Phoenix, Arizona’s desert and airy vibes have been calling my name for a long time. Thanks to the wonderful team of Visit Phoenix, I finally got the chance to visit and experience the best of what this awesome city has to offer. Below are all the places we explored and enjoyed.
Where to stay, eat and play in Phoenix:
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Phoenix: The hotel is located in the heart of downtown, very close to Arizona Center. My room was spacious and with great light. I loved my desk area which I very much needed to get some work done (because let’s be real, when am I really not working?) #IGvsReality lol. They also have the cutest little lobby bar if you’d rather do some work down there or have a little R&R with a glass of wine. I only got the pleasure to stay here for one night but can happily report that the bed was comfy and water was provided at all times. When in the desert, you must stay hydrated!
The Scott Resort & Spa: This was the second property we stayed at, and it was just as lovely. The aesthetics of this place were everything, and I want my future home to look the exact same (speaking to the universe) lol #goals. The min you enter The Scott Resort you feel like you are on vacation, times 10! Some hotels truly take their time to make their spaces super IG worthy, and The Scott Hotel took their look to the next level. Located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, The Scott gave me full-on old Havana vibes with a touch of New Orleans soul. The hotel has a sand-bottom swimming pool and a main lagoon with private cabanas. Let’s also not forget their full-service spa, La Vidorra, which features six treatment rooms and a range of massages, water therapies, and skin and nail care. I tried to think of many ways I could somehow extend my hotel stay here! I clearly failed but will def be back. You too can experience this wonderful property. Apply code SPICANDY to book and save 10% off on your next stay.
The Duce: The minute you walk inside the Duce you get hip warehouse vibes. Who doesn’t love a cool bar built inside a warehouse? I know I do. Super chill atmosphere across EVERY INCH of the place! Their menu is pretty extensive, too. We tried a bunch of menu items, and one that really stood out was their trailer made sliders. Hard to pick a fave! Their patio was closed during our visit, but it def looked like a cool space to throw events.
Heard Museum: Loved this museum! Located on Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix, the museum hosts 200,000 visitors a year and “provides Indian artists with a wonderful home that will excite and inspire visitors from around the world.” I found each exhibit so dreamy. I especially enjoyed learning more about Pablita Velarde’s Studio — she was one of the leading painters in the 20th Century. Her story truly captivated me. I would highly recommend taking the time to explore the aesthetics of this historic site. So beautiful.
Rustler’s Rooste: Ahhhh! So many great things to say about this wonderful restaurant. The first thing you see as soon as you walk in is “Horney” — their sweet long-horned steer bull AKA D’Amico. If this was not a good sign that this place was going to be an epic adventure, I’ve failed to predict moments lol. Let’s start with the fact that they produce their very own tequila — hello Herradura Tequila! They make most of their margs using their own brand, and as a tequila/mezcal expert, this girl approves! Now let’s move on to the fact that they serve rattlesnake as an appetizer! You heard right! Rattlesnake, where are my daredevils at? LOL Well, I am relieved to report it was delicious. All other items we ordered also stood out. You get to eat with incredible views that truly make you appreciate mother nature a bit more. Sunset views I’ll never forget! Overall an amazing experience, and to tell you the truth, I don’t think you can have the true Phoenix experience without visiting Rustler’s Rooste. Trust me on this one! Let me add that it’s also kid friendly and they have good live music.
Pedal Cab Tour of Downtown Phoenix with Arizona Pedal Cab Co.: This was such a cool way to see the city on wheels! I’m always a little sceptical of pedal cab tours (or tours in general), but I am so glad I kept an open mind for this one. Billy was our tour guy and he made stops at prime Phoenix hidden gems. He was so down to earth and so much fun. We got to see so many cool murals that actually stood out more in the evening time. He knew the history behind each street and back alley. It was humbling to hear his passion.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride With Hot Air Expeditions: OK! Let’s discuss that Carlita is afraid of everything (and I mean everything lol). However, a hot air balloon ride has been on my bucket list for years! I’m really afraid of fire and heights so I truly contemplated skipping this experience altogether, but then I realized that sometimes it’s okay to risk your life a little and live on the edge lol and I so GLAD I did! I was shaking the minute I signed my life away to ride the hot air balloon and once I saw the entire thing go up, I started to sweat. I somehow got the courage to board the bucket and closed my eyes until we started to elevate. Our hot air balloon captain truly made me and the entire crew feel at ease during the whole experience. At some point I forgot we were up so high in the air and just appreciated the killer views. Something about being up there made me feel so free and badass! I felt like I could touch the sky, and most importantly, I faced two of my biggest fears head on. Once we landed, per tradition we cheered with champagne and did a little prayer to thank God for getting us back to earth safe. I also got a commemorative flight certificate to take home! #accomplished (video will be up soon for the true experience).
Hash Kitchen: Let’s keep it real! When it comes to BRUNCH, I’m a snob! No shame in saying it. I’ve been brunching for about 10 years straight and trust me when I say that I’m a hard critique! A few things I look for during the popular midday meal is good food, bottomless options, a Bloody Mary bar, or well-crafted cocktails worth my dime! Well, Hash Kitchen passed my test with flying colors. Their well-stocked Bloody Mary bar (check!) is incredible. Like, BEYOND! Great and fun aesthetics all around, and extra points for having a DJ!! Lucky for them we were on a schedule, because I could have spent my entire afternoon there. Also let me add that this was the first place I ever had lasagna with a fried egg on top as a brunch entree and loved it. DC! Can we make this happen somewhere? Lol. NO HATE on my DC brunch scene, though, because let me tell you — we be killing it!
The Sicilian Butcher: Just when I thought I was totally WOWed by the Phoenix food scene, here comes The Siciallian Butcher and their five-foot charcuterie boards! LIKE, WOW! I honestly don’t know how a single person can carry this to a table. The board was stocked with everything, from delicious meatballs, cheese selections, olives, to bread, and everything in between. That was not the end to our surprises. Here comes their killer Sangria — a great pick to sip with friends. I ordered a delicious salad, because after a five-foot charcuterie board, how could I want more? But honestly, everything smelled delicious so I’ll have to return to try the rest!
Phoenix! I already miss you. Such a wonderful city with a great food scene and scenery overall! Can’t wait to be back. For more travel stories, visit our Travel section and as always follow my adventures via IG!
