For the spirited and faithful Horned Frog fans traveling to Arizona for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the city of Glendale and surrounding areas provide activities and entertainment for everyone.
For those with a sweet tooth, Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale offers free tours of the family-owned candy shop. Guided tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
See how a slab of caramel becomes a tasty treat and more. You can find the Cerreta Candy Company at 5345 West Glendale Ave.
The chic city shopper and those with a knack for socializing can explore Westgate City Center. The center features unique stores, a variety of restaurants and an 20-screen movie theater. For a complete list of shops and restaurants visit www.westgatecitycenter.com.
Glendale also offers several options for the outdoor enthusiast.
With 15 miles of multi-use trails, visitors to the 1,185 acre Thunderbird Conservation Park can hike, jog or bike. Birds and wildlife inhabit the park and visitors can watch them from behind the three wildlife viewing blinds off the trails on the north side.
A 15-minute drive into Phoenix offers travelers a variety of opportunities as well.
The sports nut can tour Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks major league baseball team. Ballpark tours begin at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Jan. 2. The cost is $6 per adult, with discounts for children and seniors.
Sports fans can also attend a Phoenix Suns basketball game versus the Memphis Grizzlies at U.S. Airways Center on Jan. 2 at 7 p.m.. For ticket information visit www.nba.com/suns.
On game day, join other football fans at the Westgate Bowl Week Football Blast. The free pre-game party runs from noon to 6 p.m. and will feature appearances by the TCU and Boise State marching bands, live music, food, drinks and face painting.
For travelers more interested in nature, Phoenix provides an array of outdoor activities also.
The Desert Botanical Garden spans 50 acres and features a collection of desert plants. The garden opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Student tickets cost $7.50, with a valid student ID. The garden is just outside Glendale in Phoenix at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway.
Both cities offer a number of options for fans traveling to the game. From shopping to sports, travelers won’t have to look far for fun and entertainment.
For more information about what to do in Glendale visit www.visitglendale.com. For a list of restaurants and attractions in Phoenix, go to www.visitphoenix.com.
