A Desert Oasis - Scottsdale, Arizona

There is nothing like the desert. From the cacti to the blue skies to the warm weather, it’s a place where you can get in touch with your inner hippie. At first glance, Scottsdale, Arizona isn’t the hippie Mecca of the west with Cayenne trucks as the standard method of travel and the average age of a resident being that of a retiree. That being said what mother nature provided is more than enough to fulfill everything you need for a relaxing vacation.

First thing to know about Scottsdale, is that it is built in a valley and surrounded by mountains therefore there the cloudless sky seems that much bigger and bluer (be sure to wear your sunscreen). My lovely friend Benjamin Wearne, an Arizona native, acted as my tour guide. He insisted that we go hiking, something I haven’t done in years. Ill prepared for such an adventure, I headed out in my Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes for what he insisted was going to be an, “easy hike.” I’ve never felt so much like a city slicker in all my life. He had to boost me up on to rocks, explain how to jump from one boulder to the next while “balancing my weight forward,” and more than once I was squealing whenever I saw a snake, insect, or scorpion. Oh yeah, not to mention that we came within ten feet of a bobcat which he insisted was, “more scared of us than we were of it,” and that he was, “harmless.” (he later revealed that he lied about that that so I wouldn’t panic).

Although it was sweltering hot during the day, the temperature can drop twenty degrees when the sun goes down so bring a sweater out with you. Benjamin and I would drive down a random dirt road, hop on the roof of the car and look up at the blanket of stars in the sky. It was truly beautiful.

The food in Scottsdale was actually quite impressive. When you are in Arizona, eat only Mexican food. My recommendations are The Spotted Donkey and Los Olivos. I always went with anything smothered in cheese whether it was quesadillas, nachos, or enchiladas. For lodging, I recommend staying at The Four Seasons, which is located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.

The shops in Carefree, Arizona are some of my favorite in the country. Stop by The Arizona Territory Gallery where you can pick up an antique peace pipe for $100 or tomahawk for $80. They also have a great selection of metal western themed statues. Their collection of antique doors from India and Morocco are unlike anything I have ever seen and are moderately priced. Also check out the Town Dump, for their collection of western antique art. If only I didn’t have a shoebox of an apartment in New York City I would have redecorated my abode with knick knacks from either place. Don’t waste your time shopping in Downtown Scottsdale. All of the shops have the same sort of tourist paraphernalia (shot glasses with cactus on it) and you will just be roaming around like a zombie with all the other tourists.

Arizona might not be at the top of your list of places to visit, but I think it will be worth it to experience some desert living. I’m already planning my next trip out there.