The Big Thaw

After nearly continuous, daily snowfalls from October 2007 through May of 2008, I planned a four day escape to Phoenix to thaw out my feet. 

Allegiant Air had a 2 day sale with non-stops from Green Bay to Mesa for a ridiculously cheap rate of $150 round trip.  So without skipping a beat, I snatched the deal and deserted my city for the desert.

I was so surprised to see just how many water features and founds abounded from the sand of the desert. Colorful flowers and the sound of cascading water warmed not only my feet but my soul, too.

How ridiculous of me to head to Phoenix and NOT take my golf clubs! I will not make that mistake again!! Golf courses are everywhere and each as beautiful as the next.

I stayed at the Arizona Grand Resort shortly after it re-opened after renovation. The suite was lovely and comfortable. Whether I looked from the patio or the doorway, I could see and hear fountains in every direction!  With massive red geranium planters defining the umbrellaed  chairs, I was in bliss as I sat and enjoyed my 6am coffee blanketed by warm temperatures, even at that early hour.  It was April and I was fortunate enough to go there when it was 98 degrees~!  The hot sun felt absolutely great and a very welcome change from the 9 months of my own fridgid temperatures back home.

The Oasis Waterpark on site was a blast!  A long and enjoyable lazy river was the perfect entertainment for me as I beached myself on a lounge chair in the sun.  I watched people float by for hours on end and it was an ever changing scene.   I also enjoyed the 8 story water slide~  I feel lucky that I made the height requirement!   I am not a screamer on rides, I love the rush, however, when going down the water slide the slight amount of water under your back as you quickly glide down the slide makes you hydroplane and if felt as though I was flying off the slide.... I might have screamed..... but am in denial.

The restuarants on this property were all terrific and each had a theme.  Mexican, barbecue, Asian, fushion, and American.  Of course, I had to try them all and I was certainly NOT disappointed. 

Though there was a new section of the hotel being built when I was there, it was generally a peaceful experience.  The construction was fairly well hidden behind decorated walls and far enough away that they equipment was hardly audible.

One big thing to mention, if you are using Allegiant Air to head to Phoenix, please note that they fly into the Gateway Airport, you need to know that renting a car will be your best bet to get around.  This is a tiny airport and is far away from the main city and most of the resorts and hotels.  We took a shuttle from the airport to the Arizona Grande Resort. This ride was about $40 per person, $80 for two, for one way.  We then took a hotel shuttle back to the airport at the end of the trip and it was another $80.00 - we could have rented a trip for the four day vacation it would have been the same price with a whole lot more flexibility. 

I had a great time in Phoenix as I basked in the 98 degree days.