It's close to 300 miles between Phoenix and the glitzy lights and ringing slot machines of the Las Vegas strip. Sure, some people might think it's worth the drive to be in the heart of Sin City. But we know that you can find plenty of sin, fun, and relaxation by driving across town (if that) to Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale. With an award-winning restaurant, Vegas-quality performances in the TSR Showroom, and raging pool parties during the summer, TSR is a top spot for staycationers. But the fact that TSR features one of the largest casinos in Arizona elevates this place beyond the other resorts in town. So grab your chips and poker face, and get ready to hold 'em.

Some people see Thanksgiving as a wonderful opportunity to gather together with cherished relatives; others are just thankful that this day of familial torture only comes once a year.

Both types will enjoy pre-gaming Turkey Day at El Chorro in Paradise Valley. The night before Thanksgiving, the bar/restaurant is packed to the rafters with an upscale 30s to 50s crowd. Food is available, but most people are there to imbibe. Revelers can explore the nooks and crannies of the historic building (El Chorro was built in 1934 as the Judson School for Girls) or enjoy the mild weather and lovely mountain views of the expansive patio area. If you're driving, get there early — parking fills up fast. But since the Paradise Valley Police Department camps out at the entrance to make sure everyone gets home safely, we recommend an Uber. Whether you'll be toasting to the joy of the holiday, or just girding your loins before mandatory family togetherness, there's a spot for you at the bar.

No offense to the many great acts, bands, and DJs whose names are listed on the Rips Ales and Cocktails marquee, but that's not what you notice driving by. Nope, it's that angular sign that grabs your attention, all jagged arrows and bright red contrasted against pale blue. Maybe there's a little sun bleaching at work, but no matter: There's a Space Age elegance to the Rips sign, conjuring up surf-rock guitars, standup bass, and thumping drums. It's arresting, and that big arrow practically invites you in. Turns out, the whole place is just as sharp as the sign.

Look, there's no sugar coating it. The closure of the Trunk Space earlier this year was a major bummer for the Phoenix arts community. There are plenty of places to see shows in town — great places, in fact — but the Trunk Space was a special case, a place for sometimes unrefined creativity, open to all ages, and catering to the far out, weird, and earnest. While there's hope that the venue will relocate from its Grand Avenue digs, in the meantime the Trunk Space staff has dedicatedly hosted pop-up shows at places like 51 West, the Newton, and the Coronado. The roving shows have helped keep the spirit of the Trunk Space alive, but luckily its legacy extends beyond even those gigs, apparent in the vibrant work of bands like iji, Dogbreth, and AJJ, all of which got their start at the Trunk Space, where they developed, grew, and learned lessons which are now registering on a national stage.

They've never topped the charts like the Supremes or the Spice Girls, and they're definitely not going to play Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville — no matter how much you beg after tossing back too many tequila shots. But Mariachi Pasion, a 13-member girl band that mixes strength with femininity, is a local legend. With hot pink sashes, bow ties, and flowers in their hair, these musicians and vocalists are energetic evangelists for traditional mariachi music played with guitar-like stringed instruments, violins, trumpets, and a flute. Founded by Betty Duarte in 2002 during her days as a student at Arizona State, Mariachi Pasion has played gigs from museums to backyards, and even performed during a posthumous quinceañera — all the while infusing their music with the powerful emotionality at the heart of this Mexican art form.

Priscilla Rodriguez is a Nogales-born bilingual rapper, currently living in Mesa and performing as independent hip-hop artist Nefftys. She is a deft lyricist who grew up very much on both sides of the Arizona and Mexico borders. Nefftys' artistic expression manifested over rhythms and rhyme patterns at a young age, and she has recently started making a more concerted effort to incorporate a mix of English lyrics and songs in her work. She is fresh off of a seven-song release called The Natural Series, Vol.1. Her beats are decidedly hip-hop, but she flexes a more melodic tone in tracks like "Writer's Block" and "Truly Live." Like a lot of Latinos in Arizona, she moves seamlessly between English and Spanish without missing a beat.

Danny Torgersen is the quirky frontman of local psychedelic rockers Captain Squeegee, but he has been touring a lot lately with the Phoenix-based reggae/Latin rock outfit Fayuca. Torgersen's a crazy character who has been lending his trumpeting talents to the band on their album recordings and on tour. He may speak the universal language of music, but his pasty skin and red hair make it impossible to not notice that he is a very white dude, performing with a bunch of brown bros. That hasn't stopped him from mingling at shows across the border and during the band's Spanish-language television spots. He has since rightfully earned the new nickname "El Capitan," and his honorary "Latino Card." Bienvenido, compadre.

Stretching across the seven weeks of Lent leading to Easter Sunday, the Yaqui Easter festival in Guadalupe offers a unique chance to watch centuries-old religious ceremonies up close and in person. In the 17th century, when Jesuit priests introduced Catholicism to the Yaqui, tribal members incorporated Christianity into cultural traditions and tribal customs, resulting in the unique ceremonies and dances celebrated today in Guadalupe.

Public ceremonies feature a procession through the 14 Stations of the Cross. Visitors can also see the emergence of Chapayekas and Fariseos advancing toward Our Lady of Guadalupe church, only to be stopped by Matachin dancers, Deer Dancers, and Pascolas. Hear the sound of rattles made from dried gourds, witness streamers of flowers, and watch the movements of the Deer Dancers, who are chosen for their skill and grace.

Don't forget to observe good etiquette. While visitors are welcome to observe the religious ceremonies, no audio or video recording of any kind is permitted, and no alcohol is allowed. Ceremonies takes place at dusk on Friday through dusk on Sunday each week during Lent.

James "The Manic Hispanic" Rivas has a golden voice — just a little scratchy, but warm and mellow — the kind of voice that makes you feel like you're listening to a buddy. But his pipes aren't the key to the success of his program, Cruising With the Manic Hispanic, which remains our favorite oldies show in Phoenix. It's his song selections, from Latin rockers like Santana, smooth soulsters Earth, Wind, and Fire, and lowrider oldies from the likes of Brenton Wood. Rivas' stated goal is creating a relaxing set of tunes each time he goes on the air, and when he plays songs like Switch's "I Call Your Name," with its smooth glide and easygoing vibe, it's clear he knows exactly what he's doing. But like all good oldies DJs, Rivas' line is always open for requests and, more importantly, dedications from his listeners.

Quartzsite, you say? That depressing-looking RV parking lot off the I-10 on the way to Los Angeles? What of interest could possibly be out there? Well, in 2016, seemingly out of nowhere, there came Rock Fiesta, a tour de force of rock en español. Caifanes, Molotov, El Tri — the lineup was practically a history lesson in Latin rock. It's unsure at this point whether the festival will return to Arizona; festival organizers have stated they found a new location for 2017, but as of press time haven't yet announced it. Regardless, Rock Fiesta took a promising first step last year, hopefully one that's indicative of the coming mainstream acceptance of rock en español.