Heather Wright Schlichting: Hi everyone! I'm Heather, PlanetEye Traveler writer who covers Phoenix and the state of Arizona, formerly The Phoenix Traveler. I'm a PR pro in Scottsdale who has grown to love my adopted state of Arizona. I enjoy food, wine tasting, live music, hiking, biking, theatre, dance, and exploring attractions in and around Phoenix. I look forward to introducing you to all the exciting and wonderful places and events that my town and the amazing state of Arizona have to offer. We're not just a desert, but a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes that include the red rocks of Sedona, the Mogollon Rim in Payson and Pine, and the Aspen trees in Flagstaff. And darn it, we’ve got the Grand Canyon, one of the top ten natural wonders of the world! If you’re a Phoenician, an Arizona resident or planning to visit our lovely state and are looking for museums, festivals, nightlife, outdoor adventures or unique getaways, then let the PlanetEye Traveler be your guide. Refer to us daily as your travel website destination and tell your friends about us. Thanks for visiting. Check me out on Twitter at @azcitychik. Heather Wright Schlichting

Rock the Casbah at Joya Spa

The exquisite Joya Spa at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort (map) in Paradise Valley, is an old-world import reminiscent of a Moroccan palace. Handmade Moroccan tiles, carved-wood furniture, copper bathtubs, silk pillows, and strands of Bedouin jewelry accessorize the decor. With 19 treatment rooms...

March 18th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Entertaining Ideas for Arizona Visitors this Spring

If you’ve been reading my posts lately, you’ll realize that I’ve provided interesting facts on the state of Arizona, lists of local festivals and other tidbits that will prepare you for what is every Arizonans right of passage – entertaining out-of-town guests in the spring. Ah yes, no doubt...

March 17th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Spring Training in Full Swing

There’s still time to get your tickets to the many Spring Training games around Phoenix until April 4, 2010. There’s no better way to enjoy our sunny spring weather than spending the day watching baseball. Visit this site for the game schedule. For more details about the history of Spring...

March 16th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Conan O’Brien One Night in Phoenix

To avoid “helping out around the house” Conan O’Brien, the former NBC Tonight Show host, has announced he is embarking on a 30-city tour and will be in Phoenix on April 30. His show titled, Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television, gets its name from the outcome of a very public and ugly...

March 14th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Small Bites in Phoenix

It only takes a few bites of a variety of foods to make me feel full and content. That’s why a variety of restaurants in the Valley are introducing “small bite” menus for people on a budget and more interested in the quality of food than the quantity. One of my favorite places to enjoy Happy...

March 13th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Flower Power in Arizona

With all the rain we have had during the last few weeks, the results are an amazing palette of wildflowers popping up all over the state. The ideal way to experience the desert lupines and purple owl clover is firsthand on a wildlife hike. Here are a few of my favorites. Bajada Trail – South Mountain...

March 9th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Get Ready for Spring at 5 Phoenix Festivals

I just can’t say it enough … this time of year features our best weather and the Valley rejoices with great festivals from Chandler to Carefree. Here are my top five! 1. Great Arizona Beer Festival Tempe Beach Park (map) is the place to be to sample more than 100 micro-brewed and specialty craft...

February 25th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

5 Hikes in Any Corner of the Phoenix Valley

Phoenicians are spoiled. Regardless of where we reside, there’s a hiking retreat nearby. Here are five great options for all levels of hiking ability right in your backyard. What a fantastic way to celebrate our best time of year and enjoy the outdoors. Hiking along the Go John Trail North...

February 23rd, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Butterflies Flutter into Phoenix

Have you ever wondered if caterpillars have teeth? How high butterflies can fly? All your questions can be answered at Breakfast with the Butterflies hosted by the Desert Botanical Garden on March 6 and 7. A delightful opportunity to introduce the world of rare butterflies to your children, Breakfast...

February 22nd, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

A Fun Day at the Airport? Go Fly a Helicopter

Living with an aviation nut isn’t easy. My husband, the nut, carries on endless conversations about planes, is obsessed with weather patterns, subscribes to over twenty different types of aviation magazines and is always looking up in the sky when I’m trying to make a point. To feed his passion,...

February 19th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Reel Magic in Sedona

For movie buffs and lovers of independent films, the Sedona Film Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. In its 16th year, the festival named “Fest to Impress” by MovieMaker Magazine will host a great selection of films, celebrities and directors. Two preview nights on Sunday and...

February 18th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Out of the Chute – Parada del Sol Rodeo

Are you up for some heartpounding fun? The 57th annual Parada del Sol Rodeo barrels out of the chute February 26-28 at Westworld in Scottsdale. But wait, before you see Scottsdale’s version of the running of the bulls, consider taking part in the other events that lead up to the main show. Ballet...

February 16th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Happy Birthday Arizona!

Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912. It was the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the union. As we approach our centennial in 2012 we celebrate a rich and vast history that compares to no other. More than a playground for sun worshippers, Arizona is home to some of the world’s...

February 14th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Wacky Laws Still on the Books in Arizona

Averaging over 320 sun-filled days per year Arizona attracts many visitors to enjoy our magnificent outdoor activities, shopping, spas and resorts with little concern of breaking any laws. Until now. It seems that there are a collection of silly laws still in effect that need some explanation. Here...

February 10th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

The Greatest Show on Grass

Where can you find a bird’s nest, a Thunderbird, tees and a lot of flashy high heels? The Phoenix Open, our annual playground for golf enthusiasts and party dwellers alike. One of the leading stops on the PGA tour, The Waste Management (yes, we’ll get to that later) Phoenix Open February 22 through...

February 9th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Hooping It Up at the Heard

If you haven’t had the chance to visit the Heard Museum in Phoenix, a collection of more than 38,500 artifacts from around the world about the art and cultures of Native people of the Southwest, then you’re in for a real treat. What’s even more exciting is the Annual World Championship Hoop Dance...

February 4th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

The Legendary Boys of Summer at Arizona Museum for Youth

Willie Mays was the first to hit a homer at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. And Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio played one season of spring training baseball together in Arizona. These are just some of the moments that make up the rich history of Cactus League baseball in Arizona and a few of the tales waiting...

February 3rd, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

The Arabians Prance into Scottsdale

Celebrating its 55th year, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show February 11 – 21 is an amazing and unique event for anyone with the slightest interest in horses. As a city girl who now lives amongst the horse farms of North Phoenix, I’m thrilled anytime I see someone riding a horse in the desert...

February 2nd, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Flagstaff Winterfest

The 24th annual Flagstaff Winterfest returns as a month-long celebration chock-full of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, sports nuts and food and art lovers. The festival began as a fun-filled way to introduce visitors to Flagstaff’s pristine, mountain wonderland. Since then, Winterfest has...

February 1st, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More

Romance Simmers in Phoenix

Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm Local restaurants and resorts from one end of the Valley to the other are offering special menus to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Here are a few of my favorite places to have a special meal. Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House & Lounge in Cave Creek honors the spirit...

January 29th, 2010 | Phoenix | Read More