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Whether you're looking for a getaway hotel or a great place to stay during your trip to the greater Phoenix area, you have plenty of hotels to choose from. Here are a few of the best hotel options the Chandler, Arizona, area has to offer: more Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass One of the most luxurious hotels in the Chandler area has to be the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Just 11 miles from PHX, this hotel embodies a Southwestern style that starts your Arizona trip off right. The hotel's amenities include Arizona's only Forbes five-star restaurant, access to golf courses, an outdoor pool with a twisting slide, a spa, a fitness room, and more. Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes Over in nearby Tempe, you'll find the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes. This is one of the most sought-after hotels in the greater Pheonix area, in large part due to its beautiful design. The hotel is built around a mountain peak and its resort offerings make it as much of a destination as the city itself. This hotel's amenities include a fitness room, a large outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant, and more. The resort is near the Sun Devil Stadium, Old Town Scottsdale, and the U.S. Airways Arena. Marriot Pheonix Chandler You don't have to spend an arm and a leg in order to stay in a hotel with plenty of exciting amenities. If you're looking for a good balance between luxuries and cost, check out the Marriott Phoenix Chandler. This hotel has over 200 modern rooms, as well as a health club, childcare center, restaurant, bar, and a business center. It's also pet-friendly and a short distance from many of the nearby attractions, such as the Ocotillo Gold Resort and the Lone Butte Casino. Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Chandler Home2 Suites is another great choice for those who want to create a relaxing staycation. Chic and modern rooms feature couches, desks, privacy curtains, and more. Outside, you'll find a swimming pool to let the kids loose in. This hotel's amenities include free shuttles, a fitness center, a business center, free continental breakfast, and a computer station. If you're in Chandler on business, Home2 Suites is a worthy option. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Country Inn & Suites is a great choice for travelers looking for a quick night of rest or if they don't plan on spending their days at their hotel. It's a great headquarters for your Phoenix area adventure, and it's full of everything you might need from a decent hotel. This hotel has 64 smoke-free rooms, a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, laundry service, a swimming pool, and free daily newspapers. Country Inn & Suites is clean, affordable, and cute. Explore each of these options to find the hotel that works best with what you're looking for during your stay. Finding the best balance between budget and amenities is easy with the Chandler area's options. image via pixabay

Whether your family likes to spend time outside or inside, there are lots of things you can do together in the Phoenix area. From exploring interactive exhibits at one of the local science centers to visiting the animals at the zoo or taking a hike, there is something for everyone. Here are some family-friendly things to do in Phoenix. more Arizona Science Center The Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix has interactive exhibits for the kids, planetarium shows for all ages, and much more. The Victoria the T. rex exhibit is a popular one that brings visitors back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Victoria the T. rex is the second most complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex and was originally unearthed in South Dakota. It is now on display at the Arizona Science Center. The Musical Instrument Museum Bring your family to the one-of-a-kind Musical Instrument Museum on May Boulevard in Phoenix. The Experience Gallery has instruments from around the world for everyone to play, and you can also learn about how they are made. The galleries in this museum include the Africa and Middle East Galleries along with the Europe Gallery. There are also several programs designed just for kids including Mini Music Makers for those up to 5 years old and Musical Adventures for kids from 6 to 10. The kids get to make music, create instruments, and tour the museum. Phoenix Zoo Spend the day exploring the Phoenix Zoo. This attraction is home to over 1,400 animals, including many endangered and threatened species. There is always something going on at the zoo from animal shows to daily creature features and the monkey exhibit. This is an open exhibit where squirrel monkeys run and jump through the trees above your head. You can also head to the Red Barn and get up close to the goats. Here you can pet and brush the goats, along with cows, horses, and sheep. OdySea Aquarium The OdySea Aquarium is an experience unlike any other. It combines interactive activities with educational experiences and presentations about aquatic life. Head to this Phoenix area attraction to go behind-the-scenes and see sharks form the top of Shark Waters, or put on a SeaTREK helmet and go down below the water to get up close to the sea life. The newest resident at OdySea is soon to be Mighty Mike, one of the largest alligators in the country. He arrives Memorial Day weekend for a limited time. Hurricane Harbor Phoenix Stay cool at Hurricane Harbor water park. This is the largest water park in Arizona, with over 30 different attractions. Take a ride on Dueling H2O Coasters or ride Tornado if you dare. This park also has rides and activities for the younger kids, such as Splash Island, and kid-friendly slides. Check out these Phoenix area attractions and find something that everyone in the family will enjoy. You can explore science and nature or take a thrill ride without having to go very far. image via pixabay

One of the best ways to pass the time in Chandler is with a game of golf. Fortunately, there are quite a few courses in the area that can make for an exciting afternoon. Given the weather in Arizona, you don't even have to wait long for a perfect day to hit the greens. After all, there's a reason it's one of the most popular golf destinations in the country. Tee off at five golf courses in Chandler, Arizona. more Whirlwind Golf Club At Whirlwind Golf Club, you'll find 36 available holes to play and a unique theme on each. Every hole was designed to pay homage to a cultural element of the Gila River Indian Community. In fact, the name itself references the commonality of the whirlwind pattern among native weavers in the area. The 36 holes encompass two courses: the Cattail and the Devil's Claw. As the name suggests, the Devil's Claw course is much more difficult, with numerous hazards and elevation challenges. San Marcos Golf Course While Chandler is home to numerous desert golf courses, San Marcos Golf Course was historically the first to feature grass instead of sand back in 1913. It has come a long way since then, as the whole 18-hole course has been entirely renovated. Still, you can enjoy the historic charm, as the fairways are lined by tamarisk and palm trees, some of which are older than the course itself. You can always partake in the pitch and putt course as well if you're looking for a more family-friendly experience. Ocotillo Golf Resort The legendary Ocotillo Golf Resort was designed by Ted Robinson, and it's frequently heralded as one of the must-play courses in the region. Its 27 holes can be quite challenging, as 24 of them feature difficult hazards to navigate. Should you find success, you'll be rewarded with stunning features, such as waterfalls and vibrant flower beds, around the course. Lone Tree Golf Club If you're a golf beginner, the Lone Tree Golf Club may be the perfect destination for a game. It has 18 holes with a par 71, without extensive hazards or other features that make the game more challenging. Instead, you can enjoy a straightforward progression that's still satisfying and rewarding. There are some hazards, of course, so make sure you keep an eye out for the waterfall hazard. If you're looking for easy access, they offer discount rates around twilight. Bear Creek Golf Complex At the Bear Creek Golf Complex, you can enjoy a varied golfing experience that's suitable for all skill levels. There are two courses available: the Bear Course and the Cub Course. If you're looking for a challenge, you can try to conquer the Bear Course with its rolling fairways and strategic bunkering. For an easier experience, the Cub Course offers a quick experience with a par-3 in all but five holes. With these golf courses in mind, it's easy to find a satisfying course for a game regardless of your skill level. Find the best course for your desired play style and tee off today! image via pixabay

After a long day at work, one of the best ways to unwind is to find somewhere to enjoy a few happy hour drinks. We have put together a list of the four best happy hours in Chandler. Whether you prefer cocktails or beer, you can relax, unwind, and have a good evening at one of these great places. more Zipps Sports Grill For a high-energy, fun happy hour, check out Zipps Sports Grill. They do happy hour specials every weeknight from 3 to 7 p.m. You can try out one of their 32-ounce domestic drafts or premium pints for $5. They also have premium wines for $6 and house wines for $3.50. For food specials, check out their chips with salsa and guacamole for $5, $2 pizza slices with 50 cent additional toppings, and wings or chicken skewers for $8. Zipps is located at 4060 South Arizona Avenue. Smokin Fins Smokin Fins is a local restaurant specializing in seafood and a famous happy hour. They open up their happy hour menu from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day long on Sunday, so you can check it out before the workweek begins. They actually have a great happy hour food menu with oysters on the half shell for $6, sliders for $3 each, kickin shrimp for $6, and shrimp or fish tacos for $6. For your much desired happy hour drinks, you can choose from several different great options. You can get a Coronita margarita for $8, house wines for $5, and $1 off draft beer. Smokin Fins is at 900 North 54th Street Suite 1. Z'Tejas This Southwestern eatery has a great happy hour menu and actually offer it every day of the week. Monday through Friday they have it from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday it is offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. You will enjoy special drink prices on margaritas like the Prickly pear or the Hard Day, Marg-Tinis like the Perfect Patron or the Millionaire. They also have frozen margaritas. They also offer Moscow Mules, Martinis, Wines, and Beers. Z'Tejas is located at 7221 West Ray Road. Bourbon Jacks Bar and Grill Bourbon Jacks is a fun yet low key restaurant full of vintage appeal and country atmosphere. You can get drink specials like $1 off house wines, $3 domestic pints, and $4 wells. They also offer special food options for reduced prices. Try the fried green tomatoes for $5, $10 cowboy nachos or $7 warm pretzels. They also have "Reverse Happy Hour" Sunday through Wednesday from 9 p.m. to close. They offer their happy hour pricing on drinks during this time frame in case you have to catch a later drink due to overtime. You might even be lucky enough to see some of their live entertainment. Next time you are looking for a great place to have some happy hour drinks, try out one of these great places in Chandler. From low key to more upbeat, there is something for everyone. image via pixabay

Lights. Camera. Action! There is truly nothing that compares with live theatrical and musical performances, and the Phoenix, AZ area has numerous theater companies, operas, and performing art groups to choose from. Whether looking for a night out with friends, a unique date experience, or a cultural experience with your family check out these three art and entertainment experiences in Phoenix. more Arizona Theatre Company With more than 130,000 theater lovers attending theatrical performances at the beautiful Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix and the Temple of Music and Art in Tuscon, the Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) has earned its recognition of being "The State Theatre". With the largest subscriber base of any Arizona performing art organization, ATC continues to produce new seasons of quality productions reflecting the various forms of world theater including new works, musicals, contemporary plays, and the classics, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the rich emotional joy and experience found only through live theater. The Arizona Theatre Company share's their company's passion of the arts through various community events, access initiatives, educational opportunities, and outreach programs. With over 700 engagement and education activities available via summer programs and schools, ATC is committed to introducing Arizona's youth to the creative power dramatic literature has and demonstrating how it can enrich their lives. Arizona Theatre Company's Herberger Theater Center is located in downtown Phoenix at  222 E. Monroe Street. They are open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 6 p.m. curtain times Wednesday - Friday during performance weeks. They are also open weekend hours on performance weeks Saturday - Sunday from 12 - 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. curtain time. Carnival of Illusion Don't miss your chance to experience Arizona's favorite show to celebrate, laugh, and have fun at. Eyed and Sarlot's Carnival of Illusion gives visitors a peek into the life of old-world performers like Gypsy Rose Lee, Harry Houdini, Mae West, and Buster Keaton. With raving guest reviews stating "delighted, wonderful, and amazed at a presentation that doesn't include special effects and technology but rather talent, wit, and the personalities of two very unique people. Being taken back in time was pure magic" Located at 2400 E Missouri Ave in Phoenix check their website for times, dates and availability of shows. Arizona Opera Originally founded as the Tucson Opera Company in 1971 by dedicated opera enthusiasts, Arizona Opera has presented more than 170 fully-staged concerts and operas since it's inaugural year. The company's rich artistic history blends Their artistic history is rich with a blend of American operas, operettas, turn-of-the-century masterpieces, and traditional repertoire featuring verismo, baroque, and bel canto works. They have also twice presented Wagner's complete Ring Cycle, an accomplishment only met by for other North American companies. Arizona Opera is located on the corner of Central Avenue and McDowell Road in Uptown Phoenix's Arts District at 1636 N. Central Avenue with box office hours of Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don't miss your opportunity to experience the exciting art and entertainment experiences Phoenix has to offer. image via pixabay

Planning a weekend of fun in Phoenix is easy thanks to the array of options at your disposal. The hard part is choosing between them. If you're trying to think of ideas of what to do this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona, here are a few worth checking out. more Go Indoor Skydiving For those who have always wanted the thrill of jumping out of a plane without the terror of being thousands of feet up in the air, indoor skydiving is a great option. If you're looking for somewhere to go indoor skydiving in Phoenix, try iFLY. Solve Puzzles at an Escape Room If you've never been to an escape room, it's time to check one out, especially if you enjoy hands-on puzzle-solving. Generally, you'll have one hour to escape from a locked room (that you can leave at any time). But to leave, you'll need to solve a series of puzzles that will let you open the door. One of our favorite escape rooms in Phoenix is Epic Escape Game. Their immersive rooms always provide an exciting hour of critical thinking with your friends and family. Watch a Baseball Game or Attend an Event at Salt River Fields Baseball fans should get tickets to watch a game at Salt River Fields. This baseball diamond is where both the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks train in the spring. During baseball season, after the teams hit the road, this stadium holds many fun events for people of varying interests. You'll find food festivals, yoga in the outfield, concerts, and more at Salt River Fields. Explore Nature at the Desert Botanical Garden Head to the Desert Botanical Garden to learn about the desert plants that are scattered through Arizona's landscape. There are 140 acres to explore at this garden, full of sculptures, wildlife, and native plants. You'll be surprised at how many different species call the desert home after a visit to this natural attraction. Watch an Art Film at FilmBar If you're looking for something different to do with your nightlife, head to FilmBar for an interesting night out. This cinema-lounge lets you relax with a drink as you watch interesting movies. You see everything from recent major theater releases to obscure art-project films here. Explore Mystery Castle Looking for something off the beaten path? Mystery Castle should cover you. This oddly built structure is in South Mountain Park and is a symbol of a father's love for his daughter. The castle was built with materials that include adobe, car parts, and goat's milk back in 1945. It was built by a man whose young daughter asked him to build her a castle. It still stands today, all three stories and 13 fireplaces — a testament to a father's love. Plan your visit ahead of time to take advantage of any of these fun things to do in Phoenix. If there's something you love to do in Phoenix on the weekend, let us know. We're always looking for something new and exciting. image via pixabay