cabiness42 Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 Well, let me elaborate a bit. I made the trip with my oldest daughter who's like 31. We drove down the coast from Seattle to Los Angeles. That in itself was a blast. We took our time and stopped and walked on beaches and saw lighthouses and what not. Took our time again through the Big Sur and walked around amongst the giant Sequioas. Then we spent an afternoon in San Francisco. Being the old hippie type I had to see the Haight Ashbury area. We spent a little time at Malibu, drove through LA and went to Joshua Tree National Park, where we spent the day. I loved that area! Then, it was finally off to Arizona where I had never been before. I had never even seen a f***ing cactus. We stayed at a Best Western where we had a kitchen and we lived there for a month. It was better than having to eat out every day which would have cost a bundle. Basically we just went to the ballgames every day which I'm sorry I thought it was a blast. I've always thought spring training would be great if only to see the prospects that you otherwise mostly just read about. Plus, you're seeing your favorite team in a small ballpark setting. It's like seeing the Rolling Stones in a small club. My daughter got a ton of autographs and had her picture taken with some of her favorite players. To top it off, we're doing this while the rest of our family is still dealing with cold and snow (we came home unbelievably tan). A couple of days we went hiking in the mountain area which was a lot of fun and remember, all this with my daughter....it was father/daughter time. After spring training, we went to see as I said the Grand Canyon which neither of us had ever seen and also went to the Meteor Crater, El Morro National Monument, Petroglyph N'tl Mon., the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest, Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Arches. We hiked a lot at most of these places and really had a lot of fun. Then it was up to the Salt Lake area where we stayed for several days with one of my sons who I hadn't seen in about a year and if we hadn't had enough baseball we went to a AAA game in Salt Lake. Finally it was back to Seattle. By the time we got home, we had been gone nearly two months. So it was probably the best TWO months of my life. I wish I could afford to do it every year. God willing, after I retire my wife and I are going to have a year where we rent an RV, spend 6 weeks in Arizona for ST, and then go to a game in each of the Mountain and Pacific time zone ballparks, interspersed with seeing all the National Parks out west. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxFan1 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Just booked my flight this evening! I'll be there early - from Feb. 28th through Mar. 3rd. Staying at my buddies house in Scottsdale and I'll be renting a car. This thread is gold. This is my first spring training experience. Can't wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justBLAZE Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jan 27, 2014 -> 11:52 PM) Just booked my flight this evening! I'll be there early - from Feb. 28th through Mar. 3rd. Staying at my buddies house in Scottsdale and I'll be renting a car. This thread is gold. This is my first spring training experience. Can't wait. Which rental company are you going with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEANS Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Got our tickets for the 22nd vs. the Giants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxFan1 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 QUOTE (Knuckles @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 05:00 AM) Which rental company are you going with? Not sure yet. Gotta do some research. I'm 24 so renting cars is a pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justBLAZE Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 11:42 AM) Not sure yet. Gotta do some research. I'm 24 so renting cars is a pain. I just discovered this little gem, prices at the airport are jacked up. Enterprise has offices all around the area and prices are significantly cheaper. Not sure if that's gonna help you any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowand's rowdies Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 You can always take the bus to the light rail to get away from airport car rental companies. Also, AAA cabs here in Phx has a $15 cab ride from the airport within 10 miles. Westgate is NOT within 10 miles, but many Tempe and Phoenix locations are within 10 miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Zelig Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 11:42 AM) Not sure yet. Gotta do some research. I'm 24 so renting cars is a pain. Its been a while, but when I was younger I used to rent a car from a Ford dealership for very reasonable rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxFan1 Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 QUOTE (Knuckles @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 03:52 PM) I just discovered this little gem, prices at the airport are jacked up. Enterprise has offices all around the area and prices are significantly cheaper. Not sure if that's gonna help you any. QUOTE (rowand's rowdies @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 04:11 PM) You can always take the bus to the light rail to get away from airport car rental companies. Also, AAA cabs here in Phx has a $15 cab ride from the airport within 10 miles. Westgate is NOT within 10 miles, but many Tempe and Phoenix locations are within 10 miles. QUOTE (Leonard Zelig @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 05:31 PM) Its been a while, but when I was younger I used to rent a car from a Ford dealership for very reasonable rates. Dollar.com seems to have some good rates based off the PHX airport location. And it doesn't look like they have an under-25 surcharge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanne Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 12:42 PM) Not sure yet. Gotta do some research. I'm 24 so renting cars is a pain. should have done your package with priceline...get a car or you'll hate yourself. Still check with them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowand's rowdies Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 I'd highly suggest if you are planning to come to spring training this year for the 1st or even 2nd time, feel free to ask Wanne, myself, and any other members who live in AZ or have lots of experience here for spring training, any questions in this thread. Phoenix can be a paradise or a nightmare. It's a big sprawl city with lots of good spots and even more bad spots. Checking in with us with any questions you may have should help you a lot. My business takes me all over this valley on a daily basis so I've got a pretty good idea of areas and where to go/avoid. I'm not a big Glendale/West Side expert, however, but it looks like Wanne is from Glendale so he's got answers for you, too. Let's make White Sox fans the most informed of the spring training snowbirds. There will be lots of cubs fans down here to see more meaningless baseball in their new stadium. Let's try to organize some meet ups and get togethers out here in AZ. Anyway, here are some east side restaurant favorites of mine: 4 Peaks Brewery - Tempe and Scottsdale (and apparently a new location in the airport now, too) - Amazing food, great local beer. You may have seen Kilt Lifter in liquor stores. AZ chicken rolls are the world's most perfect appetizer. Ocean Trail - Seafood in the Talking Stick Casino - Scottsdale - 5 star Creole Seafood in a Casino Orange Sky Restaurant/Lounge - Scottsdale in the Talking Stick Casino - Scottsdale - Amazing views from the 14th floor. Expensive. Sake Bombers Sushi - Tempe - Great Happy Hour and Sushi Oreganos (AZ Chain, located all over) - Only Deep Dish equivalent I have found out here. Also great pasta and boom dip. Spinatos (AZ Chain, located all over) - Aurillos AZ Cousin, owned by same family or cousins. We now also have out here for your convenience some chains you know and love - Jimmy Johns, Potbellys, Portillos, Culvers. Pier 54 - Tempe - Cool Patio on a private lake good little restaurant. Anyway, see you guys out here where it's been over 70 for over a month now and we are breaking temp records daily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxFan1 Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 Any hotel suggestions for a night in Old Town Scottsdale? I'll be there from Feb 28 - Mar 3 so I have four full days. All in all, I want to do a game at Camelback and a game each at the AZ/COL complex, the SFG complex and the Cubs complex. Additionally, I might hit the Suns game Friday, Coyotes game Sunday, make the drive to Sedona, and hike Camelback Mountain. With lots of sun/pool/beer mixed in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowand's rowdies Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Feb 11, 2014 -> 01:45 AM) Any hotel suggestions for a night in Old Town Scottsdale? I'll be there from Feb 28 - Mar 3 so I have four full days. All in all, I want to do a game at Camelback and a game each at the AZ/COL complex, the SFG complex and the Cubs complex. Additionally, I might hit the Suns game Friday, Coyotes game Sunday, make the drive to Sedona, and hike Camelback Mountain. With lots of sun/pool/beer mixed in. Old Town- Valley Ho if you can afford it, otherwise it doesn't matter you won't be in it much just keep it within 1 mile for walking purposes. I agree that you should do 1 game in as many parks as possible, and you have 4 of the nicer ones picked out. get your tickets now online if possible. Get extra tickets for sell out games (weekends at cubs/giants parks), scalping is legal here in AZ in designated spots. You can make some $ or at least go for free. People will pay $30-$50 for tickets to sold out spring training games, I s*** you not. The Suns and their arena are a waste of energy. I worked for them for a few years about 5 years ago. The arena is poor, ticket prices are still inflated from past success, but try the ticket exchange and you might get a sweet (or suite) seat for cheap. especially if they start losing. The Coyotes suck. I attended last Friday's Coyotes/Bhawks game unfortunately and all 70%+ of us in the crowd as Blackhawks fans couldn't even cheer for 1 goal. We have some problems playing against Tippett in Glendale, I'll say that for sure. That team is consistently way less talented but gives us fits here in AZ, I think personally the boys party the night before and Q knows the Tippet has him figured out. Sedona is a great call. There's a little coffee/hiking shop called hike house where you can get all the hiking advice you could ever want personalized from experts who will also make you coffee. Stay in Oak Creek (town next to Sedona, also closer to I-17 back to PHX) to save $. Also try Elote Cafe, it's Maynard's (singer from Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer) favorite spot, so maybe you will eat next to a rock legend. Do the vortex hikes and don't waste a lot of time in touristy downtown Sedona, go explore the red rocks. There's also an amazing sandwich place just of the main road downtown in Sedona called memories or something. They are closed on weekends but their sandwiches are amazing and huge and cheap. Hiking Camelback is cool but intense. You could hike A mountain in Tempe to save some energy and time. Pool/beer/sun is a terrific mix that will leave you in bed after a few hours, use it wisely. Remember to wear sunscreen, the sun loves pale Chicago skin. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Allen Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 I am jealous of anyone going to Spring Training. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanne Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Feb 11, 2014 -> 02:45 AM) Any hotel suggestions for a night in Old Town Scottsdale? I'll be there from Feb 28 - Mar 3 so I have four full days. All in all, I want to do a game at Camelback and a game each at the AZ/COL complex, the SFG complex and the Cubs complex. Additionally, I might hit the Suns game Friday, Coyotes game Sunday, make the drive to Sedona, and hike Camelback Mountain. With lots of sun/pool/beer mixed in. I've been out here for almost 30 years and hike quite a bit...and can honestly say I've never once hiked Camelback Mountain. A few instances of people being attacked by bees (on of them dying a few years back) dulled my interest. I've always said I was gonna do it...but just never really made it a priority. I usually do the White Tanks (waaaay west of glendale...basically the big range to the west you see)...or I go out to this place below. It's called Cave Creek Regional Park. Really awesome trails (Go John is the best one...about 6 miles) and gives you a real feel for the desert. Care Free Highway and go north on 32nd street. I got up to Snowbowl this past weekend too...skied in just a long sleeve shirt in the afternoon. Still snow up on the mountain in Flag (but nowhere else really). I'm sure you guys have had your fill of snow tho. It's ridiculously nice out here right now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shago Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jan 28, 2014 -> 08:43 PM) Dollar.com seems to have some good rates based off the PHX airport location. And it doesn't look like they have an under-25 surcharge. Anyone who rents from any site other than hotwire.com needs to have their head examined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxFan1 Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 QUOTE (La Marr Hoyt HOF @ Feb 11, 2014 -> 05:23 PM) Anyone who rents from any site other than hotwire.com needs to have their head examined. Don't think you can book through Hotwire if you're under 25, otherwise a $100+ surcharge is applied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayitaintso Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Feb 12, 2014 -> 12:39 PM) Don't think you can book through Hotwire if you're under 25, otherwise a $100+ surcharge is applied. I just had to rent a car from Enterprise for a couple days last week. I'm 23 and the Under-25 charge there was $12 per day (I had a mid-size rental, Ford Focus). Anywhere else I looked was pretty outrageous, so I'd recommend Enterprise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxFan1 Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 QUOTE (sayitaintso @ Feb 12, 2014 -> 01:04 PM) I just had to rent a car from Enterprise for a couple days last week. I'm 23 and the Under-25 charge there was $12 per day (I had a mid-size rental, Ford Focus). Anywhere else I looked was pretty outrageous, so I'd recommend Enterprise. I ended up with a mid-size from Avis for $230 for 4 full days. Enterprise was going to cost me about $340. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eminor3rd Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 (edited) QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Feb 11, 2014 -> 09:43 AM) I am jealous of anyone going to Spring Training. If you haven't gone, make it happen one year. I went last year for the first time, and it was somehow even more fun than I expected it to be. You can easily hit the Grand Canyon for a night or two while you're there, too. Edited February 12, 2014 by Eminor3rd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Feb 12, 2014 -> 04:14 PM) If you haven't gone, make it happen one year. I went last year for the first time, and it was somehow even more fun than I expected it to be. You can easily hit the Grand Canyon for a night or two while you're there, too. Both of these are on my bucket list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Chappas Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 12, 2014 -> 04:42 PM) Both of these are on my bucket list. Spring Training is pretty awesome. I went in 2001 and 2007. I want to get there while my kids are young but the time keeps catching up to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabiness42 Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 I went for one day during Spring Break in 1993, when it was in Sarasota. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flavum Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 A couple weeks from games starting and no broadcast schedule yet. Odd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eminor3rd Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 12, 2014 -> 05:42 PM) Both of these are on my bucket list. It's just so awesome to all of a sudden show up where it's 20-30 degrees warmer and get seats to baseball games ALL weekend that would normally be way out of your price range. I saw the Rockies play the Blue Jays last year from literally row two behind home plate and it cost like $30. Sox and Angels from row 5 for the same price. It's like a playground, you can just go see teams on a whim. You rent a car and you have access to like 7 stadiums. And Phoenix has great food and stuff too. It was maybe my favorite vacation, no joke. Also managed to catch the Grand Canyon AND took a hot air balloon ride, all in a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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