Fall in love with the desert landscape, and take in the hypnotizing smell of the creosote bush after a rain. This is one of Jessica's favorite places to visit- and this is the BEST time of year to hit up the Desert Botanical Garden. It's wildflower season, baby!

Jessica and Charlie love going to the Phoenix Zoo, and visiting with Jiwa, the mischievous orangutan- he is bound to do something naughty! This place is great for the whole family!

Coming to town early? Check out Spring Training MLB games for the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Giants, Angels, Cubs, Padres, Brewers, Guardians, Reds, Mariners, White Sox, Royals, Dodgers, Rangers, and Athletics!

Heads up, the last game of Spring Training is Tuesday, March 25th!

This trail is challenging, and strenuous- but has an amazing payoff with incredible views of the north valley! It takes close to three hours, so wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring more water than you think you'll need- you do not want to be one of the poor souls Air-Evac'd off every spring! There are easier trails out there to fit most fitness levels, so if this one isn't right for you, don't worry!

The Coach House: It's in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the oldest dive bar in the area, and is open from 6AM-2AM, need I say more?!

Should you find yourself at the Desert Botanical Garden, or Phoenix Zoo, why not go hike up the aptly named Hole in the Rock- it's a super easy hike-kids of all ages can do it, and it is so close to a ton of other fun outdoor activities! (Like a 2 minute drive from the Zoo and Botanical Garden!)

Have you ever seen any of of the 7 wonders of the natural world? Well, now is your chance! Only one of them is located within the United States- and lucky you, it's right here in the Grand Canyon State!!! Located about 220 miles north of Phoenix, you can be at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in just about 3.5 hours. Don't miss this opportunity!

If you go to Arizona, and don't eat Mexican food at least twice, did you really go to Arizona?!? The original El Encanto restaurant is a romantic Old-World Mission-style restaurant cradled in the heart of beautiful Cave Creek. Walk through the archway and you will feel as though you have been transported to Mexico. Each of the El Encanto restaurants have the feel of old Mexico and water features which create a warm and comforting atmosphere in which to enjoy our authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine.

The Piestawa Peak summit is the second highest in the Phoenix Mountains, at 2610 feet. Named for Lori Piestewa, the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military, and the first female soldier to be killed in action in the 2003 Iraq War.

There are numerous trails throughout the park, with the summit trail being the most difficult. There are amazing views of the Valley of the Sun, and you will see all sorts of Arizona cactus such as saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla and prickly pear to name a few!

Be sure to bring plenty of water, and keep an eye out for gila monster, horned lizards, chuckwalla, and western diamondback rattlesnakes!

Fun fact, the trailheads were all built by Jessica's aunt and uncle's family construction company!

One of the best things about springtime in the desert? WILDFLOWER SEASON, BABY!!!

There are numerous websites and Google searches that will tell you the best places to check out wildflowers! So pack a picnic lunch, and take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert!

According to Golf Digest- there are 92 golf courses within a 15 mile radius in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

Go get brunch at Dick's Hideaway!!!!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at this tiny hidden gem of a restaurant. Rustic yet casually upscale, it’s the kind of place locals bring visitors from out of town for an authentic taste of traditional New Mexican cuisine. Although the menu includes great burgers, salads, steaks and fresh fish, the real treasures are from The Santa Fe Trail. Try the roasted garlic platter, bacon wrapped shrimp or carne adovada, smoked pork slow-simmered in red chile.

Pita Jungle has been one of Jessica's favorite lunch spots since her days at Arizona State University. Pita Jungle is a healthy restaurant specializing in Greek, Mediterranean, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, vegetarian and vegan dishes made from fresh ingredients- and tons of great gluten free options. Don't leave without trying the jalapeño cilantro hummus or baklava!

If you get into town early enough, you can check out the Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics on Wednesday, 3/26/25!

Or, after brunch on Sunday 3/30/25, mosey on down to check out the Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves at 5PM, MST.

Shoutout to Charles Barkley, Jessica's favorite Sun's player of all time, who she would frequently see at Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale when she worked there as a teen!