Kingman hosted the International Route 66 Festival in 2014. Photo from the City of Kingman.

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Caption: Downtown Kingman. Photo from City of Kingman.

Visitors and residents alike have been enjoying the historic architecture, community events, and businesses in Kingman’s revitalized downtown. In 2014, Kingman hosted the International Route 66 Festival, which brought 8,000 attendees from 24 different counties to downtown to celebrate the historic road. This year Kingman combined the celebration of Route 66 and classic cars with its love for rodeo in the Inaugural Best of the West on Route 66 Festival September 25 -27.

Kingman Club. Photo from City of Kingman.

In addition to public events, two event centers have opened in previously vacant historic buildings and are available for private parties, weddings and community fundraisers. The success of events in historic downtown could not have taken place without many improvements, beginning with the elimination of non-emergency train whistles. The reduction in noise also led to the opening of several new businesses including a boutique hotel, restaurants and bars. Beautification projects including ADA compliant upgrades and repairs to the sidewalks, park improvements, and abatement projects have helped create a welcoming atmosphere to compliment the area’s growth.

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Caption: Hilltop Motel in Kingman. Photo from City of Kingman.

Historic Caitlin Court in historic Downtown Glendale. Photo from City of Glendale.

Historic Downtown Glendale has been named by USA Today & Sunset Magazine as one of the country’s ten best places for shopping. The historic downtown has two neighborhoods – Historic Catlin Court with its white picket fences and mature shade trees welcoming visitors to the bungalows-turned-specialty shops, and Old Towne, boasting brick-trimmed sidewalks and glowing gaslights leading the way to the famous antique stores and ethnic eateries.

Glendale Glitters, an annual beautiful display of holiday lights, is one of several events that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Glendale each year. Photo from the City of Glendale

The 90-plus specialty and boutique shops in downtown Glendale are noted for the retail-chain-free collection of stores, which feature everything from eclectic and funky fashion and accessories to pop-culture collectibles, and the diversity of restaurants serve up everything from savory, wood-fired pizzas to two-scoop ice-cream cones. In fact, the critically-acclaimed collection of ethnic eateries in downtown Glendale includes Polish, Italian, German, Mexican and Vietnamese. Glendale’s downtown is also home to award-winning festivals that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, which include Glendale Glitters and the Glendale Chocolate Affaire

Old Towne in Downtown Glendale. Photo from the City of Glendale

Caption: Historic Downtown Glendale has been named as one of the country’s best places for shopping. Photo from City of Glendale. Photo from the City of Glendale.

Florence Historic Main Street is quaint and pedestrian-friendly. Photo from the Town of Florence

There is a lot of activity happening in Downtown Florence today. Main Street is open for business, and locally-owned shops and restaurants are springing up next to established destinations. Most of these businesses occupy buildings dating back to the Territorial Period of our state’s history and are included in the oldest townsite historic district in Arizona.

Gatherings occur at the town’s new Padilla Park, next to the Silver King Marketplace. Photo from the Town of Florence.

Main Street is quaint, pedestrian-friendly, and considered the gathering place for events and social gatherings, whether it is along Main Street or at the new Padilla Park next to the Silver King Marketplace. With an eye toward the future, the Town of Florence recently constructed a new library and aquatic center at the north end of downtown that opens the door for additional development in the Territory Square master-planned area.

Historic Downtown Florence. Photo from the Town of Florence

The City of Cottonwood, once a sleepy town which travelers passed through when visiting the nearby communities of Sedona and Jerome, is now a tourist destination. In the heart of Arizona, nestled in a green valley near the base of Mingus Mountain, Cottonwood, once one of the best-kept secrets in northern Arizona, is now a successful bustling destination.

One of the best-kept secrets in northern Arizona, Cottonwood is now a successful, bustling destination. Photo from the City of Cottonwood

Cottonwood was one of the few communities in northern Arizona where the commercial industry actually grew during the recent recession. That is directly attributed to a forward-thinking city council, a visionary city manager and economic development director who had what it took to get it done.

Downtown Cottonwood draws success from the local businesses.

Focusing on Old Town, city staff made it a goal to revitalize the area, with the first milestone being the wooing of entrepreneur Eric Jurisin, owner of the Old Town restaurants Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House and the Tavern Grille. These two establishments gave Old Town the credibility needed to court other businesses. Cottonwood then opened a Business Assistance Center to help new budding small businesses with their needs. Seeing the potential of this diamond in the rough, local wineries began opening wine tasting rooms, and retail establishments followed. Soon after, neighboring Yavapai College’s Verde Campus took the plunge and incorporated a successful viticulture program into the curriculum.

The City of Cottonwood also recently went through an extensive rebranding process and is now known as the “Heart of Arizona Wine Country,” with a new logo and a renewed commitment to their community. Cottonwood also has an array of businesses, county offices, transit system, a major hospital and numerous medical facilities.

Local favorites, antique shops and wine tasting rooms draw visitors to the Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood.

A view from Cottonwood’s Main Street.

Cottonwood also opened a new Recreation and Aquatics Center, with state-of-the-art equipment, a dance studio, indoor leisure pool, community events hall, gymnasium, climbing wall, and electronic game room for the entire family. The facility attracts visitors from throughout the Verde Valley and is a quality of life attraction for those looking to relocate. In addition to this facility, the outdoor pool was also renovated and is now an AIA officially sanctioned venue for state swim meets.

Annual events such as the Old Town Main street Holiday Light Show, Walkin’ on Main, Chocolate Walk and the Tilted Earth Wine and Music Festival, plus the added attraction of Old Town Cottonwood with its historic feel along with wine tasting rooms, serving award-winning wines produced right here in the Verde Valley, now attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Cottonwood is a diverse, growing community nestled in the beautiful high desert of Arizona, inviting everyone to come and explore the many benefits Cottonwood and the Verde Valley have to offer.

Right up the road from the City of Cottonwood, sits the other gem of the Verde Valley: the town of Clarkdale.

The Town of Clarkdale, the place that makes sense, understands and fiercely protects its vibrant sense of history. Key to the revitalization in Clarkdale is the creative, passionate, and dedicated citizens, the leadership of the town council and staff, plus the property owners, both within the historic business and throughout the town, who believe in building a sustainable future on the foundation of the town’s history. Recognized as a registered historic district, Clarkdale is protective and proud of its history. With the two-acre town park in the center of the historic district, featuring a restored gazebo gracing the grounds, this park is home to the summer concert series in the park. The Town Hall Complex, itself a group of historic buildings features the first geothermal heated and cooled buildings in Arizona. In addition, many of the original homes are restored while retaining their historic charm.

In planning a sustainable future, the citizens overwhelmingly approved the updated Town General Plan in March 2012. Clarkdale’s citizens then completed the Sustainable Community and Economic Development Plan, a roadmap outlining the desired economic development directions for Clarkdale, with support from Arizona Public Service and town staff. The council set the plan into motion with its adoption in June 2013.

The commercial heart of Clarkdale, the first planned community in Arizona, has always been the historic business district along Main street. However, after the closing of the copper smelter in 1953, the town suffered from families moving away to find work. Now, Clarkdale is on an upswing.

The Arizona Copper Art Museum, located in the old Clarkdale High School building, showcases beauty, versatility and functionality of copper in all its forms.

Annually, 90,000 riders visit the Verde Canyon Railroad, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Verde River and its riparian areas. The award-winning Arizona Copper Art Museum opened in December 2013 and showcases the beauty, versatility and functionality of copper in all its forms. The new museum is located in the gloriously refurbished Clarkdale High School on the corner of Main and Ninth Streets; truly one-of-a-kind and a prime example of historic building revitalization.

Outside the Arizona Copper Art Museum, along Clarkdale’s Main Street.

Diagonally across the street from the museum is the charming Clarkdale Caboose and Gift Shop, offering fine pastries in the morning plus treasures created by local artists all tucked into the back of a restored train caboose. It’s not to be missed. Just up Main Street is the beautifully renovated 10-12 Lounge, so named because it open at 10 and closes at 12. There is always fun to be had there, especially on Saturdays and Sundays when live music and dancing fills the bar.

Main Street features local favorites like 10-12 Lounge, and Four Eight Wineworks. Local businesses are a destination for residents and tourists alike.

Just across the street is Four Eight Wineworks, with a nod to Arizona becoming the 48^th state. Not only is this the only winemaker’s incubator offering wine tasting of luscious, locally-made wines, but also the business calls the former bank building home. Tastefully updated with historic photographs on the walls updated with contemporary surprises delighting visitors, the teller windows ae wine display cases and the former safe is the merchandise room. Just up the street, the former pharmacy has been revitalized and now serves as professional offices. Underway is the renovation of the two-story building across the street from Town Park. Turning into a boutique hotel, the former miner’s apartments are under construction now and the former theater is coming back to life with the return of the box office on Main Street in the building once housing the Grand Theater.

The changing streetscape of Downtown Clarkdale. Photo from the Town of Clarkdale.

The streetscape is also coming back to life. Banners depicting various aspects of Clarkdale life line Main Street and signage with historic flare is under construction. The flag corps installs a river of flags down Main Street honoring military holidays throughout the year.

Clarkdale Town Hall. Photo from the Town of Clarkdale. 

All Clarkdale stories are nurtured and preserved under the watchful eye of the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum located on ninth Street. The museum offers a glimpse into Clarkdale’s past and showcases treasured artifacts. For more information on your visit, stop in and chat with folks in any of the businesses, museums or Town Hall. All have Clarkdale stories to share.

The Verde River draws adventurers to Clarkdale and Cottonwood. Photo from the City of Cottonwood

Whether visitors are looking for a leisurely wine tasting, a journey through history, or an exploration of the natural destinations of the Verde River, state parks and national monuments of northern Arizona, the Verde Valley has become the top attraction. The revitalization of the Clarkdale and Cottonwood downtowns has put these communities on the map!

Phoenix has become a destination for popular events. Most recently, the downtown Phoenix area served as the main hub for the 2015 Super Bowl, hosting an array of events, concerts, and activities related to the big game. Photo from City of Phoenix.

Downtown Phoenix is hot in more ways than you can imagine!  As the urban heartbeat of the city, downtown is pulsing with activity. Riding the wave of the recent Super Bowl successes including Super Bowl Central and the NFL Experience, downtown is a vibrant sought after destination!

“The Super Bowl was the perfect event to showcase Downtown Phoenix and we really opened a lot of eyes,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “Over the past decade, there have been nearly $4.7 billion in investments to revitalize the downtown core. The results speak for themselves — world-class shopping, entertainment and restaurants, METRO Light Rail, a top 25 convention center and more than 3,500 hotels rooms with a lot more to come.”

The new amenities in the area allows visitors to experience the Downtown Difference!

The Downtown Difference consists of more than 800,000 square feet of retail space featuring popular brands, professional sports, live entertainment, great food and fun activities.  CityScape, a 5-acre, mixed-use development that blends urban living with work, shopping and entertainment, includes notable restaurants, a hotel, offices and outdoor event space.

The Arizona State University Downtown Campus is home to more than 10,000 students. The downtown area is home to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, College of Public Programs, College of Nursing & Health Innovation and the future home of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Photo from City of Phoenix.

Downtown Phoenix has more than 4,800 residential units, 9,000 permanent residents, and a workforce of 64,000 daily.  The Arizona State University Downtown Campus, which opened in August 2006 with 2,766 students, now has more than 10,000 students enrolled. The campus, which is continuing to expand, is home to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, College of Public Programs, the College of Nursing & Health Innovation and other notable programs.  The new law center, which will house the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law, is expected to open in the fall of 2016.

Serving as an education capital, Phoenix is home to remote campuses of rival universities, Arizona State University and University of Arizona. The Phoenix Biomedical Campus provides advanced training to students from the U of A College of Medicine. Photo from the City of Phoenix

Education thrives in Downtown Phoenix!  The Phoenix Biomedical Campus (PBC), the city-owned campus sits on 30-acres providing advanced medical training to students at the UA College of Medicine and doing cutting-edge research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN). The campus looks forward to the opening of the 220,000 square foot $100M outpatient cancer treatment clinic operated by the UA Cancer Center and the St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, later this year.

Downtown Phoenix is hot and attractive to new residents.  High-rise projects such as 44 Monroe, Arizona’s tallest residential high-rise, opened its doors in 2008 offering 196 condos.  The Summit at Copper Square, the second tallest residential tower, overlooks Chase Field, offers 165 condo units. Downtown Phoenix residential developments continue to grow.  Portland on the Park, is the anticipated urban project that will include 170 luxury condos and lofts in 3 structures ranging from 4, 12 and 14 story towers. The property is within walking distance of the Light Rail, Margaret T. Hance Park, and the Japanese Friendship Garden.  The West Fillmore redevelopment project, which began taking proposals from private sector developers in spring 2015, will be one of the largest developments in downtown history. The 7.5-acre site is expected to meet the demand for downtown living, providing provide homes for 1,000 new downtown residents in addition to retail shops and restaurants.

Phoenix is seeing many new residential high-rises opening in the downtown area.      Photo from City of Phoenix.

The METRO Light Rail runs right by Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Photo from City of Phoenix

New employers and their employees are making Downtown Phoenix home.  Jay Geier, CEO of The Scheduling Institute recently opened his Arizona Headquarters in the Warehouse District and cited that the location’s close proximity to restaurants, hotels, and entertainment is ideal for his clients when they fly in to town. Convenient transportation is key to the explosion of downtown development.  The METRO Light Rail connects Downtown Phoenix to points throughout the city and the world.  The commuter train launched in December 2008 provides reliable transportation connecting passengers from West Phoenix to the East Valley through Downtown Phoenix with dedicated stops at the Convention Center and Sky Harbor International Airport.

Speaking of the Convention Center, the expansion of the facility and construction of the 1,o00-room Sheraton Hotel enables Phoenix to accommodate 80% of the association meetings market and attract high profile events such as the MLB All Star Fanfest, NBA All Star Jamfest, WWE Fan Axxess and notable conventions such as the NRA and U.S. Greenbuild.  In 2015, the Phoenix Convention Center welcomed the Super Bowl NFL Experience and looks forward to hosting fan fests for the College Football Playoffs in 2016 and the NCAA Final Four in 2017.

A nighttime view of the Phoenix Convention Center. Photo from City of Phoenix
Speaking of the Convention Center, the expansion of the facility and construction of the

Downtown has something for everyone!  The redevelopment of Downtown Phoenix has redefined our city.  The Downtown renaissance provides lasting memories with lively indoor and outdoor activities at CityScape, including Lucky Strike bowling alley, Stand Up Live Comedy Club and a host of bars, restaurants and shops.  Sports fans will feel right at home at Chase Field where the Arizona Diamondbacks play and Talking Stick Resort Arena, home of the Phoenix Suns. Theater goers will enjoy visiting the Herberger Theater, Symphony Hall and the historic Orpheum Theatre.  Downtown Phoenix is more than a destination, it is a community that makes residents and visitors from around the globe feel right at home!

A view from above. The City of Phoenix is home to professional sports facilities Chase Field and Talking Stick Resort Arena. Photo from the City of Phoenix.

Payson’s Green Valley Park downtown is a community spot for events and gatherings. Photo from City of Payson

Payson is surrounded by the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world. To the north is the majestic Mogollon Rim that is home to some of the best camping, fishing, hunting and hiking trails in the southwest. In addition to all these surrounding recreational opportunities, in the middle of Payson is Green Valley Park, originally built as a water reclamation project.

From its inception, it was designed in a way that would collect runoff water but, at the same time, double as a park that offers residents and visitors alike beautiful surroundings and access to three lakes. These three lakes are stocked with trout and are part of the Arizona Game and Fish Rural Fishing Program. The park is also home to the Zane Grey Museum and the Rim Country Museum. During the town’s 4th of July Hometown Celebration, the park serves as the gathering place for over 15,000 people annually.

Payson’s Zane Grey Museum at the Green Valley Park Photo from the City of Payson

In June and July, on every Saturday night, you will hear the melodious sounds of great music coming from the ampitheater during Payson’s very popular Summer Concert Series. In the spring, Green Valley Park serves as the backdrop for over 300 classic cars that make up the Beeline Cruise-In Car Show. The economic vitality and all of these activities would not be possible if it were not for this great recreational venue.

We invite you to come to “Arizona’s Cool Mountain Town” and enjoy the “jewel” of Payson – Green Valley Park, located at the end of Main Street.

Downtown Payson’s Green Valley Park Photo from City of Payson

Downtown Chandler is emerging as an urban environment that continues to evolve and embrace many ways to work, live and be entertained. The destination for dining, retail and events is a hotbed for development.

Chandler City Hall. Photo from the City of Chandler.

Aerial view of Downtown Chandler during a block party. Photo from the City of Chandler

Alta steelyard Lofts open this fall with 301 residential units, igniting the next wave of multifamily, office and retail in the downtown core. Budding companies continue to enter the market, along with the presence of two state universities to create a dynamic work environment.

Alta steelyard Lofts will open this fall in Chandler with 301 residential units. Photo from the City of Chandler.

The mix of restaurants and shops is expanding with Peixoto Coffee and Crust Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort.

Downtown Chandler is a gathering place for many community events. Photo from the City of Chandler.

Chandler Center for the Arts, improvMANIA comedy club, festivals and the opening of an outdoor stage this fall are increasing entertainment options for all.