Things To Do
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
The parks and peaks that make up the Phoenix Mountains Preserve are surrounded by civilization, but feel as remote as the Sonoran Desert outside the city. Located in the heart of Central Phoenix and just 20 minutes from downtown, the preserve offers hiking, biking, and views from prominent summits such as Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain. As an infant, Steven braved Squaw Peak, now known as Piestewa Peak, in a backpack on his father's back, while Kara faced her fear of heights climbing Camelback Mountain on one of our firsts visits to Phoenix together. Trailhead hours: All gated trailheads and parking areas are open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Trails remain open until 11 p.m.
Desert Botanical Garden
In 1939, a small group of passionate local citizens saw the need to conserve the beautiful desert environment. One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign that read “Save the Desert.” With the support of social influencers of the time such as Gertrude Divine Webster, the Garden’s presence grew. Nearly eight decades later, thanks to leadership and investments from many individuals, Desert Botanical Garden has blossomed from a dream into a living museum. Dine at Gertrude’s restaurant from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or at Patio Café 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, October through May.
Taliesin West
Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert laboratory. It is also the home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the School of Architecture at Taliesin. Wright’s beloved winter home and the bustling headquarters of the Taliesin Fellowship, was established in 1937 and diligently handcrafted over many years into a world unto itself. Deeply connected to the desert from which it was forged, Taliesin West possesses an almost prehistoric grandeur. It was built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, making it among the most personal of the architect’s creations. Tours available. Reservations strongly recommended.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is a private, not-for-profit museum located in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. The museum offers 12 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, a contemporary art gallery and trading-post style shopping, plus much more.
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum is the largest museum of its type in the world. The collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects includes examples from nearly 200 countries and territories, representing every inhabited continent.
Scottsdale Fashion Square: Premier Scottsdale Mall
Miles of superb style, entertainment & dining make Scottsdale Fashion Square a top destination.
Historic Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale Road/East Main Street was founded in 1894 and named after U. S. Chaplain Winfield Scott who brought early settlers to Scottsdale’s virgin desert farmland. Historic Old Town Scottsdale has 10 historic buildings located in this rustic western area. Many of the streets in the Old Town area have on-street parking spaces available. On-street parking has no meters or fees, just time limitations. There are several public parking lots and garages spread throughout Old Town that also provide free parking.
Kierland Commons
Kierland Commons sets the standard for lifestyle shopping centers, showcasing premium stores and restaurants – including Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Madewell, Sur La Table, Tommy Bahama and more – in an intimate, outdoor setting. Situated in the exclusive North Scottsdale corridor, Kierland Commons is a sophisticated and unique experience unlike any other.
Jordan's Mexican Food
Jordan's is a quiet Mexican restaurant located in Phoenix, where Steven's family has dined for three generations. Fun fact: Steven's grandfather, "Wally," taught Physics to the founder's three children at North Phoenix High School nearly 70 years ago. We highly recommend the Cheese Crisp. You won't regret it!
Tee Pee Mexican Food
Family-owned Tee Pee Mexican Food has been serving the Valley since 1958 – the bar/restaurant is located in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. The Tee Pee was started by Tony and Anna Duran. Tony bar-tended while Anna did the cooking. During the late 1970’s their daughter Kathy and son-in-law Zip started to run the family business. The Tee Pee is nothing fancy. Like others in Phoenix it has often been referred to as a mom & pop restaurant.
The Mission Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale’s heart is beating to a Latin drum, now that The Mission has arrived and brightened the restaurant scene. Renowned Zinc Bistro Chef Matt Carter is now cooking up modern Latin cuisine blending influences from Spain, Mexico, Central America and South America. Home made Tortillas, Sauces and Salsas are made fresh daily and all meats are prepared on a Plancha or a grill using pecan and mesquite wood that instills a rich flavor. Reservations highly recommended.
El Chorro
Rich tradition, culinary excellence, and unparalleled romance come together at El Chorro to create an experience that is purely Paradise Valley. Cozily nestled between Scottsdale and Phoenix, Paradise Valley’s historic El Chorro offers an authentic Arizona dining experience. This beautiful Arizona escape has a long history of delighting Valley residents, guests, and beloved celebrities. Dining and cocktails on the patio at El Chorro along with its famous Sticky Buns is a long-standing Valley tradition. Reservations are highly recommended, as are the Sticky Buns! Enjoy!
Hermosa Inn
The Hermosa Inn is home to two unique and inviting gathering spots, each offering an authentic take on local cuisine. Delighting guests with memorable and imaginative settings, including tables by outdoor adobe fireplaces and a rustic Wine Cellar accommodating 12 guests for private, candle-lit dinners. From globally inspired Arizona fare at LON's to handcrafted cocktails, local beers and small plates at LON's Last Drop, our charming Paradise Valley restaurants delight guests and locals alike. Reservations recommended.
Wrigley Mansion/Geordie's Restaurant
Located across the canal from the Arizona Biltmore. Elegant, sprawling Italianate mansion built by William Wrigley, Jr. in 1929. Tours available. James Beard award-winning Chef Christopher Gross is at the helm of Geordie’s Restaurant within the historic Wrigley Mansion. Geordie’s offers lunch, dinner, bar bites, happy hour and an extensive wine list of more than 800 bottles. You can enjoy the best views in Phoenix from the formal dining room, bar, verandas, patios, or any one of five private dining rooms. If you’re looking for the most extravagant brunch in Phoenix, Geordie’s Sunday and holiday brunches rate among the top in town.
Chelsea's Kitchen
Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare & a patio overlooking the canal.
The Henry
From simple but always satisfying smashed avocado toast to delicate roasted branzino, The Henry menu has something tempting for every palate. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s always a good time to drop by and discover a new favorite.
Arcosanti
Located approximately one hour north from the Arizona Biltmore, Arcosanti is a projected experimental town with a molten bronze bell casting business in Yavapai County, central Arizona. The site is open 9 am to 5 pm for visitors every day except for major holidays and special events. Tours available.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes north of the Arizona Biltmore, the Montezuma Castle is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a story of ingenuity, survival and ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape.
Cave Creek
Located approximately 45 minutes north of the Arizona Biltmore. Steven's father, Frank, worked on the town's iconic sundial. The rural community of Cave Creek, Arizona, in the foothills northwest of Scottsdale, embraces a Western lifestyle, with shops, saloons, and art galleries.
Tucson
Located approximately two hours from the Arizona Biltmore. Around Tucson, the area is divided into districts and neighborhoods -- some linked by streetcar, others connected by streets made for autos, bike lanes, and bus routes -- with varied options for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, eating, and entertainment. Beyond Tucson, the land is defined by county boundaries that hold pick-your-own farms, vineyards and wineries, revived real Old West towns, and Sky Island habitats and preserved natural spaces that beckon day-trippers from Tucson. Getting here is easier than you might think, and it's definitely worth the trip.
Sedona
Located approximately two hours from the Arizona Biltmore. Multi-hued stone formations jut upwards from the high desert floor creating a vivid, mesmerizing setting that changes hourly with the light. When USA Weekend compiled their Most Beautiful Places in America list, Sedona claimed the top spot. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, visitors have instant access to recreational activities. Trails for hiking and biking, along with bouncy jeep tracks, weave among the bristling forest of pinnacles, spires, buttes and domes. Yet, you’re never far from the indulgences of town.
Prescott
Located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Arizona Biltmore. Downtown, historic Whiskey Row is known for its bars and live music venues. The Sharlot Hall Museum documents the region’s pioneer-era history. The Smoki Museum exhibits artifacts from indigenous peoples of the Southwest. To the northeast, Watson Lake is home to hundreds of bird species, and a circuit of trails runs among the granite boulders dotting its shore.
Grand Canyon
Located approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes from the Arizona Biltmore. This year, the Grand Canyon National Park is turning 100 years old! In honor of the Veteran's Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance to Grand Canyon. From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone.
Tombstone
Located approximately two hours from the Arizona Biltmore, Tombstone is a town in southeastern Arizona, known for its Wild West history. Exhibits at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park include a replica gallows. On historic Allen Street, the O.K. Corral outdoor theater re-enacts the infamous 1881 cowboy gunfight. Resident ghosts are said to haunt the bullet-riddled Bird Cage Theatre. Outlaws are among the local townsfolk buried at the 1878 Boothill Cemetery.