Away We Go : Scottsdale, Arizona

Josie Hough
Mar 30, 2023
6 min read

Updated: Jul 22

We just returned home from Phoenix and our sunny (a little rainy) spring break/golf trip. It had been 12 years since our last visit to Phoenix and we will definitely NOT wait that long again! WE LOVE THIS CITY!!!

We stayed at two different resorts on our trip, mainly for the ease of where the boys played golf. As a nostalgic mom, dealing with the reality of an impending empty nest, I chose to stay at the same place we stayed in 2011. We primarily stay at Marriott properties, so I was a little nervous to venture out. Please enjoy my highlights of food, travel and fun from Phoenix and Scottsdale --- Spring Break 2023.

The Arizona Grand Resort, Phoenix

www.arizonagrandresort.com

On the first of what has now become an annual spring break golf trip for my boys, back in 2011, we stayed at The Arizona Grand Resort & Spa. When I say not much has changed in these 12 years, I mean that in a good and maybe a little not so good way, too. The rooms provide a nice amount of space for a larger family while providing great views of the golf course or the Oasis Waterpark (their claim to fame). The only negative I can note is that the rooms are a little tired and in need of an update for the rate per night. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly, from the resort side to the restaurant side (AMAZING Lobby Grill) to the Pro Shop and golf staff. While staying here, we dined at the Lobby Grill, Aunt Chilada's and Rustler's Rooste.

The Fairmont Princess Scottsdale

www.fairmont.com/scottsdale

Home to arguably the most popular golf tournament on the PGA Tour, The Phoenix Open / Waste Management Open, you'll find The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The Stadium Course is right out the back door of several rooms here. We decided to stay here the last night of our trip and upgraded to the "gold" area using points from a previous trip to a Fairmont hotel. BEST DECISION EVER! Unfortunately, and highly unlikely for Scottsdale, it POURED during our one night stay here. The boys were determined to not let it ruin their much awaited round on the Stadium Course and I was determined to see as much of the resort as I could, albeit while carrying an umbrella and dodging ankle deep puddles IN THE DESERT!! What are the chances? The rooms were some of the nicest we've enjoyed (for a large family, too) and in between the rain showers, I took my computer to the patio and worked (while the golfers napped). I took in the immaculate landscaping and was surrounded by gorgeous views. We enjoyed the lounge that the upgrade provided. As far as restaurants at the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale, I met the boys, as they came off the 18th green, at Toro for lunch. Wow, I will tell you more about that amazing meal/experience in my food portion of this post! Fairmont Princess Scottsdale...we will be back, but just minus the rain next time. I am looking forward to coming back and spending a few days here (probably a girl's trip) to do all things "girlie" and experience the spa, shopping, restaurants and sun by the pool.

Come along with me on my "foodie" field trip in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona.

Thanks to our friend, Rachel, for some great tips!

The Lobby Grill, Arizona Grand Resort

This is a casual, sit down lobby restaurant that overlooks the golf course. It offers indoor or outdoor dining. Our lunch was every bit as good as we remembered!

CACTUS COOLER

MARGHERITA WOOD FIRED PIZZA

ARUGULA & ANCIENT GRAIN SALAD WITH SALMON

THE CLUB

STK Steakhouse - Scottsdale

We have been to the STK in Nashville and Las Vegas, so naturally we wanted to try the Scottsdale location. The food is always right on point and the vibe is consistently STK fun. The boys enjoyed their steaks and I went for a big salad topped with an awesome maple salmon. The oysters were my favorite! I highly suggest a visit, even if for drinks and an appetizer. You won't be disappointed.

EAST & WEST COAST OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL

CRISPY CALAMARI

BABY GEM CAESAR WITH MAPLE RUBBED SALMON

LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE

FILET - KING CRAB OSCAR STYLE

SURF & TURF

CHEESECAKE

JOJOs Coffeehouse

JoJo's Coffeehouse is a breakfast, brunch and lunch hot spot in Old Town Scottsdale. The boys went golfing and I went brunching. I was lucky enough to sit at the bar and work for a few hours with my laptop and got to see many great menu items flying out of their kitchen. If you're in the area you need to get here! Come early or be prepared to wait if you have a group. It is worth the wait.

JOJO MIMOSA FLIGHT

JOJO COFFEE FLIGHT

SCRAMBLE

Rehab Burger Therapy

We visited the Old Town Scottsdale Rehab Burger Therapy location (they have three in the metro area) for lunch after the boys' round of golf. It has an incredibly laid back, fun style and a bigger than big menu. Our group enjoyed what we ordered and would definitely go back next time we are in Scottsdale. The wait was quite short (less than 20 minutes) but there were lots of people waiting and that is always a great sign!

NACHO TACO SALAD

BACKYARD BBQ BURGER

PBJ & BACON BURGER

Greenwood Brewing

A friend of a friend...that's usually the perfect way to find a gem. That is exactly what I found when I visited Greenwood Brewing in downtown Phoenix. Greenwood Brewing is a woman-owned brewing company where they believe in the power of the "purposeful pint". I was lucky enough to visit during March, where they were highlighting Herstory Pale Ale, to commemorate Women's History Month. In a philanthropic nod, $1 from each pint during the month of March was donated to the local "Girls on the Run" organization and BONUS, it was an incredibly lovely brew! I enjoyed my flight on the patio, too! Peep the picture, featuring the seasonal green brew. I cannot recommend this brewing company enough - my server was so welcoming and friendly. Sit on the patio and sip with your friends and celebrate women who know and love beer (like me)! Cheers!

GREENWOOD BREWING - DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

GREENWOOD BREWING - TASTING ROOM

GREENWOOD BREWING - PATIO

GREENWOOD BREWING'S HERSTORY PALE ALE

Honoring Women's History Month

GREENWOOD BREWING'S FLIGHT

Featuring a little St. Patrick's Day fun

Toro at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

I'm usually not at a loss for words. This dining experience has me there. I met the boys, straight from the putting green on hole 18 on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. My table had the perfect view for the possible winning putt to be made (but missed) - it was incredible! Sadly, it had rained on and off all morning during their round and I was feeling a little down about such a great day being "drowned out". This experience made my entire vacation. I cannot recommend enough to stop by and have lunch, dinner or even a drink with some friends. I will tell you to get a group and order dessert. I am so thankful our hungry tummy's trusted our awesome waitress when she told us we needed to order the La Bomba. Video and photos below to prove it!

MANGO MOJITO

CRISPY CALAMARI

ANGRY TUNA SUSHI ROLL

CRUNCHY SHRIMP SUSHI ROLL & HAVANA SUSHI ROLL

CHIFA STYLE FRIED RICE

CARNITAS TACOS

and now, drumroll please...

TORO'S "LA BOMBA" DESSERT

chocolate half sphere - seasonal sorbet (ours was mango)- dulce de leche ice cream - pistachio ice cream - berries - crumble -

vanilla and candy pistachios

-- VOLUME UP --

AFTER THE TOSS - BEFORE THE FEAST - LA BOMBA

THAT'S A WRAP ON LUNCH AT TORO

In-N-Out Burger

No trip to Phoenix is complete without a trip (or two) to In-N-Out Burger. We had one newbie and couldn't wait to take him!!! He was pretty impressed!

CHEESEBURGERS & FRIES (REGULAR & ANIMAL STYLE)

J.L. Patisserie

This is the hottest French bakery in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro with two locations and was recommended by a friend living in Phoenix. J.L. stands for the owner, Jenna Leurquin, and she's absolutely killing it in the French bakery world. Her website is incredible, too! I'm so happy I stopped by for a late morning coffee and an almond croissant.