Last month I had a chance to frolic in Phoenix and was so excited to do it. Arizona had always been on my list of places to visit. As a city boy, I’d always been intrigued by the gorgeous expansive desert views. I’ve also wanted to indulge in much needed selfcare at one of the many resorts’ spas that the city and surrounding areas has to offer. Once I had these checked off my list, I soon discovered so many other amazing things that the city has to offer. So as your Phoenix tour guide, I thought I’d share some great things to see and do when you visit the city.
Where to Stay
Naturally hitting one of the Phoenix’s resorts was one of my primarily goals. My first stay was at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, an 164 acre oasis nestled beside a mountain preserve. The property featured a great golf course, full-sized world-class gym as well as a 7-acre water park. And with spa in your name, you know I was going to take advantage of the spa facility. My massage was amazing, my therapist really worked the knots out of my back. The property is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite resort in the region. The property is huge so it’s a good thing there are golf carts available at your disposal to help you get around.
Over in Scottsdale, another resort not to be missed is the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess. I was there during the holiday season, so the resort was alive with the holiday spirit. During this time of year, the resort transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland which has become an annual beloved tradition not to be missed by children and adults alike. But in just a view weeks, the Princess will be the place to be when the Phoenix Open (now known as the Waste Management Open) returns to town at the end of January. The Open, called the Greatest Show on the Grass, is one of the most popular events of the PGA Tour.
For those who want to stay downtown, the new Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix is the place to be. Having just opened, I was one of the first guests to stay there and experience the hotel for myself. The Cambria boasts a terrific lobby area for relaxing and meeting, modern rooms and the new Poppy restaurant, led by Executive Chef, Nate Cayer. Eagle eye guests will notice the ostrich throughout the building. He seems to be the hotel’s mascot.
The hotel is located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District, which is home to a vast array of art galleries, studio spaces, restaurants, bars, boutique shops and street art. Since artwork is a mainstay of the area, you’ll find some terrific pieces throughout the building. When you go look for Audrey Hepburn and Wonder Woman! The Cambria also an awesome rooftop pool and bar (The Rooftop). In its short time since opening, it’s become quite the popular hotspot.
What to Do
One of the major draws to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is golfing. According to Golfadvisor.com, there are almost 200 golf courses in the area and diehards can almost play year round. As mentioned earlier both the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa and the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess have courses not to be missed. If self-care is your thing, then the spa life in Phoenix is right up your alley. Both resorts have been ranked in U.S News and World Reports top 25 Spa Resorts in Phoenix.
Once you’ve had a few rounds of golf in and you’ve pampered yourself check out the Heard Museum. The museum is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. Or check out Butterfly World. It is the largest butterfly conservatory in the country. If you’re lucky you might see one of these delicate creature emerge from their cocoon. And right next door is OdySea Aquarium is the newest aquarium in the country. All I can say is if you go, make sure you check out the bathrooms!
Photo courtesy of Visit Phoenix
Processed with Focos
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
I’ll be the first to admit. I am not one for hiking however to really experience the beauty of the desert you must go out in it. The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is located just 20 minutes from downtown. It’s part of the Sonoran Desert, the 3rd largest desert in America. The trail hike can be as easy or as strenuous as you like. Either way you’ll enjoy beautiful views and have chance to the saguaro cactus which is only found in the Sonoran Desert.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Photo by Jill Richards. Courtesy of Visit Phoenix
If you don’t want to hike it, how about a view from 3,000 feet up? In a hot air balloon, you’ll discover amazing 360 views of the of the city of Phoenix and the magnificent Sonoran Desert. To create your experience, contact Hot Air Expeditions to craft a one of a kind experience.
Desert Botanical Garden
Hiking not your thing nor are you’re not a fan of heights but still want that desert experience? Then the Desert Botanical Garden is not to be missed. With over 50,000 desert plants spread out among five different trails, you can still experience the splendor of the desert but in a much more controlled environment.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Let’s face no Fashion Fool in DC or otherwise is worth his salt, if a good place to shop was not a part of the Phoenix Tour Guide. Scottsdale Fashion Square gets my vote for the place to go if you need to get your retail therapy game on. This is where you’ll find many of the high retail and boutique shops such as Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Burberry but you’ll also find moderately priced brands as well such as Express, Dillard’s and Macy’s. Heck, there’s even an Indochino showroom! For those outlet shoppers, not too far are Phoenix Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets – Phoenix/Glendale.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of terrific places to eat while visiting Phoenix. From casual to fine dining, there are a variety of options to satisfy your hunger and even please the pickiest of eaters. During my visit, I hit so many great places that I may have grown bigger by a size or two but hey as a good Phoenix tour guide, I opted to take one in the name of research!
For breakfast, my recommendation is to run not walk to Prep and Pastry. First, they lure you in with their decadent pastries. Then you take a look at the menu and you’ll want all the things! From sandwiches, to pancakes and even their more healthier bowl options you’ll have a hard time choosing what to get. They even make a mean avocado toast.
One of the neat things about Phoenix is its unique venues for dining and entertainment. For an escape from city life, head to the Farm at South Mountain. The Farm Kitchen is one of three restaurants on this real working farm and a great spot to enjoy lunch al fresco. Here you can grab sandwiches, soups, seasonal salads and made-from-scratch baked goods served in picnic baskets which exploring the grounds which are also used as event space.
Staying in the city, head to the Churchill. Established in the Roosevelt Arts District, the Churchill is home to 10 small local businesses. What’s cool about this space is they’ve converted old shipping containers and turned them into a 9,000 square foot courtyard and gathering space. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants. Looking for a great lunch at a decent price? Here you have options. I suggest hitting Freak Brothers Pizza , Commander Hamburger or Proveccho. Better yet, grab something from all of them!
Consider of mix of options when it comes time for your dinner choices. In keeping with a fun theme, head over to the Duce, in downtown Phoenix. Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, this massive warehouse space has some great comfort food and it comes complete with its own boxing rink!
For a great steak, head to Rustler’s Rooste, featuring casual dining with a country western flair. Make an entrance down their slide and make sure to try a desert delicacy…. rattlesnake! (I did it. It was pretty good!) If meatballs are your thing, you’ll want to hit the Sicilian Butcher. They have 15 different craft meatballs to choose from. Plus, the charcuterie board is out of this world!
Rattlesnake!
For those who crave fine dining, Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar is the place to be. The Chef Richard Sandoval restaurant is located in the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess so if you get there a little early you can enjoy views of the golf greens. But you’ll really want to go for the food. At this Latin and Asian inspired restaurant, you’ll be treated to some fantastic sushi and tasty Brazilian churrasco. No matter what you choose, order the chipotle pork belly mac & cheese. It comes as a side and technically is supposed to be sharable. One taste and you probably won’t share either!
Where to get a good cocktail
For those who enjoy a cocktail or two, now Phoenix tour guide would be complete without mentioning where to go to grab a drink. As with places to dine, there are several fantastic spots to enjoy a great cocktail. Two unique bars who pump up their cocktail quotient are the Undertow and Bitter and Twisted.
The Undertow is a fascinating speakeasy hidden below Sip Coffee and Beer in Phoenix. Once inside, you’ll find your way, you’ll embark on a 90-minute journey sampling tiki drinks aboard a 19th century clipper ship. This tiny venue has limited seating and reservations are strongly recommended. Note there is no telephone at the bar. Reservations are confirmed through Open Table or by texting the special number located on their website.
Photo by Mark Lipczynski. Courtesy of Visit Phoenix
During the holiday season, Bitter and Twisited may be have morphed itself into the Sippin’ Santa pop-up bar but its drinks were still outstanding. This cocktail parlour features a “book of cocktails” which highlights their many selections. Slightly bigger, it istill has limited seating so entrance again entrance is first come first serve and the bar suggests using Yelp to get on the waitlist.
Phoenix Tour Guide
Where to stay
Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix
What to Do
Tanger Outlets – Phoenix/Glendale
Where to Eat & Drink
Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar
Thank you Visit Phoenix for arranging this excursion.
2 comments
[…] Last month I had a chance to frolic in Phoenix and was so excited to do it. Arizona had always been on my list of places to visit. As a city boy, I’d always been intrigued by the gorgeous expansive desert views. I’ve also wanted to indulge in much needed selfcare at one of the many resorts’ spas that the city and surrounding areas has to offer. Once I had these checked off my list, I soon discovered so many other amazing things that the city has to offer. So as your Phoenix tour guide, I thought I’d share some great things to see and do when you visit the city. Where to Stay Naturally hitting one of the Phoenix’s resorts was one of my primarily goals. My first stay was at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, an 164 acre oasis nestled beside a mountain preserve. The property featured a great golf course, full-sized world-class gym as well as a 7-acre water park. And with spa in your name, you know I was going to take advantage of the spa facility. My massage was… This is only a snippet of a Men’s Fashion Article written by dcfashionfool Read Full Article […]
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