Spring In The Valley

The first week of Spring - I love this time of year because the weather in Arizona is absolutely beautiful and perfect for outdoor activities. If you Arizonans are looking for some things to do before the summer heat catches up with us, here are some ideas.

Take in a Spring Training game before the end of the month. If you miss out on Spring Training (I hope you don't), there is still time to enjoy our very own Diamondbacks and to support our ASU Sun Devil baseball team.

The Phoenix Suns are putting forward all their efforts to make it to the playoffs. Cheer them on at US Airways Center and enjoy the excitement of the final regular season games that will make all the difference in whether or not we make it a step closer to winning a championship.

Tempe Festival of the Arts will be sharing its love for the arts this weekend March 25-27 on Mill Ave. Find a treasure to take home with you or enjoy the yummy vendors that will be serving up some delish foods.

ASU Gammage has a great Spring lineup for all you theater nerds (like me). Fiddler on the Roof, Mama Mia and Les Miserables are just a few of the terrific shows that will be showing up to entertain you.

Enjoy arts and crafts at First Friday. That's right, every first Friday of the month artists, crafters and museums join together to share a bit of culture and creativity with all.

A little Arizona hiking is definitely in order. Living in an area with tons of trails and surrounding cities like Sedona, there's no better time to enjoy nature in all its beauty.

Looking to be charitable, why not try Pat's Run? This 4.2-mile run/walk benefits the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Tillman Military Scholars program that helps service men and women further their education.

Dine outdoors at some local restaurants like Four Peaks Brewing Company, Casey Moore's Oyster House and House of Tricks with the company of good friends and family.

Freshen up your look with a new hairdo or with some snazzy, vintage threads at Mercantile. Shauna Thibault, owner and hair/makeup stylist, is awesome and I would trust no other person with my hair. :)

A little shopping may be in order this Spring. Outdoor shopping is available all over the Valley. Check out SanTan Village, Biltmore Fashion Park and Kierland Commons to satisfy your shopping fix.

The Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Gardens are great places to hang out with the family as well as photograph friendly animals and beautiful plants. They have great events too, so remember to click on their calendars.

And don't forget your furry friends this Spring. It is a great time of year to take pups to parks to mingle with other dogs. Maybe a splash in the lake at Cosmo Dog Park too?

Well, that's all I have for now. Enjoy your Spring!

Photo courtesy of Celebrations