Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
461
The Wright Bar & Squaw Peak Terrace
Can't afford the lifestyles of the rich and
famous? For the cost of a couple of drinks, you can sink into a seat here at the Biltmore's
main lounge and watch the sunset test its color palette on Piestewa Peak. Alternatively,
you can slide into a seat near the piano and let the waves of mellow jazz wash over
you.
At the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave.
&
602/381-7632.
www.arizona
biltmore.com.
Sports Bars
Alice Cooper'stown
Sports and rock mix it up at this downtown restaurant/bar run
by, you guessed it, Alice Cooper. Chase Field, where the Arizona Diamondbacks play
ball, is only a block away. See p. 431 for more information.
101 E. Jackson St.
&
602/253-
7337.
www.alicecooperstown.com.
Don & Charlie's
Although this is primarily a steakhouse, it also has the best sports
bar in Scottsdale. What makes Don & Charlie's such a great sports bar is not the size or
number of its TVs, but rather all the sports memorabilia on the walls.
7501 E. Camelback
Rd., Scottsdale.
&
480/990-0900.
www.donandcharlies.com.
Majerle's Sports Grill
If you're a Phoenix Suns fan, you won't want to miss this
sports bar located only a couple of blocks from US Airways Center, where the Suns play.
Suns memorabilia covers the walls, and who knows, you just might bump into a team
member or two while you're here.
24 N. Second St.
&
602/253-0118.
www.majerles.com.
Gay & Lesbian Bars & Clubs
Amsterdam/Club Miami/Malibu Beach Bar
This downtown Phoenix nightclub
complex may not look like much from the outside, but through the doors, you'll find a
classy spot that's known across the Valley for its great martinis. There's usually a female
impersonator 1 night of the week, and other nights, there's live music or DJ dance music.
718 N. Central Ave.
&
602/258-6122.
www.amsterdambar.com.
Charlie's
If you're a cowpoke and want to do some boot scootin' while you're in town,
head on over to Charlie's. This club is the home of the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association, and
there's country music, clogging and line dance lessons, and an after-hours scene on the
weekends.
727 W. Camelback Rd.
&
602/265-0224.
www.charliesphoenix.com. Cover free to $3.
Forbidden Night Club
Forbidden, on the western edge of Old Town Scottsdale, is
pretty much the only gay nightclub in a town packed with nightclubs for straights. So, if
you're gay and you're staying in Scottsdale it's either this or a long drive into Phoenix (and
back).
6820 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale.
&
480/994-5176.
www.forbiddenaz.com. Cover free to $5.
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11
A SIDE TRIP: THE APACHE TRAIL
There isn't a whole lot of desert or history left in Phoenix, but only an hour's drive to the
east you'll find quite a bit of both. The
Apache Trail,
a narrow, winding, partially gravel
road that snakes its way around the north side of the Superstition Mountains, offers some
of the most scenic desert driving in central Arizona. Along the way are ghost towns and
ancient ruins, saguaros and century plants, reservoirs and hiking trails. You could easily
spend a couple days traveling this route, though most people make it a day trip. Pick and
choose the stops that appeal to you, and be sure to get an early start. The gravel section
of the road is well graded and is passable for regular passenger cars.
