Our Guide to Arizona Favorites, Hot Spots and Eateries

What makes Arizona special? Its diverse collection of people that flock here from every corner of the US and beyond is certainly a big part of it. And then there is the weather. Sure we make headlines for our record-breaking temps in the summer; quoting the catchphrase that we have so famously become known for, “It’s a dry heat!” But as ridiculous as justifying 110° temperatures may seem, this is a very true statement. While our East Coast transplants may be sporting their shorts and sandals in winter their first season here, it is a safe bet that they will be joining the rest of us bundled up in 60° weather the following winter! Thin blood is a thing!

 

While we may have some hot temps for a few months out of the year, we also have lots of activities to fill those heat-filled days with… from early morning hiking, biking, and jogging to days filled with pool or lake time, evenings eating outside and of course, practically everything in the greater Phoenix area is air conditioned making most any activity enjoyable! And then there are the remaining nine months of the year that we have blissful sun and fun-filled days with moderate temps and enough activities to fill the most active person's calendars full. Below the ladies of the Inspired Living Real Estate Collective by Tru Realty share their favorite restaurants, parks, things to do, and places to visit. We hope you are Inspired to check some of these places out for yourself!

 

 

What Are Your 3 Favorite Restaurants? 

1. True Food. My favorite location is in the Scottsdale Quarter overlooking the splash pad. They have amazing consciously sourced healthy and delicious food! 
2. Mad Greens. Mad Greens is my “fast” food option when on the go! The Southwest Bowl with tofu is my favorite!
3. Nekter. Fantastic bowls and fresh pressed juices. This is my other favorite place when I am running from appointment to appointment. The Greenie - hold the apple, add ginger and no ice is my go-to drink!

Ok and because I can’t limit it to 3 Barrio Queen - fantastic Mexican food, El Chorro - for the historic value, ambiance, and location, Flower Child - I wish this was my kitchen!

 

 

What is Your Favorite Park and Why?

The chain of parks along the greenbelt running along Hayden in Scottsdale is amazing! My favorite of these is Chaparral Park. The playgrounds are awesome and all in a beautiful setting of grass, tons of trees, and the lake. Other parks along this stretch offer disc golf, a skate park, and tons of other options for fun family time! You can ride your bike, walk, or jog for miles along the park pathways.

 

One other small and relatively unknown, except to the area residents, is Market Street Park located behind DC Ranch Market Street. They have a splash pad but the best part is a rock waterfall that can be activated with the push of a button to send water running down it to create dams and diversions and get good and messy! We love grabbing a pizza from next-door Grimaldi’s (amazing pizza) and going to have a picnic in the park. Fun!

 

 

What Are 3 of Your Favorite Places to Visit/see/do in Your Free Time?

1. Taking our boat out to one of our nearby lakes and spent the day on the water floating, playing, wake surfing, and enjoying time with family.
2. Exploring the innumerable off-road trails to experience parts of Arizona.
3. Our incredible weather and sunny days make us a mecca for special events! We play host to amazing events such as Barrett Jackson, The Phoenix Open, and of course, Spring Training! We also have an amazing arts scene with Broadway shows, museums, galleries, concerts, and special exhibitions to explore and enjoy! There truly is an unending supply of things to do and experience in Arizona year-round!

 

What is Your Favorite Place to Visit in Arizona Outside of the Greater Phoenix Area?

The wine region in and around Oak Creek Canyon and Cottonwood. Arizona might not be your first thought when you think of wine and vineyards but we do produce some great wine here! And many of them can be found in tasting rooms in the Oak Creek Canyon region. One of my favorite places is Old Town Cottonwood. Stay at the Tavern Hotel (so cute!) and spend an afternoon eating at some of the amazing restaurants and enjoying the many tasting rooms along the way. All are located on one block! My favorite of the tasting rooms and wines is Tantrum Wines - a woman-owned winery. “Tantrum Wines reflect the moods and attitudes of women with a purpose.” A couple of my other favorites are the Tavern Grille - order the Lavosh Pizza, it is amazing! and Crema Craft Kitchen for a fantastic breakfast! And don’t forget to take a morning walk/hike along the creek!

 

 

Why Do You Love Living Here in Arizona?

The diversity that Arizona offers is truly unparalleled! Here is a list of some of my top favorites living in this amazing state:

 

1. Swimming to playing in the snow in two hours.
2. 296 sunny days on average each year.
3. Unbeatable sunsets and sunrises.
4. Hiking and outdoor living year-round.
5. No time change!
6. The Grand Canyon
7. Amazing Mexican Food
8. A navigable freeway and street system that makes our city easy to get around in.

Being a native Arizonan, I have experienced the change that growth brings but we have stayed true to our roots.

 

Why Do You Love Living Here in Arizona?

Lori Doyle

What Are Your 3 Favorite Restaurants?

1. Flower Child is a great restaurant option when you want healthy, but fast.
2. Picazzo's makes delicious gluten-free food you would never guess is gluten-free.
3. Sala Thai has amazing spring rolls and spicy coconut soup. The restaurant is small, so takeout is a terrific option.