Located in the Phoenix-Metro area, the city’s year-round sunny climate makes it the ideal place for outdoor recreation, and it abounds here! Surprise boasts one of the largest public tennis and racquet complexes in the Southwest including 25 tennis courts, two racquetball courts, a table tennis room, clubhouse and event space. If you prefer pickleball over tennis, there’s a place for that, too. Home to 16 dedicated pickleball courts – the Surprise Community Park – is a haven for pickleball fans. The Community Park also includes an urban fishing lake, basketball courts and a playground all nestled within a sprawling downtown park.

Surprise is also a golf aficionado’s dream destination with eight courses to choose from. Be sure to check out Surprise’s newest course, Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club. This world-class Nicklaus Design course draws inspiration from some of the world’s most famous courses. And there’s more than just 18 holes with grove-lined fairways – it’s also home to a state-of-the-art practice facility that includes an indoor golf simulator.

Surprise Stadium, ranked the #1 Spring Training Stadium in Arizona by USA Today, is the Spring Training home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers – 2023 World Series Champions! Baseball fans from all over the country travel to Surprise every Spring to experience the fun atmosphere of a spring game in the Arizona sunshine. With unique game viewing options, family entertainment, mouthwatering foodie favorites and craft brews, Surprise Spring Training is a can’t miss when traveling to Arizona.

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, which rises from the border of Surprise offers hiking, biking, camping and a nature center. Maricopa County’s largest regional park is nearly 30,000 acres and provides endless options to fit every age, experience level and ability. There are approximately 30 miles of hiking trails at the park that offer breathtaking views of the mountains and panoramas of the valley below.

Surprise also has an emerging arts and culture scene with an array of public art, local galleries and performing arts venues. The Vista Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art 1,300 seat performing arts center that hosts a variety of music acts, comedy shows and live performances. In addition, West Valley Arts HQ is an art gallery and cultural event center that holds exhibitions, performances and events.

As a growing city, Surprise’s retail and culinary scene continues to expand, showcasing everything from local hot spots to regional shopping centers. Local favorites include Saigon Kitchen, offering a traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern touch. For Mexican fare, Rio Mirage Café features Sonoran-style recipes handed down for generations including homemade tortillas, sizzling fajitas and delicious margaritas. Vogue Bistro is perfect for a date night out with an intimate setting, delicious French-American style dishes, designer martinis and an extensive wine list. Surprise also has great options if you are in the mood for a nice cold beer – locals love State 48 Brewery, Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House and Irish Wolfhound.

And for the shopping enthusiasts, check out the Village at Prasada and Surprise Towne Center & Marketplace. These open-air malls are a perfect escape for a day of retail therapy!

There’s something for everyone in Surprise, Arizona. Find your game. Find your adventure. Find your retreat. Find your Surprise!

ExploreSurprise.com
SurpriseStadium.com

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Just 25 minutes north of Dallas, Frisco is the go-to place for fun in the DFW Metroplex. Recently ranked the safest city in the nation, again, by Smartasset, Frisco boasts an environment full of attractions for families, sports lovers, business goers, and the everyday visitor. With a boundless calendar of events, more than 400 restaurants, and award-winning resorts and hotels, it’s easy to see why Frisco is known as The City That Plays.

Home to several professional sports organizations, including the Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, Dallas Stars, Frisco RoughRiders, as well as PGA of America’s headquarters, Frisco is the ultimate sports destination. Go behind the scenes of America’s team on a tour of The Star, the World Headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. Love soccer? Frisco’s own major league soccer team FC Dallas kicks off their season in March. You can learn about the history of soccer through modern technology at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. It’s an immersive experience for visitors as they try their hand at goal tending through virtual reality, pose for the cup-winning picture, or deign your own scarf. Prefer baseball? Frisco is home to a minor league baseball team, the Frisco RoughRiders, who play at Riders Field. The stadium features a “cool” way to watch the game in a lazy river.

For the perfect blend of history and entertainment, discover Frisco’s growing museum district. Play on the largest game of Pong at the National Video game Museum. Inside of the Museum of the American Railroad, check out TrainTopia–a miniature world connected by model trains that bring visitors into a space of appreciation for the rail system. And let your kids try more than 100 different professions such as firefighter and podcaster at KidZania, a city built for kids, and run by kids.

When it comes to arts and culture, the city has an impressive public arts trail with more than 65 pieces of art displayed, as well as the Texas Sculpture Garden, which is the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture and made publicly available, and plenty ofInstagram-worthy murals in the historic Rail District.

If shopping is your sport, Frisco offers more than 9 million square feet of retail space. Whether you stop at Stonebriar Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in North Texas or pop into a charming, locally owned boutique, you’re sure to find something that’s just the right fit.

As one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., there’s always a new gem to discover. Omni PGA Frisco Resort, the largest resort currently under construction, opens May 2023. The resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses, a two-acre putting green, a lighted 10-hole short course, entertainment district,13 dining options, 500 guest rooms and suites, and 10 luxury ranch houses.

Alongside Omni PGA Frisco Resort and PGA of America making the north side of Frisco home, Universal Parks & Resorts has announced they will be building a first of its kind park and hotel in Frisco. The project will feature a 300-person hotel and a park designed for young children that will host a variety ofUniversal characters and themes.

From sports to resorts, to the arts and parks, no matter the way you play, Frisco has something for everyone.

VISITFRISCO.COM

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Whatever it is that brings you to Owatonna the first time, you’ll find many reasons to return and experience Owatonna again from another perspective. The friendly small-town atmosphere gives you a relaxed and at-home feel, with no lack of amenities or experiences. Depending on the time of year you find yourself in Owatonna, you may experience the hustle and bustle of the Steele County Free Fair, or the relaxed and colorful scenery of a bike ride through the numerous parks connected to the 17+ mile trail system.

The history & architecture in Owatonna is a must-see no matter what time of year you visit, and the self-guided walking tour is a great way to experience it all. Over 60 businesses and homes are highlighted in the Historic Walking Tour, with several of those being on the National Register of Historic Places. Three Historic Districts are recognized, including Minnesota State Public School, which now houses the State School Orphanage Museum as well as the City Hall. Pillsbury Academy Campus now operates as Pillsbury College Prep and hosts summer camps. The third district,Downtown Owatonna was added in 2015. The Cedar Avenue street scape project was recently completed in 2022 to increase accessibility for Owatonna’s Main Street.

Rotating exhibits at the Steele County History Center focus on special highlights of the area’s unique history. The Village of Yesteryear is a great way to get a glimpse into the past. The original village layout was similar to the center of Owatonna and its Central Park, and has grown over the years with additional moves of historic structures.

Arts & entertainment options are year-round pastimes at local gathering places. Musical entertainment is a weekly occurrence at Owatonna’s two breweries, Foremost Brewing Cooperative and Mineral Springs Brewery. The Owatonna Arts Center offers classes, music, and art exhibits all year. May through September you’ll find downtown and Central Park lively with music other community events. Seasonal performances, at The Little Theatre of Owatonna, have offered quality theatrical experiences for 57 years.

If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, you’ll love Owatonna’s parks and trails system. Over 17 miles of trails connect to parks throughout the community. If golf is your game, Brooktree Golf Course and Owatonna Country Club offers beautiful and challenging 18-hole courses. Local campgrounds offer family fun May through October. For those looking to enjoy winter fun – there are plenty of opportunities to cross country ski and snowshoe through the trails, or ice skate at Morehouse Park. Cabela’s and Straight River sports are two great places to update your outdoor equipment!

Shopping and dining are always favorite American pastimes, and Owatonna continues to add new options for you to discover! In addition to the brand name stores located at the Medford Ultra Outlets, Owatonna’s downtown has added 8 new stores and restaurants since 2019. Roma’s Italian Eatery, the newest restaurant is scheduled to open in June.

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 Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this charming community offers a variety of outdoor recreation, cultural activities, heritage music & crafts, and local cuisine that are sure to please any traveler. With over 30 places to eat, visitors will never go hungry in Big Stone Gap.

One of the most popular destinations in Big Stone Gap is the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park. Housed in a restored 1890s mansion, the museum features exhibit on the history and culture of the region, including exhibits on local mining and forestry industries. Visitors can also explore the museum’s gardens and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Powell River offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The trailhead for the Powell River Trail is located just outside of Big Stone Gap, and the trail offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. Big Cherry Lake sitting up on the mountains overlooking Big Stone Gap offer a variety of fishing, kayaking, and trails for the adventurous with some of the best natural views on the east coast! We even have an 18 hole golf course, 2 Disc Golf Courses and a putt putt course!

In addition to outdoor recreation and cultural activities, Big Stone Gap is also home to a thriving culinary scene. With over 30 places to eat, visitors can sample a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Southern fare and heritage local dishes to international cuisine and locally brewed beer and wine.

The town is also home to several annual events that draw visitors from near and far. From Saturday night Block parties with local bands to HUGE 4th of July Celebrations with 8000+ in attendance, you will have the time of your life. Big Stone Gap is also pleased to be home to the Blue Highway Fest! A multi day Blue Grass Festival that bring people in nationwide as well as international. Other events, include Car Shows, Grilling competition, Singer Songwriters competitions and races galore! Every Holiday is a big deal in Big Stone Gap! There is literally something for everyone here!

In conclusion, Big Stone Gap, Virginia is a great destination for travelers looking for a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and delicious cuisine. With all the food and music and a variety of attractions and events, visitors will never run out of things to do in this charming Appalachian town. So pack your bags and head to Big Stone Gap for a truly unforgettable travel experience!

Find out about all the exciting events, places to eat, and music in Big Stone Gap by heading over to www.bigstonegap.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitbigstonegap

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As the weather warms, it’s time to head for Michigan’s Coldwater Country for a family fun getaway. Located in south-central Michigan along the US-12 Heritage Route, halfway between Chicago and Detroit, is an area brimming with outdoor recreation, delicious dining, unique attractions, quaint downtowns, stunning architecture, and a whole host of family fun entertainment options.

Home to more than 100 freshwater lakes Coldwater Country offers an opportunity to escape and relax on the water. It’s easy to spend the entire day on the water. One of the unique experiences in the area is the ability to travel from one lake to another through the chain of lakes. Coldwater Country is home to not only one chain of lakes but two–North Chain of Lake and South Chain of Lakes. Enjoy a leisurely pontoon ride, or kayak the Union City Heritage Water Trail, just one of nine water trails in Michigan. Try to catch the limit while reeling in the big one. Bluegill, perch, pike, and walleye are among the fish to be caught.

Spend the day at one of the area’s newest water attractions, The Aqua Pit. This inflatable aquatic playground features a multi-tiered obstacle course in the water, alongside a beach area for relaxing. Rent kayaks or paddle board for more on the water activity. It’s tons of fun for the entire family!

Take a break from the family fun to grab a bite at one of Coldwater Country’s locally owned diners, restaurants, or pubs. From grab and go breakfast to fine dining, barbeque, ethnic cuisine and more you’ll find it in Coldwater Country. Whether it’s a meal on the water, with outdoor seasonal seating, and family friendly you’re sure to enjoy the flavors, local scene, and hospitality of the area’s unique eateries.

Head to the Adventure Zone for the afternoon for mini golf, go-carts, laser tag, and a virtual reality lounge, perfect for the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Kids will delight in the play, and learning, at the Children’s Museum of Branch County. Children and their families can paint a masterpiece at Picasso’s Art Studio, dig for dinosaur fossils, become a dentist, put on a play and more! Take a ride on the rails with the historic Little River Railroad’s 110-year-old steam engine train.

Enjoy nature with a visit to the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary. Observe amazing animals and their tropical habitat during guided tours and animal interactions. Walk through the swamp and feed the alligators, or just watch them bask and swim at this reptile paradise.

Shop ‘til you drop at the many unique boutiques and shops throughout the area. Treasure the local antiques, enjoy homemade baked goods, one-of-a-kind accents, and jewelry. Coldwater Country is also home to Michigan’s Antique Capital–Allen, with the largest concentration of antique dealers in the Midwest. The area is home to five stately antique malls including the Allen Antique Barn, boasting two floors of more than 25,000 square feet of treasures.

The beautiful architecture of the Tibbits Opera House makes it a treat to visit year-round. Tibbits offers a diverse selection of arts and entertainment throughout the year. Or make your way to Southern Michigan’s 1,000 car, twin screen drive-in movie theater, the Capri Drive-In. Family owned and operated since 1964, the Capri Drive-In offers the unique, and often nostalgic, drive-in experience.

For a magical experience head to Colon to learn magic tricks and how to entertain a crowd. Home to magic shops, countless activities, and events, it’s no wonder they call Colon the Magic Capital of the World.

Coldwater Country also knows how to celebrate! Make sure to plan your getaway around the fun festivals and hometown events including the culinary grilling competition the Magic City Grill Fest, car shows, the annual Strawberry Festival, Pints in the Park and more!

For more on what to see and do, and where to stay, in Michigan’s Coldwater Country visit ColdwaterCountry.com.

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