Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Is Adventures By Disney Worth The Cost? And Other FAQs From Our Trip

Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Since coming home from our dream babymoon trip with Adventures By Disney, we’ve gotten quite a few questions about our experience and the logistics of our tour. From booking flights to age demographics to the food - we’ve gotten it all! So we figured what better way to answer all of your questions and share the highlights, than with a blog! This 10 day trip was an experience we’ll never forget, and we’re honestly still processing it. (If we sound too “gush-y” or overdramatic, it’s because we loved our experience THAT MUCH. Bear with us.)

What trip were you on, and what was the itinerary?

We were on the Adventures by Disney (ABD) Seine River Cruise, which consisted of ten adventure-filled (and absolutely pampering) days! We had a couple of nights in Paris, then boarded AmaWaterways’ Amalyra river cruise ship, which took us to Les Andelys, Le Havre (two nights), Rouen, Vernon, Giverny, and Conflans.

We toured a castle dating back to 1196, walked in the footsteps of Van Gogh, rode original WWII military vehicles to Omaha Beach, climbed the jaw-dropping cliffs of Étretat, ate our weight in croissants, spent a morning at Monet’s house and gardens, dined on multiple course meals with new friends, had movie nights and dance parties, and SO much more. The itinerary was busy, but meticulously planned and executed. Not once did we ever think “I’m bored”, or “I wish we’d done…”, the days were truly perfect in every way. (But more on that later.)

Enjoying Monet’s House and all the color

Would you recommend this trip to honeymooners or to people that have never been to Europe?

Yes and yes. This ABD itinerary in particular is amazing for honeymooners (we had a few on our ship) because not only is it a hassle-free and luxurious way to see France, but it’s also adult-only! And while the ABD team works hard to curate the daily itineraries, most days include optional tours and plenty of “On Your Own” time. Meaning your days can be as jam-packed or relaxing as you want them to be. Not to mention, what’s more romantic than a river cruise through France?

For first-time Europe travelers, we couldn’t recommend a ABD trip enough. Having now done two (Ireland as well), we can confidently say that it’s one of the best and easiest ways to experience a potentially overwhelming destination. From the moment you step off the plane the ABD team takes care of you, ensuring that you’re never lost, confused, stressed, or without guidance. We promise that after seeing Europe with the help of ABD guides, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to tackle Europe travel on your own.

It’s easy to find romance on an ABD trips

Does this ABD trip have a family option too?

Yes! There are four family-friendly Seine River Cruise tours happening in 2020. See rates and dates here.

What’s included in a ABD trip?

From luxurious hotel accommodations, to the attractions, transportation, private tours, VIP treatment and all of the little details and logistics that come with travel, you won’t have to lift a finger or open your wallet. Most meals are covered (and believe us when we say we could do a full blog post just on the food we were served during our ABD adventures), while guests typically have a few “On Your Own” dining options for enjoying local restaurants and cafes.

Hot towels and tea when you return from a day in port. The best!

How many guests were on board?

Because this ABD trip was a river cruise, it allowed for a bigger group. There were about 90 guests, whereas our Ireland adventure had about 30 guests. Because of the larger size, we had more Adventure Guides - eight to be exact! Speaking of which…

What’s an Adventure Guide?

Think of them as a fusion of a personal concierge and your new BFF. Adventure Guides are not only experts on the regions that you’re touring, they’re also intriguing storytellers, mesmerizing entertainers, slapstick comedians, and more. Many ABD trips have two Adventure Guides, while the larger river cruise itineraries have more. They’re one of our favorite things about ABD, and should we ever have a career shift, we’d probably apply. When we think about the “Disney Difference”, we immediately think of Adventure Guides. Which leads us to...

What’s the “Disney Difference”?

(Great question.) Until you travel with ABD and experience it first hand, it might be hard to explain - but we’ll do our best. The Disney Difference is what makes ABD stand out from every other tour company or organization, and is exactly why they will always be our go-to for group trips and adventures.

Not only are the itineraries top-notch in every way, they include insider perks and “backstage passes” to iconic museums and events. We’re not sure how Disney is able to pull such strings, but we’re constantly impressed and amazed at the VIP experience ABD is able to provide for their guests. There’s also a level of authenticity that ABD brings that we so admire and appreciate - guests are able to fully immerse themselves in the different cultures and surroundings that they’re in. That kind of experience is extremely rare in group travel.

Traveling by authentic WWII amphibious vehicles to Omaha Beach - the “Disney Difference”

A backstage pass at the Louvre… yes, please!

How was the food? Do they have vegan/gf options?

Like we said earlier, we could dedicate a whole blog to the food we ate during our ten-day tour, and we’re not opposed to the idea, but for now we’ll keep it (relatively) short.

We never had a bad meal. From the extensive and decadent breakfast buffets in the mornings, to cozy lunches in location or on the ship, to the extravagant dinners and mid-day snacks, we were eating constantly. The ABD team knows that the culinary experience is one of the most important elements when it comes to travel, so they take dining very seriously.

They take great note of one’s dietary restrictions, whatever that may be, and make sure that they always have plenty of options. Many of our friends onboard were vegan and gluten free, and they raved about the specials that the chefs would create especially for them!

We had access to plenty of yummy carbs :)

It’s always happy hour back on the ship!

Is ABD worth the cost?

Now, this is the golden question - and one that we got multiple times a day on our Instagram through our comments and DM’s. We realize that ABD trips are not cheap. But when you factor in the accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and attractions plus the VIP service, concierge-style attentiveness, and the “Disney Difference” - we actually think ABD is a great value! And we can 1,000% guarantee that after you’ve traveled with ABD, you would agree. And you’d most definitely be hooked.

VIP service, new friends, delicious food, and all the sights… ABD is worth it to us!

It might not be the kind of trip that you and your family or significant other can take multiple times a year, but it IS the kind of trip that is worth saving up for. And if the specific itinerary that we took doesn’t appeal to you or is simply not doable, they have nearly countless tour options world-wide, from exploring the Amazon to the Canadian Rockies! They even have 2-5 day “Escapes” in destinations such as Amsterdam and Boston, which are a perfect (and more affordable) way to see if ABD travel is right for you.

Any other questions about our experience with ABD? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer!

Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Arizona, USA, Weekenders

YOU MUST GO TO YUMA

Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Arizona, USA, Weekenders

Yuma, Arizona is one of those places we’ve grown up hearing about, but never really knew what was there. It wasn’t until our friend Jennifer very enthusiastically convinced us to do some research, that we realized we’d underestimated this historic (and incredibly quirky) desert town. One week later, and we were on our way!

Yuma’s a perfect weekend trip. We were there for just over 48 hours and while our schedule was jam-packed, it felt like a very easy and doable getaway. Below are the spots we visited that we would definitely recommend. Consider this your “hit list” for when you visit!

STAY

HILTON GARDEN INN YUMA :: Overlooking the Colorado River, and walking distance to all the best restaurants and shops, The Hilton Garden Inn is the place to stay when you’re in Yuma. The rooms are clean and spacious, the facilities are beautiful, and the staff couldn’t have been sweeter. There’s a fitness center, pool, cozy lobby bar and restaurant right on property… and it’s very affordable, too! (Win/win!)

Nice, new Hilton Garden Inn in a great location!

DINE (& DRINK)

CAFECITO :: Finding good coffee in a destination is typically our go-to mission when we arrive, and we were overjoyed to stumble upon Cafecito. Located in a quaint, restored little house, this coffee shop and breakfast spot is a favorite among locals - and it’s easy to see why. Their drinks are great (try their cold brew on tap!), and their breakfast bowls (the Cafecito Oats are a must!) are as pretty as they are delicious!

THE GARDEN CAFE :: This tucked-away breakfast spot is a must-visit, if not for the picturesque garden ambiance, but for the made-from-scratch breakfasts they prepare each day! While Bobby is quick to recommend Yuma’s famous Kammaan Sausage (he went back the next day for seconds), I loved their fruit bread - either way, you won’t be sorry!

THE PINT HOUSE BAR AND GRILL :: With over 50+ craft beers on tap, and a mouthwatering menu featuring artisan pizzas, burgers, and tacos, The Pint House Bar and Grill is most definitely our kind of place. Come on a Wednesday and enjoy any burger on the menu + a craft beer, for only $10!

LUTES CASINO :: One of the most iconic (and eclectic) restaurants in town is Lutes Casino, which has been a Yuma staple for almost 70 years! Be sure to try the “Lutes Especial”, a cheeseburger and hotdog combined - and a special since 1951! Owned and run by the Lutes family, chances are you’ll see Bob, one of the Lutes brothers, serving up drinks and laughs behind the bar. If you do, say hi! Bob’s notorious for making friends and flirting with pretty ladies… you might even get one of his famous keychains!

MR G’S :: Ask any Yuma local where the best breakfast burrito is in town, and they’ll most definitely send you to Mr. G’s! Whether you’re eating there or grabbing to go, you can’t beat their hearty, made-to-order, and affordable burritos… no matter the time of day!

PRISON HILL BREWING COMPANY :: Some of the best food (and BBQ) in town can be found at Prison Hill Brewing Company. We’re big fans of their fried avocado appetizer (a must!), and their Smoked Meat Plate is not to be missed. Come hungry.

The craft beer scene is brewing in Yuma thanks to Prison Hill Brewing - check out the upcoming Rio De Cerveza Brew Fest. Savor regional craft beer at the Colorado River State Historic Park, along the water with great live music and lots of sunshine. For tickets and more info check out www.riodecerveza.com

SUNSET ON THE RANCH :: If you plan your trip to Yuma just right, you can make one of the most idyllic (and romantic) culinary experiences in town - Sunset on the Ranch. It begins with a tractor-pulled wagon ride around a farm, which takes guests to a picture-perfect farm-to-table dinner highlighting Yuma produce and a local gourmet chef. Take a look here for dates and times.

Coffee is always a good idea… especially from Cafecito

Yummy Mr. G’s breakfast burritos for the road.

Bobby would be back in Yuma tomorrow for more Kammaan sausage.

Hamburger with a hot dog in it at Lutes’ Casino. How have we never thought of this?

Bobby may or may not of had the meat sweats after eating his whole plate.

Loving the views of both the ranch and the food!

KAYAK THE COLORADO RIVER :: We can’t think of a better activity on a warm, Yuma day than kayaking the Colorado River! Our guide Ken and his team are happy to take groups of all ages for a peaceful and educational cruise along the river. And if you’re lucky, you might even see a beaver!

YUMA ART CENTER OPEN POTTERY CLASS :: Roll up your sleeves and get messy! We had a blast learning the ins and outs of sculpting with clay - and the friendly folks at Yuma Art Center made the whole experience a blast! (We even had our “Ghost” moment, if you know, you know.) ;) Check their site for class dates and times.

LUTES’ WEDDING CHAPEL :: Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of old-time hollywood, or if you happen to be looking for an legendary spot to say “I do”, a stop by the famous Lutes' Wedding Chapel is a must! Back in the 1930’s there was an extremely long waiting period to get married in California, so many impatient lovers and Hollywood stars made their way to Yuma to get hitched quicker. And this time capsule of a wedding chapel has barely changed since!

YUMA TERRITORIAL PRISON :: Another place that’s a must-visit for history buffs is the Yuma Territorial Prison, which ran from 1876 to 1909. It housed over 3,000 criminals during those 33 years, and was named “The Most Haunted Destination in the Country” by Usa Today in 2019! It’s a fascinating look into prison life and the infamous people that spent time behind bars - many of which were women!

THE CAMEL FARM :: Just an easy 20-minute drive from downtown Yuma is The Camel Farm, a family-run farm raises and rescues all kinds of animals, and they currently have over 150! There’s camels, zebras, goats, and donkeys (among others), and many of which you can hand-feed! They even have a “Zedonk” - a mix between a zebra and a donkey!

IMPERIAL SAND DUNES :: When you’re heading in (or out) of Yuma, be sure to make a detour to the Imperial Sand Dunes for a striking photo opp! You’ll instantly feel as though you’ve been transported to the Sahara desert, and your friends and family won’t believe their eyes when they see your pictures!

Family photo before the kayak adventure.

Our “Ghost” moment. It was Bobby’s first time trying his hand at pottery.

Please don’t leave us here! It’s spooky!

Yuma was full of delicious food, lively culture, and captivating old west history. Once you’ve experienced it, it’ll be a place that YoU MA(st) go back to. Got it? Leave a comment if you’ve been, or if you have a suggestion for where we should visit next time around!

Alli Talley

February 27, 2020

Disney, Cruising, Europe

Land or Water? The Differences Between Our Adventures By Disney River Cruise and Ireland Adventure

Alli Talley

February 27, 2020

Disney, Cruising, Europe

Having completed two very different Adventures By Disney tours, we are now self-acclaimed ABD experts. Ask us anything about ABD, and chances are we have an answer. (Check out our FAQ’s blog here.)

What we love about the two itineraries that we’ve done, Ireland and the Seine River Cruise, is how contrasting they are. From the amount of guests, to the modes of transportation, to adult only vs. kid friendly, we now have a solid grasp of what these different ABD trips entail. We loved and appreciated both itineraries for a multitude of reasons, so why not break it down a little? Here are the main differences between both itineraries, and why we’d do both of them again in a heartbeat. (ABD, please take us everywhere!)

ADVENTURING ON LAND VS. BY BOAT

One of the biggest differences between our Ireland trip with ABD and our Seine River Cruise was the mode of transportation. We spent eight days traveling through Ireland on a (very luxurious and plush) motorcoach. While we didn’t change hotels every night, we did move to different locations every couple of days. Typically we don’t enjoy moving around that much, but on this trip we didn’t mind one bit. The ABD team makes travel so easy and effortless, we never even had to move our bags, they did everything for us. We also weren’t sure how we would enjoy traveling by motorcoach, but we actually loved it. The big windows, the thoughtful and fascinating commentary by our Adventure Guides, the cozy seats… it ended up being a perfect way to see and experience the rolling green hills of Ireland.

Now for our Seine River Cruise, we spent eight days sightseeing through France on the breathtakingly chic AMAWaterways’ Amalyra. While we did hop on a handful of motor coaches during our river cruise, the majority of our travel was done by boat. This was our first time on a river cruise, and it definitely won’t be our last. The ride was incredibly smooth (Bobby never even thought about wearing his seasick bands or taking nausea meds!), and the views from our stateroom were ever-changing and consistently stunning. We loved that while we woke up to a new destination almost daily, we never had to pack/unpack. We always had our same charming room to come home to, and having the same “homebase” for eight days was really quite a treat.

Luxury motor coach with amazing guides is a great way to travel

On of our favorite spots in Ireland - Temple Bar!

We were obsessed with the rooftop spa aboard the Amalyra

SMALL GROUP VS. LARGE GROUP

Because of limited space on motor coaches and ample space on a river cruise, our trip along the Seine was over double the amount of guests than our Ireland adventure (90 guests on the cruise, 30 guests on the motorcoach).

Since the Ireland trip was significantly smaller, we became very close with most of the guests. Since we all did almost everything together, bonding was quick and easy. It was rare that our group was separated or split up, so it truly felt like one big family. Saying goodbye at the end of the trip was emotional - how were we supposed to travel without each other?! If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, the ABD land trips are the way to go.

On the Seine River Cruise, we never felt like there were “too many people”. If anything, we were surprised at how easy it was to make friends and get to know the other passengers. While we obviously couldn’t become best friends with everyone on board, by the end of our trip we felt like we knew a good majority of the guests. We’d take turns sitting with different familiar faces at dinner, and find ourselves chit-chatting with other couples on the many excursions and activities. There was always someone new to talk to - which we loved.

Regardless of the tour size, you’re bound to make new friends!

FAMILY TOURS VS. ADULT ONLY

One thing that we really love and appreciate about ABD itineraries is how well they cater them for families and for adults. The Adventure Guides are pros at engaging and entertaining guests of ALL ages - which is quite a talent! In Ireland, we had kids in our group from ages four to twelve, and all of them had the time of their lives. We loved seeing history come to life for them, and seeing their faces light up with each new location. From chocolate making classes to scavenger hunts around ancient ruins, the “Junior Adventurers” were never bored, and the parents always seemed very thankful for the extra childcare! ;)

We were really curious to see how an Adult-Only itinerary varies from a family trip (especially since our adult-only days are growing increasingly numbered). We were pleased to find out that the adult focused trips are just as fun as ones with families, but in a different kind of way. Walking tours usually included some sort of wine or liquor tasting, evenings typically had a social hour, and dinners felt a tad more refined and elegant. If you don’t have kids or are looking for a getaway without your littles in tow, the ABD adult-only trips are the way to go.

We’ll be back with our little ones some day!

TWO ADVENTURE GUIDES VS. EIGHT ADVENTURE GUIDE

The other big difference between our two ABD trips is the amount of Adventure Guides we had. Since Ireland was a smaller group, we had two Adventure Guides (we miss you Landon and Stephen!) with us the entirety of the trip. We got to know both of them extremely well, and we still find ourselves referencing their jokes or silly quirks on the daily. By the end of the trip, we felt weird traveling without them. Who was going to tell us the historic facts, or feed us the “snack of the day?” It was a grieving process for sure…

Having had such a special bond with the two of them, we were a little uneasy by the dynamics of having so many Adventure Guides on our Seine River Cruise. How were we ever going to click with them like we did with Landon and Stephen?! Well friends, spoiler alert, we clicked. With all of them. Having eight Adventure Guides was actually incredible, as we got to know all of them individually throughout the trip. We learned that Michaela has a witty response for EVERYTHING, that Veronika has a full-circle life story that will make you cry, that Hugo would eat creme brulee for the rest of his life if he could, that Clement knows the absolute best places to go in Rouen… need we continue? The Adventure Guides each brought something unique to the group that had us excited for our daily debriefs. Consistent with our guides from our land adventure (and we now believe all ABD adventures), they all had such energetic and fun personalities, and we really can’t imagine the trip without each one of them.

We can’t stress enough how amazing the Adventure Guides are!

BREAKING IT ALL DOWN…

Ultimately, both trips solidified our love (and obsession) with Adventures By Disney. And if we’re being honest, we’re pretty sure we can’t do an accurate ABD review until we’ve gone on ALL the tours. So, hit us up in about ten years, after we’ve traveled with the ABD family to Egypt, Austria, Peru, China, South Africa, Iceland, Australia, Vietnam, Spain….

Alli Talley

February 26, 2020

Arizona, Weekenders, USA

Finding Christmas Magic in Scottsdale, Arizona

Alli Talley

February 26, 2020

Arizona, Weekenders, USA

What we’re about to say may be controversial, but after a long weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona, we’re now convinced this is true. Are you ready for it?

Not every holiday getaway needs to have snow.

There, we said it. While sure, a “white Christmas” is dreamy and all, there is something equally magical about Scottsdale during the holiday season. This desert town comes alive in the prettiest (and oftentimes quirkiest ways), and it absolutely stole our hearts. No gloves or snowboots required!

Here’s our Scottsdale Holiday Hit List that’s bound to have you already planning your 2020 holiday vacation.

COACH HOUSE TAVERN

Not only is Coach House Tavern known for being Scottsdale’s oldest tavern, but they’re also known for taking Christmas lights REALLY seriously. Like, you can’t believe your eyes seriously. Our mouths were dropped from the moment we approached the tavern, and exploring the inside made us even more impressed. Every square inch is decorated with colorful Christmas lights - it’s truly something to witness. Order a drink (or two) at the bar, pull up a stool, and make some friends. See ya there next year?

The coolest Christmas bar we’ve EVER seen!

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS

You can’t visit Scottsdale during the holiday season without a visit to Christmas At The Princess, the iconic Christmas experience at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The spacious and stunning resort is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with light shows, ice skating, festive rides, treats, characters, and SO much more! There’s even an area called “S’mores Land”, complete with s’mores making kits and cozy campfires. It’s a Christmas lovers dream!

CHRISTMAS TOUR WITH JOYRIDESAZ

What better way to admire Scottsdale’s Christmas decor and holiday charm than by a guided golf cart tour? The friendly folks at JoyRidesAZ make every single tour unique and so much fun. Interested in wine tasting? They’ll take you to the best tasting rooms in Old Town! Fascinated by the history of Scottsdale? They’ll take you to some must-see landmarks. Looking for that perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post? They know the best photo spots (and are amazing photographers too)! We had a blast adventuring through town with them, and some of our favorite pictures from our trip were taken by the JoyRidesAZ crew. It’s absolutely a must-do!

We loved seeing Scottsdale by golf cart!

JoyRidesAZ took us to all the best spots!

MCCORMICK STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK

One of the most quintessential holiday experiences in Scottsdale is the Holiday Lights train ride at the quaint McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. Riders of all ages can take in a joyous array of lights, music, and dazzling displays… and for only $5 per person, it’s quite a steal! After the train ride, make sure to check out their on-site Scottsdale Railroad Museum, which brings the history of railroads to life!

SHOPPING IN OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE

Old Town Scottsdale is charming no matter the time of year, but it’s truly something special at Christmastime. The streets are strung with colorful lights, the shops are decorated with charming displays, and everyone’s abuzz with holiday cheer. We recommend walking the streets in the late afternoon, with a cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint mocha in-hand. Then, grab an early dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby.

Maybe we should make this an annual holiday tradition?

The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning for Christmas 2020. (And if you’re anything like us, anticipating your next holiday getaway is part of the fun!) We can’t recommend Scottsdale enough, and we can’t wait to return next year… with our little one in tow!

Alli Talley

February 26, 2020

Arizona, USA, Weekenders

72 Hours in Scottsdale, Arizona

Alli Talley

February 26, 2020

Arizona, USA, Weekenders

With the new year comes new opportunities for weekend escapes. We’re always on the hunt for fun, quick, and easy getaways - and since our holiday trip to Scottsdale back in early December, it’s moved up to the top of our travel list. Scottsdale has it all - sprawling hotels and resorts, a booming culinary scene, picture-perfect scenery, world-class shopping, outdoor adventures… and did we mention a booming culinary scene? We’d go back to Scottsdale just for the food!

Scottsdale is understatedly cool, and that’s exactly why we like it. Plan a trip during the summer – their off-season (May-September) – and you’ll find slamming deals on hotels. (We’re talking 60% off peak season rates!) Need we say more?

Oh ya, and here’s where WE think you should stay, eat, and explore if you just need a quick 48-hour retreat...

STAY:

Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows

Overlooking Camelback Mountain, this modern and welcoming oasis couldn’t be more picturesque - or more luxurious! The bungalow style rooms are spacious and filled with amenities, from complimentary drinks and snacks to cozy robes and a shower that’s bigger than our entire bathroom at home!

The property itself is stunning, with perfectly maintained courtyards, a jaw-dropping pool area, and an inviting lobby that’s thoughtfully decorated with local art. In fact, all of the rooms have artwork from local artists - and you can even go on a free art tour of the property during your stay!

Sally loved exploring the property, but loved naps even more…

Colorful grounds of the Andaz Scottsdale

AFTERNOON:

After you’re all checked in and settled, spend the rest of the day shopping and meandering around Old Town Scottsdale. From charming boutiques to trendy coffee shops to family-owned wine tasting rooms, there’s something for everyone - and enough to keep one entertained for hours! Some of our favorite spots include:

Cricket and Ruby: It’s no secret we’re in full on “baby mode” over here, so we were thrilled to find this adorable little children's boutique. They even have some cute bohemian-chic “Mamma and Me” sets that Alli was eyeing… she could have easily bought the entire store!

Cartel Coffee Lab: We sometimes plan our Arizona adventures around this trendy and downright delicious coffee shop. Their baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and their coffee is strong and full of flavor - it’s the perfect afternoon pick me up!

The Plant Store: Finally a shop the two of us could agree on! This perfectly Iinstagrammable and airy space is filled with beautifully curated cacti, succulents, and house plants, and there’s even an area where you can pot your own!

Leela Market: Filled to the brim with playful gifts, Arizona-themed accessories and decor, and even some stylish women’s wear, this is THE place to souvenir shop. It’s “Desert Luxe” at its finest!

EVENING:

End the night at The Mission, a modern Latin restaurant that’s bursting with flavor and sophistication. The atmosphere is stylish and elegant, and yet casual and inviting all in one… and the food. Oh, we could write a whole blog about the many mind-blowing dishes at The Mission. They’re incredible.

From the tableside guacamole (we both agree it’s the best guacamole we’ve ever had - and we’ve had a LOT of guacamole), to the crispy pork belly with a cola lime glaze, to the tacos made on hand-pressed corn tortillas, to the mouthwatering desserts… you’ll be tempted to order one of everything. We did, and we had zero regrets.

Oh and of course, no trip to The Mission is complete without a margarita (or two). You can’t go wrong with The Mission Margarita (add grand marnier for a real treat), and if you’re feeling adventurous, we highly recommend the Aguacate. It’s an avocado margarita that will have you wondering why you hadn’t thought of this combination sooner.

Make a reservation in advance, as they are known to fill up quick. And most importantly, COME HUNGRY.

MORNING:

We can’t think of a better way to work off your big dinner than a sunrise hike at the Gateway Loop Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We suggest arranging a guide with REI Co-op Experiences, who will not only take you to and from the preserve, but will also lead you along the trail, sharing fascinating facts about the plants and wildlife you encounter, and give an insightful look into Arizona’s rich history. This guided experience was one of the highlights of our trip, hands down!

If you’re anything like us, at this point you’ve worked up an appetite. Farm & Craft serves healthy and sustainable food, with a seasonal wellness menu, kombucha on tap, and all ingredients are gluten free, hormone free, and organic. Their breakfast menu is as hearty as it is healthy, with some of our favorites being the Egg White Scramble and The Breakfast Sandwich. If you’re feeling like something sweet, try their Acai Bowl!

Planning our route on the Sonoran Preserve Trails!

AFTERNOON:

There’s no lack of activities in Scottsdale, but one of our favorite things to do when we’re there is to set aside some time to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities. So we suggest doing exactly that.

If the weather is nice (which it most likely will be), spend the afternoon at The Andaz’s spacious and alluring pool. If you find yourselves hungry for a light bite, dine at their on-site restaurant Weft and Warp. Or cozy up in your private bungalow and take a nap on the feathery-bed… Hey, nothing says “vacation” like doing nothing!

EVENING:

If you’re beginning to notice a “foodie theme” to this itinerary, you’ve caught us. The culinary scene in Scottsdale is so advanced and wide-spread, we can’t help but revolve a good chunk of this getaway around dining!

That being said, book a reservation at Toro Scottsdale, where Pan-Latin cuisine takes the stage, bringing together inspiration from Latin America, Japanese, and Peruvian-Chinese influences. It’s a melting pot of flavor that’s unlike anything we’ve had before… and it blew us away. (Where else can you order empanadas and sushi?!) They also have the Valley’s largest selection of rums - over 111, and their skilled bartenders make a daiquiri that will have even the most skeptical drinkers singing its praises.

MORNING:

You can’t visit Scottsdale without an indulgent (and creative) breakfast at Hash Kitchen. It’s a must. We realized we were in for a treat the moment we walked in and saw the build-your-own bloody mary bar (Arizona’s largest) and heard the people in the booth next to us raving about the Cannoli Donuts. While the HK Hashes are their specialty, you can’t go wrong with anything on their extensive menu - try their Cereal Shooter Flight for breakfast cocktails like you’ve never had before!

After you’re fed and happy, take an Instagrammable (and educational) golf cart tour around Scottsdale with our friends Kirk and Monica from JoyRridesAZ! They’ll customize your tour based on your interests, and make plenty of stops for photos, exploration, and even wine tasting! After a few hours with this dynamic husband and wife duo, we were convinced that the best way to see Scottsdale is by golf cart… and we have a feeling you’ll be hooked too! (Plus, they’re expert photo takers - some of our favorite pictures from the trip were taken by Monica!)

Too much good stuff in this photo… we loved Hash Kitchen!

Loved finding the best photo spots in Scottsdale!

Monica from JoyRidesAZ knew all the angles :)

AFTERNOON:

Stop for lunch at Hula’s Modern Tiki, an urban twist on the classic tiki bars of the 50’s and 60’s, right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Sip on mai tais, snack on their famous Crispy Coconut Shrimp Rolls, and pig out (literally) on Duke’s Luau Pork Plate. It’s a taste of Hawaii in the desert, and it’s fun for the whole ohana!

Just half a mile down the road is the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, a visually compelling and uniquely curated collection of art, architecture, and design. Many of the compelling exhibits are interactive, and all of them will inevitably cause you to see the world a little differently.

Hula’s had amazing food and tasty drinks!

Enjoying the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

EVENING:

It’s your last night in Scottsdale, so why not go all out? The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers a Wine Me, Dine Me dinner at SWB, their southwest bistro. This culinary experience has guests dining on an exclusive, made to order, four-course dinner prepared by Chef Joe and his incredibly talented team. They have nightly seatings at 6:00 and 8:00pm, and paired with the menu are specialty glasses of tequila and wine. Guests sit at a bar overlooking the open kitchen, and get a first-hand look as each course is created. If you consider yourself a “foodie”, this experience is a must!

Wine Me, Dine Me will bring out the foodie in you! Enjoy!

MORNING:

End your Scottsdale getaway with coffee and a light breakfast at one of our favorite local spots, Maverick Coffee. Located in an unassuming strip mall, you’ll wonder why we sent you here… until you step inside and see that this place is buzzing (both literally and figuratively) and that the food and coffee is top-notch. Try their avocado toast or breakfast burrito, and wash it down with the Kyoto Cold Brew or their Bullet Proof Coffee!

Are we missing something? Do you have a favorite Scottsdale restaurant, bar, or activity we should try next time we’re there? Leave a comment and let us know!