The Desert Botanical Garden is a garden like no other. Thousands of cacti, miles of trails and weekly events are just a few of the reasons to go visit. Alicia speaks with Dir. of Horticulture, Tina Wilson, about this unique land we live on. Double interviews this week! We also got into the MMR Aquatic Center opening THIS weekend! Lots of changes happening so tune in to hear, before heading up for a cool dip in the lazy river. 

Calendar of Events

Sonoran Sippin at Desert Botanical Gardens
https://dbg.org/events/sonoran-sippin/2021-06-11/
Starting this Saturday June 11 through Sept 10. Wrap up your week with a botanical-inspired welcome drink and night out in the Garden. Stroll the trails as you soak in the desert vibes and iconic sunsets all while enjoying music by local deejays and musicians. All ages welcome. Advance ticket purchase is required

MMR Aquatic Center
Like you just heard, the pool is ready for play! Don’t forget to make your reservations early. You can click the link listed in the description section of this episode. 6/11: Waterpark hours begin! Online reservations are required. Go to scottsdaleaz.gov search “aquatics” for more info.

 
Bike & Seek Scavenger Hunt
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bike-seek-scavenger-hunt-tickets-153572231679
Where will the clues take you? Discover hot spots, historical markers and unique sites as you spin your way through Old Town Scottsdale solving riddles and brain teasers. Find a special letter at each stop, then unscramble them at your journey’s end to unlock the secret phrase. Uncover all the letters in two hours and correctly reveal the phrase to win a prize. Cost is $15 you can find the link on this episode description. Bikes are not provided but can be rented from Pedego Electric Bikes in Old Town

Resources

1. Desert Botanical Gardens
   https://dbg.org/
   
   
2. MMR Aquatic Center
   https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/aquatics/mcdowell-mountain-ranch-pool
   
   
3. Stardust Building Supply
   https://stardustbuilding.org/
   
   
4. Envision Painting
   https://www.phoenix-painting.com/
   
   
5. Shawn Shackelton (480) 734-7277
   https://www.theshackeltongroup.com/
    

Notre Dame Preparatory
https://www.ndpsaints.org/

We live in a neighborhood with beautiful trails. Too often enough, we don't hydrate enough after we hit these trails. Vitamin therapy is a new craze for some but has been around for decades. Here to tell you more is Josh Norris of Regenerate IV. Alicia also talks about her first-hand experience with IV therapy.  

Starlight Movie Nights at Scottsdale Stadium
https://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/junedays/starlight-movie-night/

Friday June 4 Field of Dreams

Saturday June 5 Ferris Bueller's Day off  

Doors open at 7pm with the  movie starting at 8pm. No outside food/beverages allowed. Tickets are $25 a spot, which holds up to 4 people. Find the link to buy tickets at Old Town Scottsdale AZ dot com under June Days

Get your stretch on at Sunrise Barre
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-barre-tickets-153574813401

Saturday June 5, 7-8am on Marshall Way Bridge. Tickets are $10 and can be found on the link listed in the description of this episode. Beautiful way to start your morning and before it gets too hot!

Sky Zone for little leapers

https://www.skyzone.com/phoenix/programs/toddler-time-little-leapers
Enjoy some Toddler Time every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 9-11am. Only $10 for an hour of play. So much fun and an easy way to get some wiggles out.

1. Stardust Building Supply
   https://stardustbuilding.org/
   
   
2. Envision Painting
   https://www.phoenix-painting.com/
   
   
3. Shawn Shakelton (480) 734-7277
   https://www.theshackeltongroup.com/
    

Notre Dame Preparatory
https://www.ndpsaints.org/

Being a Marine is an honor and life long commitment. When our neighbor Matthew MacLeod came home after 3 tours, his mental health took a toll.  This week Matthew tells us about his struggle with PTSD, how coming home alive was depressing and how his wife and G-d save his life everyday. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Please take a moment to check your mental health. Make sure you're okay today and everyday. I promise someone cares.

If you ever feel sad and depressed, please call for help. Someone is always available to talk. There's no need to feel alone.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
800-273-8255

Fairmont Princess
https://www.scottsdaleprincess.com/summer-at-the-princess
Reach for the stars with days filled with action-packed space-themed activities, and watch in awe as an entire new universe opens up at night brimming with alien encounters and rocket-fueled fun!

Old Town Thursday Art Walk
https://scottsdalegalleries.com/about/scottsdale-artwalk/

My family and I had a great time doing this a couple weeks ago. The Vibe is great. The views are even better. We are surrounded by so much talent that it’s magical to go walk around it all.

LAST weekend for Old Town Farmers Market
https://arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com/old-town-scottsdale

It’s the last weekend to go support our local Farmers. Located on 2d street between Brown and Scottsdale Road. Go check it out! Bring your appetite because there are too many delicious choices to only choose one. 

Being a mom of two, Alicia is always looking for fun things to do with the family. But sometimes we don't have time to find out everything that's going on in the neighborhood. That's where Veronica Leon of Macaroni Kid comes into play. She is Alicia's go-to expert on all things family fun. Veronica sits down with Alicia to talk about her favorite things to do and what we can expect for summer fun. 

The West Most Western Town is hosting the Arizona Black Rodeo right here in our own backyard at WestWorld. Alicia got to speak to Rodeo producer Cloves Campbell Jr about all the great things happening this weekend. Maybe another Mike Tyson sighting? 

We have so many beautiful hikes in our backyard. But nothing compares to the mystical Grand Canyon. Neighbor Matt MacLeod decided it was time for the Rim to Rim to Rim challenge of the Grand Canyon. And when fellow neighbors Bobby Vodika & Corey Haygood heard about Matt's adventure, they quickly jumped on board. All 3 men join Alicia in the studio to talk about their 47 miles journey in less than 19 hours. 

Calendar of Events

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9
Doesn’t matter how you spoil your mother as long as you do. Whether that’s a delicious brunch at one of the many delicious restaurants in the city. Making her brunch in her bed. Or just giving her a beautiful card and the day off from being a mom, there are PLENTY of ways to show her how much you love her.

Wine and Wright Tour
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Need a good Friday night date night experience? Check out Taliesin West where for $50 you can show up an hour early for wine and get a tour of the beautiful Taliesin West properties.  

Arizona Black Rodeo
https://azblackrodeo.wixsite.com/azbr
Next weekend, May 14/15 is the 20th anniversary of Arizona Black Rodeo at WestWorld. Friday is a day for kids starting at 1030am. Don’t forget to buy your tickets online

1. Grand Canyon NP
   https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
   
   
2. Stardust Building Supply
   https://stardustbuilding.org/
   
   
3. Envision Painting
   https://www.phoenix-painting.com/
   
   
4. Shawn Shackelton (480) 734-7277
   https://www.theshackeltongroup.com/
    
5. Notre Dame Preparatory
   https://www.ndpsaints.org/
   
   

The weather is warm. The palm trees are swaying and we're relaxing by the water. No, I'm not talking about Scottsdale resort life. This was everyday life for our neighbor Erin Naberhaus. Erin sits down with Alicia where they talk about growing up in St. Croix. They talk island life,  surviving a CAT 5 hurricane and what it was like moving stateside. How it felt when your new home town has more people than the whole island you came from.  

Calendar of Events
Live Spring Concert Series starts @ Kierland Commons
https://allevents.in/scottsdale/spring-concert-series/200020730812750
Every Sunday from 2-5pm go out and enjoy some live music. It’s great to be around people again! Help support our local artist.

MMR Aquatic Center 
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/aquatics/mcdowell-mountain-ranch-pool
I know I’ve missed this place over the past year. Just another great place to get some lap swims in if our neighborhood pools are too busy. 

Electronic Recycle Day
https://stayhappening.com/e/city-of-scottsdale-electronics-and-computer-recycling-event-E2ISTFFT9QI
With Earth Day just last week, let’s make sure we’re all doing our part to help. That means getting rid of your electronic waste properly. Click the link above to see the accepted items for recycling. Taking place on Sat May 1 from 730am-2pm on E. San Salvador dr. 

Resources

1. Stardust Building Supply
   https://stardustbuilding.org/
   
   
2. Envision Painting
   https://www.phoenix-painting.com/
   
   
3. Shawn Shackelton (480) 734-7277
   https://www.theshackeltongroup.com/
    
4. Notre Dame Preparatory
   https://www.ndpsaints.org/

The old saying goes "April showers bring May flowers" But here in Arizona, I wonder if we can say "Cactus flowers bring May showers" It's such a beautiful time of year with all the cactus blooms. And the best place to see it all is at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Elaine McGinn talks with Alicia about the beauty in the Garden.

Calendar of Events
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Marketplace at WestWorld
https://junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com/markets/scottsdale-market/

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of treasures this weekend. Check the website for tickets and details. Doors open this Friday, April 23. There will be live music, food trucks and plenty of shopping for all.

Scottsdale Musical Theatre
https://www.scottsdalemusicaltheater.com/upcomingshows
Last weekend to check out Roger & Hammerstein’s Broadway musicals.  HIGHLY recommend it! If you don’t have a chance to go this weekend, don’t worry, in May their shows will be Andrew Weber’s musicals. Plenty of opportunities to go support our local musical theatre group. 

Featured Artist at C Gallery Art studio in DC Ranch Marketplace
https://cgalleryart.com/
This is a gallery that features all women artist. This saturday they showcase one of their own. A great opportunity to meet the artist, see some beautiful art while grabbing a coffee and treat. 

Resources

1. Desert Botanical Gardens
   https://dbg.org/
   https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2021/saguaro-cactus-climate-change/
   
   
2. Stardust Building Supply
   https://stardustbuilding.org/
   
   
3. Envision Painting
   https://www.phoenix-painting.com/
   
   
4. Shawn Shakelton (480) 734-7277
   https://www.theshackeltongroup.com/
    
5. Notre Dame Preparatory
   https://www.ndpsaints.org/

Recommended Resources

McDowell Mountain Ranch Podcast - Website

McDowell Mountain Ranch Podcast - Facebook

McDowell Mountain Ranch Podcast - Facebook Group

Check Out Our Sponsors

----------------------------------------

If you are interested in being on the show please Click Here to contact our producer.

Recommended Resources

McDowell Mountain Ranch Podcast - Website

McDowell Mountain Ranch Podcast - Facebook

McDowell Mountain Ranch Podcast - Facebook Group

Check Out Our Sponsors

----------------------------------------

If you are interested in being on the show please Click Here to contact our producer.