10Best: Phoenix faves that split the uprights
Phoenix gets its moment in the spotlight Feb. 1 when it hosts the Super Bowl, but resident Robbie Gould says the desert metropolis shines year-round. The Chicago Bears player, the third-most-accurate place kicker in NFL history, moved to the city 2 1/2 years ago. "It's a great place. There's lots to do and the weather's fantastic," he says. Also a broadcaster and philanthropist, Gould shares some favorite Phoenix-area spots with Larry Bleiberg for Paste BN.
Arrogant Butcher
Gould loves the scene at this downtown eatery across the street from Chase Field, which attracts theater crowds and politicians seeking salads, burgers, steaks, seafood and cocktails. "It's one of my favorite places in downtown Phoenix," he says. "We sit outside on the patio area. It's really fun to be able to people-watch." he says. 602-324-8502; foxrc.com
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
There's no shortage of spots to get pampered in the Phoenix area, but Gould is particularly fond of this resort in neighboring Scottsdale, home to the Willow Stream Spa. "It's great to get a massage there, and they have great amenities for males and females." Afterward, he likes to grab a bite at the hotel's Mexican restaurant La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval. 866-540-4495; scottsdaleprincess.com
Phoenix Zoo
Gould has a 1-year-old son and has discovered the charms of the city's zoo, which sprawls over 125 acres with 1,400 animals on display. Kids love the monkey village, giraffe encounter and camel rides. "It's one of the better zoos I've been to," he says. "It's a great place for families to get out and enjoy some of that weather, to be able to walk outside and have the kids out and doing something." 602-286-3800; phoenixzoo.org
Waste Management Phoenix Open
Football isn't the only sport bringing excitement to the desert this winter. The PGA tournament, running Jan. 26-Feb. 1 at TPC Scottsdale, will feature Tiger Woods, who famously shot a hole-in-one here in 1997. Gould likes the atmosphere on the par-3 hole 16, considered the rowdiest in golf. "They set it up as if it's a stadium, and there are thousands of people and they're drinking and having a good time," he says. wmphoenixopen.com
Baseball spring training
Just a month after the Super Bowl, baseball fans will descend on Phoenix for spring training. Gould loves catching both Chicago teams, but he probably sees more of the Cubs in their new stadium, Sloan Park, in nearby Mesa because his father-in-law has season tickets. "There's a restaurant in back and bars to watch the game. It's almost like a spring break place. You can sit on the lawn, eat at different food trucks," he says. cactusleague.com
Arizona Diamondbacks
Baseball fans aren't just limited to spring training. Gould loves to visit Chase Field, home to Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks. "The tickets are cheap, and you can see a great game here," Gould says. "You can really enjoy it whether it's 110 degrees and they have the roof closed, or at night when it's 75 or 80 and the roof opens up." 602-462-6500; arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com
Ak-Chin Pavilion
Last year Gould saw Lady Antebellum perform at this outdoor venue, which seats 20,000, with 8,000 under a pavilion roof. "It's an awesome place where you can catch concerts relatively close to downtown," he says. 602-254-7200; ak-chinpavilion.com
US Airways Center
Gould is a regular at this venue, home to the Arena Football League Arizona Rattlers, where his brother Chris is a placekicker. The center, which will change its name to Talking Stick Resort Arena this year, is also home to the NBA's Suns and the WNBA's Mercury. "It's nice. You feel like you're part of the game and involved in it," he says. 602-379-7800; usairwayscenter.com
The Living Room
This lounge-style cafe and wine bar in nearby Chandler offers a casual atmosphere, with outside fireplaces and heating. "You can take in some great sandwiches and nice food. When it's 70 degrees at night, you can really enjoy the weather but sit in a lounge bar area and hang out with family," Gould says. 480-855-2848; livingroomwinebar.com
Quintero Golf Club
When he's not on the gridiron, you'll probably find Gould on the greens. And with hundreds of courses in the area, he has no shortage of places to play. But the kicker is particularly fond of this high-desert course northwest of Phoenix. "You're out in the middle of nowhere," he says. "You've got awesome views of the redstone mountains and valley." 928-501-1500; quinterogolf.com