Yes, not the place for Maynard and Fin D's honeymoon. Anything worth seeing or doing there, aside from the big hole? (Grand Canyon… not Maynard's)
Yup. Very dry. So bring lube. Go with an open mind. Lot's of cool guys there I have been twice, Scottsdale and Phoenix. It was for business (webcam trade show, male escort convention) so I didn't get to take time and go north...which sucks. I went in April I think. The weather was amazing and coming from swampy humidity in FL to breathing that dry, clean air was awesome. I really like the landscape. PHX was just ok, but I would recommend hanging out in Scottsdale for sure. There is an old town/village area with shops, bars and art that is worth spending some time. If you do have any time in Phoenix, go to Pizzeria Bianco. It is outstanding http://www.pizzeriabianco.com/ I think the food in general is very good. I don't know how authentic the mexican food I get in FL is, but I hate the refried beans and rice cafeteria slop with soggy torillas with average to bad quality meat. You are more likely to find something closer to Bobby Flay-type cuisine in AZ than your usual Tex-Mex slop.
Visit Lake Havasu and check out the London Bridge. It was purchased about 40 odd years ago, brought over and reassembled block by block.
Sedona is my favorite place in the US. Simply amazing. I strongly suggest you do some hiking in Sedona.. Spend at least 3-4 days there.
\We will be in Sedona on a Monday afternoon and night, then leave for Grand Canyon in the AM… considering spending that night back in Sedona. So what's good to do and see in Sedona? We'd love to do some new agey spiritual stuff. And or nature stuff since it's stunningly gorgeous landscape there.
In laws have a second home there. Quick visit to check in on the old geezer who was just in the hospital. No HBO tho. DVR of True Detective to watch when I get back. I'll have to stay out of here as not to ruin the episode.
If you subscribe to HBO, then you can use HBO Go for free. Just sign up. There's an app for smart phones/tablets and a web site for your computer. The show will be available the next day (maybe even just after midnight, not sure.)
I know D but Ive got to stick to the big Samsung and favorite chair thing. I've watched a few movies on the computer via Netflix or whatever it was, but the BJ scenes didnt give enough definition. Likely enough for Imeister but not me. Not that I'm expecting one on True Detectives.
There's a visitor center downtown. If you swing by its a good place to plan out what you want to do. Lots of stuff to do.
So far, we're thinking of doing the following… (note: we tend to eat healthy or at least local/organic gourmet stuff when possible in this group… and love our wine) Sunday by the pool in Phoenix.. maybe afternoon on the golf course. Monday drive to Sedona. Afternoon either ATV tour of Sedona red rocks or something more spiritual (like native ceremony or a vortex or something). Dinner in Sedona or Flagstaff (good places to eat?). Stay in Sedona or Flagstaff (hotel recommendations welcome, especially for 8 adults and four kids… nothing super five star as a result, but maybe four star or big enough to share for a family, like a villa or cottage) Tuesday we do the Grand Canyon. Not sure "how" yet. Maybe a tour. Maybe we just drive up and walk around. Not sure exactly what to punch into the GPS to 'get there' Where's the sttarting point' for a big hole in the ground? (Tour or starting point recommendations welcome here) Tuesday night we may have dinner in Flagstaff or Sedona again and either drive back to Phoenix late or stay one more night in Sedona (unlikely since we are already paying for the Phoenix place for Monday ANd Tuesday nights due to poor planning and communication). Wednesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday we are in Phoenix. Would like to go to Scottsdale at least one of those days for some upscale activities. Any ideas for kids, and/or upscale places not to miss in Scottsdale would be cool. I was thinking wine bar, maybe fashion mall shopping. Not sure what else? Not into Arizona museums as I assume they don't have stuff as good as Paris, NY, or LA. Maybe I'm wrong.
Not looking forward to the 7 hour drive up there Saturday and the 7 hour drive back the next Sunday. Although I do love desert roads… nice and straight.
I'm there and gone in a hurry, no worries. Fly into Sky Harbor and gone within 36 hrs. Just a quick visit to assure my wife.
Sounds like you have a pretty decent itinerary. You really cannot go wrong with hikes around Sedona/Oak Creek. As for Flag, I think you might like Tinderbox Kitchen (kinda pricey, modern American comfort food type of place) or Diablo Burger (Flag's famous burger spot; burgers served on English muffins). As for the Phx/Scottsdale area? I suggest you catching a spring training game if time permits. For shopping, I think Scottsdale Fashion Square is your best bet for a good consolidated shopping experience. As someone mentioned before, go to Pizzeria Bianco! It's located in downtown PHX and they keep a real simple menu (mostly great pizzas). The chef is a James Beard award winner, and some like to give him credit for being at the forefront of the artisan pizza movement (is there really such a movement?). I don't know if they do reservations, but expect a wait (there is a bar next door, and across the street). Hope you enjoy the desert.
I've been several times. Scottsdale is beautiful. If in the area, I definitely recommend The Old Tortilla Factory. Excellent Mexican food, and award winning margaritas. http://oldtowntortillafactory.com/
Beautiful golf courses!! ****ing hot!! I was there in March some 12 years ago or so. Have family there. ****ing hot, even in March (for that year). Told my family that I'm never coming back, even for anyones funneral...lol
Thanks everyone!!! I leave for Phoenix this Saturday so we're getting excited now! Slight schedule change has us at Grand Canyon the last Friday, and Sedona the final Saturday. A bunch of people want to go on an ATV tour around Phoenix (desert) but I think my wife and I will drive up to sedona for a day trip there because that last Saturday won't be enough. I'd rather hike around the red rocks than drive a motor vehicle through scrub brush near Phoenix. lol. Great suggestions re: the pizza place and margarita place, and all the other ones too (shopping, golf, etc). I hope we can fit even half of it in and still have time to lounge around the pool. lol.