A Trip to Scottsdale Is Good for the SOL
“Is it just me, or has this late spring been especially chilly?” I asked my husband on one particularly cold and foggy morning back in April. Yes, we are blessed with California sunshine most of the time, so you’ll rarely catch me complaining about our weather, but I really needed to physically warm my bones. And as a mother and wife, I also needed a break that would reset my connection and help me regain my zest for life. I decided on a whim to get away—by myself—that week. I found a flight leaving Thursday to Scottsdale, Arizona, hoping a weekend in the desert would warm my soul. weekend in scottsdale arizona
10 a.m. Touching Down
The flight from Santa Ana to Phoenix is under an hour, gate to gate. I waited five minutes for my Lyft right outside the terminal doors, and as soon as they opened, warm air pushed against my skin, reaffirming my decision: I was in the right place.
weekend in scottsdale arizona
11 a.m. Dreamy Design
The Instagram stalking I had done prior to my arrival had not prepared me for such a lush green resort in the middle of the desert. I was really expecting saguaros and sand, but The Scott Resort & Spa had an airy vintage feel that transported me to New Orleans (without the humidity). I was on my own schedule, and it felt great. Snapping out of my dream state, I realized I needed something to eat. I left my bags at the front desk and hopped in an Uber.
Noon Wine O’Clock
Downtown Scottsdale is a wine-tasting destination (I suppose I make any place I travel one!). In the heart of the entertainment district, there are six tasting rooms within walking distance of each other; this is known as the Scottsdale Wine Trail. I dined at Merkin in Old Town Scottsdale, and after trying a flight of white, red and rosé, I ordered myself a glass of irresistible syrah. Did I mention how much more fun shopping is after a few glasses of wine?
weekend in scottsdale arizona
2 p.m. Sip, Sip, Shop
After a few glasses of vino, I came across a desert- and sea-inspired boutique with everything from apparel and accessories to gifts and home decor. After browsing here for a bit, I made my way to The Mercantile—a quaint indoor market collective with products from over 100 local vendors. I left with a new candle, coffee mug and scarf!
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5 p.m. Sunset Views on Horseback
Hidden on 1,280 acres in north Scottsdale is a time capsule of Western heritage. At MacDonald’s Ranch, entry is free and you’ll find lawn games like “jean-ga” and horseshoes. There is also a free petting zoo (give me all the goats!) and pony rides for the little ones. The stables are home to more happy horses than this city girl has ever seen in one place. I was lucky enough to ride Cupcake into the Sonoran sunset at dusk.
weekend in scottsdale arizona
7:45 p.m. Old-World Eats
Word on the street was The Mission Old Town was a must-visit. I sat on the patio enjoying the warm desert air and ordered a margarita and the butternut squash tacos with homemade tortillas along with a tableside-prepared guacamole for an appetizer. I didn’t look at my phone once that night, but I spent plenty of time staring at the empty basket of chips.
Erin is a Californian native with a sense of adventure. She is restless by nature and longs for travel. You might find her playing beach volleyball or walking her dog. Her curiosity leads her on adventures and her outgoing personality allows her to make friends easily. Her job as a Sales and Marketing coordinator is exactly fitted to her talents. Her main focus is to make new friends and keep our partners happy.
