In the past month, I was able to go to Phoenix and Scottsdale twice! My lucky butt got to partner with American Airlines for one trip for Spring Training then the trip I just got back from was a partnership with a few hotels and Scottsdale Tourism Board.
I fell in love with Scottsdale my first trip and by my second trip, I wanted to move there! If I could I would. A 3-hour plane ride from Chicago and once landed Scottsdale is about 20 min. drive from the airport. It’s full of sun, landscapes and so much to do. The perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Landing in sunny Arizona made me so happy as winter in Chicago is long.
WHERE TO STAY: Phoenix/Scottsdale is full of hotels that are amazing but for the best place to stay overall, I can’t recommend Hotel Valley Ho enough. The location is the perfect spot as it is in Old Town where there’s shopping and restaurants (literally a 5 min walk). The hotel feels like a hideaway and decorated with mid-century modern architecture. With 241 rooms, I got to stay in a luxurious suite with a patio, kitchen, and living room! It was a delight and one of my favorite hotels to date. So much character and I would definitely stay here again the next time I come.
Dine at ZuZu for sure while there – we had the yummiest brunch and enjoy the shaded patio.
The OH Pool has cabanas and day beds that you can rent, but a chair was easily available.
WHAT TO DO:
Things to fit in for the weekend that I loved!
{1} Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hot Air Expeditions: we woke up super early for a pick-up at 4:30 am – we did a sunrise balloon ride with a brunch set up right afterward. Romantic and a great way to see the scene of Scottsdale. I hate heights and the balloon ride was not scary at all. It feels like you are lightly floating up and the entire ride was slow and picturesque.
I took these pretty photos from the balloon ride with my iPhone. So pretty and peaceful.
A yummy champagne brunch to end our ride and we were back at the hotel by 9:30 am!
{2} Shops at the Old Town Shops: my favorite was Vintage by Misty. I got this incredible yellow vintage dress there. I love that the area has local shops and not big box brands. I purchased jewelry, clothes and had lunch. It was a full day shopping and enjoying the vibe of the area.
{3} Desert Botanical Garden: Must do! A lovely walk and great for photos. You can hold a glass of wine and walk the garden. A short ride in an uber or drive, it’s easy to get to.
{4} Other things recommended that I didn’t get to – Scottsdale Fashion Square (great shopping in every category), Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Scottsdale Wine Trail.
WHERE TO DINE FOR DINNER:
{1} FnB for dinner: Amazing meal (they did a tasting for us). Chef Charleen Badman, is the recipient of the James Beard Foundation 2019 Best Chef Southwest. Her food is locally sourced and wow melts in your mouth. The Peruvian chicken spring roll was so delicious I’m still thinking about it. The bass and the steak were to die for. Must go if you can get in. Book ahead of time!
{2} Maple & Ash: Scene and food delivered. We have one in Chicago and it’s the same. Best crowds, music, and the food is always yummy. A great scene always.
{3} Virtu Honest Craft: romantic setting outside with great flavors. It’s a 3-course menu and it changes often. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and local produce, Chef Osso delivers an excellent menu and experience.
{4} Toca Madera: Went here with friends and also a great scene (DJ at the bar) and it is gorgeous inside! Elevated Mexican food and great for groups. I loved the music, vibes and you can’t go wrong with Mexican food!
There are a ton of places for lunch, but I focused on dinner as you need reservations ahead of time and for a weekend getaway, these are amazing spots.
A quick getaway to Scottsdale is easily doable for a weekend! I hope you loved my recommendations and if you love my blog post, sign up for my email newsletter here if you love my posts.
