So you're coming to Arizona for the Super Bowl in 2015? Or maybe you're already here! I recognize it's the 11th hour for visitors, but I'm attempting to help you anyway!
Welcome to the Grand Canyon State! If you've been here before, you probably know what to expect and have your favorite places to visit.
If this is your first time, I hope to help you have a blissful stay.
It's DRY here. Make sure you drink a lot of water.
Best Restaurants (My opinion of course)
Bandera – Old Town Scottsdale
Bandera has THE best cornbread, roasted chicken, grilled artichokes, Ceasar's salad and martinis. Also, the service is outstanding. Their entrees are delicious. You just can't go wrong here. There are burgers, fish, ribs and more. Reservations recommended!
f n b – Old Town Scottsdale
This is an internationally acclaimed restaurant which specializes in farm to table small plates and a few really good main dishes. The wine is from Arizona. Reservations are definitely needed in advance, so call now!
Z' Tejas – 3 locations, 2 in Scottsdale, 1 in Chandler
This is my all time favorite happy hour place. The Tejas Trio is one of my favorites and their margaritas are awesome – especially the Chambourd margaritas.
Richardson's – Phoenix
This lovely and quaint restaurant has the best lighting and is very comfy. The food is AMAZING and is inspired New Mexican cuisine.
Best Yoga Studios
Yoga Village – Scottsdale and Fountain Hills
There's enough variety in this studio to please almost anyone and the focus is on creating a healing experience with therapeutic alignment. Anusara is a favorite style here but there are also flow, yin and restorative classes. This studio is warm and inviting and the teachers are highly qualified, excellent instructors.
Yoga Breeze – Cave Creek
This is a lovely studio – really spacious and beautiful with great teachers. Check out the website for more details.
Mindfulness Life Center – Scottsdale
If you're in the mood to chill, this is the studio for you. Classes are more subdued and centered on mindfulness versus super active yoga, but there is variety here too and it's a great place to get a little Zen.
Innver Vision Yoga – Chandler and Tempe
This studio is really well established and has so much to offer. Their teachers are excellent and have been offering teacher training for many years. If you're in that area with friends or family, this is a good choice.
Urban Yoga – Uptown/Downtown Phoenix
Located in the norther section of the metro city on Central, Urban Yoga is a very cool and eclectic studio. There are a lot of great teachers there and the offerings are varied and satisfying. Try the Gong class with Danielle. It's divine!
Humble Monkey – North Phoenix
I haven't taken classes here but know some of the teachers and trust me, you'll be in great hands.
Great Hiking Trails
There's always Camelback Mountain and Piestawa Peak which I only recommend if you are a super hiker and in shape.
For a calmer hike, head over to the 40th Street (South of Shea Blvd. in Phoenix) park where you can climb a smaller mountain just behind Piestawa Peak.
http://alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/40th-street-trailhead
Pinnacle Peak I've never actually hiked this but I hear it's beautiful and fairly easy. You can always go as far as you want and turn around.
Gateway This hike is located in North Scottsdale off of Thompson Peak Parkway. There are several different trails from a very easy walk to intense. You choose. There are maps and information at the beginning of the trail heads.
Shopping
Fashion Square – Downtown Scottsdale on Camelback and Scottsdale Rd.
Old Town Scottsdale – Scottsdale Rd., South of Camelback
Arizona Center – Van Buren and 3rd – 5th Street
Biltmore – 24th Street and Camelback.
I wouldn't dare go into the hotels and resorts here because there are too many good ones to name; however, if you happen to read this and you happen to be staying at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, come by the Agave Spa and say hello! I teach yoga there 3 mornings a week and would love to see you.
If you aren't coming for the Super Bowl, but you will be coming to Arizona in the future, place this into your travel folder and save for your upcoming trip!
If you know someone who is in Arizong right now or on their way, SHARE this article with them!