City Crush:: Phoenix/Scottsdale

I love heading to Phoenix.  It's always fun to visit and I have a great excuse to make it over a few times a year with friends and family in the area.  It's also such a short trip from the Bay Area.  The one drawback with having family in a place that offers so many amazing hotels...you need to sneak away for a few additional days so you can chill by the pool and drink one of those fruity frozen drinks.

Do you have a favorite spot when you're in town?  There are so many amazing places, I haven't even scratched the surface.

Without further ado...the latest CITY CRUSH.

Hotels
Westin Kierland in Scottsdale is located near Kieland Commons - a great shopping locale with lots of unique shops and restaurants.  The pool at the Westin rocks too...it's where my little mister really got the hang of swimming.

The Phoenician has some of the most spectaular views at the base of Camelback Mountain, not to mention it's golf course and the Center of Well Being.

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, is so family friendly with it's lazy river.

The Royal Palms Resort is a quiet boutique property to escape the hustle and bustle.


* If a day at the spa or a round of golf is up your alley...no problem.  You can find it at or near each of these properties.

Restaurants
Chelsea's Kitchen in Phoenix, has something for everyone.  My personal favorite is their Short Rib Tacos.

Joe's Real BBQ in downtown Gilbert is the best dang BBQ I've ever had.  Chicken, Ribs, Brisket and Mac-n-Cheese...oh my!  There is great outdoor seating as well.  Run off a bit of that BBQ and then grab some dessert.  Remember to pick up a bottle of their BBQ sauce.  We buy it by the case and give it to friends as gifts.

Le Grange Orange in the Arcadia neighborhood is always packed with people.  They serve up a great breakfast and connected is LGO Pizza.  This is a place for multi-taskers - you can do a little gifty shopping and get some yummy food.

I had the best Chilean Sea Bass for my birthday a couple of years ago at Eddie V's in Scottsdale.  Great service and great menu.

Fun Finds
Sugar Bowl Ice Cream is the place to go after dinner.  Located in Old Town Scottsdale - this is a landmark.

Looking for a candy mecca, Smeeks Candy in Phoenix is the place.  You can't leave without getting something.

E61 Bar @ Liberty Market in downtown Gilbert makes one of the best Lattes in a bowl.  Not to mention the food is great.  Looking for some authentic espresso - this is the place for you.

Things to Do
Holbert Trail @ South Mountain is a gorgeous hike that is good for the entire family.  This is the best trail for petroglyph views and has great scenery.

Want a taste of the Wild West, head to Goldfield Ghost Town located in Goldfield near Superstition Mountains.  And yes - this was really a town, a mining town back in the 1890's.

The Children's Museum of Phoenix is a place for young and old.

Feeling the need for some golf?  Arizona has so many golf courses, however Troon North in Scottsdale  is one of the best.

Did you miss last weeks CITY CRUSH?  Check it out here.