Anybody Going to be in Phoenix next week?

[Jaybee Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jaybee]

We'll be at Marriott's Canyon Villas beginning Sunday. It will be our first visit to that resort. Any suggestions will be welcome.

[bevvy5 Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bevvy5]

Sorry, Jaybee, but if you're coming up to close to where I live, better bring some rain gear because you've taken a wrong turn to get to Phoenix.

Couldn't resist

Have a wonderful time.

[DDI Par Member Find all posts View Profile Close DDI Par]

Stuff to do

Jaybee:

Some interesting places to check out while you're staying at the Canyon Villas (not in a real canyon, by any means) . . .

Drive north from the resort on Tatum Blvd. until it intersects with Cave Creek Rd. Follow Cave Creek Rd. into the town of Cave Creek, where you'll find many shops, galleries, restaurants, etc. It's kind of a funky place. Adjacent to Cave Creek is Carefree, more upscale. On the eastern slope of the boulder-strewn Black Mountain that is the backdrop to Cave Creek and Carefree are some homes built right into the mountainside. Take one of the side roads off Tom Darlington Dr. to get an up-close look at some of them. Tom Darlington turns into Scottsdale Rd. at Carefree Hwy. as it heads south. On the east side of T. Darlington is the Boulders Resort, worth a look. (Tell the gate guard you are going in for lunch.) At the intersection of Darlington & Carefree Hwy., on the east side, is an upscale group of shops called The Citadel. A pleasant place for a stroll and they sometimes have music in the inner courtyard. Two places to visit here are Son Silver West, a nice southwest gift store, and a branch of The Heard Museum, Native American art and artifacts (the main Heard is in downtown Phoenix).
I suggest that you check out Google Maps--just type in "Cave Creek, AZ", then you can zoom in to get a good look at the roads around the circumference of Black Mountain.

Another recommendation would be to drive up to Pinnacle Peak. There is a great little funky outdoor bar called Greasewood Flats, where you can get a burger or have a beer. The clientele ranges from bikers to families to city councilmen. Across the road from The Flats, is a hiking trail up to Pinnacle Peak, if you're into that activity. To get there, take the 101 freeway east to Pima Rd., north on Pima, turn right on Happy Valley Rd. which eventually becomes Alma School Rd., go past Pinnacle Peak Patio and watch for Geasewood Flats on the right.

Downtown Scottsdale is full of galleries. The center of this activity is Marshall Way, north of Main St. I think they have Thursday evening "art strolls" every week and maybe some opening receptions, too. You should probably check this out with the concierge or call one of the Marshall Way galleries to confirm this. Nearby is the Scottsdale Musem of Modern Art.

A nice, upscale outdoor shopping area to the east of you is Kierland Commons, at Scottsdale Rd. and Greenway. Crate and Barrel, Tommy Bahama, Restoration Hardware, etc. Another favorite outdoor shopping mall is the Biltmore, on Camelback Road at 24th St. in Phoenix. If you go there, also check out the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired Arizona Biltmore Resort and stroll the beautiful grounds. Then drive around the loop, Biltmore Estates Dr., just south of the hotel. Big nice houses here, including Paul Harvey's.

If you enjoy hiking, the most spectacular hike is Camelback Mountain. You can bite off as much as you want, but you get some spectacular views and climb through some neat geologic terrain even if you only go about halfway up. To get there, head south from the Marriott on Tatum about 9 or 10 miles, turn left on McDonald Dr. (next light after Lincoln Dr.) and turn right into the Echo Canyon parking area. You won't regret or forget this hike!

That'll keep you busy for a couple of days.

DDI Par