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

The post Find Your Surprise in Surprise, Arizona appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Known for its picturesque beauty, Lakeville, Minnesota, has long been a destination for enjoying an abundance of outdoor activities. With fall’s tapestry of brilliantly changing colors dotted with scenic lakes and parks, it is an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true.   

Whether hitting the links, peddling around the lakes, casting a line, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the open air, Lakeville presents opportunities for every nature-lover.  

Adventures Await   https://visitlakeville.org/blog/

Family adventurers and sports enthusiasts enjoy loads of recreational activities on the lakes and swimming beaches, parks and picnic areas, as well as greenways and trails. For a truly adventurous outing, try hurling axes or challenge your friends to a paintball fight.  

Home to 120 paved miles of bike and pedestrian trails, there are unlimited possibilities for your next outdoor adventure. Whether cruising for cardio or out for a relaxing ride, you can experience Lakeville on their extensive trail system. For the thrill-seekers, the West Lake Marion Park Mountain Bike Trail offers five miles of off-road awesomeness. Biking enthusiasts helped design the trail’s multiple switchbacks, berms and rollers. If meandering is more your style, enjoy the six-mile loop in Ritter Farm Park’s 340 acres of natural prairie grasses and woodlands, or stroll Juno Trail walkway for panoramic views of Lake Marion. Fido can roam free on five acres of doggy goodness at Ritter Farm’s Dog Park.  

The grass is always greener in Lakeville. With a dozen options, there’s no shortage of beautiful public golf courses!  Whether you consider yourself a champion player, an occasional golfer, or a mini-golf fan, you’ll find hundreds of fairways within a 15-mile radius. 

Families love fall’s memorable experiences here in Lakeville. Harvest season activities include apple picking, trips to pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes. In addition, attend the farmers markets and orchards to pick up honey, jams, maple syrup, caramel apples and yummy baked goods.

Festival Goers   https://visitlakeville.org/things-to-do/

Lakeville will soon be alive with festivals. Held in late August, the Taste of Lakeville is a celebration of the senses. This annual event offers adults the opportunity to sample, taste, sip and devour local culinary treats, wine and spirits while enjoying live entertainment.   

Are the arts and culture more your thing? Scheduled for the third weekend of September, the annual Lakeville Arts Festival boasts 100 juried artists showcasing paintings, jewelry, ceramics, glass, sculpture and photography. Located on the park-like grounds of the Lakeville Area Arts Center, attendees enjoy fine art, food, drink, live music, demonstrations and the ArtWalk.

Palate Pleasers    https://visitlakeville.org/eat-drink/

Home to 90 area restaurants, 30 independently owned, you will find plenty of delectable food choices to satisfy every palate. So, what sounds good – a juicy burger, fresh farm-to-table entree, gourmet steak, savory seafood, or spicy ethnic cuisine?  For your insatiable sweet tooth try an ice cream bubble waffle cone creation, gluten-free goody or gourmet cupcake. With so many eateries around town, there is a place to fill all your foodie cravings. 

With a blend of the small-town atmosphere and modern-day amenities, Lakeville’s walkable historic downtown is bustling with unique businesses, breweries, entertainment, arts, and outdoor patio eateries to enjoy the crisp Autumn air! If nightlife is more your scene, attend a foot-tapping outdoor gathering or intimate indoor music event that occur nearly every weekend.  

Getting Here  

As the southern gateway to the Twin Cities, Lakeville is conveniently located at Interstate 35, just 13 miles south of the world-famous Mall of America and MSP International Airport. With six hotels and an abundance of activities, Lakeville offers more vacation for your money!     

VisitLakeville.org to start planning your next adventure. 

The post Fall for Lakeville Minnesota   appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.