I am going on a last minute business trip to Phoenix this week, just found out about it this morning. Looking for advice for a good place to go get some dinner and a petstore or two to check out. I will not be in town long so won't have much time to venture out of the Phoenix area, pretty much going to be there all day Friday, and fly back home Saturday. If anyone know of anything interesting or some must sees for the area please let me know!!
There's some great restaurants in old town Scottsdale. My favorites are The Herb Box (American), Stax (burgers), and Jewel of the Crown (Indian). It's a really cool area to explore at night too; lots of art galleries and the whole area is western-themed.
Aquatouch on 32nd and cactus is probably the only store with planted tanks that's worth checking out.
Thanks for the advice! I will check out that petstore for sure. Are those restaurants local or chain restaurants? The majority of the people I work with when they travel they are always talking about the bars and clubs they went to and all those kinda of places. As to where when I travel with work I try and hit up petstores, aquariums, and museums lol!
Hey I do the same, haha! Can't go to another state without checking out their aquarium shops.
In terms of museums...
- SMOCA (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art) is also in old town Scottsdale. Haven't been there in a while, but it's pretty cool.
- MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) is kinda up north by the 101 and Tatum, but it's a super cool place if you have the chance to make it up there. They have musical instruments from literally every country on the planet (their exhibits are separated by country). It's a HUGE facility.
The Herb Box has a couple of locations throughout the valley, but I think they only have restaurants in AZ. Stax and Jewel of the Crown are local and only have a single location.
If you venture outside of old town, L'amore (32nd and Lincoln) is by far the best Italian restaurant in Phoenix. Local and family-owned. A little pricey, but well worth it.
And just because I'm on a roll with these recommendations, Hava Java on 32nd and Camelback is a great local coffee shop. They're open late and have great drinks.
Last time I was in Phoenix I took a trip to Sedona (abou 2 hr ride) and there were black lava rocks everywhere. I don't know if you can take them, but it was very tempting.
Oh man, noodles are one of my favorite foods! I am all about any kinda food with noodles, so I will probably check out that Italian place you recommended. I also love coffee so I may have to cheat on Starbucks and go check that place out! What drink is your favorite? At Starbucks I switch between a large Blond Roast coffee (hooray caffeine!!) and their Cafe Vanilla Frappuccino.
The musical instrument museum sounds really cool! If I have time I will try and go there too. About how long do you think it takes to your the museum? Most of the ones I've been to are between two and four hours.
Black lava rocks would be cool!! Not sure if your allowed to take them or not as well. But maybe just one? Or a dozen?
Hava java is about a 3 minute drive away from L'amore, so it would be a great combo!
I'm a huge latte fan. Always get a vanilla one when i'm there, but they have tons of flavors. My friends really enjoy their italian sodas, but i'm not much of a soda fan so i can't tell you whether they're good or not. I must admit i'm a Starbucks addict as well; cinnamon dolce latte is my favorite!
I'd say give yourself at least 2 hours to tour MIM. I'm usually not one to spend a whole day at a museum, but I could definitely spend a whole day there. I really can't say enough positive things about it.
Sedona is a great place to visit (i actually go to school in Flagstaff, which is about 30 minutes north of there), but you'd need to give yourself at least a full day to really explore it-- may not be worth it since your trip is so short.
Yep if you had more time i say make the trip to tucson to see arizona natural aquatics but that is a 90 mile each way trip, aqua touch is good but not that amazing. but enjoy phx it will be warm and you will want a rental with remote start.
Rustler's Roost in Tempe. It's up on a hill, great view, "Western" ambiance, live country western music. But the steak is only so-so IMO. Still a good experience if you're not the one paying
Made it to Phoenix, man it's hot here!! Figured it wouldn't seem that different from home but I can feel the heat!!
Went and checked out Aquatouch, they have some nice stuff there, haven't been to a store that has ADA stuff before so that was exciting. Ended up buying 3 stainless steel check valves, there were a good price and I won't have to wait a month for them to come from China!
My trip isn't as long as I thought t would be so I am rushing to get to see what I want to see while I am here. Sitting at Lamore currently about to have dinner! Smells good in here cannot wait. Ended up ordering the chicken parm with a meatball, since I couldn't decide which I wanted I went ahead and got both of my favorites.
Welcome to the valley! I would have dropped by Aquatouch to say hi (especially since I live about 5 minutes away) but I'm in San Diego for the summer. Glad to hear you liked the store.
Enjoy dinner-- hope you like it-- thinking about their food is making me hungry!
This is an awesome thread .... I also will be traveling to Phoenix for work in about a month. Will check out some of these things
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