Stay:
Andaz- located in the perfect location to navigate to old town or for golfing. This hotel has been high on my list to stay at one because I love the Andaz hotel franchise, and two all the rooms have Knoll furniture. This four-star hotel rates high on my list of places to stay in the city. Westin- a popular four-star hotel close to the MIM (musical instrument museum). It also has a golf course, pool, the works. The Scott Resort- A popular place to stay. The location again is perfect for going out, but also it has a trendy pool and hotel bar, the Canal Club. Four Seasons Scottsdale Troon - located about thirty minutes from Old Town. Very close to hikes such as Toms Thumb. Stunning views, hotel pool, and on-site golfing. The Phoenician- The Phoenician has everything you need. They even have a Drybar on the property! Wild. If you want to check in and not leave the property, this might be the place. The Royal Palms- A Hyatt hotel, gorgeous lobby, and bar. Just pulling into the driveway is dreamy with all the purple and pink flowers. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess- A few of my friends recently stayed here. They loved the golfing and spa! Eat: Binkley's- tasting menu in Scottsdale costing $225/pp. Pre and Post-Covid, the restaurant will give a tour of the garden and kitchen. The menu consists of multiple courses, and there is an option to add on a wine pairing. Alo Cafe- an outdoor spot to grab brunch or breakfast. Sugar Bowl- take a step back to the 50s by visiting this super cute ice cream shop. It has been around since 1958. Barrio Cafe- Oaxacan-style cuisine known for their tacos and a 12-hour cooked sour orange pork. FnB- gastropub in old town Scottsdale featuring a rotating/seasonal menu with excellent patio setup. The Mission - A Latin American restaurant serving great drinks & food. It is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is attached to an actual mission which makes it a stand-out spot! The interior is dark, so if you are not going for dinner, request the patio. The tacos are fantastic- our waitress recommended the steak and brussels sprout tacos to us. The corn tortillas here are fabulous. They serve them on a salt stone and the tiniest, most delicious tortillas you will put in your mouth. Fat OX - great patio closer to McCormick Ranch. Fun vibes, very vibrant, energetic restaurant. Food was sub-par. Evan and I tried the whipped ricotta appetizer and house salad. Fat Ox recommends the tableside Caesar, and the pasta dishes were the best part of their menu. For mains, had the half chicken and swordfish dish. The recommendations were the scallops and salmon—a great wine list with options ranging in prices. LDV Winery- currently closed due to COVID (reopened 3/16/2021), located in oldtown close to the riverwalk off of STK. I have yet to go, but this place came highly recommended. Barnone- A super creative development. Has food on-site, shops, drinks. They call it a "craftsmen community." Sel- great patio outside, interiors are pretty minimal. I would recommend requesting out (pack a jacket)—white tablecloth seating. Café Monarch- a romantic restaurant located in downtown Scottsdale. The garden is stunning. You can't go wrong sitting either outside or inside. Cafe monarch offers a coursed dinner- I tried the vegetarian menu, and Evan did the regular menu. The favorites at the table were the Red Shrimp, Yellowfin Tuna, Pork Belly, & Surf, and Turf Trio. On the vegetarian menu, the cauliflower soup and brussels sprout salad. For the third course, hard to choose both are great. For the four-course, I would go either lasagna or gnocchi. I did the carrot gnocchi. The only complaint at the table was that the lamb rack from the fourth course was plain. Reserve- second restaurant by café monarch. Tasting menu restaurant, white tablecloth. Jackets are recommended here. Reserve is on my list for when I return to Scottsdale. Judging by the pics, online, everything looks fab. Hikes: Camelback Mountain- advanced hike located near Scottsdale's old town, is about three miles up and back. Lots of climbing on hands and needs (especially on the way down). Toms Thumb- located about a half-hour away from downtown Scottsdale, moderate to strenuous hike Pinnacle Peak- hike near Troon (half-hour away from downtown Scottsdale), Other Sites: Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West- FLWs Arizona home where he trained thirty apprentices, experience his beliefs: form follows function, compression, and relief. Very educational and fun to see. The tour takes about an hour and is about a thirty minute drive from old town. Botanical Gardens- One of my favorite gardens I have been to. Check out the picture on the right. The cacti were stunning and huge! Also, the botanical garden has a restaurant on-site- Gertrude's! Make sure to make reservations and buy tickets in advance. Wrigley Mansion- can have high tea, lunch, or dinner at the Wrigley Mansion. Built in the 1930s and owned by Mr. Wrigley of the chewing gum. MIM Museum - Musical Instrument Museum. I have heard good things about this place. Yet to go myself, but I hear they have concerts sometimes too. Public Golf Courses: Talking Stick Grayhawk Continental Coronado Phoenician Troon Workout Classes near Scottsdale: Allonge Pilates: favorite pilates class I have attended. Instructor/Owner Allison is excellent. This studio books up early as there are only four machines (3 during covid). This class is for those that have taken Pilates before—located near fashion square. Burn: beginner Pilates class, moderate to light. It is five minutes from historic old town Scottsdale. Cycle bar - in McCormick ranch, this spin studio is large with complimentary shoes. |