Phoenix Fun!
If you live in the Midwest like I do, then February is pretty much the perfect time to get away somewhere warmer - like Phoenix! You need a light weight jacket or sweater in the evening and morning but the rest of the day is pretty much perfect - 70 and sunny! At least that’s how it was every day when I was there recently. Over 4 million people live in the metropolitan area and it’s very spread out, but they have tons of highways so it seems fairly easy to navigate around. I was staying in the Gilbert area, and my main interest was hiking, relaxing by the pool, checking out some fun restaurants, and enjoying the great company and hospitality of my niece Angela😊
First the hikes. Phoenix is a great place to hike. There is such a variety and degree of difficulty and all so close. I barely scratched the surface but all the more reason to return. The most challenging one I did was Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain. It’s been on my list for awhile, but all the information online and in the reviews say that it is extremely challenging. But my friend Cheryl and I decided to give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen? Outside of death of course! We figured if it got too hard we would just turn back. Well I’ll end the suspense and tell you that we did it! Was it challenging? Yes! But definitely doable as long as you are in fairly decent shape and don’t have knee issues. It’s much more of a rocky climb than a hike. There are a couple of sections that are very steep and rocky where they have put in a metal pole for you to hang on to. I didn’t see anyone not using the pool so we of course used the pole. The top 30% is all climbing rocks using your hands so again you need some strength and good knees. Views from the top are totally worth it!
Climbing Camelback! Top right is a darling couple that got engaged at the top! And guess who took all the pictures? Me! I had no idea what was coming. He asked me to take pictures when he handed me his phone and then proceeded to go down on one knee and pull out the ring! I must have taken 50 pictures. Captured the whole thing. I just hope they are ok! Talk about pressure. And on Valentine’s Day! So special. Bottom left - Cheryl taking on the steep rock climb to the top!
Expert excursioners! Enjoying our success making it to the top!
Hike number two was in South Mountain Park. I was researching hikes and came across one called Fat Man’s Pass that sounded awesome - I had to do it. Angela was up for it and it was great! Not as challenging as Camelback but not easy. I would say moderate as it does involve some climbing up and over rocks - some quite large. So pretty and the rock formations are amazing. Angela’s dog Bentley came along but he had it easy. Angela had him in her backpack carrier.
Fat Man’s Pass bottom right. I made it through!
The 3rd hike was the easiest but so pretty. Brother Dave and Cheryl and I went to San Tan Mountain Regional Park and hiked about 4 miles through a beautiful desert landscape perfect for hiking, trail bikes and horses. Huge saguaro cactus and very pretty views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There is a harder hike there called Goldmine and next time I would like to give it a try.
We definitely had our eyes open for snakes!
I went to one museum called The Heard Museum. Located in Phoenix in a gorgeous building that used to be part museum part home of the original museum owner - and then expanded significantly. It’s a beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture with courtyards, fountains and sculpture gardens. It’s exhibits celebrate Native artists in all kinds of mediums - really incredible.
Bottom left to right - Contemporary Plains Indian Doll, Art Fence made from clay and glass, Large basket woven by a Yosemite master weaver.
Food! Gilbert has a super cute downtown area called the Heritage District that has lots of great restaurants. I ate at as many as I possibly could in my time there.
Liberty Market - serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Delicious! Cheryl and I split the breakfast scramble and a scone.
Oregano’s - a local Italian/pizza restaurant with a number of locations around Arizona. Good! Salads are huge! The small was big enough for 2 to 3 people. Pizza comes in thin, pan or deep dish. We went with the thin.
Snooze - a chain out of Denver but so great! Angela treated Cheryl and I for Valentine’s Day. We each had something with eggs and veggies and then shared a creme brûlée pancake. Because it was Valentine’s Day!
Bergies- a great coffee shop with entertainment on the weekends. A tiny shop but a huge awesome outdoor seating area with tables, flowers and gnomes. Who doesn’t like gnomes???
Every Saturday morning there is a wonderful farmer’s market in downtown Gilbert. Tons of food trucks and booths with great looking farm to table items and beautiful crafts. We were going to buy fresh tortillas but he was sold out. You have to get there early for the best stuff.
Topo - awesome burritos. In fact the best I’ve ever had! Order from the window and tons of outdoor tables to eat at plus a play area for kids. They make pork or chicken burritos and nothing else - so you know they better be good!
The Farmhouse - darling restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. Forget eating there on the weekend. A crazy line so we went for lunch on a Tuesday and got in pretty quickly. Been in business for over 30 years. Angela had the beef sandwich and salad and a grilled chicken salad for me. All delicious!
A return visit to Ocotillo - not in Gilbert - in Phoenix. I had been there before and loved it. Food was excellent. We shared a salad and the roasted cauliflower, for entrees the bucatini and scallops.
Celebrated our Camelback hike with wine and the bruschetta at a local wine bar called Postino. Quite a few locations around the area and a fun place.
Those are the highlights of my trip. I could post a dozen pictures of the pool and the palm trees but why rub it in. Well maybe just one 😊
Scottsdale Quarter. Great restaurants and shops in a beautiful setting. I’m not in Kansas anymore!
Thanks for a wonderful trip Angela! It was great to have time with my brother Dave and friend Cheryl. I can’t wait to come back and visit again!