Now I know many of you have been to Phoenix, but for those that haven’t or those that are looking for new things to do and new restaurants, here you go. If I had my druthers, I would live part of the year in Phoenix. The weather is gorgeous October – April, the sunsets are breathtaking and the food divine. Getting out there, hiking, seeing the botanical gardens cactus style, golfing, driving to one of the many small, cute towns for a look-see all appeal to me especially when back home in Colorado it’s like 9 degrees and we’ve just plowed for the 6th time. Ugh!
3 Things to Do
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
My all-time favorite thing in Phoenix is the Musical Instrument Museum or the MIM. Ok, I am not a musician, but I do love music and if you love music this is the place to be. This is probably the most fun and most interesting museum I have ever visited. There are over 15,000 instruments, old and new in five Geographic Galleries, a Mechanical Music Gallery, Special Exhibitions and more. You not only look at the instruments, you see a video of the people in the various cultures playing the instruments. As you walk through, your headset starts playing music and showing you a video of the instruments in the display. In Africa, for example, you see very unusual instruments and see and hear the people playing them. This goes on throughout the museum. You also get to see and hear how a guitar is made, how a calliope works, as well as famous instruments like a drum from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. I really can’t say enough about this museum. It is world-class and worth the time, money and effort.
Café Allegro for lunch 11:30-2:30, coffee shop 9:00-5:00 – It’s pretty much impossible to see the entire museum in one day, but for your convenience in trying, scope out Café Allegro for lunch or at least coffee
MIM Music Theater presents over 250 concerts per year by artists from all over the world – tickets can be as little as $7, but most often run from $35-48 depending on the artist. The auditorium is said to have fabulous acoustics.
4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, Open Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., $20 for a one day pass, Teens $15, Children (4-12) $10. Free Parking, mim.org/
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West Tour
“Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home and laboratory in Scottsdale, AZ, Taliesin West. 📸: Andrew Pie”
Photo provided by management (Dec 2017)
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was a famous architect ahead of his time and known for his organic architecture. His clean lines and simple rooms led the architectural world in a direction that was exciting, unusual and purposeful. He brought nature inside and incorporated detail and a beautiful use of nature outside. Everything had meaning and a style that was unique to him alone.
A visit and guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and the Taliesin Architectural Foundation is really interesting and educational. You will find out the history of his architectural style, distinct lines and outdoor features that make this home an inspiration for budding architects.
There are many types of tours: Insights Tour, Night Lights Tour, Behind the Scenes, Details Tour, Private Collections Tour and Desert Shelter Tour – $35-$75 depending on the tour. The Insights Tour is my recommendation for your first visit.
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 (GPS Address: 12345 N Taliesin Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85259)
Open Daily 8:30-5:00 All tours are guided, the first starts at 9:00 am. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the summer. franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west/
Cardinal State Farm Stadium Tour
The Cardinal event center is state of the art and multi-purpose. Prepare to be amazed at how efficient and functional this stadium is. So much more happens than football. Don’t forget the team gift shop. If you’re a fan, Larry Fitzgerald jerseys and t-shirts abound. azcardinals.com/stadium/ Costs are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $7 for children.
Gila Arena
Gila Arena is the home of the Coyote Hockey Team and is very near the Cardinal’s Stadium. Check to see if there is a hockey game or concert during your stay. This sports entertainment complex is full of fun shops, restaurants, bars, and a movie theater. One restaurant we recommend is Opa Life Greek Café. Yummy!
Tanger Outlets
are across the street from the Gila Arena. 6800 N. 95th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85305, open 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. I wouldn’t call this outlet the best ever, but familiar shops offer good deals. Try the Vanity Fair shop for less expensive sports jerseys.
This entire area is called the Westgate Complex. It is worthy of a day out.
Tip: A day trip to the Grand Canyon is possible. Good to Know – 3 hours each way. Try a short trip to Flagstaff if you need to escape the heat or enjoy skiing in the winter.
Bonus Shopping Section
Our overall favorite area for relaxation in Phoenix is Scottsdale. Since we’ve spent a lot of time there, here are some shopping and eating tips for the overall area.
Kierland Commons Shopping Center. a fun place for strolling and window-shopping. See below for restaurants in the Commons. 15205 N Kierland Blvd Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 kierlandcommons.com
Old Downtown Scottsdale is a retro shopping area full of quirky shops and boutiques. Look for the canal walk near the shops and you’ll see lots of fun trendy restaurants.
Last Chance Nordstrom’s is a one of a kind shop where Nordstrom’s sends all of their returns and overstocks and makes one last attempt at selling their goods to customers that are willing to dig and endure racks and racks of possibilities. They have some of the best deals ever, especially on clothes and shoes. Here’s an example…. I happened along a long formal gown with chiffon, beads, etc. It fit like a glove and I needed one for a special event coming up, but how much? $31.97 Check, check. Camelback Colonnade, Address: 1919 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Rod Works in Norterro Shopping Center has great home décor ideas. If you are looking for a house-warming gift, wedding gift or a cool new way to spruce up your décor, check out Rod Works. Check the website for more locations. https://www.rodworks.com/
2480 W Happy Valley Road Suite 1209
Phoenix, AZ 85085
(623) 516-0049
3 Places to Eat
Taco Guild
A fresh trendy look at modern Mexican food. Street tacos are full of unique flavors. Have some street corn to add more flavor and a little kick. Taco Guild is located in an old church building on Osborne and 7th Street. This place is perfect for relaxing and meeting friends. Love it! 546 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012, tacoguild.com
Café Pino
A family-owned and run establishment with wonderful Italian cuisine. The pasta and pizza are divine, but save room for one of their homemade desserts. Bella! This restaurant is close to the xxx movie theater in Scottsdale. 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Ste 1070, Phoenix, AZ 85054-6151, cafepine.com
Pork on a Fork
This is a Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives joint that has the most perfect flavor of BBQ along with scrumptious sides. Eat-in or take out, but try this yummy dive. It is located near the Last Chance Nordstrom’s described in the Shopping section. 1515 W Deer Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027, porkonafork.com
Tip: There are so many fabulous restaurants in Phoenix and the surrounding area, that one hardly knows where to start. Here are a few that are worth a try:
Ohso’s for Breakfast or brunch, ohsobrewery.com
Herb Box – downtown old Scottsdale – theherbbox.com
North Italia – northitaliarestaurant.com 4925 N 40th St location
Bobby-Q BBQ – bobbyqbbq.com
Coconuts Fish Café – Scottsdale – coconutsaz.com
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria –grimaldispizzeria.com
Roaring Fork– roaringfork.com
Salty Sow – saltysow.com
Honorable Mention: Sparky’s Old Town Creamery has the most delicious ice cream around. This is a fun place for a cool treat. 510 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, Open 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, sparkyscreamery.com
1 Place to Stay
Definitely pick a resort or hotel with a pool!
Westin Kierland Villas
Westin Kierland is my favorite. The Westin Kierland has a beautiful golf course where Segway golf is available. The pool is large and refreshing. The location is perfect. Near golf, shopping, restaurants and a quick walk or shuttle ride to the Kierland Shopping Center. This is an outdoor shopping area where you can walk and enjoy some familiar shops and some you’ve never experienced. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to relax and take a break. The experience is delightful. The North, Snooze, Grimaldi’s and Taquieria Mexican are all worthy.
the-westin-kierland-villas-scottsdale
Honorable Mention:
Sheraton Desert Oasis offers a great pool, is very family-friendly and is in a great Scottsdale location.
Phoenix has more to offer than many places, including the never-ending sun and gorgeous evening sunsets. Every time we visit, we experience some new adventure. Find yourself in fun Phoenix soon!
Happy Travels!
Leslie
