Visitors can fly over the lovely, verdant Sonoran Desert on Hot Air Expeditions ‘ hot air balloon rides, which are well-known. ( Photo: Hot Air Expeditions ) The idea of vacationing somewhere toastier last summer was so incredibly, record-breakingly hot. — sounded absurd. Of course, we’re dreaming of cooler climes now that the temperature in the Bay Area has turned gloomy and chilly. And there you are, beautiful Scottsdale, less than two hours from the Bay Area by heat. No documents are required. No mittens, sometimes.
We’re talking about warm temperatures, stunning scenery, a culinary scene with more than 800 restaurants, and some amazing Arizona-grown wine. ( And of course, spring training. ) In addition to baseball, here is a weekend schedule for what to do, have, and drink in Scottsdale this winter.
Friday: Amazing skill and flower coolers
Scottsdale offers lodging at all price points, but if you want to go out, stay at the 23-acre Andaz Scottsdale Resort &, Houses, which is located only two yards from Old Town and close to the foot of Camelback Mountain. The hotel’s 185 bungalow-style rooms are grouped along pathways lined with lemon trees, each with a patio, and the interiors are midcentury modern and influenced by the desert art picture of the time. Additionally, it serves as a display for original, locally produced artwork, furnishings, and deployments, much of it from the local Cattle Track Art Compound.
But, after finishing that “welcome” cactus cooler cocktail, go for a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk around Cattle Track. It’s not summer longer, so walking is feasible. Entering the arts settlement is like entering a magical setting with living quarters and artist studios. Rachael and George Ellis bought the 13-acre property for$ 100 in the 1930s, and it now houses more than a hundred musicians. A large portion of what is produced here is donated to exhibitions. If you’re fortunate, Mark McDowell, who has spent the past 30 years living at the craft compound and has amazing tales to share about the local artists and Scottsdale’s art landscape, can be found inside the productions.
We are a part of this community’s story, he claims.
At the Scottsdale Cattle Track Arts Compound, actor Mark McDowell strikes a pose while drawing in colored ink. The custom dinner plates used at the resort’s Weft &, Warp restaurant and the spice blends grown at Cattle Track and sold by the McDowells ‘ granddaughters are just a few of the items that you’ll probably notice when you get back to the hotel ( photo by schultzdigital.com ). Cattle Track artists, whose work has now been commissioned for another Hyatt properties around the world, also created the pictures and decor in your space.
A fun way to start the trip is with one of Andaz’s Create and Cultivate programs, which may include a Boost Your Glass martini course. More informal cocktail fans may enjoy sipping mini versions off the annual drink list, while mixology nerds may value the professional advice and savvy thrown down. There are also classes on Pasta Like a Pro and Sweet Leave chocolate truffles, led by hotel dessert chef Morgan Malzahn, with plenty of opportunities to sample in the restaurant’s glass-walled show kitchen.
After your experienced training, sit down to a quiet dinner at Weft &, Warp, where you can choose from an extensive list of small ( and enormous ) plates with Mediterranean influences. Start off with one or two mezzes, such as the Moroccan eggplant Zaalouk ($ 15 ) and the labneh-spiced beet dip, followed by textured laffa flatbread that you’ll find difficult to resist eating the entire time. Do n’t forget to eat the pasta, whether it’s the pappardelle ($ 34 ) with pork sugo or the lasagna ($ 28 ), which includes stracciatella, preserved lemon, heirloom tomatoes, and arugula pesto.
At the Andaz Scottsdale Resort, snacks at the Weft &, Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, are usually spectacular. Details: Rooms are expensive ($ 700 and up, plus a$ 45 resort fee per night ), but the stay at Andaz Scottsdale Resort &, Bungalows, 6114 N. Scottsdale Road, www. www.andazscottsdale .com
Tuesday through Saturday, the Cattle Track Arts Compound is opened from 10 am to 4 pm. Registration is free. the cattletrack. nonprofit.
Saturday: Downtown and above
It will be difficult to wake up this morning at such a painfully early hour, but what’s waiting wo n’t let you down. Fodor’s has rated Hot Air Missions ‘ “best balloon flight in Phoenix” for 26 times running, so head there first. Next, load up the expedition vehicle and drive into the desert. As a large team of robust people prepare the balloon, you’ll see the amazing set up and prices process in action. Then get into the basket and head up, taking in the vast desert landscape and spotting wildlife ( and early-morning joggers ) below. Enjoy a meal spread and mimosas as you toast your return to Earth to cap off your adventure.
Take a nap or relax at the resort. To unwind, we went to the Andaz’s Apothecary Pool, an adults-only resort close to Palo Verde Spa and health facility. The Entertainment area, as well as the Waterfront and Bridge towns, can then be explored by taking a trip to Old Town Scottsdale. There are numerous art galleries, glass shops, vintage saloons, and ice cream shops. Whether you’re looking for lovely linen pieces ( stop at Conscious Coterie ) or designer activewear made in-house at Yoga Democracy, the central Fifth Avenue Shopping District—look for its famous bronze horse fountain—is a fun place to shop.
If you’ve never thought of Arizona as a beverage location, change your mind at Scottsdale’s Wines Collective, where you can sample some Arizona-grown wines. Small producers who do n’t have their own tasting rooms are highlighted in the shop, making it a fantastic opportunity to sample some items you might not otherwise have the chance to.
A ticket is required at James Beard award-winning FnB restaurant Charleen Badman. Go across the yard to Citizen Public House if you have any free time before supper. This establishment is well-liked in the area for its upbeat atmosphere and welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Here, barrel-aged cocktails predominate, so try the layered Instant Gratification ($ 16 ), which includes cognac, single-malt scotch, and amaro.
The James Beard award-winning restaurant Charleen Badman’s FnB restaurant, which has a plant-forward list that highlights regional ingredients, should be tried. Do n’t overindulge, though, as there is fantastic food waiting at the plant-forward FnB. ( Photo: Ryan Cordwell for Experience Scottsdale ) We liked the fruit salads with vadouvan, bread croutons and sheep curds, and fresh spaghetti with braised goat and delicata squash on the annual and constantly changing menu. You can sample regional wines here as well, and beer director Pavle Milic, who runs his own wine label called Los Milicas, will serve as a good guide. The restaurant is located in the storied Craftsman Court and has dining areas that feel cozy, like you’re at your favorite gourmet friend’s house. Your craving for cocktails will be satisfied by a pretty bar in one room, and the freshly finished mosaic glass paneling in the front of the room is beautiful to behold.
Facts: Hot Air Expeditions offers 363 daily morning balloon rides for$ 219 for people. Visit the vehicle at Phoenix’s Deer Valley Airport at 702 W. animal valley road. www .hotairexpeditions.com
Every day at lunch, The Liquor Collective is located at 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, website. The liquor- social .com At 7111 E. Fifth Ave., Citizen Public House is open daily from 4 to 10 p.m. www.citizenpublichouse .com Tuesday through Saturday, 7125 E. Fifth Ave., www.fnB is available from 5 to 10 p.m. fnbrestaurant.com. Visit https ://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/ to learn more about Old Town Scottsdale’s restaurants and shops.
Sunday: Hikes and a meal
In Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, flowers and cactus plants are among the places along the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. ( Photo: Experience Scottsdale’s Joel Hazelton ) Related Articles
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After all this having, some physical exercise will be pleasant, and for all levels, a hike at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is ideal. One of the largest metropolitan preserves in the world, it has more than 30,500 acres and 225+ miles of hiking trails that encourage you to discover its cacti forests and rugged terrain.
Feed at The Thumb, a Guy Fieri favorite, after your trek. This gasoline station-meets-barbaise joint, which was starred in an episode of” Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” is run by eminent former surgeons. Visit us for the barbecue and hardwood-smoked steak, but also take a look at the remarkable baked goods, such as the enormous ginger rolls and churro doughnuts. Amazingly authentic espresso drinks are offered at the coffee counter, and the big gift store is overflowing with interesting items to take home.
Guy Fieri adores Scottsdale’s The Thumb, which is renowned for its smoked steak and picnic. Details: The Gateway Trailhead at McDowell Sonoran Preserve is open daily at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, www. ( Courtesy Amber Turpin ) McDowell-Sonoran nonprofit.
The Thumb debuts at 7 a.m. at 9393 E. Bell Road, website. www.thethumb.com
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