48 Hours in Scottsdale, Arizona

I had the opportunity to take a quick trip to Arizona with BrownStyle to blog about my experience in Scottsdale. Folks may wonder why even go, but Arizona is truly a hidden gem if you know how to do it right. Old Town Scottsdale is considered the finest urban center in Arizona. It is home to more than 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops and more than 80 art galleries.

Scottsdale is also known for their resort spas and if you’re a spa girlie like me, then you know a time was had! I didn’t get a chance to do everything that was on my list since it was a quick trip focused on the spa, but let’s take a look at my trip as a whole.

For starters, you fly into Phoenix airport which isn’t a bad drive to Scottsdale, maybe about 20 minutes. If you decide to stay in Tempe, which is also a college town where Arizona State University is located, then that’s a 10 minute drive to the airport. As far as weather, I went at a good time in April when it wasn’t brutally hot. I advise not going in the summer unless you really like the heat.

Here are a a few notes for next time to plan a real trip to Arizona. Check out AZ/88, which is known for the best martinis in Scottsdale, Latha which is a contemporary pan-African cuisine restaurant and Maple and Ash is a sophisticated steakhouse where you can decorate your own menu for every occasion. If you’re into hiking then I suggest, ATV’s in the Sonoran Desert, hiking at Camelback Mountain, Cave Creek and/or Grand Canyon. If you don’t want to go hiking then you can take a tour at the Desert Botanical Garden or check out First Fridays at the flea market downtown for their art festival. For parties and night life, The District , Whiskey Row, and Maya Day Club We also can’t forget about the hot air balloon tours. I definitely want to do all of these things next time and plan in advance.

Read more below about how I was on a mission for 48 hours. I think I did pretty good given the timing of restaurants and my time at the Well and Being Spa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Sugar Jam

Sugar Jam is a Black-owned restaurant located in Scottsdale. The food and vibes were great. They’re known for their southern cuisine. You should make a reservation because it is always booked or if it is during the week then I would suggest eating at the bar, depending on the day. The weekends wouldn’t be great knowing that this is a popular restaurant in Scottsdale. Catfish N' Southern Grits Meal (Pictured) Mimosa Flights (Not Pictured)

Toca Madero

Toca Madero is a Mexican steakhouse restaurant located in Scottsdale. They’re known for their high end dining experience featuring fire performers, live music, and culinary excellence. This is located near casinos, Fashion District which is their shopping area and other rooftop bars. I would dress up for this restaurant since it’s a lil more upscale. Across the street from Toca Madera, you can check out Seven Rooftop which is located at Caesar’s Republic Hotel on the 7th floor. It’s a cute vibe for after dinner.

Winnie De Pooh (Pictured) Guacamole, Sea Bass and Fish Tacos (Not Pictured)

Snooze An A.M. Eatery

Snooze An A.M. Eatery is located in Tempe, Arizona and they’re known for their breakfast and brunch foods. It’s a trendy brunch restaurant located in the heart of Arizona State University. They have several locations. I really enjoyed the customer services, the location and of course, the food! I would highly recommend checking this out for brunch. You don’t have to dress up. It’s very low key, but casual.

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes (Pictured) Strawberry Mimosa (Not Pictured)

Well and Being Spa - Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Well and Being Spa is located at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale. The spa is open from 6am-8pm and I stayed the entire day. They have a gym, manicure and pedicures, Aerial Hammock Yoga and so many other treatments. I got the 60 minute Himalayan Salt Stone treatment. I usually like to do my treatments at the end of the day to close out my experience. They have several pools and the rooftop pool was my favorite. You can order food and drinks from there. The Smoked Turkey Wrap with their homemade chips were so good! You can order this at the rooftop pool. They also have a wide variety or snacks and refreshments throughout the facility as well. After the spa, headed over to La Hacienda for their lobster tacos and margaritas. This is located next door to the spa on the resort.