With temperatures reaching into the triple digits, it’s time to look for air conditioned entertainment. Movie theatres, museums and of course the living room in your Phoenix vacation home are all great options, but sometimes you need something a bit more exciting to do. Thankfully, the Phoenix area offers 18 different casinos! Here is are the best casinos to check out in the Phoenix area:

Casino Arizona: With two brand new facilities in Salt River and Talking Stick Resort, you can enjoy shows, poker rooms, 131 high-limit slots, and blackjack. If you’re not the gambling type, check out the piano bar or go shopping for Native American jewlery and artwork.

Fort McDowell Casino: This is the oldest Indian casino in the state. There are shuttle services throughout Scottsdale so if you’re staying in your Scottsdale vacation home, you may be able to take advantage and save some money. Enjoy keno, slots, poker, blackjack and bingo!

Gila River Casino: This casino offers a non-alcoholic sports bar and complimentary drinks so you can get hopped up on soda before you hit the largest poker table in Arizona. Electronic roulette and craps are available as well so if you’re nervous about playing with a live dealer or if you just like looking at avatars, this could work well for you.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin: This place is huge and fancy. It features over 400 slots, blackjack, keno and more. There is also a full golf course on site so you can take your game to the green. Free shuttles are available and they make stops throughout the Phoenix area so have a martini or two at the bar without having to worry about driving home.

With all the money you save renting a vacation home from Westbrook Vacation Rentals, you’ll be able to afford to hit the blackjack table and enjoy a show without losing next month’s mortgage payment. Plan a gambling trip this fall!

Oregano's In Phoenix

While it’s sweltering now, pretty soon it’s going to be the perfect weather for being outside and enjoying the weather in the Phoenix area. Being able to sit outside and enjoy a nice day while eating great food is one of the best things to do especially with the fall coming up here in Phoenix. Here are some great options for patio dining in Phoenix:

The Farm at South Mountain: The farm reopens on September 7th. The Morning Glory Cafe provides fresh breakfast food ranging from omelets to granola and The Farm Kitchen provides picnic food. There is an on site organic farm so everything is fresh.

Oregano’s: This pizza joint’s patio is misted in the summertime and heated in the winter so it’s a great place to dine outside year round. Try the pizza cookie topped with ice cream.

Lon’s At The Hermosa:Located at the historic Hermosa Inn, Lon’s patio is surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Enjoy the shade of the trees while looking out onto the desert. The food is gourmet rustic American cuisine. It’s a great place for a date in the evening when the patio is candle lit.

Olive and Ivy: This restaurant’s cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and contemporary fusion. The food is great but the best reason to come here is the atmosphere. Their patio is roomy and great for hanging out.

BLT Steak at the Camelback Inn: With three different patios and a great view of Camelback Mountain, this is a great place to dine outside. Come here to watch the sunset and eat a great meal.

While it’s still scorching outside during the day this time of the year, many of these places are great for outdoor evening dining. As it gets cooler, these places will be even greater destinations for lunch. When you’re planning a trip to your Phoenixvacation home, definitely incorporate an evening of patio dining.

One of the best reasons to visit or live in Phoenix is the scenery. Phoenix has sunny, warm weather much of the year which makes it an ideal spot for enjoying the outdoors. Phoenix has some amazing parks to take in and enjoy for free. Here are some great parks in Phoenix:

Papago Park: Hike up to Hole-In-The-Rock which is the spot where native Hohokam devised a calendar system. Also, check out the golf course, bike trails and playground for the kids.

South Mountain: At 16,500 preserved acres, this is the world’s largest municipal park. It’s a great place to hike or just sit back and watch the sunset. Also check out their Olympic sized pool and fitness facilities.

Phoenix Mountains Parks and Recreation Area/Dreamy Draw Recreation Area:Piestewa Peak is located here which is a great place for serious hikers. It will definitely give anyone a serious workout. Once you get to the top, the view is incredible! There are also some beautiful areas to have a picnic in so don’t let the rough terrain deter you from hanging out.

Steel Indian School Dog Park: This is a great place to take the dogs with you and let them stretch out and play. It’s Phoenix’s only off leash park. It’s also a great place to wear them out so they’ll sleep on the car ride home.

Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area:This is prime hiking territory and easily accessible from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. It is very tumultuous however so if you’re not very experienced, you’ll want to pace yourself. The trails also give you an amazing view of the desert.

Whether you want to take the dogs out, have a picnic, watch the sunset or take a long hike in the desert, Phoenix offers some amazing parks. The next time you’re at your Scottsdale vacation home or Phoenix vacation home, check out Phoenix’s parks. The ones mentioned are only a few options!

Who doesn’t love a good burger in the summertime? Especially with Labor Day coming up, chances are you’re getting a hankering. Here are the best places to get a burger in Phoenix:

In-n-Out: Phoenix may not be the only place that has In-n-Out but it’s definitely worth mentioning. The menu is simple and classic.

Original Hamburger Works: This place has a great burger in addition to being a great joint to hang out in, with beer and pool tables.

Lenny’s Burger: Lenny’s has won numerous awards over the years for having killer burgers, shakes, and fries.

Delux: If you’re looking for a fancier burger, Delux is the place to get it. Their burgers are made with high quality meat and are dressed to impress.

Houston’s: If you’re vegetarian, Houston’s is a great option. They make their own veggie burgers. There are also plenty of options for carnivores as well.

Roaring Fork: If you’re looking for a large, fancy burger, this is the place to go. It’s well worth the money.

CJ’s Tally’s Pub: This is the best option if you’re looking for a good old hole in the wall experience. It’s cheap and delicious.

Richardson’s: This place has a great spicy burger. If you’re looking for some different with a Southwest flair, Richardson’s is the place to go.

Giant Hamburgers: The burgers are just as they sound. Check out Giant’s for a large classic burger. No gimmicks or bells and whistles involved.

Chelsea’s Kitchen: A hip burger joint with plenty of atmosphere so if you’re looking to get ketchup all over your face in style, Chelsea’s is the perfect place to do it at.

Phoenix is a great place for burgers. If you don’t feel like firing up the grill in your Phoenix vacation home, check out the local options. There’s a burger for every taste. Enjoy!

Decorating your house for some one else to stay in periodically is a bit different than decorating it just for yourself. When it comes to turning your home into a vacation home, design is an important factor to consider. Here are 10 simple ways that you can spruce up your vacation home to make sure that it’s ready for company:

1. Room by Room: Each room needs to have a different feel. Evaluate the functionality of each room and make sure that the design fits the purpose.

2. Pictures: Framed artwork that is well placed on the walls of your home can make a huge difference. It can set the tone.

3. Color: Make sure that each room is in the same color family. Details matter. Accent colors can sharpen a dull room right up.

4. Simplicity: Resist the urge to scatter too many trinkets around. Less is more.

5. Rearrange Furniture: Moving a few things around that are already there can make a room look completely different.

6. Paint: A fresh coat of paint in a room will make it look fresher. By painting it a different color, it can also change the feel.

7. Clean It: Clear out the dust bunnies and clean the windows. Pay attention to detail. People like staying somewhere clean above all else.

8. Mirrors: Putting some mirrors in a few strategically placed locations can add class and make any room look bigger.

9. Add Personality: Put your own taste into it. People like staying at a place that is unique and that they remember.

10. Hire A Professional: Westbrook Vacation Rentals has interior design services. They specialize in making your home guest ready.You can go through the steps to get your home vacation home ready but by hiring a professional it makes it a lot easier and can save time.

Whether you’re planning on decorating yourself or hiring a professional, it’s important to keep things maintained and think about what will make a good impression on the people who will be staying there.