK, saltriver els.o.AF2 Hall of Fame and University April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 404/9/19 9:48 PM130 Fresh Remodel + New Look Best Happy Hour - North Scottsdale Best Wine Bar - AZFoothills Local Craft Beers on Tap Wine to Go Large Screen TVs Amazing Sunsets from PatioRHYTHM & WINE 7605 E. PINNACLE PEAK RD., #D1, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255(480) 478-6999 RHYTHMANDWINE.COMModern Bistro + Wine MarketRHYTHM+WINENEW!NEW!NEW!CHECK OUT THE NEWRW.indd 29/19/18 2:31 PMUntitled-1 110/29/18 12:23 PM Fresh Remodel + New Look Best Happy Hour - North Scottsdale Best Wine Bar - AZFoothills Local Craft Beers on Tap Wine to Go Large Screen TVs Amazing Sunsets from PatioRHYTHM & WINE 7605 E. PINNACLE PEAK RD., #D1, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255(480) 478-6999 RHYTHMANDWINE.COMModern Bistro + Wine MarketRHYTHM+WINENEW!NEW!NEW!CHECK OUT THE NEWRW.indd 29/19/18 2:31 PMUntitled-1 110/29/18 12:23 PMUntitled-1 110/29/18 3:47 PMUntitled-1 141/10/19 2:29 PM112BY SUZANNE KOCHStay & playBEST OF OUR VALLEY 2019April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 24/9/19 4:20 PM132BEST CASINOTALKING STICK RESORTTry your luck at more than 800 multi-dimensional slot machines or post up at one of more than 50 tables of blackjack, Three Card Poker and more. The 240,000-sq.-ft. casino also boasts the largest poker room in the state while Keno fans will be pleased to know they can nd Arizona s largest aggregate payout here, a whopping $250,000. talkingstickresort.com.BEST DOWNTOWN PHOENIX HOTELFOUND:RE PHOENIXive into Arizona s art scene at this urban boutique hotel that s sourced more than 2 local artists to dress up its industrious interiors. A mi of rotating shows, pop-ups and varying artists are hosted in the Studio and Gallery meeting spaces. Even one of the hotel s e terior walls is an art piece in itself, featuring a sistory video installation that treats guests and the community to an ever-changing canvas of dynamic images and art. foundrehotels.com.113BEST RESORT REMODEL The PhoenicianRecently completing its more than three-year renovation, The hoenician s newest debuts include a threestory spa with rooftop pool, the twostory hoenician Athletic Club and a redesigned golf course with refreshed clubhouse. J&G Steakhouse received a stylish refresh and The Phoenician Tavern (formerly Relish Burger Bistro) premiered, serving upscale pub-style food. The renovation is the most e tensive since the resort debuted in ctober 1988 and included a redesign of all public areas and accommodations. The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician also received a complete remodel, which took place in summer 2016. thephoenician.com.BEST MOVIE THEATER: DINE INIPICic bac, rela and enoy the show in the best way possible. Friendly hosts, lively ushers and great food take the moviewatching e perience up a notch at iPic. Movie-goers can enjoy the latest releases with chef-inspired dishes and handmade cocktails available at the push of a button. The delectable delights are delivered seat-side by a Ninja server so you don t miss a beat of action. A complimentary pillow and blanket, and not to mention complimentary popcorn, all round out this award-winning e perience. ith nationwide locations, Valley residents can visit the north Scottsdale iPic at Scottsdale Quarter. ipic.com.Stay & playApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 34/9/19 4:20 PM133114BEST CASINO Fort McDowell Casinociting things are in the wor s at Fort McDowell Casino, home to some of the most rewarding gaming in the entire Southwest with the latest slot machines, poker, bingo, blackjack and much more. Fort McDowell will unveil a new casino spanning 166,31 square feet, which will offer guests a larger casino with a garden court, specialty high-end dining, a sports bar with entertainment stage and other e citing new amenities. The highly anticipated casino is slated to be complete and open to the public by 2020. fortmcdowellcasino.com.BEST LOBBY BAR MOUNTAINSHADOWSSip pretty at this gorgeous oval-shaped bar with Mid-Century Modern touches. Gather here for a quick pre-drink before dining at signature earth 61 or nestle in for a long night of drinks and snacks. Guests can enjoy wine and beer or something more spirited from its inventive coctail menu. Add a pep in your step with Paradise Lost, made with tequila, fresh lime juice, mango puree and sriracha. mountainshadows.com.BEST LUXURY VACATION RENTALPARSONS VILLASRent worry-free with Parsons Villas, a family-run management company with a collection of luury homes throughout Scottsdale, Paradise alley and hoeni. Most homes include heated pools and spas, putting greens, fresh hypoallergenic linens and more. Many even feature brand new furnishings and are completely renovated. Complimentary concierge services will help with restaurant and nightclub reservations, VIP car service, golf, outdoor activities and more, lending to the company s more than 00 vestar reviews. parsonsvillas.com.BEST PLACE TO DISCOVER YOUR INNER ARTISTTHE BRUSH BARTap into your creative side during a guided, step-by-step painting session with a trained instructor. The interactive group setting and in-studio wine and beer bar make this a perfect option for a fun night out. Guests will even get to walk away with their very own piece of art to keep. Public classes are offered Thursday through Sunday, and reservations are required.thebrushbar.com.BEST POOL PARTYHOTEL VALLEY HOSpend sunny days at the ool, the one-stop shop for a refreshing escape and electric atmosphere. Lounge in one of the nine private cabanas while sipping cocktails and snacking on poolside fare from the full-service bar and kitchen. Additional features include a re pit, water feature and hot tub. For the best way to play, visit on summer weekends for live entertainment or book the newest VIP cabana, complete with its own private hot tub. hotelvalleyho.com.April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 44/9/19 4:20 PM134115BEST HISTORIC RESORTHermosa Innriginally the art studio and residence of cowboy artist Alonzo on Megargee, Casa ermosa was built in 1936 and opened as the ermosa nn in 191. Today, the cozy hideaway is a piece of authentic Arizona. ts adobe architecture and historical charm have contributed to its recent accolades from Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 eaders Choice Awards where it was raned o. 8 of the Top 10 otels in the .S. and o. 1 otel in the Southwest. Casita accommodations feature wood beams and custom artwor and most have replaces and wood oors. noy globally inspired Arizona fare at s at the ermosa, which was named Arizona s Most omantic estaurant by Food & Wine. Its outdoor dining patio is a fave among locals for enjoying cocktails and mild weather. hermosainn.com.April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 54/9/19 4:20 PM135BEST RELAXING RESORT POOL, BEST RESORT AND MOST LUXE ACCOMMODATIONSTHE WIGWAMThis est alley resort is a istoric otel of America and is currently celebrating its 90th anniversary. Adobestyle accommodations include casitas, suites and two presidential suites, all with private patios or balconies nestled amid blooming owers and towering palms. ine at the signature farmtotable itch eld s restaurant, unwind at the recently opened eMonds Aveda Salon Spa or tee up at one of the three championship golf courses. Three pools off er something for everyone, from a id s fun zone with waterslides to a relaing oasis with cabanas and Jacuzzis. occe ball, volleyball and tennis courts; yard games; and bike rentals round out the active amenities. wigwamari zona.com.116 BEST RESORTFAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESSA resort for all occasions and all travelers, there s not much you won t nd here. Si pools encourage sunsoaking, from an adult-only rooftop oasis to kid-friendly Sonoran Splash with waterslides. noy avors of all inds at ve dining outlets, including recently renovated La Hacienda. nwind at the ,000sq.ft. ell Being Spa whose design was inspired by the rand Canyon s avasupai Falls. Make sure to also check out the resort s event calendar for an e tensive lineup of seasonal happenings, including the annual Christmas at the Princess festival.scottsdalepri ncess.com.BEST VALLEY ADVENTURE EXPERIENCERAINBOW RYDERS INC.See the Valley from a whole new perspective. ith more than 3 years ying over the Southwest, ainbow yders is the country s largest balloon ride company and the o cial operator of the Albuquerque nternational alloon Fiesta, the world s largest balloon event. The e perience over the alley includes one hour in the sky, a toast, catered food and a ight certi cate, not to mention the unbeatable views. rainbowryders.com.BEST RELAXING RESORT POOLSANCTUARY CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPAic bac and rela in Arizona s largest in nityedge pool. n between working on your tan, cozy up in a cabana or lounge chair while savoring snacks and cocktails and taking in the unbeatable views of Camelback Mountain. For even more zen, guests can take part in paddle board yoga. The in-pool activity combines yoga poses and breathing e ercises to fully chill participants out. sanctuaryoncamelback.com.MOST ICONIC VALLEY RESORTARIZONA BILTMORE, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORTFans of Fran loyd right s architectural style will revel in this historic hotel located at the base of hoeni Mountain reserve. Since 1929, the glam destination has hosted ollywood s elite and even presidential greats. Today, the elegant resort has all the modern-day amenities one would e pect, lie the 20,000sq.ft. Spa Biltmore, eight swimming pools, championship golf and multiple dining outlets. For a sip of history, visit The right ar, where legend claims the tequila sunrise was created. ari zonabiltmore.com.Fast Faves2018 innerBest Movie Theater HARKINS THEATRES, harkins.com.2018 innerBest Pet Resort/Boarding Facility SONORAN DESERT PET RESORT, sdpetresort.com.Best Valley Hiking PINNACLE PEAK, pinnaclepeaklocal.com/hike.April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 64/9/19 4:20 PM136Untitled-1 12/13/14 4:33 PMAds.indd 227/26/14 4:03 PMNext >