< Previous38 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Insider's Guide JUST Chili Out Consistently voted as the No. 1 fall festival in the Valley, the SCHNEPF FARMS ANNUAL PUMPKIN AND CHILI PARTY is back again in Queen Creek. On the agenda, pumpkin party-goers will find endless rides, a stunt dog show, bonfires and marshmallow roasting, train rides, a petting zoo, a four-acre corn maze and so much more. New this year, adventure-seekers can get their thrills on the Hyper-Loop, a blood- pumping ride that swings back and forth until you go full circle while 75 feet in the air. Your visit wouldn’t be complete without trying some world-class chili or succotash and plucking a pumpkin from the patch. The Pumpkin and Chili Party takes place every Thursday through Sunday through Oct. 27. SCHNEPFFARMS.COM. Oct Issue.indd 3810/3/19 6:47 PM8340 E. Raintree Drive I Suite B-9 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480.538.1288 www.winecellardesigns.biz ROC#299785 DESIGN BUILD INST ALLA TION REFRIGER A TION Oct Issue.indd 399/20/19 4:25 PM40 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Insider's Guide Arizona is famed for being the “Sunset State”—an epithet earned by the state’s vibrant orange, pink and yellow watercolor skies just before dusk. But what appears after the sun fades may be even more remarkable: miles upon miles of night sky studded with glittering constellations. Arizona is home to more certified dark sky places than any other state, with Grand Canyon National Park becoming the 10th this past July. As the astrotourism capital of the United States, Arizona offers an abundance of locations worthy of a night under the stars, from the southern border to the North Rim. To make the choice a little easier, Scott Dunn from the Arizona Office of Tourism outlines the best destinations to stargaze this fall. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK The Grand Canyon may have only recently joined the ranks of international dark sky destinations, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in astonishing sights. A combination of high altitude at the rims, excellent air quality and limited light pollution make the Grand Canyon an incredible place to stargaze. Of the six million people who visit the canyon each year, only a small fraction stay past sunset, which prompted the National Park Service to adopt a new slogan: “Half the Park is After Dark.” Visitors who embrace this reminder can marvel at the Grand Canyon by day and the Milky Way by night. TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT Only 100 miles from Phoenix, this location offers the perfect blend of history and night sky. For the full experience, hike the Apache Trail and set up camp among the park’s ancient cliff dwellings. “It really makes you feel small,” says Dunn. “It takes you back to what life was like living in this part of the desert 1,000 years ago when the stars were so important to the people who lived there.” Tonto began its “Park After Dark” series in the fall, with telescope viewing with astronomers from the Phoenix Astronomical Society. PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK Petrified Forest is another destination that draws its fair share of daytime visitors, but like the Grand Canyon, this national park offers brilliant night skies for those who linger after dark. A three-hour drive from Phoenix, Petrified Forest is a great spot to camp on the way to Monument Valley or Canyon de Chelly. You have to camp to see the night sky here as the park closes at dusk, but the complete lack of development means no light pollution will hinder the experience. The park is flat and permits are free, so it’s an easy adventure for the whole family. ORACLE STATE PARK This 4,000-acre wildlife refuge neighbors the bustling city of Tucson, making its international dark sky certification a rarity. The Catalina Mountains serve as a protective barrier that mitigates light pollution from the city, allowing you to easily pair an urban adventure in Tucson with time outside under the stars. Similar to Tonto, the park hosts star parties throughout the year with local astronomers. –C.M. STAR Light, STAR Bright Oct Issue.indd 409/20/19 4:25 PM Best Happy Hour - North Scottsdale Best Wine Bar - AZFoothills Local Craft Beers on Tap Wine to Go Large Screen TVs Amazing Sunsets from Patio Ask About Our Wine Club RHYTHM+WINE NEW! NEW! NEW! RHYTHM & WINE 7605 E. PINNACLE PEAK RD., #D1, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 (480) 478-6999 RHYTHMANDWINE.COM Oct Issue.indd 419/20/19 4:25 PM42 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Insider's Guide Shine Bright Like a… With big, bold fl avors and aromas of black currants, dark cherries, cherry compote, toast and herbs, tote the DOUBLE DIAMOND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 ($70) along during your holiday party- hopping. The bottle promises to be a crowd pleaser for the celebratory season. SCHRADERCELLARS.COM. –M.L. BRAD OLSON PHOTOGRAPHY FASHION | EDITORIAL | COMMERCIAL 623-850-4562 www.bradolsonphotography.com ARIZONA Oct Issue.indd 429/20/19 4:25 PMOct Issue.indd 439/25/19 9:21 AM44 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Insider's Guide Creative ENDEAVOR For the third year, The Hermosa Inn is partnering with Scottsdale Artists’ School for the one-of-a-kind NATURE JOURNALING: ART AND OBSERVATION SERIES. And what better time than October in the Valley to kick it off? The interactive series, taking place at the hotel, invites participants—from novices to A-plus artists—to unlock their creativity and hone their observation skills with the help of local artist and illustrator, Devon Meyer. Meyer provides step-by-step instruction on sketching and drawing techniques, watercolor skills and more. The $85 fee includes instruction, tax and gratuity, all supplies, a journal sketchbook, a mimosa and pastries for morning classes, and wine and appetizers for afternoon classes. The series takes place Oct. 26, Nov. 16, Feb. 22, March 28 and April 25. REGISTER ONLINE AT HERMOSAINN.COM. –M.L. Oct Issue.indd 449/20/19 4:25 PM @azfoothills #azfoothills 71 11035 N 21ST AVENUE #200, PHOENIX, AZ 85029 • 480-840-7255 • IRONDOORSARIZONA.COM For A Limited Time - Save up to $500.00 on all Single Doors and up to $1,000.00 on all Double Doors! Oct Issue.indd 459/20/19 4:25 PM46 AZFOOTHILLS.COM DreamTeam Academy is a local youth basketball training facility focusing on the fundamentals and a positive social environment for boys and girls 6 years and up. •Group Trainings •Year Round Day Camps •Weekly Themed Saturday Clinics •DTA Club Teams 3rd-10th Grades •Birthday Parties/ Corporate Events •Dr. Dish Rentals 480.800.8326 dreamteamacademy.com mimi@dreamteamacademy.com 15955 N .DIAL BLVD. STE. 3, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 Low Waste, High Reward Keep your hair clean and the earth cleaner with Unwrapped Life’s WILDCRAFTED SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER BARS. These color- safe, vegan and cruelty-free bars come in plastic-free packaging that makes traveling a breeze—and keeps your toiletry bag away from sloppy spills. Choose from fi ve duos that give all hair types salon-quality results using natural ingredients and essential oils. Priced from about $18. UNWRAPPEDLIFE.COM. –C.M. Insider's Guide How Sweet It is Whether you have a sweet tooth or are always seeking the next do-it-for- the-‘gram spot, we have good news for you: Candytopia is set to debut at Scottsdale Quarter on Oct. 11 for a limited-time run (slated to end in December). The candy-coated experiential adventure has delighted more than one million guests–including celeb fans like Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Biel, Bruce Willis and Adam Sandler–across the country. Candytopia hosts more than a dozen rooms with larger-than-life interactive art installations and full sensory experiences, like a marshmallow pit with more than 250,000 foam mallows and an underwater-themed wonderland with candy-covered sea creatures. Tickets are $28 for adults; $20 for kids; ages 3 and under are free. CANDYTOPIA.COM. –M.L. Oct Issue.indd 4610/1/19 3:06 PMOct Issue.indd 479/20/19 4:25 PMNext >