Our stomping grounds. Stroll through the corner of Historic Old Town (Scottsdale Road/East Main Street) where Scottsdale began in the 1800's or hit 5th Ave shopping district for vintage boutiques and art galleries.
This is where it all began. Enjoy an easy hike up A Mountain, and watch the sun set on Tempe Town Lake, where you can rent a donut boat, kayak or pedal boat by the hour (be sure to reserve in advance). Four Peaks Oktoberfest Oct 7 - Oct 9 Tempe Beach Park 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy
Did someone say bar crawl? Pemberton is a unique outdoor entertainment hub with multiple trucks for food and drinks. Churchill is an outdoor courtyard with multiple bars and food options, great for a big group of people. The Rooftop is a casual atmosphere with a beautiful view. Little rituals is a hotel bar with great martinis. Copper Blues has live music at night. Arizona State Fair Sep 23 - Oct 30 Arizona State Fair & Coliseum 1826 W McDowell Rd
All of our favorite spots are listed below, be sure to make reservations on OpenTable far in advance. Breakfast: - Farm and Craft - The Henry - Pitch - Prep & Pastry Lunch: - Cornish Pasty - Herb Box - Olive & Ivy - Postinos Wine Cafe - Zinque Dinner: - Buck & Rider (seafood) - CALA - Maple & Ash - Nobu (seafood) - Toca Madera (Mexican) - Upstairs at Flint Drinks: - The Beverly on Main - Coach House (dive bar) - Giligins (dive bar) - The Grapevine (karaoke) - Kazimierz (live music speakeasy) - Patty’s (dive bar) - Second Story Nightlife: - Boondocks - Bottled Blond - Casa Amigos - Goodwood - HiFi - Maya - Waisted Grain
Get active and hike Camelback Mountain. This trail is rated as difficult, bring lots of water and start early in the morning. I like to use the AllTrails app to plan out my hikes. For a more leisurely trail, walk up to the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park and watch the sun set or visit the Desert Botanical Garden. Neither of us golf but we hear Arizona has some great courses. Keep in mind Arizona has a dry heat, this means you won't be visibly sweating as much so please remember to keep hydrated. If you start getting headaches, it might not only be from alcohol, but also dehydration. Skip the Advil and start chugging water.
For those renting a car and exploring all Arizona has to offer, this time of the year is perfect for a drive up north. Sedona, AZ Explore Red Rock Crossing or Devils Bridge and hike Cathedral Rock for sunset. Book a reservation at Elote, the best authentic Mexican food in Sedona or Mariposa, offering panoramic sunset views along the red rocks and a famed Latin-inspired menu. The Grand Canyon Enter the Grand Canyon from the south entrance and drive towards the east entrance stopping at viewpoints along the way. Drive to Horseshoe Bend for sunset. Page, AZ Book a tour to Lower or Upper Antelope Slot Canyon. Have lunch at El Tapatio. Enjoy Lake Powell at Lone Rock Beach Kanab, UT Hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos, have lunch at Peekaboo Canyon or The Rocking V Cafe, then hike to the sand caves Zion National Park Hike to Angels Landing and The Narrows and have dinner at Twisted Noodle Cafe in St. George, UT