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Tee-Up at these Goodyear Golf Courses

The beautiful weather and scenic views in Goodyear put us in a prime golfing location. Not many places can boast an average January temperature of 67 degrees! But we sure can, and that is why outdoor hobbies are so popular in the valley of the sun! So whether you are a seasoned golfer or just someone who enjoys riding in a golf cart and shouting “fore!” here are a few Goodyear area golf courses that you are sure to love. Golf Club of Estrella | 11800 S Golf Club Dr, Goodyear, AZ 85338 Amongst rolling greenery and nestled in the Estrella community, you will find the beautiful Golf Club of Estrella . Ranked by Golfweek magazine as one of Arizona’s top 20 public courses, the Golf Club of Estrella course was primarily designed by Jack Nicklaus ll, speaking to the natural flows and course curves, reflective of the deserts contours. The club also boasts a player's grill and patio , where golfers and spectators alike are invited to dine, relax and embrace the panoramic views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains. You’ll want to visit between 4 and 8 p.m., Monday - Saturday to catch their happy hour offerings after visiting the driving ranges! Tres Rios Golf Course | 15205 W Vineyard Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338 A serene atmosphere surrounds all 18 holes at the Tres Rios Golf Course . Located in the desert foothills, tucked away from the noise of the city on a championship course , Tres Rios takes pride in its location being far from backyards and distractions. And while at the moment we may not be too worried about scorching summer temperatures, the course at Tres Rios has large trees scattered about, casting much-needed shade for summer golfers, a desirable course trait when playing in the valley. And for those who look forward to golfing in cooler temperatures, Tres Rios offers winter rates, as well as twilight golfing. Coldwater Golf Club | 100 N Clubhouse Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323 Located here in Phoenix’s West Valley, the Coldwater Golf Club course was designed by Forrest Richardson and continues to impress guests with its excellent quality and condition. Boasting great character and challenge, the holes at Coldwater cultivate a unique golf experience that will leave you excited for the next round. With fairways, water hazards and sand traps strategically located throughout the course , golfers of all skill levels will find themselves excited for what lay around the bend. We are lucky to have an abundance of beautiful, well maintained and carefully designed golf courses here in Goodyear, and we may have missed your favorite! Share your favorite Goodyear golf courses with us on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following the Acero Estrella Commons blog here for more local favorites and tucked away gems.

Planning a Day Trip to Phoenix

When you’re neighbors with Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the nation, it only makes sense to visit once in a while and embrace all that it has to offer! If you’re like most of us here in Goodyear, you appreciate the small-town charm but enjoy the opportunity to get in your car and in less than an hour’s drive, experience all that a larger city has to offer! If that’s you and you’re in need of an adventurous day trip, here’s your guide to a full day of fun in Phoenix! Start with food The drive from Goodyear to downtown Phoenix is only about 25-30 minutes. While that might not be long enough for you to work up a huge appetite, the delicious restaurants in the city are exactly where you’ll want to start your day trip. We’d suggest heading out of Goodyear around 10 or 10:30 a.m., and arriving in Phoenix just in time for an early lunch. A few of our favorite Phoenix restaurants include The Duce (American fare in a chic yet artistic warehouse), The Vig (delicious brunch menu in an upscale tavern) and Comedor Guadalajara (authentic Mexican cuisine offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Explore the Phoenix Zoo Take a trip on the wild side and after lunch, head to the Phoenix Zoo . There’s plenty to see and do while at the zoo, like catching one of the animal shows , swinging through the monkey village, or getting up close and personal with the giraffes! While you could easily spend a full day admiring the animals , the desert botanical garden is conveniently located just minutes away from the zoo and has equally admirable views. Stop by the Desert Botanical Garden The serenity of the Desert Botanical Garden is the perfect afternoon oasis during your day trip to Phoenix. Stunning cactuses, trees, and flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors span across 55 desert acres for you to explore. The botanical garden also has rotating art exhibitions, making for beautiful photo ops and generally breathtaking views. The current exhibition, “ Wild Rising ” is an installation of more than 1,000 colorful animal sculptures, adding vibrant color to already beautiful scenery. Stroll through the Roosevelt Row Arts District Colorful Arizona street art, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and more fill the Roosevelt Row Arts District to the brim. After tuning in to your wild side at the zoo and botanical gardens, indulge in the concrete jungle with a stroll through the arts district. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on the first Friday of the month, you can catch the First Friday Arts Market ! End with Dessert What better way to wrap up a full day of adventure than with a sweet treat from Urban Cookies Bake Shop . The shop is full of fresh cookies, donuts, cupcakes and even gelato, perfect for grabbing a treat for the road to enjoy on the drive back home. The best part about a day trip to Phoenix is the fact that you’re just a short drive back home to your cozy apartment at Acero Estrella Commons. You can have a delicious bite to eat, admire the zoo animals and botanical gardens, explore the arts district and head back home all in one day. We hope you’ve found these trip ideas helpful, and don't forget to tag us in your Phoenix adventures on Facebook and Instagram ! And keep following the blog here for more local experiences and ideas.

Best Ice Cream Shops in Goodyear

It may be winter and it may be the season of making newer, healthier habits...but let’s face it. Exceptions can always be made for ice cream! That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite places in Goodyear to fulfill your ice cream cravings! Whether you’re a soft-serve lover or a shaved-ice seeker, these local spots are guaranteed to impress. Dream Swirls Frozen Yogurt | 15557 W Roosevelt St #102, Goodyear, AZ 85338 The most dangerous part of Dream Swirls and their unbeatable frozen yogurt is the fact that it is walking distance from our apartment here at Acero Estrella Commons. Forgot to grab ice cream at the grocery store? Need an excuse to take a walk and get out of the house? Dream Swirls is just minutes away and has all of the flavors and toppings you could imagine. Even better, at Dream Swirls you pay by the ounce, there is an assortment of gluten and dairy-free options (as well as sugar-free and low-fat frozen yogurts) and is a local, family-owned business! As the saying goes, this frozen yogurt is what dreams are made of. Roll It Up Ice Cream | 13370 W Van Buren St, Goodyear, AZ 85338 Roll It Up is not your traditional ice cream experience. It’s not soft serve, it’s not scooped, and it’s not frozen yogurt… Roll It Up Ice Cream is fresh cream and toppings, chopped up and mixed together on a frozen sheet until it is smooth and flat, then scraped into little rolls of ice cream! Watch this video for a visual. We love this style of dessert not only because it is unique, but also because we have the freedom to create our own delicious flavors and combinations, while our treat is made right in front of us! Spicy hot Cheeto rolled ice cream ? Yep. Oreo, fruity pebbles and cinnamon toast crunch ? If that’s what you’re in to! Roll It Up is a fun spot to get creative and treat yourself, so check it out the next time you’re craving something sweet. The Frozen Monkey | 15661 W Roosevelt St #105, Goodyear, AZ 85338 These days, you don’t have to go to the county fair to get a perfectly crafted shaved ice, The Frozen Monkey can take care of that! Oh, and you thought the infamous Dole Whip soft serve was only available in Disney Land? Think again! The Frozen Monkey offers a variety of sweet treats ranging from soft-serve vanilla ice cream root beer floats to pineapple dole whip and all of the flavors you could imagine topping your Hawaiian style shaved ice . This family-owned favorite is a staple in the Goodyear community, and we’re lucky enough to live just a few minutes away. We know it’s the new year, and you might be dieting or avoiding sugar… but if you decide you’ve earned a cheat meal or just want to indulge in some of the best ice creams in the valley, check out these Goodyear favorites! And since there are so many great ice cream shops in the area, we may have missed yours! Let us know your favorites on Facebook or Instagram , and while you’re at it, keep following the Acero Estrella Commons blog here for more neighborhood highlights.

Relax and Recharge at these Goodyear Spas

Relax and Recharge at these Goodyear Spas A day at the spa is sometimes all it takes to recharge your mind, body, and spirit. A relaxing massage, maybe a facial, all wrapped up with a warm towel and the aroma of lavender. There’s just something special about taking a moment to stop and relish in a little “me time” that everyone needs once in a while. And you're in luck because Goodyear is sprinkled with unique local spas that are ready to have you feeling like a brand new person. Here are a few of our favorites: Hawaiian Experience Spa | 13778 W McDowell Rd #304, Goodyear, AZ 85395 Why book a vacation to Hawaii when you can experience the beauty and relaxation of the islands just a short drive from your home at Acero Estrella Commons? This family-owned and operated spa takes pride in “spreading the spirit of Aloha” throughout Arizona. Inspired by Hawaiian massage techniques, Hawaiian Experience Spa offers an extensive variety of massage styles and variations that are unlike anything else here in the mainland. A leader in Lomi Lomi massage therapy, this spa experience is described as an exotic, full-body, circulation enhancing massage that beats any other body treatment. If you’re looking for something that is more than just a 60-minute full-body massage, and are hoping to reach maximum relaxation, you’ll want to be sure to visit Hawaiian Experience Spa and ask about their massage therapy options. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa | 1981 N Pebble Creek Pkwy, Goodyear, AZ 85395 As the summer months fade and the Goodyear air starts to get a crisp chill, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa can provide just what you need to both warm up and loosen up during the cold winter months. Imagine yourself, coming out from the cold weather and relaxing with a hot stone massage , hot towel hand and foot treatment, and a rejuvenating, wonderful facial . Need we say more? Their expert massage therapists specialize in Swedish massages , deep tissue massages , and even couples massages for when you and your loved one both deserve a treat! Celebrity Skin Studio | 13321 W Indian School Rd #102, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 Celebrity Skin Studio specializes in making your skin feel fresh, clean and rejuvenated; three essential aspects of feeling your absolute best from the inside out. The spa owner , AJ, has over 15 years of experience in the skin care industry and helps clients to feel comfortable, relaxed, and amazing during and after every appointment. With services ranging from a “peppermint twist” customized facial, to waxing and eyebrow services , Celebrity Skin Studio is a hidden beauty gem (for both men and women!) in the Goodyear area. Sometimes we all need a little “me-time.” Maybe you’ve had a long week, or your shoulders always seem to be tight and tense, when you notice these symptoms, keep these Goodyear spas in mind! And after you treat yourself to a nice spa day, share your experience with us on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following the blog here for more Goodyear treasures.

Where to Find your Favorite Records in Goodyear

Music feeds the soul, and in today’s day and age, all it takes is the press of a button on your phone and you have a music library of thousands of your hand-selected favorite tunes. But what about “the good ‘ole days” where you’d head to the record store, physically sort through dozens of tracks until you found just what you were looking for, then head home to play it on the record player? For some, the nostalgia hangs on, the only problem is knowing where to find the record selection. Whether you collect records or just want to listen to some great music, here are a few record stores in Goodyear that you can find them at! Guitar Center | 9945 W McDowell Rd #108, Avondale, AZ 85392 Don’t let the name fool you, Guitar Center has a huge selection of not only vintage, used, and new guitars, but also a massive array of vinyl records. You can find everything from R&B to alternative, indie rock, heavy metal and the top-selling records that you know and love. And if you want to browse the classics (but in a way that embraces the technology of today) you can scan through all the vinyl that Guitar Center has to offer here on their website. Happy hunting! Music & Arts | 2025 N Pebble Creek Pkwy Suite A05 & A06, Goodyear, AZ 85395 With locations nationwide, it’s no surprise that this large and in charge music store has an impressive variety of vinyl to choose from. Not only has Music & Arts been around for over 50 years, but in 2005 it merged with American music and became the largest retailer of band and orchestra instruments in the U.S. Plus, Music & Arts is just a few minutes away from Acero Estrella Commons, perfect for when you just want to pop in and find a good listen for the weekend. Brass Armadillo Antique Mall | 13277 W McDowell Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85395 Sometimes you can find the most amazing things in the most unexpected places! However, in this case, it may not be so unexpected that the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall has several locations within the mall offering vinyl records of all genres. Although this isn’t a traditional record shop with a massive selection and all of your favorite artists, it is an opportunity to find something new, and dig a little harder to find that hidden treasure. And if you’re lucky, you might find some other vintage items too while you’re there! So the next time you are in the mood for some quality music or just want to reminisce in the search for your favorite record, you know where to go! Share what you find with us on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following the blog here for more neighborhood favorites.

Squeeze the Day: Goodyear Juice Bar Favorites

Summer might be over, but when you live in Arizona, fresh-squeezed juice and smoothies are always in season! Lucky for us, these delicious flavors are just up the street to satisfy our healthy, fruity cravings. We’ve got big chains and local feels to keep us cool. Check out some of our favorites: Robeks Juice | 15525 W Roosevelt St, Goodyear, AZ 85338 Unmatched freshness is what you’ll find at Robeks Juice . But don’t let the name fool you, their menu has everything from lemon ginger wellness shots to protein-packed smoothies! Looking for something a little more filling? Robeks also offers acai bowls topped with a variety of fresh fruit, raw honey, granola, and even peanut butter. This local hot spot is perfect for a cleansing juice in the morning or midday lunch, whichever you’re in the mood for. And for Estrella Commons residents, these refreshing treats are walking distance from your front door! Jamba Juice | 15479 W McDowell Rd #103, Goodyear, AZ 85338 “Jamba!” they shout as they hand you your fresh-squeezed blend of orange and carrot juice. Jamba Juice has perfected these delightful concoctions in a way that makes them taste so great that you’ll forget how healthy for you they are! Did you know there are at least nine medium-sized carrots to make just one cup of carrot juice? That’s a lot of Vitamin A! Similar to most juice bars these days, Jamba offers wellness shots, like immune-boosting wheatgrass or ginger orange cayenne. It’s the chain we all know and love, but did you know they have a secret menu too? Ask about it next time you’re in and you just might discover you’re new favorite Jamba flavor! Tropical Smoothie Cafe | 13355 W McDowell Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85395 Okay, Tropical Smoothie Cafe isn’t a juice bar, but they offer a delicious taste of the tropics right here in Goodyear. And although they don’t have juices, and their location might not be as convenient as Robeks Juice one minute drive, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has an entire food menu ! So whether you’re in the mood for a beach bum smoothie or a baja chicken bowl, they’ve got you covered. Living in Goodyear means beautiful warm weather for most of the year, and what’s better to cool you down than some fresh juice or a smoothie? These are our favorite spots, but we may have missed yours! Let us know on Facebook or Instagram , and keep following the blog here for more neighborhood spots to check out.