The beautiful state of Arizona has much to offer in terms of scenery, hiking, restaurants, shopping, and historical landmarks. Most often tourists gravitate to the Northern parts of the state to visit the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and the Verde Valley, and understandably so. The photo opportunities alone are reason enough to make the drive. A popular hike with a view for those visiting the valley is Camelback Mountain. Old Town Scottsdale and Downtown Tempe are hip places to indulge in good food and drink. These places will undoubtedly give you a fantastic experience and, a good sense of the wonder of Arizona. However, if you are the kind of tourist that likes to do what the locals do, I am here to share alternatives that demonstrate good ole home cooking.
Water Sports and Nature Lovin’
Paddleboarders and tubers love the thrill of seeing the wild horses along the banks.
About 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix, in Mesa is Arizona’s iconic Salt River. You will be transported from the desert to marshy, forest land, surrounding miles of freshwater. Of the 200-mile river, there are 10 within the lower section, carved out for water sports including paddle boarding, tubing, and fishing. From Water Users Camp Circle to Granite Reef, you can let the river take your watercraft downriver. On a low current day, you can easily stand in the river and catch trout. The luckiest may spot the wild horses, coming out along the banks for a drink. The Salt River is also a conservation corridor, therefore there may be wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring above your raft or swooping up a fish. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and the valley residents fancy the average water temperature at 68 degrees.
Hiking, Biking, and Getting Hitched
Many call it the church of South Mountain because it’s the perfect place to sweat, meditate, or get married.
With over 58 miles of trails and 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. Occupying any of the trails, you will see diehard hikers and bikers to novices of all ages. There are 6 trail entrances spanning from central Phoenix to the Ahwatukee suburbs. For a quick but in-your-face endurance hike, Telegraph Pass Trail is a two+-mile out and back trek. Desert Classic is a low easy-paced trail you can take as long or short as you want. My husband and I got married up top the Pyramid Trail peak, which is a five-mile out and back hike with an 1100 elevation gain. Throughout the mountain, you can keep going, up, down, or level for miles. Keep an eye out for snakes, jumping cactus, and coyotes.
Relax in the Pines
Crown King Saloon Cafe is home to burgers, beer, and, bikers, and a great place to feel the local vibe.
A crown jewel in the Bradshaw Mountains at about 5900 feet elevation is a little mining town called Crown King. Here, they have their own set of locals, but it’s a popular summer getaway for valley residents. The recommended way to get there by car is off the I-17 at the Bumble Bee exit, about 65 miles north of downtown Phoenix. From Lake Pleasant, it is a challenging four-wheel-drive route. You can get there by foot running the infamous Crown King Scramble 50K, usually held in March. The ‘town’ on Main Street consists of the General Store, Crown King Saloon, Prospector Mall, and The Mill Bar & Grill. There are cabins for rent and camping with reservations. One of my favorite cabins is The Cedar Roost. Whether you choose to ride ATVs, hike, or just drink beer all day, trust that it’s a place you won’t forget.
The Food and Drink Scene
Crust Simply Italian has a corner spot overlooking the square and an inside/outside bar great for people-watching.
Downtown Chandler is loaded with restaurants and intimate kinds of shops. It’s a scene the locals often choose, to grab lunch and a glass of wine on a Saturday afternoon. You’ll have your pick of beer, cocktails, and wine depending on the establishment. Some of my favorites for good food and patio time are The Perch, The Hidden House, and Recreo. A nice pop-in spot is Mingle + Graze to do just that. Follow with dinner at Sasha’s Kitchen & Cocktails or DC Steak House. Having said that, I often choose Crust Simply Italian for the trifecta of a patio, food, and wine. Pizza gets me every time.
Urban Living at its Best
Cibo Urban Pizzeria‘s patio is a great place to watch the locals stroll by while enjoying authentic Italian food and vino, off their all-Italian wine menu.
If you venture to Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown Phoenix, you will certainly meet the locals. It is urban living at its best with funky artwork on the buildings, restaurants with doors propped open, and people walking their dogs. Great cuisine and quaint patios are plentiful and, fine wine is easy to find. GenuWine Arizona is the perfect wine bar for sampling wine made here in the state. The Theodore offers a nice selection of vino worldwide. For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with The Vig or Fez, but my personal favorite is Cibo Urban Pizzeria. The bistro lights, large trees, and indoor fireplace warm the heart. And the pizza is quite possibly the best in all of Phoenix.
Nello’s Ahwatukee
Nello’s Ahwatukee is a true local hangout with wood-fire pizzas, pasta, and salads that are top-notch.
Tucked in a shopping plaza with simple red signage, Nello’s Ahwatukee is a legend in its own right. An east valley favorite, I can confidently tell you the food will not disappoint and, it unassumingly has one of the best wine lists outside of fine dining. If you are staying at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa or Wild Horse Pass Casino, make this a must-stop on your list. Be sure to say, “hi” to Chef Ralph if you pop in. He was the officiant at our wedding at the top of the before-mentioned Pyramid Trail. With plenty of indoor, outdoor, and bar seating, Nello’s is comfortable for singles, couples, and families and groups. The pizza? It’s a neighborhood staple, to say the least.
