Desert Delights and Urban Escapes: Our Phoenix Adventures
- 1nonblonde
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
December 2024: This week, we soaked up the sunny vibes of Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding area, while parked at the Deer Valley RV Park. Let me tell you, it’s been a mix of beauty, exploration, and just a little bit of chaos. Here’s the scoop:
From Wine Country to Breweries
We left the rolling vineyards and charming wineries of California’s wine country behind us, trading pinot noir for pints of craft beer. It’s safe to say the switch has been as refreshing as a cold Hefeweizen on a hot desert day. The transition feels like the start of a new chapter - less swirling glasses, more raising them in cheers!
The Great Bike Tune-Up and (Almost) Ride
We started the week with a pilgrimage to the mothership of Lectric e-bikes. Darren and I dropped off our trusty rides for some much-needed repairs and tuning-up. They came back looking and riding like new, but we hit a snag on our first post-repair outing. Darren’s battery decided to pull a disappearing act, leaving us with a much shorter ride than planned. To make matters more exciting, the bike paths we ventured onto had us questioning our life choices as we rode through some ahem "adventurous" parts of town. Lesson learned: always double-check the charge and the route!
Sedona: Red Rocks and Cactus Revelation
A day trip to Sedona was just what we needed to reset. We wandered through the charming shops at Tlaquepaque (try saying that three times fast), admired the awe-inspiring Chapel of the Holy Cross, and played lookee-loo in the stunning neighborhoods that make Sedona such a gem. The landscape? Breathtaking. But the highlight of the day - besides the jaw-dropping red rocks - was stumbling upon our first-ever cactus forest. Imagine towering Saguaro cacti as far as the eye could see. Fun fact: we’d been calling them "suh-GWAR-oh" all week, only to find out it’s pronounced "suh-WAR-oh." Cue the facepalm.
A Day with Misty in the Arts District
The artsy side of Phoenix got a big thumbs-up from us. My friend Misty, Medical Director of PetSmart (yeah…ALL of PetSmart!) and fellow girls-trip enthusiast, joined us for a day of urban exploration. We hit up the downtown farmers markets, sampled delicious local goodies, and captured the city’s vibrant murals in all their glory. Misty introduced us to a fantastic restaurant, Que Sazon South American Cuisine and Ceviche Bar, near the ASU campus, where we devoured the BEST empanadas we’ve ever tasted. If you’re ever in Phoenix, this spot’s a must.
Taliesin West: A Peek into Genius
A highlight of our time in the area (thanks for the tip, Misty!) was touring Taliesin West in Scottsdale, the winter home and studio of architectural legend Frank Lloyd Wright. Walking through this masterpiece was like stepping into a living work of art. The integration of natural elements with innovative design left us in awe. From the stunning views to the intricate details of every room, it was clear why this place is considered a National Historic Landmark. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity and vision.
Deer Valley RV Park: Packed Like Sardines
While the adventures were top-notch, the RV park…not so much. Picture RVs crammed together so tightly you could borrow sugar from your neighbor without stepping outside. Add in the constant hum of highway noise and the small jets constantly running their fly-overs from the neighborhood airport - let’s just say it wasn’t the most serene camping experience. But hey, it’s all part of the journey, right?
Final Thoughts
Phoenix offered us a mix of urban excitement, natural beauty, and a few memorable mishaps. From Sedona’s peaceful vibes to Misty’s insider tour of the arts district, this week reminded us why we love this nomadic life - even if it means occasionally getting cozy with our RV neighbors.
Stay tuned for next week’s adventures. Until then, here’s to chasing 78° and the open road!
Cheers!
-Chasing 78°
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