Category Archives: Phoenix

Spain trip with Events & Adventures

World Travel with Events & Adventures

The only way to sum it up our visit to Spain is to say that Events & Adventures really does world travel well.  This wasn’t a trip where we were on a clock throughout the experience; there was a great mixture of planned tours and free time.  We started our adventure at JFK in New York, getting some quick introductions to the over 40 people who were taking part in the trip.  And believe it or not, someone was sweet enough to bring everyone homemade cookies!

world travel to spain

Events & Adventures members from around the US and Canada visited Spain!

After landing in Madrid, we got to stretch our legs with a quick tour of some of the city’s most famous sights, before taking a break to enjoy a welcome lunch that offered a staggering amount of delicious traditional Spanish cuisine.  Our first full day started with a tour for the presidential palace, which was spectacular.  We then journeyed to the ancient city of Toledo, which is thousands of years old, and got the chance to get lost in the labyrinth of tiny streets that wind around the historic town.  Dinner was a casual five-course party with several small plates (tapas) before our entrees. We learned the hard way we would have to pace ourselves with the food here because they just keep bringing it out!

We headed to towns ancient towns of Avila and Segovia. The Roman aqueducts are still soaring over the town.  How can the residents just go on about their day when they have such spectacular history all around them?!   After we returned to Madrid we refreshed ourselves and headed out to a popular bar area for a Tapas crawl.  The bars here are more like pubs, not clubs—because those open way later.  Each bar we tried different luscious small dishes, and we loved how everyone shares!

We packed up from Madrid and headed to Bunol, where the residents were preparing for the Tomatina Festival the very next day.  It was such a cute little town. We spent our afternoon and evening touring and eating in this historical city by the sea.  The next morning was the beginning of the adventure that is the world famous Tomatina Festival—probably the world’s largest annual food fight.  Security was tight.  To make sure no one got hit with anything other than tomatoes we couldn’t bring anything in.  Twenty thousand people packed the long narrow streets before the dump trucks just started unloading as they drove down the street, and at the starting pistol—it was pure madness.  Goggles were the best idea ever—as long as you kept them on!  It was so exciting, and everyone was there for the fun of it, not to kill other with these little red bombs.  As much as we laughed, it was best to keep your mouth closed though!  After the ending pistol the fire department and locals brought out hoses to wash everyone off.  There is nothing like experiencing world travel by being involved in the local culture.  Getting smashed tomatoes out of hair proved to be the most challenging part of the whole trip.  Even playing in the warm and relaxing Mediterranean Sea didn’t get it out.

world travel to spain

Barcelona was the final hotel location for our world travel to Spain.

We took a tour of what is probably one of the biggest promenades you’ll ever see, and thousands of people were out for an evening stroll.  The shopping, food, bars, and views of the Gothic neighborhood were everything you’d expect it to be.  Small lanes that are no wider than one car have little bars and restaurants around each turn, with people spilling out into the lanes.

It wasn’t long before we got to witness La Sagrada Familia, one of the most incredible cathedrals in the world—and they are still building it!  Every tiny detail has a meaning, and the colors the stained glass creates and projects into the building are breathtaking.  Designed by several architects, the most influential being Gaudi, it has different styles in throughout the construction.  Afterwards, we had an amazing tour of Park Guell.  It was the original planned neighborhood.  At the time it was too far out of town and too expensive but for a handful of the super elite. Gaudi’s influence could be felt everywhere we went, and he managed to translate beauty even in the unusual, as everything he produced appeared to be curved and wavy.  His mosaics were everywhere and they were beautiful, even the monochromatic ones.  World travel can expose you to so many wonderful things you might have otherwise never seen.

Monserrat Benedictine monastery is a historical and religious jewel. Hidden up, up, way up in the mountains, disguised by the hills, how’d they build this gorgeous place?  There are still monks there and a school for boys!  So after our tram trip to the ‘top’ of the mountain (there’s a small chapel and alter up even higher if your legs can get you there), we went to the coolest place ever for another never-ending lunch—a traditional hacienda (ranch house) that was turned into a restaurant.  We learned the traditional Spanish way to drink wine and had never ending courses of family-style food (again).  People were stuffed before they brought out the chicken, traditional sausage (which tasted like Texas BBQ!), and meats.  We HAD to get to the winery so dessert was taken to go—Biscotti-like biscuits and fresh fruit!

Speaking of wine….  We had a tour of the most amazing winery I’ve ever seen, and I live in Northern California.  This was not a regular winery; it was a huge commercial business that makes great wine.  It was simply amazing.  The tram we rode had headset options for six languages, though we didn’t use them since it was a private tour.  Stories of the wineries founding and growth were projected on walls that lifted up so we could see the barrel storage.  We got to walk down the original storage cellars below ground. They told and showed us how they produce spectacular “healthy” wines that don’t harm the environment.  Using solar power the facility is almost entirely self-sustained!  Everyone was impressed before we even started the tasting and got to try four different delicious wines.  I imagine the wine drinkers were ready to move in.

Our last day of this world travel tour was spent visiting the ancient cities of Figueras and Girona.  Girona is a medieval city with narrow streets, castles and ramparts.  Figueras is another historical city that is such for a different reason—Salvador Dali.  The museum made of his birthplace was a trip in the madness of a truly brilliant artist.  The amount of art in so many different mediums was staggering.  Our farewell dinner was a little different since it was in the Catalonian style.  Less meat, meat, meat, more little flourishes on the dishes, but still way too much food.

The trip and tours were truly awesome, but getting to see people from the other E&A Clubs was like gathering of old friends while making new ones.  There were so many people I wanted to spend more time with but the time slipped away so fast. We’ll stay friends through social media until we meet again on our next world travel trip, maybe even on an in-between trip to visit friends!  We talked about the Amazon trip next month and Cuba and China trips already scheduled for next year.  I can’t wait to join my Events & Adventures world travel friends in our next exotic destination.

world travel to spain

trampoline dodgeball with Events & Adventures Phoenix

Dodgeball Competition Heats Up in Phoenix

Dodgeball is no longer just a kids’ game played during gym class in junior high with the jocks teasing the nerds.

Nope, dodgeball is now an adult game played for fun in leagues across America, and last week we decided to get it on right here in Glendale, Arizona at Jump Street.  It’s a great way to spend time with your friends while getting in a competitive workout, so the members of Events & Adventures Phoenix did battle five-on-five—with the added twist of blending in a trampoline to raise the stakes, and insanity level. We picked our teams, decided our strategies, and summoned our inner Patches O’Houlihan!

Even if you were never very competitive before, that part of you will reveal itself when it comes down to deciding who will be the last man standing after a game of dodgeball.  The good news is that no matter how hard a ball is thrown even a direct hit on the chest does more stinging than any real harm.  It starts out with members of each team lining up on the base line and charging to center court on a whistle or clap to pick up as many of four balls as possible to be thrown at the other team. But first, each team must retreat behind the free throw line before attempting to hit an opponent.

Some teams will have a certain technique, while others will not.  The most common strategy is to target the other team’s best player and whip several balls at him or her in a coordinated barrage, presuming the player cannot dodge them all.  It took me several times to figure out how to actually dodge the ball rather than attempting to catch it flying at me.  When a team is ahead in the number of players remaining, another tactic is to pick out an opposing individual and bull-rush him until he is tagged. Play continues until one team is out of players.  Teamwork will win more games than rogue individual play.

So how does the trampoline factor into the dodgeball game?  Well if you’re able to go out and enjoy any activity when you’re laughing at yourself after repeatedly falling down, then you’re the perfect candidate to attempt this workout of a game on a trampoline!  At the end of the night, not only will your thigh muscles and arms burn from a good workout, your sides will probably hurt from all the laughs.  Trampoline dodgeball is definitely a lot more fun than just working out the gym.

As famed dodgeball coach Patches O’Houlihan once said, “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”  So next time you want to try it, join Events & Adventures for an intense and hilarious round of dodgeball!

Phoenix Gives Some Advice on an Easy way to Date

The struggle is real! First date jitters can be a debilitating experience. Negative thoughts run through your head, you get cold sweats, and your imagination can run wild with worst case scenarios.  What do you wear?  Should you have gotten your hair cut? What if he doesn’t like you? What if she doesn’t show?  Events & Adventures can put an end to your struggle with an easy way to date. What if before you even had a “first date” you got to have many “non-dates”, an activity-based event where you just got to know each other.

That’s exactly what Events & Adventures members do.  It’s a first date with no pressure or strings attached, meaning there’s no reason to be nervous. Not only that, our club offers a wide range of events allowing you to have an experience tailored to your preferences. Enjoy hiking? Go hiking.  Like the adrenaline rush of hang gliding? We’ve got you covered.  Want to rest and enjoy a glass of wine while fireside?  You can do that too.  The love of your life will be choosing from the same activities you are and will show up to the events that you enjoy.  All you have to do is strike up a conversation, there’s no awkwardness because neither of you are on a date you’re just two singles out having fun.  This is what we live by.

Events & Adventures sets up 30+ events a month so even if not every event is your cup of tea, chances are more than a few will be.  No need to worry about what to wear, or if anyone will show up because we’re all in it together.  If you are sick of online dating or dates that feel like a job interview, check out Events & Adventures. Your future soulmate is out there and feels the same way!

Fun event with Events and Adventures Phoenix

Events & Adventures Arizona has a Fresh new Outlook on Camping

Nothing is more American than pitching a tent, building a bonfire and grabbing a cold one while being surrounded by friends.  Camping is a summer getaway, a rite of passage, and gives us a sense of nostalgia.  It’s the best way to remove yourself from your daily routine and step back into an easier way of life.  If you are not typically a camper or outdoorsy person you’re in luck, because here in Arizona we have the perfect camping environment.  Not only is it just a short drive north to get away from the heat, the dry weather keeps the bugs at bay, and the cooler weather makes it perfect for swimming or cozying up next to the fire. Northern Arizona has beautiful water sources for kayaking, high rising evergreens that canopy the area with shade, and amazing evenings with clear, starry skies.

Events & Adventures takes this as an opportunity to help you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind on Memorial and Labor Day weekends. This Memorial Day weekend we will be heading to Cottonwood, do some hiking amongst the Red Rocks of Sedona and kayak in the Verde River. The nights will be spent fireside getting to know new friends, and reminiscing about past adventures.  Outdoorsy or not, Events & Adventures has you covered.  There will be camping experts at your disposal that will teach you how to rough it for the three days, or how to “glamp” up your campsite to make it just as glamorous as your own bedroom.

As the summer months roll in, Events & Adventures will be taking to the high country multiple times. We’re going to the Mt. Lemmon cabins for 4th of July weekend (with all the hotel luxuries you need, while still getting to enjoy the outdoors) and tent camping again up north for Labor Day.  The days in the valley are getting warm, so join Events & Adventures for the perfect escape from the heat and stress!

Events & Adventures gives you Access to Unique Dates

At a certain point dating can become a chore. How many online profiles can you sift through and how many bars can you crawl before you get bored and disappointed. All the dating sites tell you there are millions of great singles waiting to meet you, and every week there’s a new crowd at our local bar’s singles night, but it all gets stale pretty quick. Making a connection with one of those millions of singles starts to seem impossible. Events & Adventures was created to be a solution to all these problems; our club offers great unique dates and the opportunity to really connect with someone else.

Our Arizona club was recently featured on their local NBC station, and our club was praised for our unique approach to dating. Our Arizona members attended a murder mystery party hosted by the club—members dressed up, had fun, and got a chance to meet new people in a way that was fun and unconventional. NBC praised our club for its creativity and dedication to helping our members feel comfortable engaging new people.  At Events & Adventures it’s not about meeting as many people as possible; it’s about meeting good people and creating lasting and meaningful connections.

Click here to read the article NBC wrote about Events & Adventures, and if you want unique dates and an opportunity to make amazing new friends check us out. We have clubs nationwide and are always looking to add great people to our member base. Contact your local Events & Adventures club today to learn more about our interview and membership process. We have dozens of great events every month and several international trips every year.

Phoenix Has Enough Adventure to Last a Lifetime in One Weekend

Fun Adventures with Events & Adventures Phoenix

Events & Adventures Phoenix had an amazing time white water rafting this weekend.  We spent two nights in the Salt River Canyon town of Claypool.  At night, the still operating copper mines outside of town lights up when all the third shift workers head to work and it’s an amazing sight to see.  The town is a historic area and has been mined since the 1860’s. We had an amazing night there and enjoyed a great dinner, great drinks and even better company.

The next day brought even more adventure as we headed to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation and the Upper Salt River for our annual White Water Rafting trip. The class three rapids were a little intimidating, and a few members actually even fell out of their boats—but everyone was glad that they did it because it was just another part of an adventure of a lifetime.  We spent the rest of the day on an adrenaline high while we swapped stories from our time on the river over drinks, homemade lasagna and card games.  When you can have weekends like this why would you ever spend your days off any other way?

We plan on going on another white water rafting trip in June in case you missed this one, and this time we’ll be taking on the Grand Canyon. We’re going to head to Vegas for a three day trip full of camping, rafting, helicopter rides, and some of the cleanest air in the nation.  Weekend getaways with Events & Adventures are never anything but amazing. Spend your next weekend with us.

Single group events with Events & Adventures Phoenix

Life Changing Experiences and Great Friends with Events & Adventures Phoenix

An everyday challenge could change your life.  Whether it’s a challenge that arises at work, with your family, or from within yourself, every one of these moments could be something that changes your life for the better or worse.  At Events & Adventures, we are in the business of changing people’s lives for the better!  Our club offers you the chance to have many unique experiences that you would usually never get the opportunity to have.  One of the most rewarding experiences we offer our members is a chance to meet their best friend.

Here are the 5 best ways we make that happen:

  1. Laughter

Laughter is the best medicine and sharing laughter is a great way to get to know someone.  Whether a moment like that comes from a free comedy show shared with someone you just met, making a fool of yourself to play the part you’re assigned at a murder mystery dinner, or sharing stories around a campfire, laughter is abundant and generously shared at Events & Adventures.

  1. Sharing an adventure

Nothing gets conversation and connections going more than sharing a life changing experience.  For many members of our club, skydiving, white water rafting, eating an exotic food, or taking a walk through an underground lava tube are not things they would ever do on their own.  Our club creates an atmosphere that makes it easier to take that chance and go on that adventure—because you’ll have a great group of people beside you, going on that adventure with you.

  1. Creating something together

Getting the creative juices flowing brings out less seen sides of people.  It opens your mind to new ideas and livens up how you are perceived by others. Events & Adventures likes to create, and how we do it varies. Sometimes it could be in the form of a cooking class and learning to make a decadent soufflé, or working together to complete a relay challenge to create a goal and reach it as a group.  Creating and completing a task can be a great way to find that instant connection in a friend or partner.

  1. Giving Back

Giving back to the community is something Events & Adventures takes very seriously.  We love to partner up with local charities and help out the people around us.  Giving back in the form of community outreach can give you a sense of compassion that no other act can give.  Sharing this feeling with others can make it easier to open up and gives you the opportunity to be comfortably vulnerable with others, something that would otherwise not be available in the beginning of friendships.

  1. Traveling Abroad

International travel can be exciting, exhausting, scary, thrilling, tiring, breathtaking, and moving—all at once.  Emotions can run wild and you may experience feelings you never have before.  Events & Adventures gives you the opportunity to go to those exotic places you’ve always wanted to go, without the headache of planning or the nerves of facing an unknown culture alone.  When you’re sharing the experience of riding an elephant, swatting off giant mosquitoes, or seeing one of the seven wonders with your very own eyes, it’s hard not to connect with someone.  Something so life changing can only be shared with those you are with at that very moment.  Joining Events & Adventures is your ticket to meeting your new best friend. And who knows, that best friend could one day become your partner for life.

Fun traveling with Events & Adventures Phoenix

Live Your Bucket List With Events & Adventures Phoenix

What’s on your bucket list? Skydiving? A trip to Peru?  How about visiting Australia, the Amazon, Cuba or Ireland? Maybe even river rafting at the Grand Canyon or facing your fear of heights on a zipline? Events & Adventures has done all of this, and a lot more. We have a “bucket list-worthy” activity every month. In fact, this month alone our club is going skydiving, white water rafting, horseback riding, whale watching and visiting Ireland, with trips to Spain and the Grand Canyon coming up later this year!

Every person should have the adrenaline-filled adventure of jumping and falling gracefully from a perfectly good airplane, taking a kayak into the river and feeling the sheer force of the elements at its finest, or flying high above the ground on a zipline.  But don’t worry, if an adrenaline rush isn’t your thing we can find another kind of adventure that’s more your speed. For example, maybe a trip to Ireland where you and 30 of your new friends will explore the Irish country-side and partake in local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? And then later this year we will tour the old world historic cities of Spain and take a peek into the frozen in time island of Cuba!  We also plan to take a boat up the Amazon River and witness the wonders of the untouched civilizations of the rainforest.

Once you’ve checked off everything on your current bucket list alongside Events & Adventures you’ll have time to create a new one.  With Events & Adventures you have the opportunity to have experiences you never thought possible for yourself, adventures that are more thrilling and exciting than you could possibly have dreamed.  This all happens while you are making new friends both in your city and around the world.  So whether you are an adrenaline junkie, or a quiet explorer, Events & Adventures can be your ticket to the life and experiences you’ve always wanted.

Have a Busy and Exciting Weekend without any Planning

For so many of us weekends come and go way too quickly.  Before you even have time to plan what you’ll be doing Friday night, the alarm clock is going off and signaling the start of Monday morning. But that hasn’t been a problem for our club members since they joined Events & Adventures.

This last weekend we had tons of plans scheduled, with no thought needed on the members’ side—all we had to do was show up and have a good time. Our Friday night was a late one with bingo after dark. The casino where we spent the night created a bingo-meets-night-club atmosphere for entertainment.  It sounds crazy but we were actually playing bingo while also hitting the dancefloorCould you keep up with the numbers while a dance party grooves all around you?

On Saturday morning we spent a beautiful day in the desert.  Clear skies, 70 degree weather and lots of Events & Adventures friends learning to shoot clay pigeons with the shotguns.  One of our members was such a good shot; he was able to hit four clay pigeons with one load, and two shots—entertaining and impressive! Then the night was filled with custom built pizza, a personal pizza truck, craft beer, and Cards Against Humanity.

Sunday we slowed it down and took to the trails and rode horses into the sunset. This quiet, peaceful ride through the desert was the perfect way to wrap up a fun, eventful and adventure-filled weekend.
There’s so much to do with Events & Adventures there’s no need to plan your weekend.  Spend your week concentrating on what you need to get done; and then when the weekend comes around your R&R is all ready for you.  Whether you’re looking for something adventurous to do on your weekends, or an opportunity to meet and have fun with new friends, Events & Adventures has you covered.  Next weekend will be filled with even more new adventures, so check us out. We’ll be doing things like city scavenger hunts, bumping each other around at bubble soccer, or jumping out of planes on our quarterly skydiving adventure!  And all in one weekend!

donations and donuts

Food & Clothing Drive for the Needy

prm

Events & Adventures is proud to sponsor “Donations & Donuts”, a food and clothing drive to benefit the Phoenix Rescue Mission.  Hosted by the wonderful folks at Rollover Doughnuts, Events & Adventures members and staff will be collecting food and clothing for those less fortunate.

We invite you to please help those among us in need this holiday season by donating canned food and new or gently used clothing to the Phoenix Rescue Mission.  Here is everything you need to know about “Donations & Donuts”:

  • Sunday, December 20th
  • Between 11am and 2pm
  • Fully open to the public
  • Rain or shine
  • Rollover Doughnuts is located at 10 Vernon Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Please RSVP below so we can anticipate just how many people will be joining us at Rollover Doughnuts during the drive.  Thank you in advance for your support to this great cause.