Arizona Destination Speciaist

Arizona's Beauty

If you think Arizona is just sand and heat, let me show you the Phoenix I’ve fallen in love with. My days here are a mix of rugged trail dust, high-end relaxation, and some of the best food I've ever tucked into.

The JW Marriott is a stunning place to stay in Arizona. I love it. It has a lazy river and a golf course for enjoyment. It's like a resort there. If it's a resort that you want there a few resorts in Arizona, but the best thing to do is renting an RV and seeing Arizona's rugged beauty during the sunsets and sunrises, and the open sky full of stars late at night. It's simply beautiful.  

The Great Outdoors:I spend a lot of my time chasing views. Papago Park is my go-to for a "nature in the city" fix.I love hiking up to The Hole in the Wall for that perfect panoramic photo. If I'm feeling ambitious, I’ll head to Camelback Mountain or take the "wild drive" up to Dobbin’s Lookout at South Mountain Park to see the three mountain ranges glow at sunset. For something a bit more advanced, the Blue Wash Hike never disappoints.When I need to cool off, the water isn't hard to find. Along these walks you see the nature of Arizona, the cactus's and the rugged beauty that simply belongs to Arizona in all it's uniqueness.

On the water: Kayaking the Salt River, taking the Desert Belle cruise on Saguaro Lake, or just lounging on a boat at Tempe Town Lake. You can jet ski on Saguro Lake which offers a lot of fun & excitement.

In the gardens: Walking through the Desert Botanical Garden to see how much life actually thrives in the heat.

City Vibes & Hidden Gems: When I want to pick up the pace, I head to Old Town Scottsdale. It’s the perfect spot for nightlife, high-end golf, and finding that perfect keepsake in the local shops. I love the vintage, old-school feel of the Melrose District, especially during their car shows.I'm also a huge fan of the unique history here. I’ve explored Taliesin West, marveled at the Mystery Castle (built by a father for his daughter), and even paid my respects at Governor Hunt’s Tomb, that curious white pyramid overlooking the zoo. To truly step back in time, I’ll drive out to Goldfield. Goldfield is where miners used to mine for gold, trying to strike it big, it's fascinating to see. The experience there has a whole Wild West feel, it's great for families to see. I enjoyed visiting the Tortilla Flat on the Apache Trail, it was fun and good exercise. Having a camera handy is ideal, because you'll want to remember this trip and the beauty that simply is Arizona. 

I'd highly recommend seeing the Phenonix Art Museum it's fun and give you a lot of insight about the history of Phenonix, & Arizona as a whole.

Where I Eat & Drink:You can't talk about Phoenix without talking about the food. My perfect day looks like this.

Morning: A giant coffee at Tres Leches Cafe (perfect for dipping pastries!) or a Cubano at Fillmore Coffee Co.
Lunch/Dinner: Finding a spot for authentic Mexican fusion or heading to Pizzeria Bianco for the "Rosa" pizza. Olive & Ivy has mouth watering brazed short ribs that comforted my heart and made me happy. Bobby Barb-Q Restaurant and Steak house has food that arrives to you fast, the barbecue is amazing. 

Pro tip: Skip the valet and find street parking & please bring sunscreen & an umbrella to combat the sun & have shade from the heat, & have comfortable shoes to hike around in, & swim shoes when swimming in lakes makes moving around easier. Remember in areas there is wildlife, so be careful. 

Snacks: The cauliflower bites & chowder fries at Neighborly are non-negotiable.

Nightlife: Sipping on ginger mead at Superstition Meadery or playing games at The Dark Messenger, which is the ultimate spot for gamers (not video games per se but, fun wholesome games that bring people closer) & their food is excellent, and their brews are delicious. 

There's non IPA, non- alcoholic drinks featured at many bars so, it's safe to get a tasty drink and drive. Being Bar has them, and the Lacuna Kava Bar is an excellent bar with an amazing attentive staff.

Shopping: There is the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, it's a beautiful mall and has name brands that we all know and love.

There are plenty of spots along route 66 where you can get that perfect photo and enjoy keepsake shopping.

Culture & Fun: Whether I’m catching a Suns game, wandering through the Musical Instrument Museum, (It's my favorite museum in the Arizona and it's worth a visit) or supporting local artisans on First Friday, of the month. You can see them work and see their stunning works of art,  there is always something happening in the area. From the Ostrich Festival in the spring to the Renaissance Festival and Country Thunder, where everyone can enjoy the country music tunes and atmosphere. The energy here is unmatched.

Phoenix isn't just a destination for me; it’s an experience. It's where I can scale a cliff in the morning and be at a modern art gallery by sunset. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and there’s always something new to discover.