AZ Blog

Most Iconic Stretch Limos

Hummer Limo - Limos PhoenixThe concept of a stretch limo is surprisingly old. We wrote an article about that recently. Over time, some cars proved to be more amenable to being turned into elongated cars. In this piece we will revisit some of the most iconic stretched out vehicles, whether old and classic or new and trendy.

If you ever wish to feel the exclusivity and the comfort of such a vehicle, you can find the best limos in Phoenix at AZ Limo rental company. With a variety of vehicles in the fleet, AZ Limo is sure to meet and exceed your demands.

Cadillac One

This is not a production car, but a one-off. The reason it found its place on this list is because it is custom made by Cadillac for the President of the United States of America. It is, of course, equipped with various offensive and defensive devices, as well as being armored heavily. The president has 12 of these, and the specifications are kept a secret, understandably.

Toyota Century Royal

Speaking of government only cars, Toyota have made a special ‘Royal’ version of their Century model for the use of the Japanese emperor. They have disclosed the price of about half a million dollars, back in 2006 when they were built. They haven’t disclosed the security measures to the general public. The emperor has four of these cars at his disposal. Other government officials use regular Toyota Century vehicles.

ZIL-4112R

To conclude the part of the text about government cars, ZIL-4112R comes from Russia. Despite its blocky design, this is a formidable modern vehicle with 6 doors and a massive 7.7-liter gasoline engine, armor plating and undisclosed security measures.

Lincoln Town Car

This is a very common conversion model. The car itself is no longer in production, but this model has left an indelible mark on the pop culture, finding itself in many TV series and films as the standard stretch limo. In the late 1980s, George H. Bush even used this model as a basis for his presidential limo. With its V8 engine and affordable repairs, it is used by many rental companies throughout the USA.

Ford Fairlane

In the USA, Ford Fairlane was a classic car, discontinued in the 1970s. However, Ford continued using this name overseas, and in Australia they still produced this model until 2007, with all the amenities of a 21st century limousine. With their excellent soundproofing and smooth suspension, they provide an ideal combination for a hire car.

Chrysler 300

Chrysler 300 has an imposing presence on the road thanks to its front grille and a bit blocky and bulky design. This makes it a true eye-catcher and therefore an ideal candidate for stretching out.

SUVs

The trend in the recent times has called for stretched out versions of SUVs, as the favorite type of vehicle in the USA. Icons such as Chrysler Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Hummer all have stretched out versions. They are hard to miss and even harder to ignore. If attention is what you seek, a stretch SUV is sure to help you with that.

Limousines are usually not made stretched out by the parent company, but rather by coachbuilding companies. These companies need to follow strict safety regulations, so you can be sure that stretch limos are safe and comfortable to ride in. For all your needs for limos in Phoenix look no further than AZ Limo. The fleet consists of stretched out limos, business sedans, sprinter vans, party buses, coaches – pretty much any type of vehicle you might want to rent. Contact us today to learn more.

The advantages of renting over owning

Owning or renting - Limo in PhoenixIn these fast modern times, it is hard to imagine a life without a car, or another type of vehicle. But sometimes, it is far better to rent a vehicle than actually own it. Listed below are some of the advantages of renting over owning. AZ Limo offers a fleet of great cars, both for everyday use and for special situations for you to choose from. Find a limo in Phoenix here.

Repairs

If you’ve had an accident, or the normal wear and tear has damaged a part of your car, you may soon wish you weren’t the owner. Some parts can reach astronomical prices, and the mechanics aren’t exactly offering their services cheaply either. And if you had to be towed to the mechanic’s shop, you’ll perhaps wonder if renting a party bus would have been a cheaper option.

Depreciation

Your brand new car that you paid a fortune lost a sizeable portion of its value simply because you drove it a mile or two from the dealership to your home. Next year, the same model you bought will come with extra features that will put yours to shame. And the value of your car will just continue to plummet. By the time you decide to sell your car, it will be worth just a fraction of what you paid for it, and at the end of the line, you will end up right where you started – without a car.

Expensive or unavailable parking

Wherever you go by car (which is pretty much everywhere, let’s be honest), you will need to park it. If you’re going to a big shopping mall, you will likely have no problem finding a spot. If, however, you are going to work downtown, alongside with thousands of other people who are doing the same thing, parking anywhere near your workplace becomes a highly demanded commodity. And the local authorities know this and will take full advantage of it, charging ever increasing sums of money for parking.

Limited space

Similarly, if you do not own a garage, or you live somewhere where parking isn’t readily available at all times (such as urban areas), you might end up parking pretty far from home. This is a nuisance at best.

Registration and insurance

Every year you need to renew your registration and that ends up costing you. And if you have forgotten about it, it may come as a nasty surprise when it is due. Not to mention the constant insurance payments you need to make, which most of us (luckily) never actually use.

Special occasions

Most of us aren’t driving the cars we would like to be driving. And when it comes to weddings, proms, and other special occasions, the child in us always wants the best that life can offer. Maybe to rent a stretch limo instead of that boring station wagon. Maybe to spend the bachelor’s night in a party bus going round the city, rather than driving to a club in two or three or more sedans (imagine the logistics of managing so many people and cars).

What our cars give us is the freedom and independence to go where we want when we want. But at times they can be a burden as well.

Whether this article has persuaded you or not, you must admit that sometimes we all need a bit of a break from the monotony of real life, and a bit of class to spice things up. In these situations, turn to AZ Limo and our varied offer of vehicles; both everyday sedans and stretch SUVs for the wildest of the occasions. Contact AZ Limo today to get your quote or rent a limo in Phoenix immediately.

How Did Stretch Limos Come to Be

Wedding Stretch Limo - Phoenix Limo RatesWe have all seen those elegant stretch limos around the town. Have you ever wondered who came up with the idea to lengthen a car and when? This text will give you a brief history of a stretch limo. Once they had been reserved solely for the rich and famous. However, Phoenix limo rates have been going down for years, and now this piece of luxury is available to the wide public, for rent for parties, birthdays, weddings or any other use you may find for them. AZ Limo Rental Company boasts an impressive fleet of stretch limousines and SUVs, as well as other vehicles.

Limousine

The term limousine actually doesn’t mean a stretch limo. It originally meant any luxury car with a chauffeur and with a compartment for the passengers physically separated from the driver. In Europe, the term limousine simply means a sedan. In modern interpretation a limousine is usually a luxury sedan which offers various amenities normally not found in regular cars. There are several types of limousines. Apart from the generally accepted design, there is a limousine-landaulet. This design includes a removable or folding roof over the passengers’ section. Another common design is the limousine de-ville. This design includes a solid roof over the passengers’ section, but the driver’s section has a removable or foldable roof.

Stretch limo

Stretch limos are luxury vehicles with the wheelbase which is longer than that of a typical sedan. The lengthening can be done by the manufacturers themselves; however, that is rare. More commonly, a specialized company, a coachbuilder, makes the alterations on the normal-size vehicle. These vehicles need to pass rigorous tests to make sure they comply to the safety regulations, so you may be sure that the stretch limo you are renting is safe.

History

The first stretch limo was manufactured in Fort Smith in Arkansas, as far back as 1928. It was not a production car, but the work of a coach building company called Armbruster. Back then, the art of coach building had been much more prevalent and this was a solid marketing move for the company. The first users of these stretch limos were musicians. Not much has changed since, it would appear. However, the stretch limo was used more practically in those days. It was used to transport large bands and their equipment. This led to them being called ‘big band buses’.

SUV limos

Since those early days, limos have evolved. Specialized coach builders have made stretch versions of many different cars. In the recent years, SUV stretch limos have become all the rage. If you have seen one, you know why. The raw power of the SUV combined with the elegance and the amenities available in a stretched out car. Their popularity is not dwindling, so various popular SUVs have had their stretched out iteration. Vehicles such as Yukon Denalis, Hummers, and Escalades are just come of them,

Amusing limos

Since the advent of the stretch limos in popular culture, many people have attempted to create stretched out versions of vehicles you would not normally expect. Some of these include Ferrari limos which can hold up to 10 people. Other such examples include a Volkswagen Beetle or a Mini Morris, normally very small cars, or Lada and Trabant, cheap Eastern European cars.

If you wish to rent a stretch limo in Phoenix, remember that limo rates are fairly affordable at AZ Limo. The AZ Limo rental company has a modern fleet which offers stretch limos, both sedan and SUV versions, as well as a variety of other vehicles for all your transport needs. Contact today for further information.

Most Common Reasons to Rent a Charter Bus

Why Hire a Charter Bus - phoenix charter busAZ Limo Company is a versatile one. The fleet ranges from simple sedans (with or without a chauffeur) to a massive charter bus. If you’re wondering ‘Well, who on Earth would rent a charter bus in Phoenix?’ here are the most common occasions these lumbering monsters are great for.

First of all, to be on the same page, a charter bus (or a coach) is the biggest commercially available road vehicle available in the USA. It usually has 55 passenger seats. Forget the memories of uncomfortable, cramped, stuffy and noisy nightmares on wheels, though. The new generations of charter buses are well equipped with various amenities formerly available only on smaller-scale vehicles. Some of those are the now ubiquitous air-conditioning, LCD screens able to play DVDs, tinted windows for privacy, as well as Wi-Fi access. Furthermore, these large vehicles offer what no other transport options can- sufficient luggage storage. In fact, the whole lower deck of the bus is dedicated to this task alone. So, with that in mind, who would need a whole charter bus to rent?

Sports teams

Sports teams, whether baseball, basketball or football, tend to consist of a lot of people. You’ve got the players themselves, the coaches and the supporting crew of medics, water carriers and others. That can tally up to a lot of people. In order to get from one town to the next, you’d need a lot of cars. And that’s all not accounting for all the equipment necessary (think of the football player’s uniform). Now, I am sure that NFL or NBA teams are wealthy enough to have their own transport all across the USA, but what about college teams, or the little leagues? This is one of those situations where a charter bus is ideal for the job.

Major weddings outside town

Some people go to great lengths to make their wedding as memorable as possible. Sometimes literally to great lengths, as their ideal place might not be in their own place of residence (or possibly somewhere far from any town or city). Inviting people to some remote area and not offering to give them a ride there may be construed as rude (or at least inconsiderate). With larger groups, the ideal solution is to rent a charter bus. Not only do people not need to struggle to find the place, thy can also be more relaxed, as they do not need to drive home.

Corporate retreat

Depending on the size of the company, a charter bus might be ideal for a team building retreat. The team building can be initiated while on the bus, by assigning seats and other team building exercises. Similarly to the wedding scenario from above, people might be more relaxed without the need to drive out themselves. And if the boss is on the bus as well, it adds to the feeling of togetherness and relative equality.

Following your sports team

Every major city in the USA has a sports team they are proud of. New York has the Giants and the Knicks, Dallas has the Cowboys, and Phoenix has the Suns. While many of us enjoy casually catching a game, or reverently following each match, there are those who are so dedicated to their sports team that they would follow them all across the country. And when there are enough of them, the charter bus seems like the only option. Well, at least we all know what the main topic on those road trips is.

Whatever your reason to rent a charter bus in Phoenix is, look no further than AZ Limo. And even if the bus is too big for your needs, AZ Limo has you covered with a variety of vehicles. Contact us now to get a quote or rent a charter bus.

Romantic Restaurants in Phoenix: Our Recommendation

Romantic Restaurants in PhoenixThere are some things that just go together. Like peanut butter and jelly. Like milk and cookies. Like romantic restaurants and limos. If you are preparing a special occasion for your significant other, careful planning is vital. Don’t leave anything to chance and give your loved one the best of yourself. When it comes to romance, there are some classics which should never be changed. Champagne, roses, a limo and a good restaurant are staples of an ideal date. If you need help picking out the best version of this ideal date, here is a list of romantic restaurants in Phoenix.

Italian restaurants

The true and tried formula of Italian cuisine and wine can’t fail in dazzling your senses and putting you in the best of moods on that special day. Italian cuisine’s strong points are the very best pastas, as well as some of the world’s most praised cheeses. Phoenix are does not lack for Italian restaurants, so you should have no trouble finding the ideal one for yourself. Most common recommendations include Tomaso’s and Crudo.

French restaurants

Much like the Italian ones, French restaurants are known to be the classic choice for fine dining all over the world. It is also true in Phoenix. French cuisine is known for the masterful use of aromatic herbs and the best ingredients. French wines (champagne being the most famous) and cheeses are the gourmet staple. Phoenix’s finest French cuisine is said to be in Vincent’s or in Coup de Tartes.

Chinese restaurants

Less than common choice for romantic dates, Chinese restaurants carry with them some of the oriental mystery and magic. The exotic spices and peculiar combinations of tastes are sure to entice you all throughout your date. Szechwan Palace and Nee House are praised for their authentic setting and food.

Japanese restaurants

Japanese cuisine is largely unknown to the Americans, save for the famous sushi. That is why going to a proper Japanese restaurant may be seen as an adventurous kind of date. If the excitement of something new and unfamiliar is a driving force for you, Japanese cuisine is the perfect date idea. However, make sure you find an authentic traditional restaurant. Phoenix boasts such institutions as Nobuo and Moto.

Fusion restaurants

National cuisines are all very distinctive and all deserve some credit. Still, if your sensibilities are more contemporary, perhaps your tastes for food are as well. That’s where fusion or contemporary cuisine comes to play. Taking ideas from every corner of the Earths, there is no single fusion style, but rather a conflation of ingredients, spices and cooking methods to create modern culinary magic. Places such as True Food Kitchen and Urban Vine are prime candidates for this kind of romantic restaurants in Phoenix.

Other options

If none of these national cuisines sparked your curiosity, or you just feel that there is a better option somewhere in there for you, remember that there is a bustling multicultural community in Phoenix. Thanks to the globalization process, we are able to enjoy lots and lots of different cuisines previously unknown to us. African cuisine of Ethiopia, spicy flavors of the Caribbean and many more wait for those adventurous enough to explore them.

Any of these makes an ideal setting for a romantic night on the town. It is up to you to capitalize on their potential to dazzle. And to get you there and back without breaking the spell of romance, hire a limo, as a classy reminder of how special they are to you. Contact AZ Limos to arrange your ride for the night.

Transport in Phoenix: Hiring a Vehicle is a Pro Choice

Sprinter Van PhoenixGetting form place to place quickly and efficiently is the key to success in this bustling, rapid world. If you need to get somewhere in Phoenix, you have several options before of you. Think in terms of why you need the car – business people in Phoenix often choose to hire a vehicle for business purposes. These may include a limo, a sprinter van, even a coach.

Here is a brief overview of the public and private modes of transport open to you in Phoenix.

Bicycles

This is a great transport option. It allows for mobility cars and other big vehicles just do not. You can cut across parks, through squares. It also provides excellent cardio exercise. It is also relatively inexpensive. Still, as a mode of transport for a professional, it leaves much to be desired. For one, a bicycle can only carry one, possibly two people. It is also very dependent on good weather and availability of decent cycling trails. You will be sorely lacking in the baggage department as well.

Public transport

Phoenix’s public transport is lacking, to say the least. During the 1990s, it was regularly on the lists of US cities with the worst public transport. Even though the situation has improved somewhat in the recent years, the buses can often be crowded and not fit your schedule. Having to plan your day’s activities around the arrivals and departures of buses is just frustrating.

Your company’s fleet

If your company is large enough, or wealthy enough, you may have company vehicle or a fleet of vehicles. This is an amazingly useful thing when you need to travel somewhere. It can bear the logo of your company and serve as a mobile advert as well. The downside is the cost. We’re talking insurance, maintenance, fuel, not to mention the initial cost of vehicles. If your company is not in the transport business, the other big downside is that the vehicles are mostly idle, trapping your money in an underused asset.

Your personal car

The preferred method of travel for most Americans, driving has been ubiquitous on our roads for many decades, and it doesn’t appear much will change in the foreseeable future. This mode of transport is ideal for those who need to get places fast and at their own timing and route. In the business world, however, there are some downsides to this transport method. For one, transporting more than five people in one car is illegal, so any bigger party would necessarily consist of multiple vehicles. Also, if you aim to impress your business partners, it may seem somewhat unprofessional to appear in personal cars.

Taxis

Taxis are fairly useful; you call them up, they get you to your destination, you pay them some money and they go on their merry way. However, similarly to the idea of driving your own car, calling a taxi is unpractical if there are more than a few people who need to travel anywhere, with multiple cars being involved. Additionally, the cost of several taxis can mount up to quite a sum.

Hiring a vehicle

Finally, we come to the option which might be optimal for most; renting a vehicle for the specific purpose. It can either be a stretch limo or a sprinter van or even a whole coach if the party is big enough. The advantages of this approach are clear. Regardless of the size of the party you are transporting, there is a hire vehicle for you. A limo for up to 10 people, sprinter vans for up to 14 passengers and coaches for anything above that. In addition, you get uniformity which communicates unity and team spirit to your business partners.

If you are looking to hire a limo, a coach, or a sprinter van in Phoenix, the premier partner to consider is AZ Limo. With a fleet of over 10 different vehicle types and sizes, you’re bound to find the one you want. Contact us today to get a quote.

Wow Your Client by Hiring a Limo: The Best Phoenix Limo Rates

Businesswoman in a Limo - Phoenix Limo RatesIf you are in a service industry, you know full well that leaving a good first impression on your client is going to give you an amazing head start. Some studies claim that it is far easier to ruin a good first impression than it is to fix a bad one.

So, what do you do about it?

One of the things you may consider is hiring a limo to take your client (or you, or both) to a meeting or a business trip. Phoenix limo rates are affordable and no longer considered a luxury by many business owners.

There are numerous ways you can get from one place to another, sure. But with a limo, you can do it in style and with confidence that no other mode of transportation can provide. Consider the following perks of limos.

The wow factor

In business as in life, a lot depends on that initial impression. Giving your client a sense of luxury and comfort they may not be used to can sway them towards a positive image of you and your company. What it tells your client is that you care about those you do business with. This gesture gives them a sense of confidence that you are serious about your business.

When a client sees a limo waiting outside, they see a business partner willing to go the extra mile. Be the one who stands out from the throng of similar businesses with extraordinary gestures.

The comfort

Imagine just having gotten off the plane. Planes are never comfortable, no matter where you sit, or how long your flight was. Then imagine that you have an important business meeting some 20 miles away. What now awaits you is a long cab ride, which is, again, not the most comfortable travel option. Your mood coming into the meeting isn’t going to be rosy. Now imagine that’s your client. If you can offer them some comfort, wouldn’t you?

Let’s rewind to the landing. Your client has spent some time on a plane, and is only half-way done with his trip. And then, at the airport, there’s a limo driver with his name on the plaque. If that doesn’t put them in a good mood, the perks inside the limo are sure to.

The air-conditioning and the sufficient leg room are a good start, but if you choose so, you can have a whole slew of amenities, such as drinks, music and video players, newspaper of any kind, etc. You just know they will be in a much better mood coming in.

Working on the go

If you are the type of person who doesn’t waste a second, you may choose to come along for the ride. The limo is ideal for the businessman whose time is precious, as you can discuss the broad strokes of the business while on your way to the meeting, or hammer out the finer details on your way to the celebratory dinner. Limos come standard with the compartment, so your privacy from the driver is not in question. Furthermore, modern limos come standard with Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected- an amenity which is so ubiquitous today, it is no longer considered a perk, but a necessity.

If you are interested in the best limo rates in Phoenix AZ, look no further than AZ Limo. We will get you there, and in style.

The Best Company Resort Ideas in Phoenix, AZ Area

Company Resort Ideas - Charter Bus PhoenixThere’s nothing that gets the results for a company, like a team who like and understand each other. For this reason, many companies decide to organize company retreats, for team building. I know not all of you are excited about those things. However, there is an undeniable connection between a positive working atmosphere and happy employees.

The question is where to go from your busy Phoenix, AZ life and relax for a few days. Actually, company resort business is booming, and unsurprisingly, there are many great resorts on offer. Whichever one you pick, you need to get there. It is likely that you will need a charter bus in Phoenix to drive you to the location. That’s where AZ Limo can help.

Ranches

As the old saying goes: When in Rome… Ranches are integral to the Arizona history, culture and tradition. Even though many of the ranches around aren’t exactly what would have passed as a ranch in the days of yore, they are exactly what you need to relax from all the hard work. Most ranches today are perfectly suited for relaxation and group activities, which are an integral part of a corporate holiday.

Nature Preserves

There are many beautiful nature preserves in Arizona. Just look around the city of Phoenix. There are nature preserves with lakes, deserts, mountains, whichever climate and whichever terrain suits you. And the best part is – they are all within driving distance from Phoenix.

Ski Resorts

Hey, who says that a company retreat must be in the summer, or somewhere warm? If your company has avid skiers/boarders, this may be ideal for you pack the crew into a charter bus in Phoenix, and head out to one of the many mountains in the vicinity. And I’m sure those of your employees who can’t ski will want to learn it.  And if not, there are tons of other things to do on a mountain, like walking, nature watching, or even just sitting in the resort, sipping hot cocoa, watching through the window and chatting with the colleagues.

The Lakeside Campsites

The true nature lover will be able to appreciate the beauty of the lakes in the surroundings of Phoenix. Campsites are sprawled all over those beautiful shores. I’m positive you can find the one that captivates you and is ideal for your collective rest.  Just make sure you follow all the rules set by the campsite.  Some of these lakes are actually parts of nature preserves and may not allow campfires/fishing or other activities you had in mind. Just make sure you check with the management of the campsite beforehand to avoid any awkwardness afterwards.

Vegas, Baby

It’s a relatively short drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas.  If you charter a bus in Phoenix after lunch, you can be partying in Sin City by nightfall. Let’s face it, this idea with not appeal to everyone. However, if your company consists mostly of young people, chances are partying is their way of unwinding.  And the boss who takes you to Vegas to party sounds like a pretty solid guy in my book.

White Water Rafting

This may be the single most common company trip ever. It combines the relaxation of a camping trip with the beauty and the excitement of visiting a nature park. There are many rafting options, but make sure your employees are OK with a bit of tumbling and getting wet. Ideal for adrenaline junkies as well as those who just want to shake off the monotony of the work week. A charter bus from Phoenix can get you to at least a dozen rafting locations, so if this is your thing, hesitate no more.

Whichever idea appeals to you the most, it is clear you need a way to get there.  AZ limo has you covered regardless of the number of people you need to drive. Whether it’s a bus, or a minibus, or the exclusive executive coach, AZ Limo will take you there.

 

The Ins and Outs of a Party Bus AZ Limo Style

Bus - Party Bus AZIt has many names; limo bus, party van, luxury bus, etc. Regardless of the name, however, it is synonymous with a great time. Most people who rent these moving parties do so on special occasions, like birthday parties, or weddings. But there’s nobody saying you can’t just rent it to have the best night out with friends while on the move. And there aren’t many things as exciting as a party bus AZ Limo can provide.

Design

A party bus started its life as a regular bus or a coach. Specialized shops convert these run off the mill vehicles into party machines by heavy modification. First of all, windows are tinted, so as to ensure your party’s privacy. Some other modifications include rearranging the seats. The standard seating arrangement is not conductive to partying, so it is replaced by a limo-style arrangement. There can be anything from seven to well over twenty seats, depending on the size of the bus.

Being a party bus, it would be unimaginable to have standard stereo system. Custom audio (and even video) systems are expected to be installed. Some more luxurious modifications may include a bar, plasma TVs, smoke machines, dance poles, disco and strobe lights or even lasers.

Legal and Regulative Issues

Actually, there are no legal standards as to what a party bus is. There are, however, some regulations based on the number of passengers. In the US, any vehicle with 15 passengers or more (the driver included) can be operated only by a person with a commercial driver’s license; i.e. a professional driver. With every party bus from AZ Limo, you get a skilled chauffeur to drive you.

Each party bus is thoroughly checked and regulated for your safety. Furthermore, all the vehicles are obligated to be insured according to Arizona laws, and if used for inter-state travel, they comply with additional federal regulations as well.

Function

The idea of a party bus is not dissimilar from the idea of a limo. You want to go somewhere in style, and there’s a lot of you; too many for a limo. The answer is simple – you need a party bus.

At present, the most favorite function of a party bus is a bachelor (or a bachelorette) party. That’s the night you’ll want to remember for a long time. Limos are great, but they can only seat so many. If you’re having a bigger party, there’s no way of cramming all of you into one limo. And having two or more limos not lose track of each other in the big city can be a logistical nightmare.

In bigger cities, such as Phoenix, AZ party bus is a really popular option for weddings themselves. Why wait to get to the venue, and why stop partying when the venue closes, when you have your party bus? Proms and birthday parties have seen a surge in interest in the recent years as well. Casino runs, whether local or inter-state are best done whilst partying. And there’s no better way to party while traveling than a party bus. Basically, any large gathering is a cause for renting a party bus.

TrendsInterior - Party Bus AZ

The latest of trends, however, is renting a party bus with no agenda, no grand occasion; rather just because it is fun to party on the go. You can have a party bus pick you up at your home, drive around the town until you have decided on a club (or clubs) you want to party at, and have the same bus pick you up on your way home, never stopping the party. If you’re a party animal, this is your ultimate ride. All the fun of party and drinking combined with the mobility of driving, with none of the legal repercussions and dangers of drunk driving. Find your own ride for the party night, contact AZ Limo today.

15 Mother’s Day 2013 Gift & Activity Ideas

“A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” – Tenneva Jordan

happy mother's day baby and mother hugging

Every year your mom insists that she doesn’t want anything for Mother’s Day, but even if she is telling the truth and not just playing coy, don’t you think she deserves a little something nice?

Mother’s Day 2013 is Sunday, May 12. Check out our tips below for suggestions for what to get for Mother’s Day and what Mother’s Day activities to partake in.

TREAT HER TO A SPA DAY

After 18+ years of taking care of you, don’t you think Mom deserves some relaxation and pampering? Take her to this oft-tried and oft-enjoyed Mother’s Day activity at one of these spas in the Phoenix area:

  • Willow Stream Spa: 22 miles from Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale’s newly redesigned Fairmont Scottsdale Resort Hotel has been going strong for 25 years. The resort’s Willow Stream Spa promises to relax, rejuvenate, and educate you and your mom with a “medically guided, personalized and full integrated wellness program.”
  • Body Beautiful Med Spa & Day Spa: Has your mom been complaining about getting older? We’d love to guide her to the fountain of youth, but until we find it, Body Beautiful Med Spa & Day Spa will have to do. This spa’s anti-aging experts and aestheticians provide Botox, lip augmentation, derma fillers, and laser procedures in addition to more common spa services like waxing and massages. They also offer a host of Gentlemen’s Spa Services, which is ideal for the sons who might typically feel left out of this Mother’s Day activity.
  • Dolce Salon & Spa: Dolce Salon & Spa is the largest full-service salon and day spa in North America and has three locations in Chandler, Scottsdale, and Peoria. Services include everything from manicures, massages, and waxing to spray tanning and event coordination for private parties.

ART CLASS

If your mom is the artsy type and won’t mind getting a little messy, enjoy this unique Mother’s Day activity with her.

  • The Brush Bar: At The Brush Bar, customers can enjoy a glass or bottle of wine before the class starts. Their Mother’s Day special classes are sold out, but you can call to be placed on the waiting list.
  • VanGo Pottery: VanGo Pottery brings the pottery studio to you. The company travels throughout the Metropolitan Phoenix area and will set up a pottery painting experience whenever and wherever you want them to.
  • As You Wish Pottery: If you’re a mom and would like to do something fun and creative with your toddler, check out As You Wish Poterry’s Mother’s Day Handpring Event. For just $25, you and your preschooler/toddler can work together to paint a Mother’s Day ceramic plate and enjoy some light refreshments.

BRUNCH

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but brunch has to be the most enjoyable. This Mother’s Day, treat your mother to a sweet and savory brunch at one of these local restaurants.

  • Rio Mirage Café: With locations in Surprise, AZ and El Mirage, AZ, this Mexican restaurant aims to provide “high quality, the freshest ingredients, and excellent service” to their customers. Since 1999, Rio Mirage Café has been making good on their promises, and, because of this, it was voted Best Mexican Food Restaurant in the West Valley. They also provide catering services.
  • Cork: This East Valley restaurant is run by husband-wife team Robert and Danielle Morris and Chef Brian Peterson. Cork boasts, a full bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a 25-foot floor-to-ceiling wine wall. If for some reason that gigantic wine wall doesn’t impress you, maybe Cork’s accolades will: Every year since 2009, Cork has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and was awarded 4 ½ stars by the Arizona Republic in 2008.
  • Hillside Spot: Hillside Spot offers Ahwatukee residents “high quality food at a reasonable price” and is also dedicated to supporting local farms and producers including Cartel Coffee Labs, MJ’s Bakery, Maya’s Farms, Schreiner’s Sausage, Oak Creek, and Four Peaks Brewery.

GET HER SOMETHING AS SWEET AS SHE IS

If you have a Mother’s Day activity already planned but want to sweeten the pot a bit. Get cupcakes, cakes, chocolates, or other mouth-watering snacks from these bakeries.

  • Barbs Bakery: This family-owned business has been in business for more than 30 years. During its almost four decades in business, Barb’s Bakery has been repeatedly voted “Best of Phoenix.” They make everything from traditional wedding cakes to Barbie-inspired birthday cakes and butterfly-shaped cookies.
  • Essence Bakery: Essence Bakery in Tempe, AZ operates under the motto “Buy Locally. Eat Well. Preserve the Planet.” The environmentally friendly café offers delicious macaroons, croissants, and truffle cookies, among other pastries, and earned a 4 ½ star rating from the Arizona Republic.
  • Something Sweet: This bakery in the Ahwatukee and Chandler area was actually inspired by a mom. On the website, the owner write, “I grew up in a wonderful Italian family of eleven. From the time I was little, I would watch my mom as she would spend hours in the kitchen making dinner to feed her very full table, but always saved time to make dessert. I learned back then that dessert wasn’t just something delicious to fill your tummy, it was like a big kiss from mom!”

FLOWERS

If your mom really isn’t big on Mother’s Day, keep it simple and grab her a bouquet of flowers from these florists.

  • McDonald Floral And Gift, Inc: McDonald Floral And Gifts, Inc. has been serving the Valley since 1917 and has floral arrangement for every occasion and for every budget. Just remember that they’re closed on Sundays, so you’ll have to pick up your Mother’s Day flowers the day before.
  • PJ’s Flowers & Events: This award-winning Phoenix florist will craft the finest floral arrangements and gifts for your mom and deliver it to you as well. If money’s a little tight, check out how you can win free flowers from them here.
  • Road Runner Florist & Basket Express: Pamela Smith founded Roadrunner Florist in Phoenix in 1979. In 2006, she received a plaque from the Society of American Florists to celebrate her 40+ years of service in the floral industry. Check out their suggestions for bouquets for mom here.

Need help getting to and from your Mother’s Day activities? Contact us.