Things To Do
Ponderosa Stables Inc
South Ponderosa Stables offers guided horseback rides with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. Located just 10-11 minutes from the venue, it's a great way to experience Arizona's natural beauty.
Arizona State Fair
Since we started dating, we have gone to the Arizona State Fair every year! This year, it opens on October 1 and is a fun way to experience a local Arizona tradition during your visit. Featuring rides, games, live entertainment, food vendors, exhibits, and a petting zoo. One of our favorite attractions is the hypnotist comedy show—Cristian has even been selected to participate on stage before!
Desert Botanical Garden
Perfect if you want to see towering cacti and beautiful desert scenery.
Phoenix Zoo
This zoo is approximately 20-22 minutes from the venue! Another fun zoo is the Wildlife World Zoo and you can feed birds there: https://www.wildlifeworld.com/
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
The Hole in the Rock is situated in Papago Park, near the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. Visit Hole-in-the-Rock for an easy walk and great views of the Phoenix area, especially around sunset.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is a great place to shop, dine, and explore local boutiques, art galleries, and nightlife. It's located right next to Scottsdale Fashion Square, and some of our favorite restaurants in the area is Diego Pops and Din Tai Fung!
First Friday Roosevelt Row
If you'll be in town on October 2, be sure to check out First Friday, a monthly event in downtown Phoenix featuring local art galleries, live music, food vendors, street performances, and small businesses.
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is part of a larger entertainment complex featuring an aquarium, reptile exhibits, a museum of illusions, and several other family-friendly attractions.
Caldwell County BBQ at Peoria
Our favorite BBQ restaurant. They have other locations in Gilbert and Queen Creek!
The Beach House
Also known as "Two Hippies." It is a yummy taco & slushie spot that's decorated in such a fun way.
The Wave Cave Trail
The Wave Cave Trail is a popular hike that rewards visitors with stunning views and a unique wave-shaped rock formation overlooking the Superstition Mountains.
Grand Canyon - Mather Point
If your schedule allows, we highly recommend making the trip to the Grand Canyon! About a three-hour drive from Phoenix, it's one of the most incredible sights Arizona has to offer. You can park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim and take in the views from several nearby lookout points. While it's beautiful year-round, sunrise and sunset are truly spectacular.
Flagstaff
We also highly recommend visiting Flagstaff! Located about 2.5 hours north of Phoenix, Flagstaff offers cooler temperatures and beautiful mountain scenery. October is one of our favorite times to visit, as the weather is often cool and crisp (sometimes rainy), and the aspen trees begin turning shades of yellow and gold. If you enjoy hiking, check out the Aspen Nature Loop at Arizona Snowbowl for an easy scenic walk, or the Inner Basin Trail for a more challenging adventure. These are just a couple of our favorites; but there are several other trails and outdoor activities throughout the area for all experience levels. The Walnut Canyon National Monument is a beautiful natural and historical site featuring cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago. We also recommend walking around the charming downtown area filled with local shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.
Sedona
Sedona is another one of Arizona's most beautiful destinations, known for its stunning red rock scenery, unique shops, local restaurants, and endless outdoor adventures. While you're there, be sure to visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the only blue McDonald's in the world. If you enjoy hiking, we recommend Devil's Bridge Trail, or another favorite, Soldier Pass Trail where you'll find the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and Hidden Spur Cave along the route. If you're looking to cool off, Grasshopper Point is a beautiful swimming hole. There are countless other hikes, scenic drives, and landmarks throughout the area.
