Let’s explore Scottsdale: Where to stay, play, eat and drink

Scottsdale Arizona is home to luxury resorts, exciting activities, chef-driven restaurants and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the United States. It’s also one of the best places to escape the cold in the Midwest with over 300 days of sunshine. I spent my childhood years in Arizona just a few miles from Scottsdale and the smell of mesquite and orange blossoms always brings me back to my special memories I shared with my family in Arizona. 

I recently had a chance to explore Scottsdale with my parents again. We stayed at the Hotel Valley Ho the first few nights in Old Scottsdale. It’s a retro chic resort built in1956 and a true icon in downtown Scottsdale. The hotel is one of the best-preserved mid-century hotels in the country. Every room has a private patio or balcony to enjoy the Arizona views. If you are heading to Hotel Valley Ho make sure to dine at ZuZu or The Sands, relax at VH Spa and take a dip in their two heated pools. The Towers suites, complete with full kitchens are more like an apartment than a hotel suite with gorgeous views of the mountains. Also, every suite has a washer and dryer. It’s the perfect set-up when traveling with family. 

Scottsdale is also home to some amazing spas and resorts like the Camelback Inn. This world famous resort is situated on 125 pristine acres between Mummy and Camelback Mountain and is located directly across from CamelBack. So, every sunset and sunrise at CamelBack Inn is magical.  Check out Rita’s Cantina on site while you are there and relax into the resort and all its amenities. The Spa At Camelback Inn is another stop to add to your itinerary when visiting Scottsdale.  My mom and I had facials here and relaxed by the spa’s adult pool for hours. It’s a memory I will treasure forever. You will too. It’s the perfect place to take in the desert surroundings and feel the Arizona sunshine.

Let’s talk about dining in Scottsdale. Craft 64 is a neighborhood gathering place and local pizzeria in Old Scottsdale. Craft 64 supports their neighbors by exclusively serving Arizona beers and pouring Arizona wines. The pizza and mozzarella are made from scratch every day and adorned with ingredients from local Arizona farms. It’s delicious local cuisine and  walking distance from Hotel Valley Ho. 

For another local eatery, check out Citizen Public House. They are an award winning restaurant known for their sea scallops, short ribs and spirited drinks. Join them every day for social hour from 4-6pm to enjoy specials on bites, brews and cocktails. 

If you are shopping at Kierland Commons, which I highly recommend, book a spot for lunch at Postino complete with wine, charcuterie and amazing bruschetta boards. All the locals I met recommended this restaurant to me. It’s the perfect place for a glass of wine, light eats and shopping.  

For the brunch crowd and a social dining experience, Hash Kitchen is the place to be and be seen. If you enjoy a Bloody Mary, you are in the right place.  Build your own drink at their epic bloody mary bar while listening to a DJ spinning the latest tunes. If you’re looking for a more laid back, quieter vibe for brunch with the family, head over to  The Herb Box. They serve delicious food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The Herb Box is in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. So, make sure to explore all the local boutiques and turquoise shops before or after your meal. 

If you are looking to explore the Arizona wine scene in Scottsdale, check out Arizona Stronghold Vineyards for high-quality prized wines. Situated in Old Town Scottsdale the tasting room offers the perfect place to taste and experience the Arizona Stronghold wines and enjoy their creative food pairings.The family who owns the vineyards are originally from Chicago. Their midwest charm and hospitality offers the perfect ambiance to relax and take in the Arizona wine culture. For some Scottsdale flair and color, check out Hula’s modern tiki bar for signature cocktails, brunch or happy hour!  

Don’t forget, Scottsdale has over 300 days of sunshine so take full advantage of being outdoors, early and often. Open-air shopping experiences are top-notch here. At Kierland Commons, explore over 70 high-end shops and restaurants that are consistently ranked the best in the area. Another wonderful outdoor space was the Scottsdale Quarter. Its lush landscape made the perfect backdrop for shopping and other entertainment options. It's a great place to wander, explore and work up an appetite! 

We soaked in more sunshine at the Desert Botanical Garden of Phoenix. It’s such an idyllic place with garden trails, a butterfly pavilion and more. Immersing yourself in the wonders of the desert is so beautiful and we learned a lot about the native flowers and plants. You can also take in a hiking experience at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as we did with REI Experiences. They offer hiking, mountain biking, road biking and paddle board experiences. 

Have you ever thought about a Hot air balloon experience overlooking the Mountains? Scottsdale is home to the most flyable days per year anywhere in the country for hot air ballooning. So, this is the place to check this activity off your bucket list and ride in a hot air balloon.  Hot Air Expeditions offers daily excursions. Take in the views and soar as high as 5000 feet as the sunrises over the Sonoran Desert. It’s incredible to see the landscape from such an exciting vantage point.

Scottsdale has something for everyone. My parents and I had a wonderful time reconnecting with the area and I look forward to coming home to Scottsdale again. If you are looking for  Scottsdale Resort deals, consider visiting in April through September. Check out experienceScottsdale for more information. Also, please follow me on Instagram @LetsgowithCatieKeogh and check out my website at Let’s Go with Catie Keogh. See you on our next adventure! (ItsThatHot.com)