Phoenix

Phoenix is my hometown! I was born and raised in Phoenix and called the desert my home until I moved to Boulder, Colorado for college. While I haven’t lived in Phoenix since I was 18 years-old, I still visit family and friends in the Valley of the Sun and try to stay up to date on new places popping up in Phoenix and Scottsdale. It was an incredible place to grow up and I’m so lucky to have some of my very best friends still from my childhood in Arizona! I highly recommend visiting the Phoenix area mid-October through mid-May for the incredible weather. There are lots of outdoor activities to do from hiking to golf and handfuls of great hotels and resorts that offer amazing pools, tennis courts, golf courses, and spas. There are few things that beat an Arizona sunset too… it’s called the Painted Desert for a reason! Enjoy!

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Shop

  • Shop

    Stephanie's

    Without question, Stephanie’s is my favorite women’s clothing and accessories boutique in Phoenix. They do a wonderful job with their buying as they carry so many brands I love to shop including CO, Ganni, Kule, Staud, Xirena, and Zimmerman. The selection of items Stephanie’s carries has a slight edge to it, which I always like because I see and end of loving items I might not otherwise gravitate towards.
  • Shop

    Bungalow

    A home showroom meets an interior design + décor store meets a fashion + accessories shop. Bungalow has it all! Bungalow is full of a mix of furniture, lighting, and home accessories that range from modern pieces to rustic pieces to shabby chic pieces. Everything you see on the floor is available immediately! Bungalow also curates a selection of fashion and accessories from wonderful brands like The Great and Xirena.
  • Shop

    Amy Inc.

    A colorful boutique in a cute walking area of Old Town Scottsdale. Every fashion gal will like popping into this store for its selection of 360 Cashmere, Rhode, Mothern Denim, Loeffler Randall, and more.
  • Shop

    The French Bee

    A wonderful home store. You can easily spend an hour checking out every nook and cranny of this store. I love their collection of faux flowers and furniture but Christmas is when the store really shines (best holiday deco ever!).
  • Shop

    Willows

    A feminine French-inspired luxurious home furnishing store with a sprinkling of clothing and accessories. They have beautiful furniture, kitchenware, bedding, and coffee table books. There are so many treasures in this shabby chic inspired space.
  • Shop

    UrbAna

    This is a great store to shop for entertaining-ware, unique gifts, greeting cards, home décor, party supplies, tabletop goodies, and more.
  • Shop

    Scottsdale Fashion Square

    The best indoor mall in Phoenix/Scottsdale. It is super nice with upscale shops and department stores along with nice dining options and a great movie theater.
  • Shop

    Biltmore Fashion Park

    I love this beautiful outdoor shopping mall in Phoenix. It has go-to shops like J.Crew but also has upscale options like Ralph Lauren and Saks. The dining options at the Biltmore can’t be beat in terms of shopping areas!
  • Shop

    Kierland Commons

    Kierland Commons is just like Biltmore Fashion Park but instead of being centrally located in Phoenix, Kierland Commons is centrally located in Scottsdale. They are very similar shops and restaurants.
  • Shop

    Scottsdale Quarter

    Scottsdale Quarter is a high-end outdoor shopping mall with amazing stores, restaurants, and a great movie theater. It is near Kierland Commons so it’s super easy to visit both!

Eat

  • Eat

    The Henry

    The Henry is one of our go-to restaurants when in town. Make a reservation for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner for a delicious meal. I absolutely love the neighborhood feel and everything on the new-American style menu. Note to self: The Henry does beverages right. For starters, their in-house coffee bar is a must. They also have a cocktail cart that wheels around the restaurant.
  • Eat

    La Grande Orange

    La Grande Orange, or LGO as locals call it, is the best. I always think it feels like it could be the set of a Nancy Meyers movie because it’s the cutest, most bustling little cafĂ©. You order breakfast and lunch at the counter and can browse gifts, home goods, wine, cheese, and other nibbles while you wait for your table. At dinner, LGO serves up come of my favorite pizza in town (get the avocado pizza!).
  • Eat

    Postino

    Postino is my favorite wine and cheese cafĂ© in Phoenix! The wine is all very approachable and affordable so it’s one of the best deals in town! The soups, salads, and paninis are downright fabulous but the real menu highlight is the bruschetta. Get a mix of bruschetta for the table and you won’t be disappointed! P.S. there are multiple locations around Phoenix now but I always go to the original Arcadia location.
  • Eat

    Chelsea's Kitchen

    Chelsea’s Kitchen is one of my longtime favorite Phoenix restaurants. Simply put, they do food right! I love absolutely everything from their crispy chicken sandwich for lunch to their chilaquiles for brunch to their grilled salmon for dinner. However, the best part is the chocolate chip cookies they pass out as you leave the restaurant after your meal
 to die for!
  • Eat

    Richardson's

    Richardson’s is old Phoenix at its best. My family has been eating here all my life as it’s my dad’s favorite. It’s a dimly lit delicious spot that serves up some of the most celebrated Santa Fe, New Mexican style food in Phoenix!
  • Eat

    Original ChopShop

    Original ChopShop has a few locations now in Phoenix but we always go to the one in Scottsdale. It’s my go-to place to a fast but healthy meal. When in town, I always pop-in to grab smoothies and salads to eat in or to go. It’s nutritious food for your well-being!
  • Eat

    North

    North is such a yummy Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is bright and airy (opposed to some stuffier, more old school Italian restaurants) and the food is delicious! I love going for salads at lunch and pastas for dinner.
  • Eat

    Olive and Ivy

    A meal at Mediterranean-inspired Olive & Ivy never disappoints! The restaurant has a huge, beautiful patio that is one of my favorite places to dine outside on a nice Arizona spring day. I also die for the bread + pesto they always bring to the table.
  • Eat

    Arcadia Farm's

    If you’re in Phoenix/Scottsdale for a girls’ trip, then you must go to Arcadia Farms for lunch. It is such a dreamy spot with a gorgeous garden terrace and fun, feminine dĂ©cor (think florals, gingham etc.). It’s adorable!
  • Eat

    Vincent

    Vincent is a Phoenix staple! The restaurant serves a unique take on French recipes using Southwestern ingredients. We love going here for a nicer dinner out! The Bistro next door is a more casual option for both lunch and dinner. Finally, visit Vincent’s Saturday farmer’s market from late October to early May (the freshly made omelets and crepes are delicious!).
  • Eat

    The Mission

    The best modern Latin cuisine in Phoenix! The mission has two locations in Phoenix, one in Old Town Scottsdale (my favorite!) and one at Kierland. Both locations have great atmospheres for dinner set by flickering candlelight and Latin music.
  • Eat

    SumoMaya

    The menu concept at SumoMaya might throw you for a loop when you first hear it but I can vouch that it totally works and is very yummy! It’s a mix of sushi and Mexican food! I know, it sounds odd but it’s great! The atmosphere here is pretty relaxed for lunch and then picks up at dinnertime as Scottsdale gets going at night.
  • Eat

    True Food Kitchen

    There are currently True Food Kitchens around the country but the restaurant started in Phoenix before it blew up and expanded! When I want a filling, delicious, healthy meal, I make a beeline to True Foods! The restaurant was founded on the notion that delicious food and conscious nutrition should go hand in hand.
  • Eat

    Joyride

    Joyride is a super fun spot to go out to eat with a group of friends! The margaritas at this yummy Mexican spot are amazing! I really like the décor & atmosphere for a lively dinner or weekend brunch.
  • Eat

    The Parlor

    Expect pizzas and salads galore at The Parlor! I love the wood-fired pizza crust at The Parlor so much that my mouth waters at the sight of every pizza. This is an all-around always consistent spot and has been voted the best pizza in Arizona!
  • Eat

    Flower Child

    Flower Child originated in Phoenix and was so popular that is has spread all over outside of Arizona! It is one of my favorite causal lunch spots in town for healthy and delicious food. I always feel great after eating here!
  • Eat

    Diego Pops

    A fun Mexican restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale with a lively outdoor patio. Diego Pops has a menu full of Mexican classics and modern takes on fan-favorite Mexican dishes with lots of taco and burrito options as well as seafood favorites like ceviche.
  • Eat

    Windsor

    The restaurant Windsor is named after the historic neighborhood it calls home and, as such, is truly a neighborhood joint. It serves up delicious comfort food and elevated bar food that makes everyone feel at home. Windsor a great choice for a casual lunch or dinner. Don’t forget their great weekend brunch too!
  • Eat

    Ruze Cake House

    Ruze Cake House is just adorable! It’s super Instagram-friendly and has the yummiest artisan baked goods, specialty sweet treats, coffee, and tea. Its been named Phoenix’s best bakery before!
  • Eat

    Gelato Spot

    Indulge your sweet tooth with endless flavors of gourmet gelato. The original Phoenix/Arcadia location is strictly a gelato shop and is where I go. However, there are two other locations as well that also serve food.
  • Eat

    Churn

    Churn makes the yummiest in-house fresh, all natural ice cream around. You won’t find any chemical additives, stabilizers, or preservatives in the ice cream. Instead, you’ll find natural ingredients, a whole lot of love, and a delicious selection of flavors!

Drink

  • Drink

    Juby True

    When I’m in town, this is one of my two go-to juice and smoothie places! They have tons of fresh green juices, fruit juices, and nut milks to choose from + a delicious and healthy smoothie menu.
  • Drink

    Kaleidoscope Juice

    When I’m in town, this is one of my two go-to juice and smoothie places! I absolutely cannot get enough of Kaleidoscope’s organic cold pressed juices and nutritional smoothies.
  • Drink

    Berdena’s

    If you love adorable coffee shops, then pay a visit to Berdena’s! The pastel interiors and patterned tiles are what coffee shop dreams are made of. It’s right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and known for their perfect avocado toast. My sister also dies over their honey lavender latte!
  • Drink

    Teaspressa

    The rise of ĂŒber cute and Instagrammable coffee + tea shops is definitely responsible for this cutie! The concept here is that the tea is inspired by and prepared like coffee. It’s delicious and you can snap a perfect coffee photo while here too.
  • Drink

    Ruze Cake House

    Ruze Cake House is an adorable specialty artisan bakeshop! While this super Instagram-friendly bakery is known for its baked goods and sweet treats, it also has delicious coffee, tea, and boba.
  • Drink

    Songbird

    I love this coffee shop so much because it’s inside of an old historic home built in 1904. Songbird oozes a laid-back vintage-y vibe with a cute little outdoor seating area right in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
  • Drink

    Postino

    Postino is my favorite wine and cheese cafĂ© in Phoenix! The wine is all very approachable and affordable so it’s one of the best deals in town! The soups, salads, and paninis are downright fabulous but the real menu highlight is the bruschetta. Get a mix of bruschetta for the table and you won’t be disappointed! P.S. there are multiple locations around Phoenix now but I always go to the original Arcadia location. This is a wonderful place to cozy up with friends and a few bottles of wine!
  • Drink

    Coach House

    In December, the Coach House covers the entire inside ceiling and all the walls of the bar with Christmas lights. It's a sight to see and a really fun spot to grab a drink. It’s a great regular old dive bar the rest of the year too.
  • Drink

    Whiskey Row

    The bar scene in Old Town Scottsdale resembles a small-scale Vegas so I don’t really recommend it. However, if I were going to recommend a watering hole in the area, it would be Whiskey Row. The bar is owned by Dierks Bentley so it is country themed and plays predominately country music!

Stay

  • Stay

    The Scott Resort

    The Scott Resort is so pretty that it’s one of those spots that feels like it was made for Instagram. It is located right in the middle of Old Town Scottsdale so it’s super close to a ton of buzzy restaurants, busy bars, and the best mall in Phoenix, Fashion Square Mall.
  • Stay

    The Andaz

    The Andaz is a great Scottsdale hotel with a fun modern Sonoran Desert vibe. The Andaz is a perfect hotel for a desert escape with its art-focused, mid-century modern design! There is a bit of a pool scene but it’s nothing too crazy so you can have fun by the bar or lounge in cabanas.
  • Stay

    The Saguaro

    The Saguaro Hotel is another hotel that screams Instagram. This bright and colorful hotel is nestled right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale so it’s within great walking proximity to a lot things. This is a great hotel choice for bachelorettes! P.S. this is a second location of the Palm Spring Saguaro Hotel.
  • Stay

    The Omni Montelucia

    When you check into The Montelucia, you feel like you’re checking into a desert oasis! It is such a beautiful hotel with amazing views of Camelback Mountain. I always think this hotel is perfect for a couples’ weekend away. If you say here, my #1 piece of advice is to book spa appointments. It’s one of my favorite spas in Phoenix!
  • Stay

    Hotel Valley Ho

    For ĂŒber cool desert vibes in Scottsdale, check into The Valley Ho. The hotel is known for its mid-century modern dĂ©cor, great location in the Arts District, yummy restaurant (Zuzu), and lively pool scene. It was one of the first ‘IT’ hotels to hit the scene in Old Town Scottsdale and for that reason it might be my favorite!
  • Stay

    Royal Palms

    Royal Palms has a desert sanctuary feel to it and is beloved among Phoenicians. It has been around for years and has really stood the test of time against so many of the trendier hotels that have popped up. The fabulous historic Spanish-inspired resort is great to sneak off to for a weekend with your special someone!
  • Stay

    Palomar

    If you’re looking for a hotel in downtown Phoenix, then The Palomar is the place for you! It’s in the heart of downtown so it’s a super walkable hotel. Plus, the rooftop pool is just what you need to cool off in in the summer.
  • Stay

    The Phoenician

    If you’re heading to Arizona for an all-around outdoor experience and are looking for a resort to stay at, then The Phoenician is an amazing choice. The Phoenician has golf, lots of swimming pools, tennis, a spa, everything! It’s also nestled up against Camelback Mountain so it’s a pretty spectacular landscape. The location is great too as it’s right by Scottsdale and Arcadia. The Phoenician reminds me so much of growing up (rip the old ice cream parlor) and high school because we used to sneak into the pools here all the time!
  • Stay

    The Biltmore

    Influenced by architect Frank Lloyd Right, the Biltmore is one of Phoenix’s oldest and most iconic hotels. The Biltmore is a classic well-rounded resort with gorgeous grounds, two golf courses, pools galore, multiple restaurants, tennis courts, and a lovely spa. The Biltmore brings back so many memories from growing up (and yes, the pool here was another high school favorite for sneaking into).
  • Stay

    Camelback Inn

    A true Southwestern hotel that is an iconic Phoenix resort. The whole property is done in a Pueblo Revival style so you can really embrace the Arizona spirit while staying here. You can go on hikes right from the hotel, enjoy gorgeous views of Camelback Mountain, and enjoy the delicious Southwestern food at the restaurant Rita’s.

Do

  • Do

    Hike

    Phoenix has some wonderful hikes right in the middle of the city! My favorite hike is Camelback Mountain. There are two sides of the mountain you can hike up to the top, Echo Canyon, which is steeper and Cholla, which is longer. The views are amazing and it is a great way to get some serious exercise fast (warning: this hike can be dangerous in the extreme Arizona summer heat and late in the evening as it gets dark and can be difficult to follow the trail so be smart). I also like hiking Piestewa Peak, Papago Park, and South Mountain Park in Phoenix!
  • Do

    The Camelback Market (aka Vincent's Farmer's Market)

    Vincent’s farmer’s market runs on Saturday mornings from late October to early May and is full of stalls filled with fresh produce, homemade breads, pastas, cheeses, jams, preserves, etc. There is also a wine bar, a made-to-order omelet station, a made-to-order crĂȘpes station, and a wood-fired pizza oven station. It’s a great place to spend a Saturday morning.
  • Do

    Resort

    One of the main reasons people visit Phoenix/Scottsdale is to take in the glorious weather and enjoy the resorts along with all they offer. So, I definitely recommend Phoenix/Scottsdale as a destination for relaxing and resetting. Read my “Stay” section to pick a resort and enjoy golf, tennis, pools, and spas!
  • Do

    Spring Training

    One of Phoenix’s biggest annuals draws is spring training! 15 MLB teams come to the greater Phoenix area in February and March for their spring training leading up to the regular season. What to expect: sunny weather, affordable tickets, small stadiums, and lots of family-friendly fun.
  • Do

    Hot Air Ballooning

    One of the most beautiful ways to experience the beauty of the desert is to see it from above in a hot air balloon. I’ve done hot air balloon rides in Arizona a handful of times for birthdays etc. and they are always so fun and so beautiful! There is nothing like an Arizona sunset from a balloon ride (Phoenix is called the Painted Desert because of the sunsets!).
  • Do

    The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

    The MIM is a museum dedicated to musical instruments. It has a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments from 200 different countries around the world. It’s the largest museum of its kind. The MIM also hosts concerts and is really a must for musicians!
  • Do

    Taliesin West

    Taliesin West was architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home from 1937 until his passing in 1959. Today, it is an architecture school as well as a museum. It is a super interesting property to tour to learn about the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Do

    Topgolf

    If you’ve never been to a Topgolf, then you’re missing out on some fun. If you find yourself in Arizona in the summer, then you might love spending an afternoon at Topgolf because it is not fully outside.
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