Choose Your Own Adventure Guide

Day One: Arrive and Relax!

If you might be flying into Phoenix, you’ll most likely be drained from an early morning departure (particularly if you’re flying from the East Coast like me!), and it is smart to spend your first day in Scottsdale enjoyable. Don’t fear, that doesn’t imply doing nothing — it simply means you aren’t leaping off the airplane all keen beaver to hike up Camelback Mountain.

Option 1: Book a Spa Appointment

If you might be arriving early, chances are high you received’t have the ability to examine into your lodge till the afternoon. But when you e book an appointment at a spa, you may spend the day enjoyable at its facility. And let me let you know, Scottsdale has some wonderful spas. If hitting the hyperlinks is rest for you, then you definitely do you and e book a tee time, however to me, golf shouldn’t be enjoyable (as a result of I’m a horrible golfer.)

The Phoenician Spa is beautiful and when you e book an appointment (do that weeks upfront, particularly if you’re visiting throughout a busy season), you may have entry to your complete facility till 5 pm. And the amenities are fab! There are female and male locker rooms that every have their very own steam room, sauna, and whirlpool.

Pre-treatment you may hand around in the scholar lounge and after therapy, I received’t decide you when you take a nap on one of many snug loungers within the rest space (I did and it was simply what I wanted.) But…I saved the most effective for final…there may be additionally a rooftop pool only for spa company! In addition to the loungers ringing the pool and a comfortable couch dialog space, it’s also possible to e book a personal cabana (nice if you’re touring with a gaggle.) They serve drinks and a number of the tastiest poolside meals I’ve had (attempt the rooster shawarma and the off-menu french fries.)

There are many different motels that supply day spa entry or spa providers for lodge company, together with the Spa Avania on the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. Spa Avania has 19 therapy rooms together with three rooms devoted to {couples} and 5 garden-side therapy rooms with non-public entrances. Outside of therapies, spa company can benefit from the French-Celtic mineral pool, lotus pond, steam room and sauna, and cold and warm plunges. Personally, I actually beloved including on a while within the Himalayan salt cave earlier than my therapy.

Option 2: Pool Time

While locals could not open their swimming pools till May, many lodge swimming pools are heated year-round and really feel pleasant, particularly for Northerners like me (I by no means perceive why don’t we warmth our swimming pools in New England.) Keep in thoughts that the winter months can really get chilly, so it will not be pool climate year-round however you might be no less than sure to discover a sizzling tub for a fast soak.

Due to the climate, Scottsdale resorts have an A+ pool scene. Many resorts supply a number of swimming pools for households or adults-only/quiet swimming pools and supply poolside eating places and chairside service. And, even when you can’t but examine into your lodge room, you may nonetheless discover a restroom to slide into your swimsuit till your room is prepared.

Just ensure you slather on the sunscreen, discover an amazing packable solar hat, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The solar and dry local weather might be robust when you aren’t used to it.

If you might be touring with your loved ones, many resorts, corresponding to The Phoenician and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch, supply terrific household swimming pools. The Phoenician has a water slide and a splash zone and a play space for little ones.

Option 3: Old Town and the Scottsdale Wine Trail

Either after you may have relaxed at one of many above, or as a substitute of choosing possibility 1 or 2, take a while to discover Old Town Scottsdale. As the title signifies, Old Town Scottsdale is a historic district positioned in downtown Scottsdale that covers roughly one sq. mile.

It is understood for its charming and distinctive Western structure, artwork galleries, retailers, and eating places. Old Town is dwelling to plenty of historic buildings, together with the Rusty Spur Saloon, one of many oldest bars in Scottsdale. You will wish to wander via the Fifth Avenue Shops, alongside the Marshall Way Arts District, and thru the Main Street Arts & Antique District.

If you take pleasure in supporting native small companies, creators, and artisans, two locations it’s good to put in your record embody The Merchantile of Scottsdale, which is an indoor market for native artists and designers; and the Native Art Market, which gives artwork and merchandise from over 300 native small companies and is the one Native American-owned store in Old Town Scottsdale. In addition to stunning merchandise, the market gives Native American performers and helps Arizona’s wealthy Indigenous tradition, sending cash immediately again to Native communities.

Scottsdale has seven wineries with tastings rooms in downtown which you can discover alongside the Scottsdale Wine Trail, together with Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek, LDV Winery, Merkin Vineyards, Salvatore Vineyards, and The Wine Collective of Scottsdale. If you intend on visiting a number of wineries, you should buy a passport for $5.00 at any of the taking part wineries after which obtain $2.00 off a wine tasting at every location.

The first time I visited Scottsdale on a romantic getaway, my husband and I had been so pleasantly shocked by Arizona wine and actually beloved the whole lot we tasted at Carlson Creek. On my latest lady’s journey, I used to be capable of additionally take pleasure in tastings at Arizona Stronghold Vineyards and LDV Winery. And let me say, attempt to pattern the 2017 Petite Syrah at AZ Stronghold when you get an opportunity!

Dinner in Old Town

There are over 800 eating places in Scottsdale and plenty of are positioned proper in Old Town. You can discover the whole lot from conventional Mexican to inventive Italian to Nashville sizzling rooster (and extra.) I’ve written about a few of my favourite downtown Scottsdale eating places, however for dinner, listed here are a number of that I’d suggest in Old Town:

• The Mission – gives fashionable Latin delicacies in a classy setting with an attractive bar highlighted by a Himalayan salt block wall that might be excellent for a enjoyable dinner out. The outside patio can also be nice for an al fresco lunch. The grilled avenue corn is a should, as is the table-side guacamole.
• Piccolo Virtu – that is the newest restaurant from acclaimed Chef Gio Osso of Virtù Honest Craft & Pizzeria Virtù, providing elevated Italian in an intimate, tucked away location in Old Town. The focus is on smaller shareable plates, however there are additionally some giant entrees excellent for a gaggle, just like the wood-grilled Branzino with crispy pores and skin and the 55-ounce prime bistecca fiorentina. One dish you may’t miss (even when you don’t assume you’ll like it), is the grilled octopus with agrodolce, pancetta, and pepperoncino. It is so tender and flavorful that it fully modified my thoughts about octopus.
• Old Town Tortilla Factory – positioned within the Arts District, Old Town Tortilla Factory gives a stunning giant patio and a 75-year-old adobe dwelling that’s excellent for a household to take pleasure in southwestern delicacies with a Mexican twist. It is a perfect introduction to Scottsdale.

Day 2: Bucket List Busting

If you might be able to examine one thing off your bucket record, Scottsdale has some nice decisions!

Morning Option 1: Hot Air Ballooning!

Get a superb night time’s sleep in your first night time as a result of you’re going to have to rise up earlier than daybreak to take a dawn sizzling air balloon experience! Hot Air Expeditions gives morning balloon flights year-round and afternoon flights from November 1 – March fifteenth. Even when you don’t like getting up early (that’s me!), selecting the morning flight is a safer guess that it received’t be canceled resulting from poor climate situations, and attending to see the dawn from the air is really a bucket record expertise.

The expertise begins with a 4:30 am decide up at your lodge, or you may choose to fulfill the group on the Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix. The workforce then rides out to a launch location the place they are going to shortly arrange and inflate the balloon. Once everybody climbs in it’s up…up…and away you go! Private rides are additionally accessible if you would like an extra-special expertise with your folks or household.

If you may have by no means taken a sizzling air balloon earlier than, you could be a bit nervous. But actually, this can be very peaceable. With a superb pilot, you barely really feel the lift-off and immediately you might be gently floating into the sky. When the pilot fires the burner, it may be loud and a bit sizzling on the pinnacle (put on a hat!), however if you end up floating it is vitally quiet up there and you’ll see for miles on a superb day.

After touching again down, the workforce shortly units out an attractive champagne breakfast to take pleasure in within the desert as an ideal technique to cap off the expertise.

Morning Option 2: Climb Camelback Mountain

Many individuals bounce off the airplane in Phoenix speaking about how excited they’re to climb Camelback Mountain. While this generally is a enjoyable tour to your bucket record, it is usually higher for skilled hikers climbing collectively (and keep away from the peak of summer season.) Just like the new air balloon, it is smart to get a really early begin.

Camelback Mountain, which will get its title from its form that appears like a hump and head of a camel, is a well-liked mountaineering vacation spot with gorgeous views of the encircling desert panorama. The hike is about 2.5 miles lengthy and sometimes takes longer than you would possibly anticipate to finish as a result of the elevation achieve is critical, with a summit elevation of two,704 ft. It is essential to be ready and take your time.

If you might be planning on mountaineering Camelback, the most well-liked trails are the Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail. It’s essential to hold loads of water, no less than 1-2 liters per individual, as there aren’t any water sources alongside the best way. If you do try this hike, be certain that to additionally put on a hat, sun shades, correct footgear, and many sunscreen. You may even have to preserve a watch out for snakes and different wildlife alongside the path.

Start early to keep away from the warmth and crowds and to have a greater likelihood of discovering a parking spot. Access to the park is free, however there’s a small payment for parking. If this sounds too difficult to your crew — don’t fear — I haven’t tackled it both. But there are many different enjoyable hikes which can be straightforward to reasonable, which I’ll get to later.

Morning Option 3: Brunch it Up!

If your gang prefers a quiet morning versus checking issues off of bucket lists, Scottsdale has a tremendous brunch scene. So sleep in after which give one among Scottsdale’s breakfast eating places a spin.

I’d extremely suggest Hash Kitchen. This highly-Instagrammable restaurant gives indoor and outside seating and an elaborate build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Each possibility is sizable and scrumptious, with distinctive and attractive choices just like the Best F#*%ing Birria Hash and Potato Skin Hash. Make certain you save room for the Billionaire’s Bacon, which options applewood smoked thick slab bacon with a yuzu glaze, honey, and brown-sugar chili rub, and is topped with 24k gold flakes.

Mid-Day Relaxation

After a busy morning, you’ll want to take a while to loosen up and get out of the warmth if you’re visiting from April via October. More time on the pool or one of many different choices from yesterday all make good decisions.

If you like a visit that’s go, go, go, that’s definitely doable in Scottsdale. But with all these nice resorts and golf programs scattered like oases within the desert, it’s a vacation spot that can also be meant for rest.

Once you might be able to get again on the market and discover, there are many low-key issues to do in Scottsdale too.

Afternoon Option 1: Happy Hour at Postino

If you might be visiting on a lady’s journey or romantic getaway, reap the benefits of the completely satisfied hour specials at Postino wine cafe. In addition to an intensive collection of wines, Postino is understood for its bruschetta boards the place you may combine and match a collection of your favourite toppings.

Afternoon Option 2: Get Artsy at Wonderspaces

If you might be in search of a novel and immersive artwork expertise, head over to Scottsdale Fashion Square, the house of Wonderspaces. This evolving artwork present options revolving artwork installations from artists around the globe in an Instagram-friendly house that’s the first everlasting location of this standard artwork pop-up.

You will stroll via a sequence of large-scale, immersive, and interactive artwork installations. I’d encourage you to make use of the QR codes to learn extra about every of the installations as you could discover you get extra out of it from a unique angle or with the suitable backstory. For instance, The Immigrant by Michael Murphy was mind-blowing when seen from the entrance after which the aspect.

Kids must be accompanied by adults, however they are going to recognize the individuality and interactivity of this artwork exhibit. You may even “leave your mark” on displays corresponding to Rules, by Paola Ibarra Llano (proven above), the place you may add colourful tape to this ever-changing piece of artwork.

Afternoon Option 3: Get Crafty at Light + Bark Candles

Another enjoyable exercise for households, buddies, and even {couples}, is candle-making at Light + Bark Candles. Create your personal scent with a customized mix of the important oils of your alternative and personalize your soy-based candle within the vessel and cap of your alternative. Not solely is that this expertise a blast, however you additionally get a particular memento out of your time in Scottsdale, and a portion of the proceeds go to help rescue and shelter canines. Just be certain that to pre-book your appointment (and be at liberty to carry your canine!)

Dinner in Scottsdale

If you need another choice from the alternatives from final night time, attempt Fat Ox for a scrumptious fashionable tackle Italian classics. Named after the Italian cattle, the decor at Fat Ox is refined, but relaxed, making it excellent for a date night time or particular dinner out to rejoice your getaway. If you get an opportunity, attempt the garganelli pasta with truffle butter, speck, and parmesan.

Day 3: Adventure and Culture

On your final day in Scottsdale, you’ll want to see a few of what makes this vacation spot distinctive with a morning within the Sonoran desert and a day exploring native tradition.

Morning Option 1: Horse Riding

Hit the paths early to keep away from the mid-day solar and discover the attractive Sonoran desert panorama from horseback. MacDonald’s Ranch is positioned on 1,280 acres of desert, which is dotted with towering saguaros, fuzzy cholla cacti, prickly pears, and extra. In addition to path rides, MacDonald’s Ranch gives hayrides, stagecoach rides, and cowboy cookouts.

For households, children will take pleasure in exploring the “Wild West” city, pony rides (when accessible), and a petting zoo. Make certain to put on sunscreen, lengthy pants, closed-toe footwear, and ideally an extended sleeve shirt to guard in opposition to each the solar and brushing by timber and crops on the experience.

You can carry a small water bottle to stow within the saddle pouch, however be certain that to go away the selfie sticks and all baggage within the automotive. Phones additionally want to slot in your pocket or the saddle pouch. Also, carry your humorousness and be prepared for a superb time as a result of the wranglers are a hoot!

Morning Option 2: Hiking in McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Didn’t really feel as much as mountaineering Camelback? No worries (I didn’t both!) There are loads of different nice mountaineering choices in Scottsdale. One of the highest spots is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which is free to entry and maintained by the town of Scottsdale. It covers over 30,000 acres and gives over 200 miles of trails for mountaineering, biking, and horseback using.

Some of the most well-liked trails within the protect embody Tom’s Thumb Trail, Gateway Loop Trail, Lost Dog Wash Trail, and the Sunrise Trail. Parking is on the market at a number of trailheads, together with Gateway Loop Trailhead, Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, and Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, nevertheless it helps to reach early to safe a spot.

The Gateway Trail is a 4.5-mile loop with an elevation achieve of 650 ft that may be a gradual construct to the low saddle of the mountains earlier than a fast and steep climb, earlier than winding again to the Gateway Trailhead. If you don’t have time to make the complete loop, you are able to do a part of the path as an out-and-back as a substitute.

While the paths are fairly nicely marked, you should still wish to think about reserving a guided hike with REI Co-op Experiences in Scottsdale, which gives kayak and paddle board leases, bike leases, guided hikes, bike excursions, and stand-up paddle boarding. The wonderful thing about a guided hike with REI is that your information can educate you a lot concerning the Sonoran desert and its flora, fauna, and wildlife.

If you do hike by yourself, make sure to lather on sunscreen, put on a hat and good sun shades, and correct footwear (athletic sneakers or mountaineering boots.) You must also carry alongside loads of additional water and preserve a watch out for rattlesnakes.

Morning Option 3: Desert Botanical Gardens

The Desert Botanical Garden is a must-visit when within the Scottsdale or Phoenix space. This 140-acre botanical backyard is dwelling to over 50,000 desert plant shows overlaying over 4,000 species. You can simply spend a number of hours exploring the 5 miles of strolling trails that wind via completely different desert habitats, together with the Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, and the Australian Outback.

Throughout the backyard, it’s also possible to take pleasure in a formidable assortment of public artwork installations, together with the favored “Circle of Life” sculpture by Philip Haas and the Chihuly sculptures on the entrance. If you get hungry, there are a number of eating choices on-site, or you may head again into Old Town to your final lunch in Scottsdale.

Lunch in Old Town

It is time for a enjoyable final lunch in Scottsdale and you might be in luck with many choices together with:

• HULA’s Modern Tiki – this contemporary tackle the traditional tiki eating places and bars of the 50s and 60s is a enjoyable spot within the middle of Old Town. The menu incorporates a fusion of Polynesian and American flavors, with loads of shareable plates for a gaggle. Make certain to order the Hilo Luau pork sliders!
• Diego Pops – takes a playful twist on genuine Mexican favorites together with traditional and reimagined tacos, like Brussels Sprout Nachos. Set inside the partitions of a historic Southwestern pottery store, the playful décor and outside patio makes a enjoyable, laid-back eating expertise. If you might be there on a Monday, Diego Pops gives $3 Tacos from open to shut. Don’t miss the grilled avenue corn with flaming sizzling Cheetos mud!
• Farm & Craft – if you would like a wholesome possibility, head to Farm & Craft with a seasonal wellness menu that includes sustainable, gluten-free, natural, and hormone-free elements.

Afternoon Option 1: Western Spirit: ScottsDale’s Museum of the West

The Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a Smithsonian Affiliate and it has been named the “Best Western Museum” within the nation by True West journal. This stunning, fashionable house has been LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold licensed and it’s a gorgeous museum to probe for its structure and its displays.

The museum tells the story of the American West, overlaying each Native American historical past and artifacts from precise American cowboys via a sequence of everlasting galleries and rotating displays. Kids will love the cowboy spurs, belt buckles, chaps, and different gear, together with the genuine stagecoach, however adults will wish to spend much more time exploring the displays and studying about Western and Native American historical past.

Afternoon Option 2: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

If you actually loved Wonderspaces and wish to soak up extra modern artwork, make sure to go to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) in Old Town Scottsdale. The museum options a formidable assortment of up to date artwork from around the globe with a everlasting assortment of over 2,000 works, starting from images and sculpture to combined media installations and digital artwork.

SMoCA additionally hosts a number of non permanent exhibitions all year long, showcasing the work of rising and established artists from quite a lot of backgrounds.

Afternoon Option 3: Taliesin West by Frank Lloyd Wright

If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, a go to to Taliesin West is a should when in Scottsdale. Be certain to by your timed entry tickets upfront and plan on spending about an hour to an hour-and-a-half taking a self-guided audio tour (guided excursions are additionally accessible.) Be certain to put on sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades, and convey alongside a bottle of water as a result of most of your go to will probably be spent exterior.

The complicated was in-built 1937 by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a winter dwelling and studio and was given its title after “Taliesin”, Wright’s earlier dwelling in Wisconsin, whereas the addition of “West” acknowledged the brand new location. Taliesin West served as a hub of innovation and creativity for Wright and his apprentices, who would spend their winters right here growing new concepts and experimenting with design.

Today, Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark and you’ll go to some parts of the dwelling quarters and recognize his design from the surface. I used to be a bit of upset you couldn’t see extra of the dwelling quarters, as I realized a lot about FLW’s quirks and design decisions when visited one among his houses in Buffalo, New York.

Dinner at Your Hotel

Both of the motels that I like to recommend beneath have glorious eating places which can be neither overpriced or stuffy, making an ideal alternative for a relaxed dinner. Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician gives fashionable American delicacies utilizing hearth, coal, and smoke with a big fireplace oven that stands on the central focus of the restaurant. You can select to eat inside or take pleasure in a night on the expansive porch. The buttermilk buns are well worth the carbs and the charred hanger steak can also be a specialty.

If you might be on the Mountain Shadows Resort, Hearth ’61, on the property, gives seasonal American fare from its exhibition kitchen. Renowned Chef Charles Wiley takes inspiration from the attractive flavors of native and natural elements. The menu isn’t in depth, however it’s good and the service is superb as nicely. It is a superb alternative when you may have had a busy day and don’t wish to drive quarter-hour into city.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Note: This put up could include affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.

I’ve written a put up concerning the Scottsdale Arizona resorts that I’ve stayed at through the years, however two that I’d suggest for several types of stays embody:

The Phoenician

The Phoenician Resort and Spa is an approachable luxurious resort that been acknowledged as a Forbes Five-Star resort and a AAA Five-Diamond lodge and is famend as one of many premier motels within the space. Its well-earned status for its distinctive customer support is obvious as quickly as you arrive, with workers offering the attentiveness you hope for from a luxurious property. It can also be a preferred vacation spot for weddings and conferences, so don’t be shocked to see sure areas put aside for company teams.

There is all the time someplace to go to loosen up although, with over 250 acres of superbly manicured lawns, glowing swimming pools, and a lush cactus backyard. The Phoenician Resort and Spa gives a variety of facilities, together with a championship golf course, a number of swimming swimming pools (together with one with a million-dollar mother-of-pearl mural on the underside), tennis and pickleball courts, a world-class spa, an enormous Athletic Club, and a number of other distinctive eating choices, together with Mowry & Cotton and J&G Steakhouse.

With a water slide and splash space, accompanied by a Kids Zone play space, the resort may be very family-friendly, however {couples} or buddies in search of a quieter setting may benefit from the adults-only pool or lease a personal cabana. And the spa…the spa is wonderful. Spend the day, you received’t remorse it.

Mountain Shadows Resort

Mountain Shadows is a boutique resort in Paradise Valley, adjoining to Scottsdale with superior views of Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain (giving the resort its title.) Originally opened in 1959, the resort catered to Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor. Today it incorporates a fashionable design with 183 visitor rooms and 42 resort condominiums and suites.

The giant bar with indoor and outside seating areas makes it an amazing spot to combine and mingle with buddies. The resort has two swimming pools, however they’re greatest suited to adults and youths that wish to loosen up and sunbathe. The lodge can also be recognized for its absolutely revamped 18-hole quick course with a golf grill and lounge. I’m not a golfer however I’m informed by locals that the course is difficult and standard with those who wish to work on their quick sport.

The rooms have an industrial design type, with concrete flooring and open-plan bogs that includes glass-enclosed showers. The lavatory space might be closed off from the bed room space with curtains. The workers is pleasant and useful, and the lodge has some fashionable touches that make it a favourite amongst Millennials, such because the artwork displays that line the partitions, the non-public cabanas for lease by the pool, and the bottle refill station for hydration.

The first time I visited Scottsdale, I began speaking to my husband about transferring there sometime (and that was once I visited in the summertime and the sidewalks had been melting my flip-flops!) After getting an opportunity to go to within the spring, I’ve come to like it much more. There is a superb restaurant scene, stunning resorts, and sizable downtown with tradition, music, and purchasing (and wine). And all these days of sunshine don’t harm both.

I hope this itinerary helps you intend a visit that makes wish to return repeatedly too. After all, you may’t presumably match all of it into only one Scottsdale weekend getaway.

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