Scottsdale, AZ: A Weekend Winter Getaway

A long weekend getaway full of adventure, shopping, southwest cuisine, margaritas, and beautiful sites.

Leave Early Friday AM..

Arrive Friday Early Afternoon in AZ:

Unpack your bags at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch (A beautiful golf resort, Expedia has really great deals for it!)
You will be tired (it’s a decently long flight) so do yourself and roll up to the pool and get yourself a jalapeño margarita
Save yourself a drive, order through Uber Eats and try Uberrito. Basically another version of Chipotle with more options! (Use my Uber Eats Code on my Top Apps Blog for free delivery)

Stop in for happy hour at the hotel for dinner, Bar Six40. Make sure to try the appetizers! We loved the Flame Kissed Shishito Peppers and Mole Meatballs!
Uber down to Downtown Scottsdale. Some good bar options are: Rockbar Inc, Wasted Grain, RnR Gastropub, Old Town Tavern.

Grab a quick breakfast from Breakfast Club.
Head to the Scottsdale Farmers Market to stock up on local goods and samples. It is open 7am-11am in the winter.
Go walk through the shops and artsy area of Old Scottsdale. Many pieces of art, turquoise jewelry, and random desert type finds!
There is a huge indoor Mall in Scottsdale worth stopping at.
For lunch give Grassroots Kitchen & Tap a try!

Dont pass up happy hour! Stop in and have a few at the hotel. Sit by the big fire pit and enjoy the warm weather.
For dinner go to a funky burger joint called Rehab Burger Therapy. They have a PB&J Burger (sounds gross, def is not) that will rock your world. THEY ARE HUGE
For outdoor seating and interesting drinks, stop at RnR. It is an awesome spot for the sunset!

Go stock up on a BIG breakfast. You will need it for what’s next. Try Snooze AM Eatery.
For the afternoon Uber over to Camelback Mountain for a hike. Dont drive, there is very little parking.
You will be gone a good few hours. It is a tough hike. Bring good shoes, light clothes, sunblock, and about a gallon of water. There are two trails.. Cholla trail is tough, but I personally thought Echo Canyon was even harder.
For a healthy lunch post hike go stop at the cafe The Herb Box.
Coffee from Cartel Coffee Lab is a solid choice.
After your extreme workout, do yourself a favor and purchase the Groupon for Luna Spa at The Scottsdale Resort (Within the resort your staying at) for $119 you get an hour long massage or facial + access to the amenities.

Kind of off the beaten path, but has great tacos and margs try Diego Pops. Try a prickly pear margarita!
Why you are out that way do a little brewery hoping. Goldwater Brewing Co, OHSO Nano-Brewery, McFate Brewing Company.

Head towards downtown Phoenix early!
A must do breakfast is called Be Coffee + Food + Stuff. Might be some of the best coffee and breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had.
Check out downtown Phoenix. There’s not to much going on, unless you are there for an event or show but worth getting a few steps.
Rent a car from your preferred location. The airport is nearby, there are many. Id suggest a Convertible.. because why not?
DRIVE TO SEDONA! It is close to two hours. So plan accordingly.
For lunch.. TACOS from 89Agave Cantina!

Book ahead of time, but do the Pink Jeep Tours! A guide takes you right through the pretty red rocks for great pictures and sites.
Walk around downtown Sedona. Many little shops and friendly people.
Head back to Scottsdale/Phoenix and enjoy the sunset!
Get Dinner at The Hotel, Kitchen West
Go sit out by the Bonfire and have an early night. That’s a long day!

Morning breakfast at the hotel, the restaurant is called Kitchen West. They have simple breakfast sandwiches!
Check out, leave your bags at the hotel!
Go check out the Arizona State University area for the morning! Tempe is a really cute area.
For great Lattes go to Infusion Coffee and Tea.
Walk around the Campus
Downtown Tempe has shopping and many restaurants.
Brewery wise Twin Peaks is very cute and industrial inside and has a huge bar and tasting room as well as food.
Head back to the hotel, grab your bags, catch an early evening flight home!

Uber is all over, and reasonably priced, no need for a car
The Phoenix Zoo is another option for something to do, especially The Zoo Lights
McCormick Ranch is in a prime golfing location if that is something you enjoy
Check out where Spring Training takes place (make sure to go in the Spring next time!)
Avoid Spirit Airlines.. They are cheap initially and have many added fees