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Short getaways in Phoenix – Indian art, luxury spas, Wild West night life

TIME : 2016/2/24 10:28:34
A Phoenix short getaway is an excellent opportunity to discover this exciting city. Book a Phoenix hotel and experience the best with this two-day itinerary.

Phoenix short getaway day one, morning

Kick off your Phoenix short getaway downtown in Historic Heritage Square. Wander amid late 19th- and early-20th- century buildings featuring gift shops, museums and restaurants, then take a peek into the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum. Around the corner on Washington Street, the planetarium at the Arizona Science Center will thrill both kids and adults. Back at Historic Heritage Square, order a wood-fired pizza from Pizzeria Bianco.

Start: Historic Heritage Square, Monroe and Sixth streets
Nearest Third and Washington streets

Afternoon

Make your way up to Camelback Road and spend a leisurely afternoon shopping at the Biltmore Fashion Park. Sift through designer wares at Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s or stroll past the tranquil garden courtyards in the open-air plaza for some boutique window-shopping. Get a caffeine boost with a steaming café au lait at Paradise Bakery & Café or linger over a burger and burgundy at Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar.

Start: Biltmore Fashion Park

Evening

After a break at your Phoenix hotel, take a taxi to Old Town Scottsdale and get ready for some Wild West entertainment. Stroll the wooden sidewalks between Scottsdale Road and Brown Avenue, peeking in rustic 19th-century storefronts crammed with jewelery, Mexican imports and souvenirs. Take the trolley over to the Scottsdale Waterfront to fuel up for a night of two-stepping at a saloon or two, the Handlebar-J, for starters.

Start: Downtown Scottsdale 

Phoenix short getaway day two, morning

Start your day exploring the adobe ruins of the 1,500-year-old Hohokam village at Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park. Survey the excavated ball courts, mounds, irrigation canals and a vantage point strategically located for viewing the summer-solstice sunrise. Artefacts and interactive exhibits in the gallery shed light on the ruins. As hunger pangs set in, head back downtown for an authentic American Indian lunch of green-chili tacos at Fry Bread House

Start: Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Center 

Afternoon

Spend an afternoon being pampered at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. Give way to soothing desert sage rituals and warm-stone massage treatments. Afterward, lounge by one of the 10 swimming pools nestled next to bougainvillea-draped gazebos or soak in a swirling spa. Towering red mountain spires provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. 

Start: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa 

Evening

End a Phoenix break eating like a cowboy. Consider a plate of Rocky Mountain oysters at Rawhide Steakhouse, and then definitely order The Gunslinger steak. Ask about the sundown cookouts, with hayrides and live country music. For something more low-key, dress up and treat yourself to dinner and cocktails at the luxurious Thirsty Camel, in The Phoenician hotel, for its amber-hued sunset views over Camelback mountain.