Choose Your Own Adventure Guide

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Choose Your Own Adventure Guide


Scottsdale, Arizona is a vibrant vacation spot that really affords one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re searching for luxurious rest, out of doors journey, nice foods and drinks, boutique or designer purchasing, or cultural experiences. Fitting all of it into simply a few days may be difficult. That’s why I’ve put collectively a complete Scottsdale weekend itinerary that gives you decisions for every day, relying in your pursuits and finances.

Whether you’re a nature lover, golfer, foodie, historical past buff, or simply need to relax, this Scottsdale itinerary will assist you to take advantage of your time within the space. So pack your sunscreen and your swimsuit (and possibly your cowboy boots) and prepare to take pleasure in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

Kim and Tamara on the path at the Desert Botanical Gardens

How to Get to Scottsdale

Scottsdale is situated within the Phoenix Metro space, simply 10 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, which affords direct flights from over 100 cities each worldwide and home. Once you arrive, you’ll doubtless need to hire a automobile to get to the varied sights, until you propose to remain at a resort for almost all of your keep. However, ride-share choices are broadly out there and on my latest keep, I observed a variety of individuals taking Ubers to issues just like the horseback driving ranch. Also, some exercise suppliers, like the new air balloon operators, supply a pick-up and drop-off service.

If you do hire a automobile, the automobile rental middle is now linked to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by way of the Air Train, making it way more handy to get round this very busy airport.

What is the Best Time to Visit Scottsdale?

Kim and Tamara next to Saguaro

That is the large query, isn’t it? The greatest time to go to Scottsdale is between November and April when the climate is cooler and extra nice. Summers in Scottsdale may be extraordinarily sizzling with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. However, the winter season may be very busy and costly as a result of “snowbirds” coming south to benefit from the hotter temperatures.

Additionally, from late February to late March, baseball groups from throughout the United States come to the Phoenix metro space to organize for spring coaching, often known as the Cactus League. This is a good time to go to if you’re a baseball fan, however costs can be larger and lodging a bit extra restricted.

If you’ll be able to beat the warmth via early morning actions, indoor pursuits, and loads of pool time, summer season in Scottsdale is usually a nice time to go to when the lodge costs are decrease.

How Long Should You Spend in Scottsdale?

Cowboy statue at sunset

Chances are, if you’re studying this Scottsdale weekend itinerary, you’re pondering of visiting for 2 or three days, and I feel that’s the minimal period of time you must spend in Scottsdale, particularly if you’re flying out and in.

There is definitely loads to do to fill a whole week, particularly if you’re concerned with taking any day journeys, however how lengthy you spend is as much as your pursuits, time, and finances. Personally, I like returning time and again for a Scottsdale weekend getaway and getting to remain someplace new and check out one thing totally different every time. Of course, with a university pupil down in Tucson, that could be a little simpler for me to plan.

Scottsdale’s Indigenous Heritage

Native American hoop dancer

When visiting, you will need to acknowledge that Scottsdale, Arizona is situated on the standard lands of the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and the Piipaash (Maricopa) tribes, who lived on this land for hundreds of years. These Indigenous individuals have a deep connection to the land, and their cultural and non secular practices are intrinsically tied to the pure assets of the area. While you’re in Scottsdale, make an effort to familiarize your self with these cultures for those who can (I’ve a few choices beneath.)

I supply this land acknowledgment as a step in direction of recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing wrestle for justice, dignity, and self-determination and decide to studying extra concerning the historical past and tradition of the Indigenous peoples of this land, and all locations that I go to.

Scottsdale Weekend Itinerary

Note: This publish is written as a part of a paid partnership with Experience Scottsdale. My journey bills had been additionally coated as a part of this marketing campaign, however all opinions are my very own.

Ok, now let’s dig into what your Scottsdale weekend itinerary can seem like. I lately visited Scottsdale with my bestie Kim from Stuffed Suitcase and we tackled quite a lot of what Scottsdale has to supply (however I’m already keen to return for extra!) As I discussed above, I’ve designed this itinerary with some choices so to use it like a “choose your own adventure” story, and blend and match as you want.

Since there’s a lot to do in Scottsdale, I’d actually advocate planning an extended weekend, particularly if you’re flying in, so I’ve designed this weekend itinerary to cowl 3 days in Scottsdale. If you solely have two days, you’ll be able to nonetheless use this as a information and subtract the actions which can be the least fascinating to you.

Day One: Arrive and Relax!

If you’re flying into Phoenix, you’ll in all probability be drained from an early morning departure (particularly if you’re flying from the East Coast like me!), and it is sensible 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 aircraft all keen beaver to hike up Camelback Mountain.

Option 1: Book a Spa Appointment

Tamara and Kim at the spa

If you’re arriving early, likelihood is you gained’t be capable to test into your lodge till the afternoon. But for those who guide an appointment at a spa, you’ll be able to spend the day enjoyable at its facility. And let me inform you, Scottsdale has some wonderful spas. If hitting the hyperlinks is rest for you, you then do you and guide a tee time, however to me, golf just isn’t enjoyable (as a result of I’m a horrible golfer.)

The Phoenician Spa is beautiful and when you guide an appointment (do that weeks prematurely, particularly if you’re visiting throughout a busy season), you might have entry to all the 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’ll be able to hand around in the scholar lounge and after therapy, I gained’t decide you for those who 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’s additionally a rooftop pool only for spa company! In addition to the loungers ringing the pool and a comfortable couch dialog space, you too can guide a personal cabana (nice if you’re touring with a bunch.) They serve drinks and a few of the tastiest poolside meals I’ve had (attempt the hen shawarma and the off-menu french fries.)

There are many different inns 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 personal 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 liked including on a while within the Himalayan salt cave earlier than my therapy.

Option 2: Pool Time

Phoenician pool

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 truly get chilly, so it might not be pool climate year-round however you’re a minimum of 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 for those who can’t but test into your lodge room, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover a restroom to slide into your swimsuit till your room is prepared.

Just be sure to slather on the sunscreen, discover a terrific packable solar hat, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The solar and dry local weather may be robust for those who aren’t used to it.

Waterslide at The Phoenician

If you’re touring with your loved ones, many resorts, similar 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

Kim and Tamara shopping at The Merchantile

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

It is understood for its charming and distinctive Western structure, artwork galleries, outlets, and eating places. Old Town is residence to a variety of historic buildings, together with the Rusty Spur Saloon, one of many oldest bars in Scottsdale. You will need 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 is advisable to put in your listing embrace The Merchantile of Scottsdale, which is an indoor market for native artists and designers; and the Native Art Market, which affords 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 affords Native American performers and helps Arizona’s wealthy Indigenous tradition, sending cash instantly again to Native communities.

LDV Winery with Kim and Tamara

Scottsdale has seven wineries with tastings rooms in downtown that you would be able to 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 propose on visiting a number of wineries, you should purchase a passport for $5.00 at any of the collaborating 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 stunned by Arizona wine and actually liked every part we tasted at Carlson Creek. On my latest woman’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 for those who get an opportunity!

Dinner in Old Town

Enchiladas at Old Town Tortilla Factory

There are over 800 eating places in Scottsdale and lots of are situated proper in Old Town. You can discover every part from conventional Mexican to artistic Italian to Nashville sizzling hen (and extra.) I’ve written about a few of my favourite downtown Scottsdale eating places, however for dinner, listed below are a number of that I’d advocate in Old Town:

  • The Mission – affords trendy Latin delicacies in a complicated setting with a wonderful bar highlighted by a Himalayan salt block wall that may be excellent for a enjoyable dinner out. The out of doors 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 most recent 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 bunch, just like the wood-grilled Branzino with crispy pores and skin and the 55-ounce prime bistecca fiorentina. One dish you’ll be able to’t miss (even for those who don’t suppose you’ll find it irresistible), 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 – situated within the Arts District, Old Town Tortilla Factory affords a beautiful giant patio and a 75-year-old adobe residence that’s excellent for a household to take pleasure in southwestern delicacies with a Mexican twist. It is a perfect introduction to Scottsdale.
Tamara in front of horse fountain in Old Town Scottsdale

Day 2: Bucket List Busting

If you’re able to test one thing off your bucket listing, Scottsdale has some nice decisions!

Morning Option 1: Hot Air Ballooning!

Kim and Tamara in balloon basket

Get a great 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 affords morning balloon flights year-round and afternoon flights from November 1 – March fifteenth. Even for those who don’t like getting up early (that’s me!), selecting the morning flight is a safer guess that it gained’t be canceled on account of poor climate situations, and attending to see the dawn from the air is actually a bucket listing expertise.

The expertise begins with a 4:30 am choose up at your lodge, or you’ll be able to decide to fulfill the group on the Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix. The staff then rides out to a launch location the place they’ll rapidly arrange and inflate the balloon. Once everybody climbs in it’s up…up…and away you go! Private rides are additionally out there in order for you an extra-special expertise with your folks or household.

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

After touching again down, the staff rapidly units out a wonderful champagne breakfast to take pleasure in within the desert as an ideal strategy to cap off the expertise.

Morning Option 2: Climb Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain from Mountain Shadows

Many individuals leap off the aircraft in Phoenix speaking about how excited they’re to climb Camelback Mountain. While this is usually a enjoyable tour on your bucket listing, it’s also higher for skilled hikers climbing collectively (and keep away from the peak of summer season.) Just like the new air balloon, it is sensible 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 climbing vacation spot with beautiful 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 acquire is important, with a summit elevation of two,704 ft. It is necessary to be ready and take your time.

If you’re planning on climbing Camelback, the most well-liked trails are the Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail. It’s necessary to hold loads of water, a minimum of 1-2 liters per particular person, as there aren’t any water sources alongside the best way. If you do try this hike, be sure that to additionally put on a hat, sun shades, correct footgear, and many sunscreen. You may also have to maintain 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 probability of discovering a parking spot. Access to the park is free, however there’s a small charge for parking. If this sounds too difficult on your crew — don’t fear — I haven’t tackled it both. But there are many different enjoyable hikes which can be straightforward to average, which I’ll get to later.

Morning Option 3: Brunch it Up!

Potato skin hash at hash kitchen

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 advocate Hash Kitchen. This highly-Instagrammable restaurant affords indoor and out of doors seating and an elaborate build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Each choice is sizable and scrumptious, with distinctive and attractive choices just like the Best F#*%ing Birria Hash and Potato Skin Hash. Make positive 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 calm down 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 potential 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’re 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

Postino bruschetta board

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

Afternoon Option 2: Get Artsy at Wonderspaces

Rules by Paola Ibarra Llano at Wonderworks
Rules by Paola Ibarra Llano at Wonderspaces

If you’re searching for a singular 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 area that’s the first everlasting location of this widespread artwork pop-up.

You will stroll via a collection 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 chances are you’ll discover you get extra out of it from a distinct angle or with the suitable backstory. For instance, The Immigrant by Michael Murphy was mind-blowing when seen from the entrance after which the facet.

Kids have to be accompanied by adults, however they’ll respect the individuality and interactivity of this artwork exhibit. You may even “leave your mark” on reveals similar to Rules, by Paola Ibarra Llano (proven above), the place you’ll be able to add colourful tape to this ever-changing piece of artwork.

Afternoon Option 3: Get Crafty at Light + Bark Candles

Mixing oils for candle making

Another enjoyable exercise for households, mates, and even {couples}, is candle-making at Light + Bark Candles. Create your individual scent with a customized mix of the important oils of your selection and personalize your soy-based candle within the vessel and cap of your selection. 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 assist rescue and shelter canine. Just be sure that to pre-book your appointment (and be at liberty to deliver your canine!)

Dinner in Scottsdale

If you need an alternative choice from the alternatives from final night time, attempt Fat Ox for a scrumptious trendy tackle Italian classics. Named after the Italian cattle, the decor at Fat Ox is subtle, but relaxed, making it excellent for a date night time or particular dinner out to have fun 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

Trail ride at MacDonald's ranch

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 situated 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 affords hayrides, stagecoach rides, and cowboy cookouts.

For households, youngsters will take pleasure in exploring the “Wild West” city, pony rides (when out there), and a petting zoo. Make positive 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 vegetation on the experience.

You can deliver a small water bottle to stow within the saddle pouch, however be sure that to go away the selfie sticks and all baggage within the automobile. Phones additionally want to slot in your pocket or the saddle pouch. Also, deliver your humorousness and be prepared for a great 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 climbing Camelback? No worries (I didn’t both!) There are loads of different nice climbing choices in Scottsdale. One of the highest spots is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which is free to entry and maintained by town of Scottsdale. It covers over 30,000 acres and affords over 200 miles of trails for climbing, biking, and horseback driving.

Some of the most well-liked trails within the protect embrace Tom’s Thumb Trail, Gateway Loop Trail, Lost Dog Wash Trail, and the Sunrise Trail. Parking is obtainable 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 acquire of 650 ft that could 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 total loop, you are able to do a part of the path as an out-and-back as an alternative.

While the paths are fairly nicely marked, you should still need to take into account reserving a guided hike with REI Co-op Experiences in Scottsdale, which affords kayak and paddle board leases, bike leases, guided hikes, bike excursions, and stand-up paddle boarding. The beauty of a guided hike with REI is that your information can train you a lot concerning the Sonoran desert and its flora, fauna, and wildlife.

If you do hike by yourself, you should definitely lather on sunscreen, put on a hat and good sun shades, and correct footwear (athletic sneakers or climbing boots.) You must also deliver alongside loads of additional water and maintain 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 residence to over 50,000 desert plant shows masking over 4,000 species. You can simply spend a number of hours exploring the 5 miles of strolling trails that wind via totally different desert habitats, together with the Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, and the Australian Outback.

Throughout the backyard, you too can take pleasure in a powerful 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’ll be able to head again into Old Town on your final lunch in Scottsdale.

Lunch in Old Town

Fishcakes and drink at Hula Modern Tiki

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

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

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

Tamara and Museum of the West cowboy

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, trendy area has been LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold licensed and it’s a beautiful museum to probe for its structure and its reveals.

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

Afternoon Option 2: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

If you actually loved Wonderspaces and need to absorb extra up to date artwork, you should definitely go to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) in Old Town Scottsdale. The museum options a powerful assortment of latest artwork from around the globe with a everlasting assortment of over 2,000 works, starting from images and sculpture to blended media installations and digital artwork.

SMoCA additionally hosts a number of momentary exhibitions all year long, showcasing the work of rising and established artists from a wide range of backgrounds.

Afternoon Option 3: Taliesin West by Frank Lloyd Wright

Taliesin West outside pool

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

The complicated was inbuilt 1937 by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a winter residence and studio and was given its title after “Taliesin”, Wright’s earlier residence 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 creating 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 respect his design from the skin. I used to be somewhat disenchanted 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

asparagus at mowry and cotton

Both of the inns that I like to recommend beneath have wonderful eating places which can be neither overpriced or stuffy, making an ideal selection for a relaxed dinner. Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician affords trendy American delicacies utilizing fireplace, 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’re on the Mountain Shadows Resort, Hearth ’61, on the property, affords seasonal American fare from its exhibition kitchen. Renowned Chef Charles Wiley takes inspiration from the attractive flavors of native and natural components. The menu isn’t intensive, however it’s good and the service is great as nicely. It is a good selection when you might have had a busy day and don’t need to drive quarter-hour into city.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Note: This publish could comprise 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 publish concerning the Scottsdale Arizona resorts that I’ve stayed at through the years, however two that I’d advocate for several types of stays embrace:

The Phoenician

Phoenician pearl pool

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 inns within the space. Its well-earned status for its distinctive customer support is clear as quickly as you arrive, with workers offering the attentiveness you hope for from a luxurious property. It can also be a well-liked vacation spot for weddings and conferences, so don’t be stunned to see sure areas put aside for company teams.

There is at all times someplace to go to calm down although, with over 250 acres of fantastically manicured lawns, glowing swimming pools, and a lush cactus backyard. The Phoenician Resort and Spa affords 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, a large Athletic Club, and several 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 could be very family-friendly, however {couples} or mates searching for a quieter setting can even benefit from the adults-only pool or hire a personal cabana. And the spa…the spa is wonderful. Spend the day, you gained’t remorse it.

Mountain Shadows Resort

Mountain Shadows pool and cabanas

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 encompasses a trendy design with 183 visitor rooms and 42 resort condominiums and suites.

The giant bar with indoor and out of doors seating areas makes it a terrific spot to combine and mingle with mates. The resort has two swimming pools, however they’re greatest fitted to adults and youths that need to calm down and sunbathe. The lodge can also be identified for its totally 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 widespread with people who need to work on their quick sport.

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

The first time I visited Scottsdale, I began speaking to my husband about shifting there sometime (and that was after 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 find it irresistible much more. There is a good restaurant scene, stunning resorts, and sizable downtown with tradition, music, and purchasing (and wine). And all these days of sunshine don’t damage both.

I hope this itinerary helps you propose a visit that makes need to return time and again too. After all, you’ll be able to’t presumably match all of it into only one Scottsdale weekend getaway.

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Scottsdale Arizona makes a great weekend getaway for families, couples/romantic getaways, or girl's trips/girlfriend getaways with amazing resort spas, golf courses, Scottsdale restaurants, Old Town Scottsdale and fun outdoor activities. Find out how to pack your 3 days in Scottsdale in this Scottsdale weekend itinerary!

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