Girls Guide to Arizona: Scottsdale, Phoenix and beyond.

I have been to Arizona a few times now. I first came last summer in the middle of July, it was HOT. I honestly didn’t love it. I either had to be in the pool or inside in the AC. Hence, why I didn’t come around to the idea of writing a blog post about what I like about it. At the time, all I wanted was to get back to LA and head to the beach. Since then I have came in January and April. January is a little colder than I would like, but anyone from the East Coast reading this would probably scoff at that. My favorite time to come by far is the Spring. It’s warmer here than it is in LA and I am hanging poolside getting a great tan.

OK, so now that we have when to come out of the way let’s discuss the fun parts! From the best activities to do while you are here to the most beautiful sunset views. I got you covered!

What to DO:

Sunday Brunch at Wrigley Mansion

Go Horseback riding and feed the animals at MacDonald’s Ranch

Feed the Ducks at Fountain Hills

Golf at one of the 300 golf courses

Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Go Shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Go to the the many amazing restaurants (full list of my favorites below)

Rent a boat on Bartlett Lake

Hike the Camelback Mountains

Christmas at The Fairmont Princess

The Best Restaurants:

The montauk

The Montauk- Beach vibe spot in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. When I posted here people truly thought that I was in the Hamptons of New York. The white lawn chairs on the porch of the restaurant had me reminiscing summer days on the East Coast. The Montauk restaurant is known for being a great brunch spot but I loved the dinner vibes. They had a great DJ and iconic green and pink velvet couches, which had me thinking I need to exclusively be brought out to spots with couches. I loved all the art throughout the restaurant, especially the vintage picture of the blonde surfer girls. They had a lot of fun drinks on the menu but I stuck with the original skinny spicy margarita and it was amazing. We got a bunch of appetizers throughout the night, photographed above. The restaurant had New England fare and we had to order the clam chowder. The spicy shrimp was the best of all. Ok fine, and the French fries. Make a reservation for this spot because it definitely fills up fast. The bar area is also a vibe if you ever need a spot to hang pre dinner at say Diego Pops next door! I will definitely be back.

Virtu Honest Craft- This amazing restaurant is located in an Inn in Scottsdale. Clearly you can tell I love the charm and old time feelings as I am drawn to inns and New England like spots. This spot was extremely elegant with a three course menu prepared by Chef Giosso. Everything I ate was spectacular and he truly outdid himself. To experience Chef Giosso’s culinary art at a more casual spot try Pizzeria Virtu. The best Neapolitan pizza you’ll ever have and phenomenal Italian wines.

Carefree Coffee Roastery- Bohemian European style vibes with crochet polls and vegan & gluten friendly options. The BEST Avocado toast you’ll ever have.

Luana’s Coffee & Beer- This place is a vibe day to night. Come in the day for great coffee in the cozy bohemian 100 year old home. Stay for the night and enjoy phenomenally homemade tasting pizza and the best espresso martinis.

The Henry: 4455 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

The Henry- Great new American with amazing interior decorations and a beautiful patio. Their baby blue chairs bring me joy and their drinks are spectacular. We basically had a taste test of all the drinks because we could not decide. I am normally a tequila girl and the margaritas, jalapeno & almost naked, were amazing but my favorite ended up being the Devil in the Details! It was a spicy fruity vodka drink with shishito peppers, would definitely recommend. Dan got the bolognese which came with truffle pasta. I think I ate every piece of the pasta that didn’t touch the meat!! It was amazing and the server said next time I go they will make a vegetarian version for me. Looking forward to that!

Vu Bistro- Not only was the atmosphere everything, but they also had a boutique. The gorgeous patio was large and centered with a large circle moroccan rug. Inside was a boutique with gorgeous finds. The food was amazing and the prices were very fair.

Sanctuary Resort- The chicest resort in my opinion. The views are impeccable and the drinks are amazing. The bar manager is actually the guy who made the whole menu at AOC in LA which I love. They have the same mezcal drink I love on the menu! The prices are higher but I recommend going for happy hour.

Parma Italian Roots- Perfect place for happy hour, they have a $7 magherita pizza on happy hour menu and it’s SO yummy. The cheese plate is great as well and my boyfriends obsessed with their meatballs.

Pizzeria Bianco- Charming restaurant with old vintage feels. Started by owner Chris Bianco in 1988 in the back of a neighborhood grocery store. I went back in July and loved it and had to google its history. When I came back in the spring a man came to the table asking us how everything was. I said it was amazing and asked are you Chris!? I clearly have good intuition because it was! We sat and chatted with him for awhile. I’m obsessed with him and his thick New York accent as much as the pizza and would highly recommend.

Isabella’s Kitchen- Dine on the golf course. Beautiful views of Grayhawk Golf Club and fun atmosphere. They have a great cheese plate!

La Hacienda at The Fairmont Princess- Mexican dream with gorgeous views of the property. I will say this was the best guacamole I have had in awhile and the spicy margaritas were top notch.

Diego Pops- Mexican party. This is where to go to meet people in their 20s. They have an outdoor lawn area with picnic tables and Instagram worthy signs and wallpaper inside.

Francine Restaurant- Amazing french food and rustic charming french vibes. You must get the branzino. We got a bunch of more appetizers as well and everything was so good! Also don’t skip the dessert with an espresso martini.

Toro- Sushi & Latin Cuisine on the Fairmont Princess golf course. Beautiful views and yummy sushi!

Culinary Dropout- The place to go for a drink. They have a huge bar and it get’s very lively. I didn’t eat here but I’ve heard good things! Would recommend making a reservation and going on the weekend.

Zinc Bistro- Parisian vibes, amazing french food and the ideal spot for appetizers. Could you ask for more?

Toca Madera- Fun Mexican restaurant and the place to celebrate something special!

Where to Explore To:

The Boulders Resort & Spa- Truly impeccable views and if you want to golf I’d say this would be the coolest spot to do it!

Sedona- A must! Sedona is desert town that’s surrounded by red-rock mountains and pine forests. They have the most beautiful boho shops and art galleries. L’auberge at Sedona is a gorgeous restaurant right on the river. I would recommend doing the Pink Jeep Tours, and no not only because it’s pink!

Grand Canyon- The most magical escape and one of the best tourist destinations in America. An encompassing silence, fresh air and natural beauty. It’s definitely a world wonder!

Arizona truly is an amazing place and I would recommend coming to visit to anyone. Voted the “most livable city” you may never want to leave.