The time for thre third annual Minonk Goes to Phoenix adventure is
getting shorter. If you are planning to join us and will be staying at the
Fairfield Inn with us, please remember you need to make reservations by April 7
to be guaranteed the $59 per night rate. (The rate is good not only for the
three official days of our reunion but can be extended for up to three days
before and after the
April 20, 21, and 22 event dates.
To make a reservation, call directly to the motel listed below and tell
them you are part of the Minonk Group.
Hotel info:
Fairfield Inn Downtown Scottsdale
5101 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Tel: 480-945-4392
FAX: 480-947-3044
Remember, there is a huge outdoor pool and garden area here, a free
continental breakfast, an attached deli style restaurant, laundry facilities,
and free parking.
I have contacted the tour company that we had to cancel last year because
of the rain. This tour covers Sedona and the red rock area, We will not be
riding in jeeps (although those tours are available from several companies.) We
will be in air-conditioned vans and the driver will narrate the tour and make
frequent stops so that we can take pictures, etc. Cost is $26/person (plus a tip
for the driver). The two hour tour covers Oak Creek Canyon, Wilson Canyon,
Cathedral Rock and much more.
One stop will be at the Tlaquepaque, a marvelous center
for the arts and crafts. The collection of buildings here is sometimes described
as the Art and Soul of Sedona. Our tour stop here will be brief so I am
suggesting we come back to this facility for lunch. There are several
restaurants plus shops for a wide variety of items, and a host of art galleries.
I am still working on obtaining a list of special events and showings that might
coincide with our trip.
Restaurants this year promise to be good.
On Thursday we will return to
Benihana. This was very popular with last year's group. It is a
Japanese restaurant where the patrons sit in a semi-circle around a grill
(hibachi). The chef prepares the dinner right in front of you. A full meal
includes soup, shrimp appetizers, veggies, rice, and green tea plus your entrée
which might be chicken, steak, shrimp or other choices. This complete
traditional dinner costs $16 to $22 per person (last year's menu so it might be
a dollar higher this year.)
On Friday, after our return from Sedona, we will enjoy
Mexican food at a new spot not far from Benihana. Called Cantina
Laredo, it features what is billed as gourmet Mexican food. The choices
are good and the prices are very attractive (almost all are under $20 and many
are under $15.)
Saturday we will make a real change and go to the
Caribbean when we dine at Bahama Breeze. The menu from this
place is extensive and features an Island twist to many dishes. There are
sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, island specialties such as Margarita chicken and
Bahamian grilled kabobs. Many prices are under $10 and you need to reach the
final page of the menu before you spot anything over $15.
What do we do on Saturday? Those who are visiting the area for the first
time might wish to go to the botanical gardens, the Heard Museum of Native
American Art, or the Frank Lloyd Wright house (Taliesen West). Most of us have
already been to these places so I will have available at the motel a list of
other places people might enjoy visiting. Many of us just like to wonder around
Old Town where on Saturday there is often a outdoor art fair. Carol Woltzen
Nelson has again offered to arrange seating at the race track for anyone
interested (We had a great time there last year as Carol arranged indoor seating
where we could enjoy lunch while watching the races.)
There are also some tours into the Superstition Mts., horseback riding,
and other activities available. Just tell me your interests and I will try to
get the information to you.
Once more, I think we will have breakfast on Sunday at the deli (LEO)
that is attached to the Fairfield.
Now, I need some final counts, especially on meals. I also need each of
you to tell your friends and family about our plans to see if any of them would
like to join us.
Life is too short not to get out and explore while you can!!! See you in
Arizona!
Martha Eikenmeyer Owens
44-816 Oro Grande Circle
Indian Wells, CA 92210
Tel: 760-340-1351
FAX: 760-779-8748