Arizona-bound for spring training? Here's a few tips from our writers

If you're heading to Arizona for spring training, all we can say is, you lucky dog … and, the following primer is for you.

If you can't make it this year but plan on going some year soon, you might want to do some clipping and saving because our baseball beat writers Scot Gregor (White Sox) and Bruce Miles (Cubs) -- both veterans of the Arizona scene -- have offered some inside info on the ins and outs of the spring-training experience.

As you read on, imagine the desert sun and the crack of the bat and bask in the knowledge that opening day of the regular season for the Cubs and the White Sox is only 50 days away.

Q. What's a typical day like down there? Is there always a morning/afternoon practice early on in camp?

Bruce: Early in spring training, the Cubs generally hit the Fitch Park field at 9 a.m. and get done about 12:30 p.m. Unlike football, there are no two-a-days. When the games start, the Cubs take the field at HoHoKam Park (six blocks north of Fitch) about 9 and practice until the visiting team takes batting practice.

Scot: Before the games begin, the White Sox start working out early in the morning and usually are done by early afternoon. They'll play a couple of intrasquad games right before the Cactus League starts.

Q. If you were traveling to spring training for a few days with your family, how would you spend your time?

Bruce: I'd head east from Phoenix into the mountains to a little town called Tortilla Flat. The "town" is about the length of the Cubs' dugout, but the drive out there is spectacular. Check out the restaurant there with the dollar bills stapled to the walls.

If you've got the time, a short drive north to Sedona also is worthwhile. Head a little farther north, and you might see snow. After a Cubs game, you can head to Tempe or Scottsdale for dinner or a night out.

Scot: I would definitely catch a game or two, and spend the rest of the time soaking up some sun, especially after this winter. There are a lot of things to do in and around Tucson, so there's no reason to stay inside.

Q. What are some myths about spring training that first-time visitors don't realize until they get there?

Bruce: Many fans show up at 3 in the afternoon in the early going and wonder where the Cubs are. As we said above, they knock off shortly after noon, so get there early. Wins and losses don't matter; it's how you play the game.

Lou Piniella called a team meeting early last year, not because the Cubs were losing, but because they were falling into bad habits. Don't be alarmed if your favorite pitcher is getting shelled. He's probably working on his pitches. Probably. Maybe.

Scot: The weather is always sunny and 85. In Tucson, it can get chilly, especially at night. Another myth is, you don't see the players. Tucson isn't that big of a town, and odds are pretty good you'll see a player from the White Sox, Diamondbacks or Rockies if you go out to eat.

Q. How difficult is it to show up at the park on the day of a game and get tickets?

Bruce: It's almost impossible on the weekends. A midweek game should be fine.

Scot: At Tucson Electric Park, tickets usually are in abundance, except for the one game when the Cubs come down from Phoenix. For a nice change of pace, bring a blanket to TEP and stretch out on the outfield grass.

Q. Say I'm going down there for a week, what are some of the must-have items I should pack that I might not be thinking about?

Bruce: Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen. I like factor 45, but that's just me. The sun is pretty intense, and we often have cloudless days. Bring a hat and shades. Also bring a light jacket. The mornings and evenings tend to be pleasantly cool.

Scot: Definitely bring some sunscreen and sunglasses. Bottled water also is a must, and you'll need a jacket at night.

Q. Where are the best places in town to get some good chow?

Bruce: In Mesa, Vito's is the best Italian restaurant in the valley. It's not fancy, just good. If you miss good pizza, Vito's is your place. The Blue Adobe has great New Mexican cuisine, and you might spot some Cubs people there. Like it hot? Go to Los Dos Molinos in Mesa. You will need the pitcher of water, but the food is outstanding.

The tourists love Don and Charlie's in Old Town Scottsdale. The service is friendly, and the sports memorabilia is great. Be prepared to wait. For breakfast, Cubs great Billy Williams and I like T.C. Eggington's on the south end of Mesa near U.S. Route 60.

Scot: Don't be fooled by the name. Daisy Mae's Steakhouse doesn't sound like much, and it doesn't look like much, either. But it is a great place, even though it's a bit off the beaten path. Pinnacle Peak is another good one, especially if you want to step back into the Old West.

Q. The best sports bars?

Bruce: In Mesa, I like R.T. O'Sullivan's on Southern. Sluggo's in downtown Mesa is the old Harry Caray and Steve Stone place. It still has a Chicago feel. Tempe, Ariz., home of Arizona State University, has a bevy of places to enjoy a beverage, food and sports. These places get crowded at NCAA tourney time.

Scot: Most of them are around the University of Arizona. McMahon's probably is the best. There are a bunch of Famous Sam's around, and most are pretty good.

Q. What are some of the things fans should know about the locals or some trivia concerning the area?

Bruce: Mesa is a suburb of Phoenix, but it's the third-largest city in the state behind Phoenix and Tucson. It's listed as the 38th-largest city in the United States. Traffic on the expressways during rush hour can be horrendous. The local convenience store is Circle K. They have good coffee.

Scot: Watch your speed on I-10, which runs between Tucson and Phoenix. And don't call animal control if you see an oversized pig running around. They are called javelinas, and you are not allowed to shoot them. Just ask Mark Buehrle.

Q. Name a handful of hidden gems that might be off the beaten path and are within an hour's drive of camp?

Bruce: The kids will like the Old West town on the way to Tortilla Flat. Check out the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument south of Mesa. The best hole-in-the-wall place to grab a burger is the Chuck Box in Tempe. Get your food, pile on the toppings yourself and pull up an orange crate to sit on.

Scot: Sabino Canyon is on the east side of Tucson, and it is a must. A lot of people (not me) like the Desert Museum on the other side of town. Tombstone is a fairly short drive and well worth the trip.

Q. Do you have any tips for kids who want autographs?

Bruce: Get to the ballpark early. Always say "please" and "thank you," and be understanding if players are working and can't sign right away.

Scot: Tucson Electric Park is ideal for autographs. Get to the fence outside the main entrance about an hour before game time and just about all of the White Sox players walking over to the stadium will stop and sign.

Q. What's your favorite visitors park to go to and why? Is it easier to get tickets there?

Bruce: I like the Mariners/Padres complex in Peoria and the Giants' home in Scottsdale. The Peoria park, west of Phoenix, has the best concessions. The Giants' park is in the heart of Scottsdale. The trees on the outfield berm make for a real park-like atmosphere. Again, tickets are easier to come by for weekday games.

Scot: I've always been partial to the Brewers' stadium up in Maryvale. Parking is easy, there's not a bad seat in the place, and the bratwurst is just as good as it is back in Milwaukee.