From rafting, skydiving and hiking, to cultural dinners and exotic trips one local business owner is helping members ages 21-70+ “cross things off their bucket list” through her social club: Adventures 2000.
Originally founded as a club for singles in 2000, the membership organization was purchased in January of 2017 by Ahwatukee resident Candice Rice.
“I saw so much potential in this group and wanted to create a brand new type of social club. Adventures 2000 is for singles, couples, and anyone wanting to meet people and explore all the amazing things that Arizona has to offer,” she says.
“Some members join because they work at home and want more social interaction, while others say their spouse doesn’t like to do the same things that they do and they are tired of sitting at home! From the recently divorced to people new to the area, we have something for everyone.”
According to twenty-nine year old Shannon Custer of Scottsdale, “I joined Adventures 2000 in 2012 because I had just moved to Arizona and I like being active. The group has since become a second family to me and I am thankful for the friends I have made.”
Adventures 2000 offers a variety of activities each month including visits to popular local attractions, camping trips, weekend getaways, wine tastings, ATV excursions, bowling, golf, dance lessons, concerts, Segway tours, comedy shows, karaoke, trivia nights and more events based on the interests of its members.
Rice says, “I want to push the envelope in terms of the variety of events and locations. We just hosted a rafting trip and even have a 7 day trip to Costa Rica scheduled for next year. One of our more unusual events was a Goat Yoga session in Gilbert – the members who attended loved it.”
One recent activity was an interactive murder mystery dinner event performed by Murder Ink Productions.
According to the owner of the Phoenix-based theatrical production company, Greg Lutz, “Candice was wonderful to work with and their members are a lot of fun. We hope to do more productions for them.”
Some club members enjoy the outings so much they even become activity coordinators.
One club member, 49-year-old Tod Emig from Tempe, says that “I recently became an Activities Coordinator and love all the things I get to do in my life now. I first joined in 2015 and have really enjoyed getting to meet so many new people while trying so many new activities.”
He adds that, “Along with creating memories, I’m also marking things off my Bucket List.”
Rice says that with her newly revamped website and wide range of activities, her membership is growing by “leaps and bounds.” Members live throughout the Valley and are currently comprised of about 65% women and 35% men.
“It’s also fun to watch people of all ages and interests meet and form lasting friendships,” she adds.
Memberships start at $90 for 90 days and include a $10 voucher to be used towards activity fees. Buddy Passes are available for couples or friends who join at the same time.
When asked if members end up having relationships, Rice says “We’ve had a number of people meet in the club and end up marrying, but the majority of members join because they want to meet new friends and try new things. You never have to miss out on something you want to do because you don’t have someone to do it with!”
She adds that, “In this day of Social Media, Adventures 2000 lets people have fun in the real world.”
For more information on Adventures 2000 or to become a member, visit www.adventures2000.com, call (602) 244-1577 or email Candice@adventures2000.net.
