This summer has been full of travel, and most recently my family took a trip to Maine. Needless to say, it was hard coming back to work this Monday. One, I was exhausted and, two, I was used to being rather unproductive.
This week I am highlighting my latest excursion to Boothbay, ME. I had never been to Maine or that far north for that matter until last week, and I’ve been missing out. The views and food are spectacular. We enjoyed fresh lobster almost everyday, ate s’mores every night, sailed the ocean in Sarah Mead, read mystery novels, and shopped in antique stores featuring pieces from decades ago.
My boyfriend, Henry, and I spent five days last week in Scottsdale, AZ. I’ve been to the area once before, but that was over seven years ago. It was his first time. We hiked, ate, ate some more and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Atop Camelback Mountain, via Cholla Trail
We hiked three different trails. If you know anything about the area, you’ve heard of Camelback Mountain. There are two different trails that lead to the summit – one more difficult than the other. Our first day we hiked Cholla Trail, slightly longer but less intense than Echo Canyon Trail. Henry and I laughed as we scaled boulders instead of what we thought would be a moderate hike. All in all a total of three miles and 2 hours well-spent, that’s if you make stops for water and pictures. Hiking boots are needed, too.
The next day we decided we needed something a little less intense, so we headed north to the Gateway Loop Trail. This trail is much more scenic as it is slightly removed from the city. Everywhere you turn, you are surrounded by mountains and cacti (shown in picture 1). Pick up your pace to make this four and a half mile loop a work out.
On our last day, Henry and I decided to conquer Echo Canyon Trail, the other side of Camelback. The Uber driver that took us to the trailhead made me think I might not make it out alive, BUT I did. We made it up the side of the mountain in 59 minutes.
Chocolate chip pancakes at ZuZu
We also thoroughly enjoyed every meal we ate. The restaurant, ZuZu, at Hotel Valley Ho has amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner not to mention their delicious brunch on the weekends. You really can’t go wrong. I ate the most amazing chocolate chip pancakes one morning while Henry feasted on eggs, bacon and fruit.
We had four delicious dinners at The Henry, Olive and Ivy, Culinary Dropout and Sushi Roku. The first three are all owned by Fox Restaurant Concepts, and while each are different, they are executed very well. Sushi Roku is an upbeat restaurant, perfect before a night on the town. Each dish we shared was divine. Even the chocolate lava cake.
One day we had brunch at Acardia Farms, and I thought Henry might never leave. He fell in love with their scones. Once again, their pastries and traditional brunch options were cooked to perfection. I recommend the chocolate croissant. Are you noticing a pattern here? I like chocolate.
Lastly, we had lunch one afternoon at Blancos Tacos + Tequila (also a Fox Restaurant) where I had the freshest burrito bowl. Bye Chipotle. Henry enjoyed his tacos, and then we headed to the opening spring training game.
Salt River Stadium at Talking Stick
If you aren’t the hiking kind, there are many other activities to enjoy in Scottsdale. Henry and I got to see the first game of spring training where the Arizona Diamonbacks took on the Colorado Rockies. You can see above, Henry enjoyed the chocolate covered fruit they were serving.
You can walk around Old Town Scottsdale which offers restaurants and local boutiques including this amazing vintage store that carries women’s clothes from almost every decade in the 1900s.
If you want to be lazy and enjoy the sunshine, lay by the pool at Hotel Valley Ho. A beautiful hotel honoring its 1950s roots. I definitely recommend staying here!
If you haven’t been to Scottsdale, I suggest you move it to the top of your list. Thanks for stopping by and reading all about our adventure!
Summer is always full of traveling, so that means you need the perfect weekender bag. The first duffle is the duffle I got last summer, and it holds just the right amount. I had carried my 2002 Vera Bradley bag for long enough, so I upgraded. Below are some of my other favorites. Enjoy!
