It’s no secret that 2020 has been a not-so-good year. Well, we had a son and that was absolutely wonderful, but everything else has been pretty rough. But good news - we’re here to help you cap 2020 off with a Covid-safe vacay that won’t break the bank. Have you heard of “Secret Season”? Similar to “shoulder season”, it’s a time of year in Scottsdale (October-December) that offers an uncrowded destination and hotel bargains that will have you thinking, “How can we NOT go?”. We’re talking the same luxurious experience and prime weather of peak season February and March, for an average of 30% lower rates. You may even feel guilty tanning while the rest of the country is avoiding blizzards.
We may “secretly” sneak out to Scottsdale in the coming weeks, and if we do, you’ll find us at the Hyatt Regency. This sprawling resort is a dream for families craving room to roam, and they’re pet-friendly! We stayed there last December and enjoyed a room with a patio right on their small lagoon - Sally LOVED it. Now that we’re a family of four (one kid, one dog), we’d have so much more to take advantage of - water slides, gondola rides, biking and walking paths, golf, and spa treatments (Alli?). Jude may not be able to take a ride on the three-story water slide this time, but Bobby will go enough times for the both of them! And remember… this will probably be in November or December, when most of the country is in their jackets and boots! Scottsdale in November boasts highs that are in the mid-seventies! Perfect weather to get your tan on! A few of our other favorites include Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Hotel Valley Ho, The Scott, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. So many choices… you may need to stay a little longer!
Speaking of choices. Good luck deciding where to eat in Scottsdale. Maybe we should spin it a different way… there are so many amazing restaurants that you could blindly pick a spot and you’d be raving the next day. And now that many of them are open for dine-in service (with Covid-safe precautions), here are some of our favorites:
The Mission - Go to the one in Old Town -our favorite! The ambience is perfect for a date night, but buzzing enough for the whole family to chat – or baby babble - freely. If you don’t get tableside guac, then you’re blowing it. If you want to splurge, share the pork shoulder tacos. And churros are also a must.
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar - Ready for flavors your taste buds won’t comprehend? South American meets Chinese cuisine and explodes in sushi, ceviche, and insane rum cocktails! And if you’re there in December, check out Christmas at the Princess for an outdoor, physically distanced winter wonderland!
FnB - Seasonal, farm-fresh, local ingredients put together in a way that will have you thinking, “Why have I never put these together?” Prepare to be dazzled and to leave planning your next visit.
Farm & Craft - If you’re looking for a healthy start to your day, Farm & Craft serves healthy, sustainable food with hormone free and organic ingredients, kombucha on tap, and gluten-free and vegan options,! We recommend the Acai Bowl or the Breakfast Sandwich!
The Hash Kitchen - As we’ve mentioned before, we knew we were in for a treat when we walked in and saw Arizona’s largest bloody mary bar. Due to Covid this may have changed in terms of DIY, but they still have a delicious bloody mary! And incredible donuts! Hashes are their specialty, and you definitely won’t leave hungry!
Cartel Coffee Lab - Not for a meal, but for coffee. There are multiple Cartel Coffee Labs and they are all good… it’s where we get our caffeine fix!
Where we’re headed next… Andreoli Italian Grocer, Virtu Honest Craft, Maple & Ash, and Butterfield’s Pancake House.
To work off all the food, we have a few Covid-safe activities planned.
Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. With over 30,000 acres of Sonoran Desert and 225+ miles of trails, it’s an incredible sight and naturally socially distanced activity. We recommend arranging a guide with REI Co-op Experiences to show you the way.
All aboard! We’re looking forward to taking Jude on a Holiday Lights train ride at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. If you’re there during the holidays, it’s pure magic.
Looking to hit the links? There are more than 50 golf courses in Scottsdale, and prices are typically a bit lower than peak season during secret season. While you won’t see us for a round of 18, you may find us at Topgolf Scottsdale.
Wine Tasting! We’ve looked into it, and five of the six Arizona wine tasting rooms on the Scottsdale Wine Trail are open! The wineries are Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek, Salvatore Vineyards, Su Vino and Merkin Vineyards. LDV Winery is closed for construction, but the other five are within walking distance of each other and have some delicious wines. Aridus Wine Company is currently the only one you need a reservation for. Can we bring Jude?
Las Noches De Las Luminarias - This holiday season, the Desert Botanical Garden will be lit with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights. Add in a festive holiday drink and it’s the perfect outdoor event for us right before Jude’s bedtime :)
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields - a brand new holiday lights event specially designed as a safe, drive-thru holiday experience enjoyed from one’s own vehicle that sounds like pure MAGIC. There are nearly 5 million lights synchronized to Christmas melodies that are bound to make Alli weep tears of joy.
Planning our route in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Exploring with REI Co-Op Experiences!
The train ride at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must!
If you’re there during the holiday season, check out Christmas at the Princess!
Shhh… Secret season in Scottsdale is where it’s at. If you haven’t ventured out on a vacay in 2020, this is the perfect place to test the waters. Wide open spaces, safe and clean resorts at a bargain, world-class dining, and outdoor activities aplenty. (But let’s keep this little secret between us, k?)
We can’t wait to be back exploring the Sonoran Desert!