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Just back from a quick weekend getaway to Scottsdale Arizona and it was the perfect sunny pick-me-up that I desperately needed from the gloomy winter in Austin.
SEE ALSO: Where To Eat, Stay & Spa In Phoenix
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Scottsdale was bright and sunny during the day with a high of 70 so I loved that I could lounge by the pool! There are so many restaurants and things to do in this city so I definitely want to come back. Here’s my guide to the top things to do in Scottsdale AZ.
WHERE TO STAY IN SCOTTSDALE: ANDAZ
wearing The Sidestroke by Summersalt
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa
I stayed at Andaz during my weekend getaway to Scottsdale and absolutely loved the property! You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the desert in this secluded 23-acre, 185-bungalow urban oasis but it’s actually in the heart of Scottsdale so you can easily drive to restaurants and shops.
I loved soaking up the sun in the massive pool during the day and relaxing with a glass of wine by the fire at night. My massage at the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary was so relaxing and there’s a private jacuzzi to soak in. Be sure to not miss the cactus in the back of the spa for some Instagrammable photos!
6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, andazscottsdale.com
WHERE TO EAT IN SCOTTSDALE:
Weft & Warp Kitchen
My first meal in Scottsdale was at Weft & Warp Kitchen at Andaz Scottsdale Resort after landing at the airport and checking into the Andaz. Weft & Warp serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a view overlooking Turquoise Pool and Camelback Mountain. We all had the vegan beyond burger with fries.
6114 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ, andazscottsdale.com/dining
CITIZEN PUBLIC HOUSE
Bacon fat popcorn with a glass of wine makes me a happy camper! But really, that bacon fat popcorn is dangerously addicting at Citizen Public House. Named one of the top 10 restaurants in Scottsdale by USA Today in 2016, Citizen Public House is known for its upscale American cuisine, contemporary cocktails and craft beers. The chopped salad and chocolate cake were delicious!
7111 E. 5th Ave., Suite E, Scottsdale, AZ, citizenpublichouse.com
HASH KITCHEN
If you’re visiting Scottsdale, definitely add Hash Kitchen to your eating list! Everything from the smores pancakes to the cannoli doughnuts to the biggest avocado toast that I’ve ever seen are all over-the-top decadent. And speaking of biggest, the 32oz Big Hash Bloody Mary is GIGANTIC with all the possible toppings that you can think of. Also, order the boozy cereal shooter flight and disco tiki slushee!
8777 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, hashkitchen.com
SICILIAN BUTCHER
For dinner, we went to Silician Butcher in downtown Scottsdale and dined on the charcuterie board, arrabiata spaghetti and meatballs, and one of each of the desserts. Everything was so good!
15530 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, thesicilianbutcher.com
THINGS TO DO IN SCOTTSDALE: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
Hot Air Expeditions
Hot air balloon ride checked off my bucket list! I’ve always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride for the longest time but I’m also terrified of heights. I was so surprised by how gently we floated across the Sonoran Desert and then into the sky. Truly such a magical experience that I want to do everywhere now!
We did the morning balloon ride and they picked us up from Andaz around 6:15 am and the hot air balloon ride ended with a light breakfast with mimosas.
