With the new year comes new opportunities for weekend escapes. We’re always on the hunt for fun, quick, and easy getaways - and since our holiday trip to Scottsdale back in early December, it’s moved up to the top of our travel list. Scottsdale has it all - sprawling hotels and resorts, a booming culinary scene, picture-perfect scenery, world-class shopping, outdoor adventures… and did we mention a booming culinary scene? We’d go back to Scottsdale just for the food!
Scottsdale is understatedly cool, and that’s exactly why we like it. Plan a trip during the summer – their off-season (May-September) – and you’ll find slamming deals on hotels. (We’re talking 60% off peak season rates!) Need we say more?
Oh ya, and here’s where WE think you should stay, eat, and explore if you just need a quick 48-hour retreat...
STAY:
Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows
Overlooking Camelback Mountain, this modern and welcoming oasis couldn’t be more picturesque - or more luxurious! The bungalow style rooms are spacious and filled with amenities, from complimentary drinks and snacks to cozy robes and a shower that’s bigger than our entire bathroom at home!
The property itself is stunning, with perfectly maintained courtyards, a jaw-dropping pool area, and an inviting lobby that’s thoughtfully decorated with local art. In fact, all of the rooms have artwork from local artists - and you can even go on a free art tour of the property during your stay!
The Andaz is Sally approved!
Cheers to a stunning room at the Andaz!
Sally loved exploring the property, but loved naps even more…
Colorful grounds of the Andaz Scottsdale
AFTERNOON:
After you’re all checked in and settled, spend the rest of the day shopping and meandering around Old Town Scottsdale. From charming boutiques to trendy coffee shops to family-owned wine tasting rooms, there’s something for everyone - and enough to keep one entertained for hours! Some of our favorite spots include:
Cricket and Ruby: It’s no secret we’re in full on “baby mode” over here, so we were thrilled to find this adorable little children's boutique. They even have some cute bohemian-chic “Mamma and Me” sets that Alli was eyeing… she could have easily bought the entire store!
Cartel Coffee Lab: We sometimes plan our Arizona adventures around this trendy and downright delicious coffee shop. Their baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and their coffee is strong and full of flavor - it’s the perfect afternoon pick me up!
The Plant Store: Finally a shop the two of us could agree on! This perfectly Iinstagrammable and airy space is filled with beautifully curated cacti, succulents, and house plants, and there’s even an area where you can pot your own!
Leela Market: Filled to the brim with playful gifts, Arizona-themed accessories and decor, and even some stylish women’s wear, this is THE place to souvenir shop. It’s “Desert Luxe” at its finest!
EVENING:
End the night at The Mission, a modern Latin restaurant that’s bursting with flavor and sophistication. The atmosphere is stylish and elegant, and yet casual and inviting all in one… and the food. Oh, we could write a whole blog about the many mind-blowing dishes at The Mission. They’re incredible.
From the tableside guacamole (we both agree it’s the best guacamole we’ve ever had - and we’ve had a LOT of guacamole), to the crispy pork belly with a cola lime glaze, to the tacos made on hand-pressed corn tortillas, to the mouthwatering desserts… you’ll be tempted to order one of everything. We did, and we had zero regrets.
Oh and of course, no trip to The Mission is complete without a margarita (or two). You can’t go wrong with The Mission Margarita (add grand marnier for a real treat), and if you’re feeling adventurous, we highly recommend the Aguacate. It’s an avocado margarita that will have you wondering why you hadn’t thought of this combination sooner.
Make a reservation in advance, as they are known to fill up quick. And most importantly, COME HUNGRY.
YUM YUM YUM The Mission was delicious!
MORNING:
We can’t think of a better way to work off your big dinner than a sunrise hike at the Gateway Loop Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We suggest arranging a guide with REI Co-op Experiences, who will not only take you to and from the preserve, but will also lead you along the trail, sharing fascinating facts about the plants and wildlife you encounter, and give an insightful look into Arizona’s rich history. This guided experience was one of the highlights of our trip, hands down!
If you’re anything like us, at this point you’ve worked up an appetite. Farm & Craft serves healthy and sustainable food, with a seasonal wellness menu, kombucha on tap, and all ingredients are gluten free, hormone free, and organic. Their breakfast menu is as hearty as it is healthy, with some of our favorites being the Egg White Scramble and The Breakfast Sandwich. If you’re feeling like something sweet, try their Acai Bowl!
Planning our route on the Sonoran Preserve Trails!
AFTERNOON:
There’s no lack of activities in Scottsdale, but one of our favorite things to do when we’re there is to set aside some time to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities. So we suggest doing exactly that.
If the weather is nice (which it most likely will be), spend the afternoon at The Andaz’s spacious and alluring pool. If you find yourselves hungry for a light bite, dine at their on-site restaurant Weft and Warp. Or cozy up in your private bungalow and take a nap on the feathery-bed… Hey, nothing says “vacation” like doing nothing!
EVENING:
If you’re beginning to notice a “foodie theme” to this itinerary, you’ve caught us. The culinary scene in Scottsdale is so advanced and wide-spread, we can’t help but revolve a good chunk of this getaway around dining!
That being said, book a reservation at Toro Scottsdale, where Pan-Latin cuisine takes the stage, bringing together inspiration from Latin America, Japanese, and Peruvian-Chinese influences. It’s a melting pot of flavor that’s unlike anything we’ve had before… and it blew us away. (Where else can you order empanadas and sushi?!) They also have the Valley’s largest selection of rums - over 111, and their skilled bartenders make a daiquiri that will have even the most skeptical drinkers singing its praises.
MORNING:
You can’t visit Scottsdale without an indulgent (and creative) breakfast at Hash Kitchen. It’s a must. We realized we were in for a treat the moment we walked in and saw the build-your-own bloody mary bar (Arizona’s largest) and heard the people in the booth next to us raving about the Cannoli Donuts. While the HK Hashes are their specialty, you can’t go wrong with anything on their extensive menu - try their Cereal Shooter Flight for breakfast cocktails like you’ve never had before!
After you’re fed and happy, take an Instagrammable (and educational) golf cart tour around Scottsdale with our friends Kirk and Monica from JoyRridesAZ! They’ll customize your tour based on your interests, and make plenty of stops for photos, exploration, and even wine tasting! After a few hours with this dynamic husband and wife duo, we were convinced that the best way to see Scottsdale is by golf cart… and we have a feeling you’ll be hooked too! (Plus, they’re expert photo takers - some of our favorite pictures from the trip were taken by Monica!)
Too much good stuff in this photo… we loved Hash Kitchen!
Loved finding the best photo spots in Scottsdale!
Monica from JoyRidesAZ knew all the angles :)
AFTERNOON:
Stop for lunch at Hula’s Modern Tiki, an urban twist on the classic tiki bars of the 50’s and 60’s, right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Sip on mai tais, snack on their famous Crispy Coconut Shrimp Rolls, and pig out (literally) on Duke’s Luau Pork Plate. It’s a taste of Hawaii in the desert, and it’s fun for the whole ohana!
Just half a mile down the road is the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, a visually compelling and uniquely curated collection of art, architecture, and design. Many of the compelling exhibits are interactive, and all of them will inevitably cause you to see the world a little differently.
Hula’s had amazing food and tasty drinks!
Enjoying the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
EVENING:
It’s your last night in Scottsdale, so why not go all out? The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers a Wine Me, Dine Me dinner at SWB, their southwest bistro. This culinary experience has guests dining on an exclusive, made to order, four-course dinner prepared by Chef Joe and his incredibly talented team. They have nightly seatings at 6:00 and 8:00pm, and paired with the menu are specialty glasses of tequila and wine. Guests sit at a bar overlooking the open kitchen, and get a first-hand look as each course is created. If you consider yourself a “foodie”, this experience is a must!
Wine Me, Dine Me will bring out the foodie in you! Enjoy!
MORNING:
End your Scottsdale getaway with coffee and a light breakfast at one of our favorite local spots, Maverick Coffee. Located in an unassuming strip mall, you’ll wonder why we sent you here… until you step inside and see that this place is buzzing (both literally and figuratively) and that the food and coffee is top-notch. Try their avocado toast or breakfast burrito, and wash it down with the Kyoto Cold Brew or their Bullet Proof Coffee!
Are we missing something? Do you have a favorite Scottsdale restaurant, bar, or activity we should try next time we’re there? Leave a comment and let us know!