Susan & Michael
Things To Do
Erickson Museum - The Milton H. Erickson Foundation
For all my psychology nerds, come tour the home and museum of the famous psychiatrist and psychologist specializing in medical hypnosis and family therapy, Dr. Milton Hyland Erickson.
Taliesin West
This was Frank Lloyd Wright's beloved winter home and the bustling headquarters of the Taliesin Fellowship. It was built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, making it among the most personal of the architect’s creations. Tickets start at around $30. Students and Arizona residents get discounted tickets.
Desert Botanical Garden
This is one of Susan's favorite places to see cacti and learn about the local plant life. It is a beautiful place to walk around. There is also a great restaurant inside (the one where Mikey proposed to Susan) that is great for brunch, lunch, cocktails, and coffee. Entrance fees $12–$25.
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
This is a great little walk/hike to a giant hole in the middle of a small mountain. It has breathtaking views.
Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
This is one of two trails on the famous Camelback Mountain. It is listed as moderate to extreme in difficulty. Don't hike it alone. Bring lots of water!
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is a must see if you are visiting Arizona for the first time. It is about a 4 hour drive from Chandler, Arizona. The park entrance fee will be $35 per vehicle. There are hotels within the park.
Jerome
For the horror/thrill seekers. Jerome is a little town that was once a big mining community. It is now known as one of the most haunted locations in America. The drive from Prescott to Jerome is beautiful and there are a number of activities and things to explore in Jerome. You can go on an adventure at the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Have a glass of wine at the Jerome Winery. Go on one of the Haunted Tours of Jerome ($39.95). Appreciate and purchase the local and unique art. Take a walk around the Douglas Mansion. Have a glass at Cellar 433 (one of the best wine selections Arizona has to offer). You can also stay at one of the many haunted hotels.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Get up close and personal with African wildlife at this amazing wildlife park and zoo.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
For those interested in Native American culture. Montezuma Castle is situated about 90 feet (27 m) up a sheer limestone cliff, facing the adjacent Beaver Creek, which drains into the perennial Verde River just north of Camp Verde. It is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, in part because of its ideal placement in a natural alcove that protects it from exposure to the elements. The precariousness of the dwelling's location and its immense scale - almost 4,000 square feet (370 m2) of floor space across five stories - suggest that the Sinagua were daring builders and skilled engineers.
Montezuma Well National Monument
For those interested in Native American culture. Montezuma Well is a natural limestone sinkhole near the town of Rimrock, Arizona, through which some 1,500,000 gallons of water emerge each day from an underground spring. It is located about 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Montezuma Castle. The ruins of several prehistoric dwellings are scattered in and around the rim of the Well. Their erstwhile inhabitants belonged to several indigenous American cultures that are believed to have occupied the Verde Valley between 700 and 1425 CE.
Old Tombstone Wild West Theme Park
Tombstone is a must for any movie buffs. It is an old west style town where they filmed a lot of the old western movies. There is a great walking tour and live shows.
Main Event Entertainment
For the child in all of us! There is unlimited bowling, laser tag, and a high ropes course. All for about $20 per person. There are also a lot of fun arcade games, cocktails, and food.
Charlie's Phoenix
For those still looking to party. This is one of the most fun clubs in Phoenix. The people are incredibly friendly and they have the best tacos in Phoenix! The tacos are $1 each. Cash only for food. You can buy drinks with a credit card. Side note: this is a gay bar. There is a $5 entrance fee for women.
Boondocks Patio & Grill
Outdoor bar/club. Fun atmosphere and walking distance from many more clubs.
Taqueria Los Yaquis
For those who want tacos but don't want to go clubbing, you can still enjoy the delicious $1 tacos Charlie's has to offer without going inside. There is a food truck parked outside of the club. There is a seating area to eat. Cash only food truck.
Sugar Bowl
This is the perfect place for anyone with a sweet tooth. There are delicious thick shakes, sundaes, and more.
Pita Jungle - Chandler
Low to moderate cost and delicious Mediterranean food close to the wedding venue and hotel.
The Capital Grille
Moderate to high cost steak and seafood restaurant. This is the best seafood we have had in Arizona.
Schlotzsky's
Delicious low cost sandwiches. This is a chain restaurant so there are a number of different locations across the Phoenix area.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
For all your shopping needs. Price points range from low to high.