AZ SPRING
TRAINING
BASEBALL: SUN,
SWINGS, AND
CACTUS LEAGUE
KINGS
WELLNESS OF
MIND & BODY:
LIFE—IS A WILD, UNPREDICTABLE ADVENTURE
WHERE YOU DEFINE YOUR OWN GOALS,
ALL WHILE RACING AGAINST AN UNKNOWN
CLOCK. +
SO MUCH MORE
SEE PAGE 9
COTTONWOOD
ARIZONA’S
VINEYARDS
COVER STORY
THE HOLLYWOOD
CONNECTION
THE VERDE VALLEY, ENCOMPASSING
JEROME AND SEDONA, HAS LONG
ATTRACTED HOLLYWOOD FIGURES AND
ARTISTS LIKE MAX ERNST AND MAYNARD
JAMES KEENAN, DRAWN BY ITS STUNNING
LANDSCAPES AND CULTURAL RICHNESS,
CEMENTING ITS NICKNAME “LITTLE
HOLLYWOOD” WITH A LEGACY OF OVER
100 FILMS AND A VIBRANT CREATIVE
COMMUNITY.
SEE PAGE 34
DTPR
TM
DISCOVER THE PHOENIX REGION
L I F E S T Y L E • W E L L B E I N G • H A P P E N I N G S
M A R C H - A P R I L 2 0 2 5
$13.99 US DISPLAY UNTIL 4/30/25
Photography by: Greg Bernstein
COTTONWOOD
ARIZONA’S
VINEYARDS
COVER STORY
THE HOLLYWOOD
CONNECTION
THE VERDE VALLEY, ENCOMPASSING
JEROME AND SEDONA, HAS LONG
ATTRACTED HOLLYWOOD FIGURES AND
ARTISTS LIKE MAX ERNST AND MAYNARD
JAMES KEENAN, DRAWN BY ITS STUNNING
LANDSCAPES AND CULTURAL RICHNESS,
CEMENTING ITS NICKNAME “LITTLE
HOLLYWOOD” WITH A LEGACY OF OVER
100 FILMS AND A VIBRANT CREATIVE
COMMUNITY.
SEE PAGE 34
⁄ 2
FRIENDS OF
JACK JAMESEN
MEMORIAL SCULPTURE PARK
Park Location
89A and Mountain Shadow Drive
Office Location
PO Box 1625
Sedona, AZ 86339
(201) 615-4012
Friends of Jack Jamesen
Memorial Sculpture Park
Sedona, AZ- 501c3
Experience the
heartfelt tribute
to community service
and remembrance
at Jack Jamesen
Memorial Park
an enduring sanctuary which
celebrates service, sacrifice,
and the contributions within
the heart of West Sedona.
⁄ 3
⁄ 4
Slotted
PYG
⁄ 5
Slotted
PYG
⁄ 6
REDISCOVER
Retreats for Women:
“Rediscovering our innate power, passions, and gifts as leaders on this planet.”
Our retreats in Sedona AZ are for you if you are ready to receive…
•pampering for your mind, body, and spirit
•group sessions to amplify your energetic body
•realignment of your nervous system
•nourishment from delicious and organic food
•new experiences through healing technologies, workshops, and mini courses
•1:1 sessions to feel connected to your inner wisdom
•practices and modalities to feel and be the best version of you
•intentional ways to be in connection with yourself and the sacred elements of the land
•an exciting way to enjoy the celebration of being YOU!
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Why is this Supportive for My Well-Being?
Lauren has created retreats and one on one healing experiences
in Sedona for over 2,500 people all over the world. It is her great
passion to build experiences that people might not otherwise give
themselves with the level of expertise, care, and compassion that
she employs from.
As a teacher, facilitator, guide, and leader in the community, Lauren
brings in the most skilled professionals to create magical and
memorable experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.
She creates a space of safety, comfort, passion, and FUN for
everyone!
Why Custom Retreats?
Rediscover Retreats are designed for individuals and groups to
experience themselves in their highest joy, authenticity, and to
rediscover their own unique and innate wisdom. The focus of the
retreats center around connecting people back into living the
life of their truest desires. Through this retreat experience, people
step away from the ordinary and live into their innate extraordinary
selves!
With Lauren’s assistance groups select the modalities, sessions,
and experiences that they see most beneficial. These retreats allow
people to build a retreat that feels individualized and supportive
of their personal goals, passions, and desires.
Phone: (708) 710-0605
email: lightofgrace77@gmail.com
Learn more about our offerings & retreats:
https://www.lightofgracereiki.com
Light of
Grace
Lauren’s Rediscovery retreat was
MAGIC. Lauren held a beautiful
sacred container for love, joy and
connection. I came home with
renewed energy, new friendships,
and felt more deeply connected
to my spirit. I also had a dramatic
improvement in my foot which was
healing from a previous injury! The
schedule had such a great balance of
time in nature, time in connection,
and also time to receive nourishing
treatments, reflect and integrate. I
highly recommend this experience.
It’s a sacred gift to give yourself :)
Dana - June 2021
If you’re lucky enough to be invited
to one of Lauren’s retreats, jump at
the opportunity! Her retreats are
filled with light, love, and hope!
Such an enriching, rejuvenating,
and delightful time! From the
accommodations to the delicious
organic food to the soul connections,
it’s truly a not-to-miss experience.
Cary R - Oct 2023
The women’s retreat in Sedona
was one of my favorite events I’ve
ever attended. It was super sweet,
empowering, uplifting, entertaining
and so nice to be surrounded by
positive feminine energy!
Danika - May 2023
“
⁄ 8
DTPR MARCH THROUGH APRIL 2025 / EDITORIAL & TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dear Readers,
Spring has officially arrived in the Valley—
and with it comes one of our most vibrant
issues yet! Welcome to the Mar–Apr 2025
edition of Discover The Phoenix Region
Magazine, your go-to guide for everything
blooming, buzzing, and breathtaking across
our stunning desert home.
We’re kicking off the season with a star-studded
Cover Story: “The Hollywood Connection.”
Travel with us to the lush vineyards of
Cottonwood and uncover the celebrity
roots planted deep in the Verde Valley. It’s
a delicious blend of Old Hollywood glam
and Arizona charm that will surprise even
longtime locals.
In true spring fashion, we’re setting the stage
for celebration. From bloom-filled Easter
tables (pg. 100) to Bunny-approved sweet
treats (pg. 94), we’ve gathered all the festive
inspiration you need to create beautiful,
memorable moments with family and
friends. And if you’re hungry for adventure,
our Dining Guide (pg. 84) and international
recipe feature by Ryan Williams (pg. 88) will
take your tastebuds on a global tour without
leaving your kitchen.
Spring is also a time of renewal—and this
issue reflects that in every way. Whether
you’re working on your mental and physical
wellness (pg. 24), navigating the complex
world of Arizona home insurance (pg. 20),
or simply trying to conserve every drop of
water with SRP’s forward-thinking solutions
(pg. 50), we’ve got fresh insights to support
your journey.
Of course, no spring in Arizona would be
complete without the roar of Arizona Bike
Week 2025 (pg. 70), the crack of the bat
during Cactus League Spring Training (pg.
64), and maybe even a perfect putt or two—
check out our expert golf tips (pg. 115) to
level up your short game.
And when it’s time to wind down? Don’t
miss our Book Reviews (pg. 120), featuring
a curated mix of page-turners and deep
reads to match any mood.
From star-powered vineyard tours to Easter
brunch elegance and everything in between,
this issue is your invitation to live fully and
locally this spring. So, grab a glass of Verde
Valley wine, soak in the sunshine, and turn
the page into your next adventure.
Warmly,
Marie Taylor
Editorial Director
Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine
Welcome
Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine
Embracing Health, Culture, and The Community
MarieTaylor
⁄ 9
DTPR MAGAZINE #15-2: March - April 2025
34-48
THE HOLLYWOOD
CONNECTION
Explore the Vineyards of Cottonwood and Learn
of the Verde Valley’s Celebrity Roots (Cover Story)
24-26
WELLNESS OF MIND AND
BODY
Navigating Life’s Unpredictable Adventure!
120-121
BOOK REVIEWS
NYT BEST SELLERS
Diverse Selection of Compelling Reads, From
Gripping Fiction to Thought-provoking Nonfiction.
100-103
SETTING THE
EASTER TABLE
Blooming Florals, Soft Desert Hues, and Thoughtful
Touches Come Together to Create a Festive, Welcoming
Space for Family and Friends.
20-22
INSURANCE CHALLENGES
IN ARIZONA
What Home Owners Need to Know About
Fire and Flood Hazards.
88-91
GOING INTERNATIONAL
Ryan Williams Brings You Flavors From Around
the World With These Incredible Recipes.
50-51
SAVING EVERY DROP OF
WATER!
SRP’s Innovative Conservation Efforts for a
Sustainable Arizona.
94-97
BUNNY APPROVED
EASTER SWEETS
Indulge in a trio of Easter confections that bring pastel
perfection to your celebration
Table of Contents
70-79
ARIZONA BIKE
WEEK 2025
Rev Up for the Southwest’s Most
Unforgettable Motorcycle Rally.
84-87
DINING GUIDE!
Discover the Best That the Phoenix Region has
to Tempt Your Palate.
115-117
TAKE STROKES OFF YOUR
GOLF GAME!
Putting Tips to Help You Take Control of
Your Favorite Green.
64-69
THE 2025
CACTUS LEAGUE
Spring in Arizona Means One Thing for Baseball Fans—
the Return of Cactus League Spring Training.
As March unfolds in Phoenix, the desert awakens with a burst of spring vitality,
its golden sands and jagged peaks softened by vibrant wildflower blooms. The
Valley of the Sun shakes off winter’s subtle chill, embracing mild days and starlit
evenings that beckon exploration. Festivals fill the air with music, from jazz riffs
to mariachi melodies, while the scent of fresh tortillas and smoky chilies drifts
through bustling markets. Baseball fans flock to Cactus League games, their
cheers echoing across sun-warmed stadiums, and cultural celebrations—Persian
New Year, Native art fairs—paint the city with color and tradition. March in Phoenix
is a canvas of renewal, blending the region’s rugged spirit with a lively tapestry of
community, creativity, and outdoor splendor.
The city hums with possibility, inviting locals and visitors alike to dive into its dynamic
rhythm. Whether you’re tossing powders at Holi Dhoom, savoring Italian bites at Heritage
Square, or stargazing in Fountain Hills, March offers a kaleidoscope of experiences under
vast Arizona skies. Golfers chase the LPGA’s best at the Ford Championship, while artisans
and foodies converge at chili cookoffs and ostrich-themed fairs. It’s a season to roam desert
trails, catch a spring training homer, or simply bask in the Valley’s infectious energy—a time
when Phoenix shines as a crossroads of culture, sport, and natural beauty, forging memories
that linger long after the blooms fade.
March
Calendar
In March, Phoenix bursts with spring fervor as wildflowers carpet
the desert, infusing the Valley with vibrant renewal. The warm air
hums with festival beats and ballpark cheers, pulling locals and
visitors into a lively mosaic of events—from Native art markets to
spicy chili cookoffs—that capture the region’s spirited heart.
Photography by: Rick Rome
March 2025
Cactus League Spring Training 2025:
February 20–March 25, 2025, times vary by game
Multiple venues: Scottsdale Stadium, Sloan
Park
(Mesa),
Camelback
Ranch-Glendale,
Goodyear Ballpark, Peoria Sports Complex,
Tempe Diablo Stadium, others
Metro Phoenix transforms into a baseball mecca
as 15 Major League teams clash in the Cactus
League’s intimate ballparks. Catch the Giants at
Scottsdale Stadium, Cubs at Sloan Park, or Dodgers
at Camelback Ranch, all within a 47-mile radius.
From foul-line seats to outfield lawns, fans soak
up spring vibes, savor ballpark eats, and cheer
as stars prep for the season. Expect sunny days,
autograph ops, and classic rivalries—perfect for
die-hards and families alike.
Tickets: From $10, varies by venue—check online
Phone: (480) 990-6977
https://www.cactusleague.com
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Goes through March 30, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays
12601 E. US Highway 60, Gold Canyon
Step into the 16th-century village of Fairhaven at the Arizona Renaissance
Festival, where Gold Canyon’s desert transforms into a 50-acre playground
of medieval merriment. Cheer knights clashing in thrilling jousts, savor giant
turkey legs, and wander over 200 artisan shops brimming with handcrafted
treasures—leather goods, blown glass, and more. Sixteen stages burst with
acrobats, minstrels, and mischievous jesters, while themed weekends like
Celtic Celebration ignite extra revelry. Just a short drive from Phoenix, this
nine-weekend spectacle blends history’s charm with Arizona’s sunny spirit,
delighting rogues and royals alike.
Tickets: $36 adults, $24 kids 5-12, free for kids under 5—buy online
Phone: (520) 463-2600
https://www.arizona.renfestinfo.com
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DTPR MARCH THROUGH APRIL 2025 / CALENDAR