Editor's Picks

Since 1946, Arizona’s Cactus League has plucked teams from Florida’s Grapefruit League, luring sweaty, mosquito-bitten baseball players west with the promise of soft, sweet-smelling spring days and spanking-new stadiums. The score is now 15-15. Last spring nearly 1.5 million fans relished America’s pastime in Arizona, many at the Valley’s nine stadiums. The newer facilities – state-of-the-art Goodyear Ballpark and Glendale’s lakeside Camelback Ranch – continue to draw cheers, and Mesa has promised massive upgrades for Hohokam Stadium, home of the ever-popular Chicago Cubs. Here’s to another great 64 years.

 

It’s not fancy or big. In fact, some might even consider the Rhythm Room a bit dive-y. But it remains a Phoenix institution – one that has served as a stage for blues musicians for nearly two decades. Though built on a blues foundation, the bar also welcomes rock, jazz and other acts. Show times and ticket prices vary, so check the website for details. For an extra treat, opt for weekend shows, when the Rack Shack serves up its famous Blues BBQ.
1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842,
rhythmroom.com

 

This bowling alley’s so cool the company doesn’t even want to be known as an alley but rather a lounge and entertainment concept. Newly opened at CityScape, located at Central Avenue and Washington Street in Downtown Phoenix, the 12-lane Lucky Strike includes a private party room with four lanes as well as a full bar and restaurant. Lucky Strike, with locations nationwide, is well known in other markets as a celeb hangout.
50 W. Jefferson St., Ste. 240, Phoenix
bowlluckystrike.com