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salem's avatar
salem
Explorer
Apr 28, 2013

Scottsdale, AZ

Just spent a week in Scottsdale, AZ, visiting an aunt. This was our first visit. We took our personal vehicle as we stayed in her house. I just had to write to tell you Scottsdale folks how much we both enjoyed the area. After being initially a little dismayed by the traffic, it seemed in no time at all we were running around like old timers. Many of the main roads in the city seem to go across town and run for miles. If you get lost, finding one of these can stir you back in the right direction, i.e. Scottsdale Rd., Pima, Cave Creek, etc. Speaking of Cave Creek, we managed to end up there at a little outdoor coffee place on three separate afternoons. Very relaxing.

We took a day trip up to Sadona. We all fell in love with the town. Such a quaint little place, steeped in so much history. The people were very nice, the scenery just beautiful. Also, On the way to Scottdale, we spent a night in Wickenburg, which we also liked very much.

We visited "Old Town" Scottsdale and really enjoyed all the little shops. (I should mention the obligatory shopping day at Desert Ridge Shopping Center. Had to keep DW and Aunt happy.:)) Ate dinner one night at an Asian restaurant called, I believe, "Wei Pei." Sorry if I have that spelling wrong. Excellent dinner.

Anyway, I just had to write and tell you Scottsdale residents that we were very impressed with your city. I don't believe we even saw a speck of graffitti the whole time we were there. Don't know how you do it, but keep it up. Thanks for a great week. We're already looking forward to another visit.
  • barth's avatar
    barth
    Explorer
    May 01, 2013
    I agree with you. We spent our winter at the Palm Creek RV resort in Casa Grande. Although it is twice as far going there than Florida, it was well worth the trip. Arizona is the best!
  • milo's avatar
    milo
    Explorer II
    Apr 29, 2013
    DW & I just spend a week down in Mesa visiting with DS & his Fiancee. We stayed @ a hotel this time cuz the winds were to much to pull the TT down there. Hit there @ a good time, weather was still cool (mid to upper 70's). We went to a great Mexican restaurant for his birthday, Macayo's (fantastic food) on Dobson just south of the 60 and also he took us out to Usery Mountain Park for some hiking. A great time was had by all.
  • C_Schomer's avatar
    C_Schomer
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    Next time... there a good Mexican restaurant at Cave Creek! It's right on the main road. Craig
  • salem's avatar
    salem
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    One evening we had dinner at "Juan & Jaime's" at Scottsdale and Hayden. I'm a "people watcher" and really enjoyed watching the interactions of the locals, who seemed to all know each other. Very noisey, but that was just part of the atmosphere. Food was good. A nice evening.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2013
    I see you found out the roads all run true north/south and east/west. This makes you end end up at the local bars at sunset. No way can you see whats in front of you heading west when the sun is going down.

    We lived in that beautiful area (Tempe) in the late 60s and early 70s. Then my work brought me back there three or four times a year up until I retired two years ago. Have watched the area grow and grow over the years. Hard to image how the area can get so big without any water around. My favorite bar/eating place was the Hospitality Suite lounge on 400 Block Scottsdale Rd... Was my favorite "CHEERS" place.

    Roy Ken
  • Thunder_Mountai's avatar
    Thunder_Mountai
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2013
    While snowbirding this winter a friend took us to Chompies in Scottsdale. They advertise themselves as a Jewish New York style deli. Never been to NY but OMG. If this is the kind of food you can get in NY, it would be worth the trip.

    The place is very crowded and noisey. Lots of back east acents. Super fast service. I'm wasn't a rueben fan until I sampled the DW's! The desert case is packed with what must be a hundred choices of sweets.

    We went back two more times. The "show" provided by the customers is almost as good as the food.
  • salem's avatar
    salem
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    When we get to go back, we want to make that Cave Creek Regional Park one of our destinations. I was reading about the indian artifacts, ruins, etc. that can be found there. Also, we drove up by the Sears Ruins, which are thousand year old indians ruins, but we were not prepared for the hike that day. In fact, we just sort of stumbled upon the site. Sounded really interesting. That's on our "to do" list also. And, thanks for your kind comments.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Apr 28, 2013
    Wow! A happy report for a change! :)
    We, too, love the area and will be staying at Cave Creek Regional Park visiting our daughter soon. For a big city, we find the greater Phoenix area very easy to get around. We love the landscaping along the highways and the overall cleanliness. The regional parks are great to camp in and the hiking opportunities are great. Thanks OP for the thumbs up!!

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