One of the best things about living in Phoenix during the fall is the opportunity to get out and enjoy cooler weather after we’ve avoided being outdoors during the triple digit marathon that is a Phoenix summer. As someone who has lived in Phoenix for over 10 years, I’ve discovered some great activities that I look forward to taking part in every year.
Biltmore Movies in the Park
-Free movies on Friday nights in the middle of a great shopping area. Great chance to picnic with friends outside and enjoy an old favorite.
Local First Fall Festival
-Arguably my favorite event in Phoenix each year. Annoyingly, I’ve missed this event the last two years and will be out of town this year as well. A great combination of food and giveaways by some of the best local businesses in Central Phoenix. This year’s festival is Saturday, November 10.
Arizona Fall League
-A chance to check out future MLB stars in stadiums across Phoenix. Reasonable ticket prices and great seats, plus the chance to say you saw the next great start before anyone knew his name!
WeServe Fall
-Join 500 people in serving 3,000 hours in Central Phoenix with my church. Projects for all ages and all abilities. WeServe begins October 22 and runs through November 3.
Undy 5000
-I ran this race in 2010 and it was a blast. (Maybe the last time I will ever wear tights in public?) Some great costumes and a great cause.
AZ State Fair
-A noteable lineup of concerts and all the things you’ve come to expect at the fair. I would love to have the guts to try out the fried insect booth, but I think I will stick with funnel cake or a giant corn dog. The fair runs from October 12 through November 4.
Exercising outdoors
Whether its running, hiking, biking or walking, this is a great time to get out and enjoy the cooler weather without fear of getting yourself scalded by the sun. I’ve listed some of my favorite options below.
-Murphy’s Bridle Path (2.5 miles one-way, along Central Ave between Bethany Home Road and Butler). This is a great trail for walking, running and biking.
-Canal between Granada Park (20th St and Maryland) and Chelsea’s Kitchen (40th Street and Camelback) (3 miles one-way). When I do longer runs, this is one of my favorite places.
-Hiking (Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak, Shaw Butte, North Mountain). If you’ve never hiked Camelback, this is a great time to do it. Major renovations are about to take place on the trail(s) and parking lots in January 2013.
What did I miss? Share your favorite fall event or activity in Phoenix. And if you’re not a Phoenecian, then feel free to share your favorite fall event/activity in your city.
I love to go to the Camelback Market. It’s a European type farmer’s market held in the parking lot of Vincent’s on Camelback. They are starting back up on October 27th.
Loved your list Scott. And I always look forward to the cooler weather …
Debbie, my friend Steve Hayes always told me about that market. Sounds like a place I need to visit!
Steve is also a friend of mine. His wife Marcia works nearby at Touvre.
That she does! They’re the best!
Mental Note: 28 inch handle bars on a mountain does not fit through two pine trees with a 20 inch opening. Get dirty, ride the trails.