Things To Do
Free Time Suggestions
Between the Ceremony and Reception, guests will have free time. We recommend choosing one of these chill two wine bars: - Rebel Wine Lounge 104 W Main St Ste 107, Mesa, AZ 85201 - Postino Annex 615 S College Ave, Tempe AZ 85281
Desert Botanical Garden
Stroll through the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden, highlighted by massive cactus, regal agave, and stunning wildflowers. Expect to spend an hour to two here taking in the garden. This is the location of Flor and Rob's first date!
Treasure Loop Trail #56
There is nothing more iconic in Phoenix than the Superstition Mountains. While you're most unlikely to find the fabled Lost Dutchman's gold mine, the real treasure is the beautiful Superstition wilderness. Pack your hiking boots and take the Treasure Loop past towering Saguaros, spiny Cholla, and a whole host of desert plants. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, or roadrunners. You're unlikely to see snakes in November, as the locals say, they "go in" when nights start to cool off below 50 degrees. The hike is 2.4 miles long with only 500 ft of elevation gain on a smooth trail and can be completed in 1.5-2 hours depending upon your pace.
The Wine Collective of Scottsdale, Wine Store, Wine Tasting & Wine Bar
We highly recommend tasting local Arizona wines. Arizona makes highly acclaimed Syrahs, Grenaches, Mourvedre, and Tempranillo wines. Rob's favorite is "8 Years Later" blend and "Deep Thoughts" Syrah (yes he picked two, he couldn't make up his mind) from 1764 Vineyards. Flor's favorite is Kokopelli Winery's Moscato. Both can be found at the Scottsdale Wine Collective.
Gold Canyon Golf Course
Rob's favorite golf course in Phoenix, Dinosaur Mountain has, in his opinion, the best views in the Valley and a classic desert golf experience with dramatic elevation changes, forced carries, rugged terrain, and native desert vegetation lining the course. Plan ahead and book a tee time. Expect a 4-5 hour round of 18.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
A cool museum that showcases the natural and cultural history of the region, with a focus on the deserts of the Southwest. Its exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American artifacts, and displays on local geology and wildlife. Expect to spend an hour here. Afterwards, explore the shops and restaurants of Downtown Mesa along Main Drive, just a street south.
Arizona Boardwalk
Featuring the Odysea Aquarium along with other stores and experiences. Flor and Rob love the aquarium. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours here.
Dobbins Lookout
Take a drive through Sonoran Desert wonderland and enjoy the best views of the Valley on top of South Mountain. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes here.
Sedona
If you're planning a longer trip to "State 48" (what us Arizonans loving call ourself), you have to visit Sedona, Red Rock Country. There is so much to see and do in Sedona, but, some of our favorite hikes are: - Doe Mountain - Fay Canyon - West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon - Templeton/Baldwin Trail to Oak Creek - Sugarloaf Loop + Teacup Trail - Submarine Rock and Chicken Point Be sure to stop and meander in Tlaquepaque, a stunning shopping area themed after a Mexican Village. It is beautiful. Uptown Sedona has more stores to explore and is a second great place to walk. If you're looking for a meal in Sedona, we recommend: - Creekside Restaurant (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) - Javelina Cantina - Pisa Lisa - Milley's Cafe (Breakfast) - Torta's De Fuego - Outlaw's Grille On your way home, make sure to stop in Cornville, Central Arizona's Wine Country.
Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
Flor and Rob's favorite winery - they're actually members of the Wine Club! If you want a sweet wine, go for their sweet tasting featuring "The Artist," which is a favorite of both Flor and Rob. "The Fire" is a sweet red that is divine, as well. Their red wine tasting has more traditional bolder and drier reds that are sure to please the palate. After Oak Creek Vineyard, be sure to visit DA Ranch, Javelina Leap, Page Springs Cellars, and Cove Mesa, all along Page Springs Rd, for more great wine tasting.
Romeo's Euro Café
Flor and Rob's favorite special occasion dinner spot. It's a charming, family-owned restaurant known for its authentic European-inspired cuisine, including Italian, German, and Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant is small and intimate and the food is guaranteed to please.
El Bigo Taco
Flor and Rob's favorite spot for tacos. Not to be missed! Make sure to try Al Pastor or Tripa Tacos.
il Vinaio
Flor and Rob's favorite Italian Restaurant. Delicious pasta and salad, a great wine selection, and almost always a calm vibe at the dinner hour.
La Chona Burger Restaurant
A favorite breakfast spot of Flor and Rob's. Try their tasty chilaquiles, a classic breakfast staple!
Que Chevere
Flor and Rob love Venezuelan food from Que Chevere! Try their Arepa or Cachapa, both are scrumptious options!