Phoenix 2021

July 23, 2021

We decided to travel to Phoenix after we were notified our Baltic Cruise was delayed another year and like everyone else we were weary of staying at home. Therefore, we planned a trip to Phoenix on short notice.

In Scottsdale we found a new Wyndham property for our base – Orange Tree Resort . It’s not new; the place is showing some age. I think Wyndham took over a Shell Travel Club resort. I was amazed how cool the unit stayed even in 111 degree temperatures. I would stay there again especially since I don’t have to lay out cash for the condo.

We also traveled up to Flagstaff one day and night just to cool off. The morning we left Flagstaff the temperature was 45 degrees. That afternoon the Phoenix temperature hit topped out at . That’s a 66 degree change. The elevation change between Phoenix and Flagstaff is 5,900 feet.

Overall, its great to get away from home from time to time. We had a great trip but I don’t recommend Phoenix in July for most people. February or March is much more pleasant.

Hotels

  • Phoenix: Orange Tree Resort
  • Flagstaff: Hilton Garden Inn

Flights

  • AA first class
  • June 10 DFW to Phoenix: Flight 520 @ 9:05AM
  • Jume 14 Phoenix to DFW: Flight 1169 @ 1:25PM

Restaurants

Places we dined I would recommend:

  • The Parlor Pizzarea – Phoenix for lunch
  • Sakura – Flagstaff for dinner
  • Keegan’s – Phoenix for lunch
  • Becket’s Table – Phoenix for dinner
  • Portillo’s – Phoenix for lunch – Chicago chain that has reached Phoenix

Activities

As with restaurants, these are activities I’d recommend to a friend.

  • Musical Instrument Museum
  • Butterfly Wonderland
  • OdySea Aquarium]

Timeline

Jun 10, 2021 at 11:08 AM: Stayed at Sara’s last night and flew to Phoenix this morning first class on a large plane. Seating was the best in the US

Now at The Parlor Pizzarea. They serve Half Acre Pale Ale. It is magnificent. Will look for it at home.

5:14 PM: After lunch we did the Musical Instrument Museum. It divided into 2 main sections.

  • Instruments and music for different parts of the World. Pretty much covered everywhere and included countries I did not know existed.
  • The Artists of some significance centered basically in the USA. For example no Bach but included Bernstein.

Jun 11, 2021 at 7:32 AM: Tried to go to Switch in Phoenix for a late dinner at 7:30 but they were not taking anymore diners. So we went back to The Parlor where we had lunch and shared a pizza.

Gwen had a “restless” night and finally got up at 4 to read. Me thinks she over did it yesterday.

Today we drove to Flagstaff to catch some cool weather and hike. It’s 2 hours North of Phoenix and sits at 7,000 feet. We did the Mars Hill hike, and dined at Sakura, a Hibachi grill we’ve been a couple time before and loved it. Just as. Good this time

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, a good hotel if your ever in Flagstaff. Unfortunately there was a party going on in the next room. I finally knocked on their door at 12:30 and told them to quiet down. Wish I had done that at 10:30.

Jun 12, 2021 at 4:39 PM

Woke up this morning before 6. Therefore we packed up, picked up a coffee and an iced tea, and drove to Phoenix. The temperature was 46 when we left Flagstaff and 93 when we drove into Phoenix 2 hours later. The temperature as I write is 108.

Breakfast was crackers and peanut butter in the condo.

On our way to the Diamondback/Angel game we stopped at Keegan’s for lunch. Reminded me of the Houston’s restaurant in DFW.

The Diamondback game was okay. I’m spoiled with the new Ranger ballpark.

Dinner was at an old favorite – Becket’s Table. Their menu is small but always delicious and the presentation on the plate is always something to look forward to.

Jun 13, 2021 at 10:20 PM: Slept in this morning until 7. Then we had breakfast at Panera’s.

Our activity today was The Butterfly Wonderland and OdySea Aquarium. The butterfly conservatory was excellent. First they showed a film about Monarchs. Then we entered the conservatory with thousands of butterflies. We stayed there a very long time and marveled at the rainbows of butterflies. The aquarium was okay but not world class. I’d put in the same category as the Dallas Aquarium.

For lunch we discovered a Portillo’s In Scottsdale – a little bit of Chicago in the desert.

We spent the afternoon holed up in the condo because of the 111 degree heat.

Dinner at Olive & Ivy, one of our favorite restaurants in the area.

Jun 14, 2021 at 9:41 AM: Breakfast at Butterfield’s Pancakes. Headed for the airport and flight home. Escaping just as the heatwave gets real dangerous

That’s All Folks

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