Top 5 things to make your Scottsdale, AZ trip unforgettable…from a local. (If you’re the planner, you’ll want to save this one for sure)!

Getaway Gourmet meal services.

Charcuterie plate.

Flank steak with chimichurri.

Book an AirBnB that matches your interests and purposes for the trip.

Is it a girls’ shopping trip? Then, you’ll want to book something in or near the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.

Want to get away from the bustle but still have access to amenities and city life? Look at North Scottsdale near Cave Creek.

Want to have your own resort? Look for one with a pool, which many of them have.

Want to enjoy some lake life? Look at North Scottsdale near Carefree and you’ll be within 30 minutes of scenic Bartlett Lake, where you can paddleboard, swim or rent a boat for the day.

Make a stress-free food plan.

Do you want to show up to your rental without having to navigate the local grocery store or dig around the kitchen for pots and pans?

How does delicious, wholesome food sound for those times that you aren’t going out to eat or want to save a little money on takeout?

Order a few meals from local vacation meal delivery business, Getaway Gourmet. Gourmet cook and nutritionist, Ashlie, will cook and deliver ready-to-eat foods that are fresh and delicious that you can enjoy throughout your stay for those meals that you want to stay in for. From marinated flank steak with chimichurri, to charcuterie spreads, to chocolate mousse, there is something for everyone. Menu is online but you can make any customizations you want: https://www.getawaygourmet.biz/menu

Make time for nature. Hikes abound in the Scottsdale area. Some of mention include Browns Mountain, McDowell Mountain, Pinnacle Peak and Camelback (more advanced). Just make sure to bring plenty of water and start in the morning or later in the afternoon so it’s nice and cool. If you’re hiking in late spring, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.

Enjoy a water day at the nearby lakes, like Bartlett, Lake Pleasant and Saguaro Lake.

Tube down the Salt River where you’ll also spot wild horses.

Scottsdale is a golfer’s paradise, and there’s almost too many courses to choose from!

Shop til’ you drop.

Scottsdale is a shopaholic’s paradise and offers a plethora of shopping experiences and stores, whether you’re looking for high-end, boutiques or your everyday apparel.

Top picks are Old Town, Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons.

Eat your heart out.

For those times you go out to eat, you may have to use process of elimination according to what type of food you are craving. For kids, Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor in Old Town Scottsdale takes you back in time and offers a fun experience and all the ice cream and treats a kid (and adult) could dream. For healthier fare, Flower Child and True Food Kitchen are great choices. Isabella’s Kitchen is located in North Scottsdale and has a family-friendly ambience with a lawn for kids to run around. Popular breakfast spots include Snooze, Butters, and First Watch, among many others.

If you’re up north in Cave Creek, Local Johnny’s is an eclectic breakfast, lunch and dinner spot with great food and great folks.

Bonus: Looking for more unique experiences?

Here are a few more suggestions of fun ideas while you’re in the area.

Explore Cave Creek and Carefree, and watch bull riding on Wednesdays or Fridays at Buffalo Chip Saloon. You can also go on 4-wheeler tours in the foothills of Cave Creek if you want more adventure.

Take a day trip to Sedona, Prescott or Payson.

Visit the Phoenix Botanical Gardens to admire all the flora and fauna the desert has to offer.

Check out a spring training baseball game if you’re visiting anytime in February or March.