Southern Arizona

Yesterday I was chatting with a group from New York who heard about my travel blog and one of the individuals mentioned that they were traveling to Arizona after they heard about it is a state I have always enjoyed traveling to. I have received plenty of post-it notes for this great state and have been traveling there for nearly eight years. If you are looking for an area of the United States to travel to during the months of January and February, then Southern Arizona is a must. But you can add a stop to Arizona any time of the year.

Scottsdale lies just north of Phoenix and offers some of the best that Arizona has to offer. The history, food, sights, geography, and climate will not leave you disappointed. Old Town Scottsdale offers this part of history with incredible galleries, shops, and missions. There are a couple of great dining options to include in Scottsdale, which both offer great Southwestern cuisine. Carlsbad Tavern offers exceptional food along with great service. The Carne Asada is a must along with their chips and salsa. The other stop is Z Tejas for their fajitas. Intense flavor of the meat along with the entire dish.

Just east of Scottsdale is a great area to check out the natural geographic features of the desert. Tonto National Forest offers exceptional views of the desert and is only forty-five minutes from Scottsdale. Right next to the park is the town of Tortilla Flat, an old mining town that offers a taste of the history of this area.

Just outside of the city of Scottsdale is Camel Back Mountain. The area offers great hiking and views of the city of Scottsdale. A hotel that offers a great view of the mountain is Embassy Suites Scottsdale. I have always enjoyed staying here, and the breakfast buffet in the morning is exceptional.

A trip to Scottsdale and Southern Arizona is one that will add a lasting impression. Other dining options in the area include The Phoenician Hotel and Joe's Farm Grill. Additionally, the desert botanical garden is also a fantastic stop. Add a stop to this great state when you are looking for a true taste and experience of Southern Arizona. #ridingwithkurt