Phoenix, Arizona: Desert Delight
Temperatures heat things up, but it’s the desert’s natural beauty—rugged mountains, big blue sky, abundant wildflowers—that repeatedly draws people from all over the world for romantic weekends in Phoenix, Arizona. By Jackie Dishner
Often, they do what the locals do—hike Piestewa Peak. A better option involves the orange cliffs of the Superstitions (Tonto National Forest /$6 parking fee). This mountain range an hour east of Phoenix has numerous trails. Try the first two miles of Dutchman’s (a four-mile round trip) for an easy walk through a desert wash to a saguaro forest. Turn back when you reach the arched rock formation called Miner’s Needle. For your safety, bring water and sunscreen, and wear a hat.
The nearby Boyce Thompson Arboretum (37615 Hwy. 60; 520-689-2811; US$7.50) offers an optional two-mile self-guided tour through herb and cactus gardens, blooming Palo Verde trees, a eucalyptus forest, and other desert vegetation from around the world.
For lunch on your return to the city, a popular hangout in Tempe is Pita Jungle (1250 E. Apache Blvd., #110; 480-804-0234; average $9). Order pita sandwiches and red bell pepper hummus. Or try a favorite of Mexican-food lovers, Los Dos Molinos —the specialty is slow-roasted ribs (8646 S. Central Ave.; 602-243-9113; $20 for two).
Then visit Old Town Scottsdale, where you can sip an espresso and listen to local music at Sola Coffee Bar (7124 E. Fifth Ave.).
For dinner, reserve an outside table beneath a canopy of grapevines at Tempe’s House of Tricks (114 E. Seventh St.; $29 and under for entrees). Share a bottle of wine in this garden setting, and order the ahi tuna, served with wasabi mashed potatoes.
Sleep in on Sunday before brunch at the Wrigley Mansion (2501 E. Telawa Trail; $45 per person, includes the club fee). The staff at this 75-year-old landmark serves champagne with a buffet-style meal that includes made-to-order omelets, shrimp cocktail, prime rib, desserts and magnificent views.
Maybe you can manage to get tickets to a special show by the Phoenix Symphony Pops Orchestra (455 N. Third St., #390;), such as Michael Christie conducting American favorites like Gershwin, Bernstein and Copland.
At the world-famous Heard Museum (2301 N. Central Ave.; $12), you’ll see outstanding American Indian art ranging from artifacts to contemporary pieces. The gift shop carries authentic jewelry handcrafted by award-winning American Indian artists. Inspired by the art, you can reflect, rekindle and renew a vow often made in Phoenix—a promise to return.
Phoenix native Jackie Dishner likes everything about her hometown.
