One of Brett’s friends from physical therapy school visited this past weekend. He’s the first out-of-state friend to come, so Brett and I were excited to share some of our favorite places with him. I’m sharing everything we did this past weekend in Arizona because it’s a good guide for first-timers in the Phoenix area.
Friday:
- Hiked Camelback Mountain — It’s one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. There are two trails, both leading to a 360-degree view of the city. I’ve hiked the Cholla Trail (currently closed) before, but we attempted the Echo Canyon Trail this time. It’s a challenge!
- Monroe’s Hot Chicken — The boys were ready to throw down for lunch after the hike. They both had the fried chicken sandwich, and I love the chicken tenders with ranch. Also, I recommend their crinkle fries and cornbread mac and cheese.
- Swam — We returned to our apartment to swim, relax, and clean up for dinner.
- Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company — We’ve always gone to the Gilbert location, so that’s the one I’d recommend. Brett goes for the beer and burgers; I go for their patio seating. Also, I highly suggest ordering the pretzel sticks.
- Spirit House — We drove through Old Town Scottsdale but decided to go to a cocktail bar near our place to end the night. It’s an unpretentious place serving creative mixed drinks made with locally distilled whisky, gin, and vodka.
Saturday:
- Hash Kitchen — One of my favorite brunch spots. It’s a social dining experience that makes it a culinary destination for visitors. I love the avocado toast, and it’s enough to share between two people.
- Hole in the Rock — It’s located right by the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo. I’d hardly call this one a hike (I did it in sandals), but it’s known for its picturesque views.
- Tempe Town Lake — This two-mile-long lake is one of Arizona’s most visited public attractions. There are numerous activities, from renting boats to fishing to walking along the lake.
- The Street — We cooled off with boba from one of my favorite places in Mesa. The strawberry smoothie with boba is my go-to. Also, they serve ramen, which I still want to try.
- Culinary Dropout — They have an eclectic American menu, and everything we ordered was delicious. Get the soft pretzels & provolone fondue to share. I recommend making reservations here.
Sunday:
- Sedona — On Sunday, we left early for a day trip to Sedona. We hiked Soldier Pass Trail to the cave and then turned around to head to lunch at Hideaway House. It’s an Italian restaurant with a beautiful view from the open-air patio. The food is as good as the views!
- Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits — We had our last meal here since one of Brett’s friend’s patients sent him a gift card to this place which was so thoughtful.
It was such a fun weekend in Arizona, and I can’t wait for more family and friends to come to visit so we can show them our new city. I hope you had a great weekend, and thanks for reading. xo
Just spent the weekend in Arizona too. If you ever need something fun to do, try an Urban Adventure Quest scavenger hunt.
I bet it was so nice to get to explore in your own area again! Thats always one of my favorite things to do when people visit!
What a fantastic weekend! We loved Sedona…another world.
oh my gosh sounds like a perfect getaway-how fun!
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
Sounds like an amazing weekend! <3
It sounds like a great time!! I looove soft pretzels! That and the provolone fondue sound amazing. Hope I get to visit someday! Great post 💜
I’ve never been to Arizona but have always wanted to. It looks and sounds amazing!
Arizona has so much to give. We loved it, but didn’t have enough time for it all. My favorite unexpected treat was all of the real tequila I had the opportunity to taste. We just don’t get that over here in Florida.
Camelback Mountain and Sedona are always remarkable! The desert has a beauty that is totally unique. What looks from afar like a rugged, barren landscape becomes a vibrant thing full of life when we actually get into it.
What a fun place to visit! I have been to Sedona and would love to go back. It’s gorgeous!!
I really need to take a weekend trip to Arizona! It looks beautiful!
Sounds like you guys had a great time in Phoenix! I too am a sucker for patio seating, it’s just so relaxing!
Arizona is one of my favorite places to have ever visited! Sounds like you had a lovely weekend.
wow, what a fun itinerary!! looks like a great bucket list to try!
Sounds like a fantastic weekend! I’ve only been to Arizona once and that was for work, so I’d love to go back and do some of these things – especially the hike and botanical gardens.
I love Arizona, this was a great read!
Arizona is on my list for a girls-only trip, so I’ll have to keep all these places in mind.
This sounds like such a lovely weekend! It’s making me want to go visit Phoenix and try it all out for myself :p
That’s an action packed weekend, but one that sounds so fun and right up my alley! You went swimming!? I’m jealous. It’s still too cool in VA.
Arizona is awesome, I would love to visit..
This sounds like it was a great weekend! Lots of hiking, lots of eating.
It sounds like you had a lot of fun. I sure do miss adventuring and exploring new places like this. It’s been far too long since I’ve gone anywhere aside from the grocery store haha. Once I feel safer, I know it’ll be fun to get back to fun times like this!
Arizona was home for 20 years before we moved away. This article brought back so many fond memories of a special place in the southwest.
You hit on some of the best places too!
Loved your Arizona journey. The Hole in the Rock is very similar to the one in Arches National Park in Utah. So it was nostalgic to see that pic.
Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed reading this post, it seemed like you guys had a stellar weekend and the restaurant and the hike sounds like something I would enjoy doing
Your weekend sounds absolutely fantastic. I have not spent much time in Arizona but will sometime soon.
Great post! I’ve only flown into Phoenix but would love to explore it and other parts of AZ someday soon and will keep these places in mind.
What a fun weekend. I’ve never been to Arizona but it’s someplace I would like to visit!
-Lauren
Camelback mountain is a great way to spend a day! Looks like fun!
That sounds like a fun weekend!
Love this Itinerary! I have to check this place out.