So it's been about 15 years since I've been back in the American Southwest. I have fond memories of growing up in Albuquerque, NM so I have been looking for an excuse to go back. Spring Break this year was supposed to have taken me to the Grand Canyon, but that gave way to other adventures in California. When our model vendor announced that they were hosting a conference in Tucson, I jumped at the opportunity to go for work. I spent a total of 3 days in Tucson and 2 days in Phoenix.
Tucson- Tucson Omni National Golf Resort and Pima Air and Space Museum
I spent three nights at this fantastic resort. My days were spent at the conference, which was fine because it was 90+ and very arid every day. At night we had the opportunity to see the Pima Air and Space Museum, home to hundreds of amazing airplanes, each with an interesting story. I had a fantastic dinner of fried shrimp with a cocktail sauce that had a hint of wasabi at Bob's Steakhouse. This restaurant, with an unassuming name, is actually one of the top-rated steak houses. But the best part of the business trip was playing 9-hole, 4 person scramble on a golf course that once hosted a PGA tour event. The sun sets quickly in Arizona, and it was amazing to hear all the wildlife that comes out when the earth cools. I even saw a coyote!
Camelback Mountain- Cholla Trail
After the business trip, we drove back to Phoenix. On Saturday, Brian and I woke up before dawn to hike up Camelback mountain. We started up Cholla Trail just before 6 am with a surprisingly large number of locals, who we discovered are very active. The first few hundred feet consisted of pebbley and sandy terrain and brought us amazing views of the city. Towards the end, the terrain got very rocky and steep, which necessitated climbing with both your hands and legs.
Halloween Spooktacular
That evening, Brian and I visited the Halloween Spooktacular at Salt River Fields. One of my fondest memories growing up was attending the New Mexico Balloon Fiesta. While, I could not make it to the large balloon fiesta, the Halloween Spooktacular featured many hot air balloons in addition to many vendors and a haunted house! We showed up with 'The Office' themed costumes.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Tucson- Tucson Omni National Golf Resort and Pima Air and Space Museum
I spent three nights at this fantastic resort. My days were spent at the conference, which was fine because it was 90+ and very arid every day. At night we had the opportunity to see the Pima Air and Space Museum, home to hundreds of amazing airplanes, each with an interesting story. I had a fantastic dinner of fried shrimp with a cocktail sauce that had a hint of wasabi at Bob's Steakhouse. This restaurant, with an unassuming name, is actually one of the top-rated steak houses. But the best part of the business trip was playing 9-hole, 4 person scramble on a golf course that once hosted a PGA tour event. The sun sets quickly in Arizona, and it was amazing to hear all the wildlife that comes out when the earth cools. I even saw a coyote!
Camelback Mountain- Cholla Trail
After the business trip, we drove back to Phoenix. On Saturday, Brian and I woke up before dawn to hike up Camelback mountain. We started up Cholla Trail just before 6 am with a surprisingly large number of locals, who we discovered are very active. The first few hundred feet consisted of pebbley and sandy terrain and brought us amazing views of the city. Towards the end, the terrain got very rocky and steep, which necessitated climbing with both your hands and legs.
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| Beautiful view from the top of Camelback Mountain. |
That evening, Brian and I visited the Halloween Spooktacular at Salt River Fields. One of my fondest memories growing up was attending the New Mexico Balloon Fiesta. While, I could not make it to the large balloon fiesta, the Halloween Spooktacular featured many hot air balloons in addition to many vendors and a haunted house! We showed up with 'The Office' themed costumes.
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| Three hole punch Jim and Pam |
And of course the even that I was most excited for was our Rainbow Ryder's sunrise hot air balloon ride. Again, we woke up before dawn to drive to their offices. From there we drove to our setup place in the desert, just north of the city. The area was bustling with groups setting up their hot air balloons. We got to witness all the steps required to set up the balloon from unloading the basket, to unfurling the balloon, to inflating it, and raising it. After we all climbed in, we were off for our hourlong ride where we rose to a maximum altitude of 4000 ft. We saw mountains, and highways, and tiny cacti. It was interesting to see the trees lined along the areas where water flows during the rare rainfall.
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| View of the Arizona desert from our hot air balloon |
Other Highlights Include
1. Brunch at Wy Knot bakery. I had a delicious savory and sweet pancake with red rice and Brian had a delectable stuffed french toast.
2. Working at the Phoenix Public Library. It was a very interesting building both inside and out. We also enjoyed decorating skulls for Dia de los Muertos.
3. Downtown Scottsdale and the waterfront area. It was an interesting walk down their 5th avenue which featured many souvenir/art shops. We ate at a fantastic restaurant called Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace
4. Walking around the Dia de los Muertos celebration by the Mesa Arts Center. There were wonderful art demonstrations from ceramics to glass blowing. Again, we tried our art skills at decorating skulls. We also visited the Modern Art museum which featured many local artists. My favorite gallery had social commentary pieces that referenced Renaissance styles.
5. Dinner at Luci Healthy Marketplace. We had purchased a living social deal for a place that happened to be closed on Sunday. It was unfortunate that we would not use our voucher, but we were lucky to discover this gem. They had delicious healthy meals and we got to watch our Red Sox on TV.
