Things To Do
Lost Dutchman State Park
Explore the trails and mountains of the stunning backdrop to our ceremony! There are many trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. There is a fee to enter the park.
Hieroglyphic Trailhead
The location of our first hike together in August of 2019! A 3-mile out and back trail that is moderately steep and rocky in sections and winds up 500+ feet of elevation gain to an area filled with ancient petroglyphs. Weather dependent, the the rocks may be slippery and the pools could be filled with water. Wear proper hiking shoes, bring water and go early - the parking lot fills up pretty quickly!
Desert Botanical Garden
Explore and learn about the desert at this world-class botanical garden! Bonus; it is located within Papago Park (home of the famed Hunt's Tomb and Hole in the Rock) and the Phoenix Zoo is right next door! https://www.phoenixzoo.org/
Old Town Scottsdale
Shopping, dining and activities galore with a twist of southwestern spirit! You cannot go wrong with snagging a souvenir or two from here. While there is plenty to explore in this area, the address noted is for Rockbar Inc., home of the Eagles West - an AZ Philadelphia Eagles Fan Club. Brooke's hometown team will be playing at 6:20pm for those folks looking to watch the game. Fly Eagles Fly!
Favorite Local AZ Restaurants
Steakhouse - Durant's in Phoenix Bar Food - Zipps (multiple locations) Pizza - Sal's in Gilbert, Mike's Mountain Pizza in Mesa Bagels - Back East Bagels in Tempe, Kokobelli Bagel Cafe in Mesa, NY Bagels & Bialys
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
No visit to Arizona is complete without a visit to this geological wonder and ancestral homeland to 11 present day Tribal communities! The South Rim Visitor Center is open year-round and is approximately 3.5-4+ hours north of Phoenix. Average temperatures in November are typically low 50's during the day and low 20's at night but pack accordingly! If you plan to go, check the temps a few days before your arrival. If you are lucky it might be covered in snow!
Exploring Arizona and Heading North?
Are you heading north during your visit to any of the following (and beyond): Cave Creek, Payson, Prescott, Jerome/Cottonwood, Petrified National Forest, Sedona or Flagstaff? We will happily provide recommendations for activities, lodging and restaurants if needed!
Exploring Arizona and Beyond?
Are you planning on doing a bit of exploring during your visit to any of the following (and beyond): South/East of Phoenix - Tucson, Tombstone, Bisbee and Chiricahua National Monument. West of Phoenix - Gila Bend, Wickenburg, Lake Havasu City and Joshua Tree National Park (CA). We will happily provide recommendations for activities, lodging and restaurants if needed!
Golf Courses
There are too many courses to name for our visiting golfers! We have provided a list below of a few of the unique or popular options to choose from to help get you started. 1) Las Sendas Golf Club: Located in far East Mesa, this popular club offers tremendous vistas while playing at nearly 1,800 feet above the desert floor. https://www.lassendas.com/ 2) San Marcos Golf Resort: Located near downtown Chandler, San Marcos is rumored to be the oldest golf course in Arizona, established in 1913. 3) TPC Scottsdale: Consistently named one of the top courses in Arizona, TPC is the home of the famed Wast Management Phoenix Open held every February.