Things To Do

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon on Navajo land east of Page. It includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon, and Lower Antelope Canyon. Guests will need to arrange for a tour in order to visit but the experience is absolutely incredible... or so we hear. We still need to make the trip ourselves!

Camelback Mountain

One of the most popular (and challenging) hikes in central Arizona, you can experience some of the best views of the valley from this excellent vantage point.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a vast park in northeastern Arizona, on Navajo tribal lands. Its prominent features include Spider Rock spire, about 800-feet tall, and towering sandstone cliffs surrounding a verdant canyon. Inhabited by several Native American peoples for millennia, the area is dotted with prehistoric rock art. The White House Ruins and Mummy Cave are remains of ancient Pueblo villages that allow for the best well-rounded visit.

Grand Canyon National Park

How do you not visit one of the great wonders of the world when you have the chance? Brad has hiked this at least 3 times with his family, starting when he was 5. Story goes, Cheetohs were used as motivational breadcrumbs for when he got tired as a tyke!

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is a waterfall of Havasu Creek, located in the Grand Canyon. It is within Havasupai tribal lands. Naturally, it should be a part of your visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Horseshoe Bend

A bend in the Colorado River that flows through the Grand Canyon, it has quickly become one of the most popular scenic locations in the state. Fun Fact: Kelli Morrison's husband, Zachary Morrison, proposed to her here at sunrise- one of the best times to visit!

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument protects a set of well-preserved dwellings located in Camp Verde, which were built and used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture closely related to the Hohokam and other indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States, between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD.

Papago Park

This beautiful park is filled with relaxing hiking trails and a natural amphitheater. Brad and Brianna had direct access to it for years from their apartment and it is where their engagement photos were shot!

Petrified Forest National Park

While most come to see one of the world's largest concentrations of brilliantly colored petrified wood, many leave having glimpsed something more. The current 346 square miles of Petrified Forest open a window on an environment more than 200 million years old filled with not just rainbow colored former trees, but the kaleidoscope of the Painted Desert as well.

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail

This is one of Brad's favorite trails and is just one of many located within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Pinnacle Peak Park Main Trail

A moderately easy trail, Brianna hiked this for years growing up in north Scottsdale. It was also the place of one of Brad and Brianna's first dates!

Air Apparent by James Turrell

Another amazing installation by light and perception master, James Turrell. Hidden away on ASU's campus it is worth the experience but to truly do so, you must visit at sunrise or sunset. You won't be disappointed!

Arcosanti

An "urban laboratory" and architectural site, Arcosanti was the vision of famed architect and Frank Lloyd Wright student, Paolo Soleri. It is also the home of the popular and exclusive FORM festival. Fun Fact: this was Brianna and Brad's alternate venue. The only way to really understand the scope, motivations and majesty of this place is to take a tour.

Arizona State University

We may be biased, but you can't visit without seeing at least part of Arizona State University! Not just because it is where Brad and Brianna met, but because it is home to some of the best architecture in the state. Highlights of the Tempe campus include: the Art Museum, Gammage Auditorium, Palm Walk, Old Main, "A" Mountain and Hayden Library. While you're at it, take some time to visit Mikhial Tsatskin's stomping grounds at the downtown Phoenix campus. One of Brianna's favorite buildings there is the Beus Center for Law and Society, a project of Brianna's firm, Jones Studio.

Arizona Science Center

The name explains it all. A fun way to get your geek on and the planetarium is a must!

Arizona Biltmore

Known as the Jewel of the desert, Arizona Biltmore resort boasts a storied and iconic history including an architectural imprint left by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Biosphere 2

Originally constructed as a concept to demonstrate the viability of living in a closed ecological system in outer space, today it serves as an Earth system science research facility. By taking a tour here you can take a trip around the globe as you visit each of the seven biome areas (rainforest, wetlands, desert and the rest). Brad, Brianna, Mikhial and Daniel took a trip here and it was an incredible experience.

Bisbee

Take a travel through time and visit this historic mining town in southeast Arizona.

Burton Barr Central Library

A Will Bruder project, this is one of Brianna's favorite libraries (and buildings) in the state.

Desert Botanical Garden

The best way to get to experience all that the Southwest natural landscape has to offer. Located within Papago Park, take a trip during the golden hour to get a beautiful view while you are there.

Gammage Auditorium

Another Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building, it was actually first intended for Baghdad, Iraq. ASU's campus would not be complete without it and it is where Brianna's graduation ceremony was held in 2014.

Heard Museum

Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.

Hoover Dam Spring

A Depression-era engineering marvel that offers tours and scenic views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead. Check it out if you choose to make a trip to our wilder neighbor, Las Vegas!

Jerome

Located near the top of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was born a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents into a roaring mining community. Check it out if you head up North.

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Kitt Peak is the national center for ground-based nighttime astronomy in the United States and is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) in cooperation with the National Science Foundation. Make a whole day of your visit by touring the largest solar telescope in the world and the amazing mountaintop during the day and then have a spectacular view of the night sky to conclude your experience. Another highly recommended trip by the Tsatskin and Brad Mason family!

Lowell Observatory

Another great telescope observatory, Lowell is perhaps best known for being the site of the discovery of Pluto- planetary designation aside.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

A National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.

Musical Instrument Museum

MIM displays more than 7,000 instruments collected from around 200 of the world’s countries and territories. It has been rated the top attraction in Phoenix and ranked in the top 20 museums in the U.S. You should plan at least half a day to make the trip around the musical globe.

Phoenix Zoo

Being a proud animal-lover, naturally this is one of Brad's favorite spots. His only gripe? They don't have any penguins!

Rawhide Western Town & Event Center

Arizona's "Disneyland" for the wild, wild west. Brianna and her family lived next to the original Rawhide for years and would enjoy its Fourth of July fireworks display from their front yard.

Scottsdale Museum-Contemporary

A museum dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, and design.

Sedona

One of the most picturesque cities in all of Arizona, guests will be wowed by the red rocks, hiking trails and lovely art-centric downtown.

Taliesin West

Brianna would not be a true architecture lover if she didn't recommend Frank Lloyd Wright's home, National Historic Landmark, UNESCO World Heritage site and school- Taliesin West. Sign-up for a tour of the incredible campus and living quarters to see one of his best works. Tours are great during day or night, you won't want to miss it!

Talking Stick Resort

In a state full of many casinos, we can say this one is the best!

Tombstone

If Rawhide isn't authentic enough for you, take a trip back in time to this real wild western town. Here's your chance to see a classic cowboy gunfight!

Topgolf

Next door to Talking Stick Resort and Casino and in the middle of Arizona's growing entertainment district, here's your best way to enjoy a more interactive golfing experience.

Troon North Golf Club

One of the best and most exclusive courses in a state that is full of many excellent ones to choose from. Brad maintains that while he may not be the most talented golfer, he is one of the most consistent.

Tucson

Brad isn't the biggest fan as this city hosts our awful rival, The University of Arizona. But it is still worth the trip for some wonderful hiking trails and Mexican-American and Native American culture. Plus its 4,000 year history of excellent food has earned it the designation as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Arizona Wilderness Gilbert Brewpub

AZ/88

Barrio Cafe

Blanco Tacos + Tequila

Chino Bandido

Chompie's Restaurant, Deli, and Bakery

Cornish Pasty Co

Crescent Ballroom

Culinary Dropout

Different Pointe of View

Dominick's Steakhouse

Durant's

El Charro Café

El Paisano Market

Fate Brewing Company - South

Flower Child

Four Peaks Brewing Company

Jobot Coffee & Bar

La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria

Little Miss BBQ

Lux Central

Mastro's Steakhouse

Nook Kitchen Downtown

North Italia

O.H.S.O. Eatery & nano-Brewery

Phoenix Public Market Café

Pizzeria Bianco

Postino Annex

Sugar Bowl

Sushi Roku Scottsdale

The Henry

The Thumb

The Vig Arcadia

Unbaked

Wrigley Mansion

Zinburger

Antique Trove

Buffalo Exchange

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

My Sister's Closet

Scottsdale Fashion Square