An Insta-Worthy Week In Arizona
Arizona is only a two hour flight from SF and it’s the perfect escape from cold or rainy weather. I’ve been to Arizona twice prior to my most-recent trip but I didn’t remember anything since I was pretty young. However, after this trip, I’m just about ready to move there. Year-round pool weather? I’ll see you there!
Arizona Office of Tourism invited me along with Ben (@stuffbeneats) and Brian (@briancantstopeating) from New York, Kim (@kimlycurry) from Minneapolis, and Seth (@chicityfoodie) from Chicago on an Instagram tour of Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale. Read on below for where to eat, explore, and stay to get the best photos!
PHOENIX
Eat
Luci’s at The Orchard - Unicorn milkshakes anyone?? Grab some lunch, order a unicorn milkshake (or two), and enjoy the beautiful weather outside on their patio. Just make sure to grab a photo before the shake melts 😉
The Farm at South Mountain - One of Phoenix’s hidden gems, The Farm consists of three different restaurants (one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner) as well as a farm, garden, and event spaces. The restaurants use ingredients that come straight from The Farm’s gardens so you get a true farm-to-table experience.
Different Pointe of View - For the best sunset view, go early and start with drinks at Pointe Hilton’s restaurant before having dinner. The food is just as good as the view, which is probably why the restaurant has been awarded the AAA Four-Diamond Award for the past 35 years!
Explore
The Churchill - A new communal space consisting of eateries, bars, and retail stores all constructed out of shipping containers perfect for large groups or when you can’t decide what you want to eat.
Stay
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort - Immediately after checking in, I realized just how grand the property is (they have shuttles and golf carts to take you from one area on the property to another). Pointe Hilton is perfect for both families and couples looking for a getaway. The suites are spacious, there’s eight swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, and four dining options. You could just spend all day at the resort and never leave if you wanted to!
TUCSON
Eat
Welcome Diner - My new favorite diner! The interior was designed to reflect an old-school diner but with a modern touch. The menu has southwestern and southern influences and everything sounds amazing but make sure not to skip out on the hash browns or the biscuits with house-made jam. This place is popular so expect a wait on the weekends.
Rollies Mexican Patio - Rolled tacos and flat enchiladas anyone?? This newly-opened spot is the perfect pit-stop for a fast meal while driving through Tucson. Choose your taco filling (chicken, beef, or cauliflower) and either a red or queso sauce to top it off!
El Guero Canelo - Home of the James Beard Award Winning Sonoran Hot Dog (aka the bacon-wrapped hot dog). I don’t eat meat but even just the bread on these hot dogs, which is baked in Mexico, look so fluffy and amazing. I also highly recommend the guac.
Monsoon Chocolate - The prettiest chocolates you will ever see that are almost too pretty to eat! This chocolate factory doubles as a cafe with a full menu as well as specialty desserts and coffee drinks. I don’t even like chocolate but I still enjoyed stopping at this spot (and it makes for a great gift to bring back).
Barrio Bread - One whiff of the fresh-baked bread and you’ll be sold. I was fortunate enough to try a loaf of the jalapeno-cheddar right out of the oven while the cheese was still bubbling and if I didn’t have to share that loaf, I would’ve finished it all myself because it was so addicting. Make sure to get there early because they sell out fast!
Explore
Downtown Tucson - Since Tucson is a college town, the downtown scene is bustling with restaurants, bars, and all kinds of stores. Make sure to wander through Hotel Congress, which is about to turn 100 years old and may or may not be haunted.
Stay
Hotel McCoy - A motel turned hotel with the cutest, newly remodeled mid-century modern rooms. The hotel is filled with art from local Arizona artists so at every corner you turn, there’s something new and fun to see. They also have the world’s longest oatmeal bar (so they claim) that is included for breakfast every morning!
SCOTTSDALE
Eat
Diego Pops - Looking for some food porn? Then you’ll have to stop by Diego Pops for their Brussels Sprout Nachos drizzled in light pink beet crema and Flamin’ Hot Cheeto dusted Street Corn. They also have rainbow snow-cone margaritas and bright purple prickly pear margaritas.
FnB Restaurant - My kind of restaurant - veggie-focused with a seasonal menu. Every dish is packed with flavor that you won’t even notice that the meat is missing (don’t worry, they have a few meat dishes too). We sampled almost every dish on the menu, but some can’t misses include the Stuffed Delicata Squash and Pasta with Lobster Mushrooms. Aside from the constantly changing food menu, FnB is also known for their award-winning wine program showcasing Arizona wineries.
Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen - Located in Andaz’s main guest house overlooking the pool, this hotel restaurant is perfect for any occasion. We enjoyed brunch at the Chef’s Table situated in an open kitchen, an afternoon snack at the pool, and dinner on the outdoor patio. If you only have one meal available, definitely opt for dinner here. So many good items to choose from but my favorites include the Blue Cornbread and Sweet Potato Gnocchi.
AZCentral Wine & Food Experience - This two day food and wine festival features a number of Arizona restaurants in a grand tasting format along with appearances from celebrity chefs. This is a great way to get a taste of some of Arizona’s top restaurants all in one place. Our group was also fortunate enough to meet Food Network star Aaron Sanchez, as well as attend his cooking demonstration.
Explore
Hot Air Balloon Ride - If you ever have the chance to take a hot air balloon ride, do it! You won’t regret it (even with the 4:30am wake-up call). I’m deathly afraid of heights but this wasn’t bad at all (only had one minor freakout but I was able to crouch down in the basket so it was all good). The landing was a bit rough but it was like an amusement park ride. After the ride, they set up a breakfast complete with mimosas for the entire group to enjoy! Pro tip: take your photos before getting in the balloon because once you’re in the air, it’s hard to get a good shot.
Stay
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa - Named one of “The World’s Best Hotels” by Conde Nast and I can totally see why. Not only is the property gorgeous, the rooms are spacious and beautifully designed. My room had a two-person shower that was really big enough to fit probably ten people. Go to the pool every evening to watch the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see (my pictures don’t do them justice and this picture isn’t even edited).
