Hoping everyone had the best Christmas ever!!! There are many good things about the holiday season, but with all the running around, shopping, parties, loads of gatherings that occur between the end of September through the end of the year can wear you out and leave you feeling like you ran a marathon and forgot to eat, sleep, and breathe. This week's feature is about the local "staycation" commonly defined as - a vacation taken within a short distance of one’s home. Because we live in such a beautiful state there are many places that can be taken advantage of and that are great hideaways to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I had the opportunity to schedule my staycation before the Christmas Holiday which was a great decision especially since I had been so busy the last couple of months. As I am a writer as well as a business owner, I just wanted to get away to some place close that would enable me to have the freedom of no scheduling, a beautiful venue, something that was laid-back, not in the mainstream of activity, but something that offered everything I needed to have a productive but restful and peaceful time to recuperate and focus on one of the things I love. Fortunately, I had visited a local restaurant in Phoenix in November that also supports buying local in Arizona. They had this great postcard advertisement at the hostess desk that I noticed. "The Clarendon Hotel" basically was promoting itself as the "staycation" place to be if you want to support the local economy. As I was launching this Buy In Arizona Campaign, it seemed like a perfect fit. So I immediately that following weekend booked my stay at The Clarendon for the second weekend in December.
The Clarendon Hotel turned out to be a gemstone in the middle of the Phoenix downtown area. Easy to get to, great parking, great location. The swimming pool looks just like it does on the advertisement and the website. The roof top lounge area is one of the best places in the hotel. It is great for relaxing, getting some sun, writing, getting a great view of the city and the mountains. You have access to the internet, they provide a candle light turn-down service, bottles of water in the room and many other nice amenities.
In conjunction with the hotel, they have a wonderful restaurant on site called Gallo Blanco Cafe & Bar. What a perfect combination the hotel and restaurant make. They have the freshest margarita's I've ever had made with fresh squeezed juice. The food is delightfully tasteful and too much to enjoy just by yourself. It's a great location to meet with friends for their happy hours and they have special events throughout the week (Wed - Fri) such as flamenco dancing and other parties. Another special note is the artwork that is displayed throughout the restaurant area features some wonderful artistic talent that could also be purchased. This just adds to the atmosphere and makes it even more of an experience while visiting there.
I would highly recommend staying there for your next staycation if you are looking for any of the above. Visit GoClarendon.com or http://www.galloblancocafe.com/ for more information about either the hotel or restaurant. The Clarendon Hotel also supports local companies and recommends those local restaurants and other businesses in the area.
If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyInArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered......
Special Note: As a consumer taking action means more than words because there are benefits to the consumer. Campaigns are meant to edify and celebrate others through referrals and genuine support. Often times it’s so easy to find individuals and consumers that don't necessarily see value in every purchase they make or dollar they spend places. And in this economy it really hurts even more when that value is perceived to be lost. But the businesses that suffer the most are the small to medium size ones, because that impact is greatest to them. I have always had the philosophy that if you like, love, or just really enjoy something you buy, food you eat, or something you drink you should show your appreciation for it. It is in that spirit that this blog is being promoted and developed.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Two (2)
Thanks to those of you that ventured to read about the Buy In Arizona Campaign!!! "Let's get excited...Let's get excited..." a new year is about to begin and this season should be something enjoyed and shared with others. Everywhere you turn there are Christmas decorations, other holiday momentos and events that the sole purpose is to showcase the best of the best of the products to taste, drink or buy.
This November, I had the opportunity to visit the Chandler Block Party where several vendors along the street showcased their products. Great Harvest Bread Company had some wonderful tasting samples of fresh bread. The special part of their recipes are that no preservatives are used and whole grains make the difference. They grind their whole wheat fresh everyday and really support the idea of healthy eating. They have multiple products (see their website) and make their products fresh daily...... and who doesn't love the smell of fresh baked anything during the holidays...too good to pass up... Be sure to visit their website for the last minute Christmas Menu - http://www.tempegreatharvest.com/
House of a Million Nuts....what more can you say...I was privileged to receive a roasted pecan nut sampler. I love pecans anyway, but these melted in your mouth with the savory sweet roasted taste of the holidays. The freshness in the taste comes across which is what you want to find in speciality nuts. They offer almonds, cashews and pecans and three different size offerings - the snack size, small gift sampler, and then larger size and multiple quantities can be ordered. House of a Million Nuts also has certain outlets they supply as well. Check out there website for hours and more details - http://www.houseofamillionnuts.com/
Hattie's Apple Butter was a delightful surprise and the richness in the flavor of the product sold me. It is natural and healthy and made with the best ingredients. The texture and smoothness provides for a enjoyable spread for crackers, biscuits, and other such servings. The fact that it contains no fat, gluten, salt or cholesterol flags this product as a winner in my book. The Apple Butter can be obtained in 8 oz containers and is simply priced so that there is no reason not to buy.....makes for a great holiday stocking stuffer or for that matter, a healthy snack that can be enjoyed at any time. Don't miss out - check out http://www.betterthangrandmas.com/ for more details.
If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyInArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered......
Special Note:
This November, I had the opportunity to visit the Chandler Block Party where several vendors along the street showcased their products. Great Harvest Bread Company had some wonderful tasting samples of fresh bread. The special part of their recipes are that no preservatives are used and whole grains make the difference. They grind their whole wheat fresh everyday and really support the idea of healthy eating. They have multiple products (see their website) and make their products fresh daily...... and who doesn't love the smell of fresh baked anything during the holidays...too good to pass up... Be sure to visit their website for the last minute Christmas Menu - http://www.tempegreatharvest.com/
House of a Million Nuts....what more can you say...I was privileged to receive a roasted pecan nut sampler. I love pecans anyway, but these melted in your mouth with the savory sweet roasted taste of the holidays. The freshness in the taste comes across which is what you want to find in speciality nuts. They offer almonds, cashews and pecans and three different size offerings - the snack size, small gift sampler, and then larger size and multiple quantities can be ordered. House of a Million Nuts also has certain outlets they supply as well. Check out there website for hours and more details - http://www.houseofamillionnuts.com/
Hattie's Apple Butter was a delightful surprise and the richness in the flavor of the product sold me. It is natural and healthy and made with the best ingredients. The texture and smoothness provides for a enjoyable spread for crackers, biscuits, and other such servings. The fact that it contains no fat, gluten, salt or cholesterol flags this product as a winner in my book. The Apple Butter can be obtained in 8 oz containers and is simply priced so that there is no reason not to buy.....makes for a great holiday stocking stuffer or for that matter, a healthy snack that can be enjoyed at any time. Don't miss out - check out http://www.betterthangrandmas.com/ for more details.
Happy Holidays to all and
Wishing you the Best New Year Ever!!!!
If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyInArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered......
Special Note:
As a consumer taking action means more than words because there are benefits to the consumer. Campaigns are meant to edify and celebrate others through referrals and genuine support. Often times it’s so easy to find individuals and consumers that don't necessarily see value in every purchase they make or dollar they spend places. And in this economy it really hurts even more when that value is perceived to be lost. But the businesses that suffer the most are the small to medium size ones, because that impact is greatest to them. I have always had the philosophy that if you like, love, or just really enjoy something you buy, food you eat, or something you drink you should show your appreciation for it. It is in that spirit that this blog is being promoted and developed.
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