Though it has been unseasonably cold here in the Valley of the Sun, unofficial spring is almost here! So it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the early spring weather — and all the fun outdoor activities that are available this time of year. Sphinx Date Co. offers some great ideas for enjoying the outdoors.
Take in a Spring Training Game — For the first time since 2019, Cactus League spring training is back without any limitations or delays. So batter up and enjoy a beautiful day out at one of the many ballparks around the valley. Of course, Scottsdale Stadium is a great place for San Francisco Giants’ fans to see their favorite team at their spring training home stadium. Located right in the heart of Old Town, Scottsdale Stadium is in close proximity to lots of great dining and drinking establishments — including Sphinx Date Co. Palm and Pantry. Stop in and say hello after a game and stock up on local beverages and great snacks.
Go to a Festival — Festival season is here! Throughout the valley and nearly every weekend, there is a great outdoor festival to chose from. Renaissance Festival in Gold Canyon and Chandler Ostrich Festival are great options for the whole family; art lovers can enjoy the Melrose Street Fair or Scottdale Arts Festival, and in addition to a number of cultural events such as the Arizona Aloha Festival, Phoenix Scottish Games and Indian Fair and Market at Heard Museum, the entire valley will be alive with St. Patrick’s Day festivals and events. Music lovers can also enjoy M3F and the Chandler Jazz Festival. Of course, lots of food festivals are also on deck this spring — so get out and enjoy!
Go for a Scenic Wildflower Drive — Arizona is home to some of the most stunning wildflower blooms! While many simply grow freely in residents’ front yards, there is also incredible wildflower growth all over the desert and mountains. Some of the most common ones to bloom, typically from late February through May, include poppies, brittlebrush, chuparosa and marigolds. South Mountain Park and Preserve, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Lake Pleasant, Usery Mountain Regional Park, Bartlett Lake and Picacho Peak State Park are a number of areas to view these stunning blooms. Of course, a visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens can also provide wildflower enthusiasts with a stunning showcase. Don’t forget the camera!
Take a Hike — Rather than driving, why not see the wildflowers on foot? There are endless rural and urban trails throughout the greater Phoenix Metro area. So get into nature and enjoy the fresh air as well as the stunning beauty lining the trail. For a hearty snack mix to fuel the hike, pick up some fresh dates, nuts and other nibbles at Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry. And bring plenty of water!
There is so much to see and do all year around in Arizona, but Scottsdale truly comes to life in the spring. Especially when the weather is beautiful, any day is a great day to hit Old Town for some shopping, sipping and dining, perusing art galleries and picking up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs. And of course, the crew at Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry is always ready to greet guests and offer suggestions for Arizona-grown goodies to take home.