Desert Dreams
Majestic desert landscapes and abundant sunshine await in the Valley of the Sun. This thriving city offers Southwest culture, sophisticated city life, a vibrant arts scene, and plenty of outdoor adventure. And foodies will rejoice, too: Some of the country’s most innovative restaurateurs reside in Phoenix, cooking up their finest culinary creations at an array of inviting restaurants.
Must-Do: Get lost in the genius of iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright at his Arizona winter home, Taliesin West, in Scottsdale. The UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the McDowell Mountains pays homage to the architectural legend with self-guided audio and docent-led group tours.
Eat: A collaboration between James Beard Award–winning chef Charleen Badman and Arizona winemaker Pavle Milic makes Scottdale’s FnB restaurant a local gem. Sourced from Arizona’s top purveyors and farms, the menu changes constantly, not to mention, the restaurant has perhaps the most robust Arizona wine list in the city. Try Milic’s own vintage, the Los Milics Hannah’s Estate, a blend of Marsanne and Picpoul Blanc.
Day-Trip: Sedona, known for its towering red rocks and Zen vibe, ranks as one of the most beautiful spots in Arizona. Check out this dramatic landscape on a four-wheel-drive tour or hike the moderate Cathedral Rock Trail. For an easier, though no less memorable, walk, head to the Chapel Trail. This light hike starts at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a church with a modernist architectural style designed partly by Frank Lloyd Wright.
