Odds are you ran across this blog from a simple Google search, “Girls’ Trip to Arizona.” Just like me, I wanted to escape the routine 9-5 for a couple days and booked a flight to Arizona without having a schedule. I relied on the trusty search engine to lead me to the best neighborhoods around Scottsdale. From personal experience, here’s the favorite spots from my quick vacation with my friend, Kayla, to the Valley of Sun.
We went from Saturday to Wednesday and stayed in Scottsdale until Tuesday. Tuesday to Wednesday was spent with family in Gilbert exploring the scenery and sitting poolside before we returned to winter in the Midwest.
Saturday:
Arrival Time: 5PM
After my flight arrived to Phoenix-Mesa Airport, we hopped into a $40 Uber to ride 30 minutes to Scottsdale. We met our Airbnb host and jammed some Fergie to get ready for the night. Our Airbnb was located above the bar scene which we came to find out is called “The Circle of Death” or ShitShow Row. Good first impression. We dressed to the 9, ate at a dive bar where they dropped my tamale on the floor but made a heckin’ good peanut butter whiskey and water. After food and drinks, we hit the club. Personally, I spent more times dancing in line to get in rather than actually shaking my booty on the dance floor. We started at Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row, slid over to Bevvy’s ($12 White Claws) and then rounded the corner for Maya Day Club. Maya was by far my favorite place because my little 90s heart found an air hockey table. Upon arrival to Maya, we signed someone’s abdomen…well, I think I signed his ear. Other games were hoop shots, big beer pong and ..uh..I don’t know. Foosball? We ended the night by people watching intoxicated Rideshare pickups from our balcony.
Sunday
Day 2, the infamous Sunday Funday. Most people in the city start with mimosa flights at RnR Gastropub and end at the club El Hefe. Our day was a little different but still had a spicy conclusion. We ate at Farm & Crate (after visits to several other places but left due to hour long waits). My advice is to reserve a table on Yelp and then walk to your destination. Like I said, Sunday Funday is a huuuuuuuuuge celebration in Scottsdale. Kayla and I ate a delicious brunch made from farm fresh ingredients and then walked around Fashion Square. I literally mean walked around it. We weren’t impressed by any stores nor had the luggage situation to buy new outfits. We went back to the Airbnb where we sat poolside and played a serious game of PIG. Yes, we relived our high school years with trick shots in the chlorine. After rinsing off the sunshine, we joined the Spring Training crowd at Boondocks where we met our demise, $15 Mimosa Buckets. With live music moving through our shoulders and nachoes in our tummies, we finally met other Midwesterners! People who say “ope” and ask to “pass the ranch.” Along with this crew was a few locals. They led us to a Nebraska themed bar (Go Huskers) and Zippys (order the margarita!!!). Somehow, I left with a jean jacket and went to hang out on a residential roof. We rode scooters home and ended up falling asleep on the couch with the early 2000’s blaring from Bevvys. It’s was solely the sunshine that wiped us out.
Monday
Should we book another night? The major question of the morning. We were living our best lives in Scottsdale that we decided to book another night and explore a new side of town. It was still the inside of a bar but at least I bought some cool souvenirs. The day started by enjoying our last morning in the hot tub. We looked at photos from the previous night and planned out the day while simultaneously trying to figure out how to turn on the fireplace. I ordered a quinoa fruit bowl accompanied by a kombucha mule at The Breakfast Club. "Dontchu, forget about me." We trickled down to the souvenir shops located west from brunch. After pursuing the streets of 2 for $20 t-shirts and “It’s A Dry Heat” on every postcard, shot glass and rug, we went to Old Town Tavern. Fun music at night and calming beats during the day. After asking for a happy hour menu, the bartender responded with “every hour is happy hour.” While enjoying the roof top bar and chatting with a Minnesota biker babe, our friends from the other night strolled down the street. They bought us a Scottsdale staple, Green Tea shot. Do it! It’s refreshing and doesn’t burn your vocals unlike most shots of liquor. We skipped down to Patties with intentions to add a dollar bill on the wall but they had to catch a flight back to Milwaukee. And here’s where we found the greatest place since Super Target. The Rusty Spur! We tapped into the bar, met Spidy (the bouncer) and listened to some live country strings. I was insistent upon hitting up a local sushi happy hour at Geisha A Go Go. We paid our tab, scootered to sushi, tried pomegranate sake (thanks Kingston!) and headed back to the Rusty Spur. You’d think two young 24 year old woman wouldn’t fit into a bar full of boomers and Alabama (the band) remakes through the microphone but surprisingly, we closed this place down. …I think. We made some friends, waved our fingers signaling one more to the bartender and swing danced our night away. Note to self: Golf cart rides are the most enthusing way to get home and they are cheap!
Tuesday
As the sun shined through the 3rd floor curtains, our Scottsdale chapter closed. We checked out of the Airbnb and sat outside at a bakery until noon. Enjoying birthday lattes and each other’s company, we hopped in an Uber to Gilbert where we sat poolside at a family’s residence.
Wednesday
Before our flights, Kayla’s cousin drove us around the desert. Finally, some photo ops to show Grandma Mary Ann. Minus by bag busting open at TSA and the threat of coronavirus with every cough, the ride home was smooth. The small airport offers quick load time and easy navigation to your gate.
For the most part, that was our girls trip. Some things we wanted to do but didn’t budget or pack for was: hike Camelback Mountain, ride in a hot air balloon, visit a local winery and explore the botanical gardens. I highly recommend catching a baseball game as the Giants practice stadium is nearby. Overall, this destination was excellent. My Instagram feed will be sprinkled with sunny photos for the next 6 months and my heart is full of smiling ear to ear memories. If you are debating between Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa or any surrounding areas, I suggest Scottsdale or as the locals call it Snottsdale. So put your pinkies up and get ready to have some Sunday Funday!
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