1-2-3 Travel Planner: Scottsdale, Arizona

One of my favorite weekend getaways is Scottsdale, Arizona. It's a relatively easy drive from Orange County, about six hours, traveling through the serene desert. I love to go in the springtime when the weather is starting to get warm but not yet a stifling heat. If you're considering a Scottsdale trip, you're in luck. We've done all the planning for you: one hotel, two dining options and three "must do" activities. All you have to do is book the reservations. Can't get much easier than that!

STAY
When in Scottsdale stay at the Firesky Resort and Spa.
This beautiful Scottsdale resort is ideally situated near shopping, restaurants and fun things to do. Just north of Old Town Scottsdale, Firesky Resort offers a wonderful and relaxing environment to kick off your shoes and enjoy your stay. The hotel is based on the four elements: water, air, fire and earth. You'll find amazing examples of the elements throughout the property including the three stone towers as you enter the property that showcase fire and water. The rooms are decorated with an earthy feel using soothing colors throughout. To read more about this amazing resort, click here.

Firesky Resort and Spa
4925 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 945-7666

EAT
When in Scottsdale eat at Bacon.
New to the Old Town Scottsdale area, Bacon is a wonderful place to go for breakfast. With a bright, airy and fun decor, Bacon offers an extensive breakfast menu. You'll find your tradition breakfast fare listed but you'll also find some intriguing new dishes that are fresh, organic and tasty. Items such as protein whole wheat pancakes and the "Yogi" which is a healthy veggie and egg white omelet are great choices. Start your morning right with breakfast at this wonderful restaurant.

Bacon
4175 N. Goldwater Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 947 3090

When in Scottsdale have dinner at the Old Town Tortilla Factory.
This place is a Scottsdale staple and we visit the restaurant every time we are in town. Built from an old adobe house, the Tortilla Factory offers a wonderful ambiance for a nice relaxing dinner. If visiting during the spring or fall months, sit outside on the patio (though they do have heaters for the winter and misters for the summer too). Entrees have a Southwestern flair and include such dishes as red chile pork chops, pollo margarita, and carne camarones to name a few.

Old Town Tortilla Factory
6910 East Main Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 945-4567

DO
When in Scottsdale stroll the streets of Old Town Scottsdale.
Take a stroll through the many galleries and gift shops that make up Old Town Scottsdale. Many feature southwestern art and jewelry, as well as clothing. When your legs get tired of walking, hop on the trolley for a relaxing spin around the area. To see a list of all the merchants and restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, click here.

When in Scottsdale head to Scottsdale Fashion Square.
This is probably the best mall I've ever shopped at, and believe me, I've been to my share! This incredible mall has five major stores: Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's (my personal favorite), Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York. Plus you'll find all the typical mall stores plus a lot (over 40) of one of a kind stores as well. My last visit I spent 8 hours and in no way did I see everything! This place is huge.

Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014-590 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 941-2140

When in Scottsdale visit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
This wonderful open space in Scottsdale focuses on completion and sustainability of what will be the largest urban preserve in the country. Many activities take place at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy including hiking adventures along the interpretive trails with signs, work projects and family events. For more information, please click here.

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Sources:
www.fashionsquare.com
http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com
www.fireskyresort.com