Well, this past week I was supposed to be in my favorite place in the world, St. Maarten. Unfortunately flights are hard to find and places to stay, even harder...so my friend and I had to switch gears and go some place else. I couldn't bring myself to go anywhere near the Caribbean so off to Arizona we went! I had never been to Sedona or the Grand Canyon, so that is where I placed my hope in the silver lining. What a great week it was...no not My Island...but a great week nonetheless. As it turned out, I got to see some family that I had no idea would be in AZ pretty cool, A cousin from Michigan, and a second cousin from Texas!
The trip started off with a bang, or maybe I should say a delay! Due to some rough weather patterns our flight left about 90 minutes late. We used the time to grab lunch and be sure our phones were charged. Once we made our way to the Orange Tree Golf Resort we opted to stay in and have dinner there, a Prime Rib Special that hit the spot and made the decisions easy. The irony of staying in this Resort, neither my friend nor I golf...but it was indeed lovely to look at.
Sunday morning we woke up EARLY! Of course our brains were in a time zone 3 hours a head of where we were, so we really just woke up on time. Since it was 6am we decided to go out to breakfast before searching out a location to watch the E A G L E S game. We found a nice breakfast spot called Eggstasy. Their menu was unique with many amazing options. We split a Spinach Feta Omelet and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Oh my!!! The omelet was great, but the pancakes...SURPERB! I could have those every day I think. Next stop was the local grocery store. It was just a brief stop to find a few days of breakfast and a couple snacks. It's vacation...no cooking allowed! After hanging in the resort bar for a while to watch most of the Eagles game, yes it was really odd to watch at 10am it seemed time to catch a few rays by the pool before heading to dinner with family.
The trip started off with a bang, or maybe I should say a delay! Due to some rough weather patterns our flight left about 90 minutes late. We used the time to grab lunch and be sure our phones were charged. Once we made our way to the Orange Tree Golf Resort we opted to stay in and have dinner there, a Prime Rib Special that hit the spot and made the decisions easy. The irony of staying in this Resort, neither my friend nor I golf...but it was indeed lovely to look at.
Sunday morning we woke up EARLY! Of course our brains were in a time zone 3 hours a head of where we were, so we really just woke up on time. Since it was 6am we decided to go out to breakfast before searching out a location to watch the E A G L E S game. We found a nice breakfast spot called Eggstasy. Their menu was unique with many amazing options. We split a Spinach Feta Omelet and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Oh my!!! The omelet was great, but the pancakes...SURPERB! I could have those every day I think. Next stop was the local grocery store. It was just a brief stop to find a few days of breakfast and a couple snacks. It's vacation...no cooking allowed! After hanging in the resort bar for a while to watch most of the Eagles game, yes it was really odd to watch at 10am it seemed time to catch a few rays by the pool before heading to dinner with family.
This morning we had breakfast at the resort, then went to Kierland Commons to do a bit of shopping. It was a bit cloudy so we decided to take a drive to Jerome. Jerome is an eclectic little town sitting up in the Black Hills of AZ. We walked around town a bit before deciding on lunch at The Bordello of Jerome. The burgers were amazing! I had the special of the day: Barbeque Beef Burger with Sweet Potato Fries. I wouldn't use quaint to describe this town. It had an air of old time cowboys and hints of being haunted. Clearly they have become a popular stop for people driving through central AZ.
We returned to Scottsdale after lunch and caught a few hours of late afternoon sun before heading over to Old Town to Grimaldi's Pizza. I think I had the best white pizza I have ever had. It was simple, just cheese, garlic and the oil that is used instead of red sauce. The crust was nice and thin and crisp.
We returned to Scottsdale after lunch and caught a few hours of late afternoon sun before heading over to Old Town to Grimaldi's Pizza. I think I had the best white pizza I have ever had. It was simple, just cheese, garlic and the oil that is used instead of red sauce. The crust was nice and thin and crisp.
It was up and out early on Tuesday! Clouds were still hanging around as we headed off to the red rocks of Sedona. Being that it was not sunny and bright I think I missed the majesty at it's best. Even so it was still a beautiful sight to behold. Since our time was limited we took a Red Jeep Tour and hit the highlights with a brief over view.
As luck would have it, my cousin and his wife were also in Sedona so we grabbed lunch together At the Creekside American Bistro. I enjoyed their beet salad. Trying to stay healthy and traveling are indeed a new life goal.
As luck would have it, my cousin and his wife were also in Sedona so we grabbed lunch together At the Creekside American Bistro. I enjoyed their beet salad. Trying to stay healthy and traveling are indeed a new life goal.
After lunch it was time to head out for the Grand Canyon. I won't even lie...it's a good thing the friend I travel with is a road warrior. If I was driving the hairpin turns on 89A we still might be there! But she did a fantastic job and navigated those twists and turns with skill and a steady hand. As we drove across Highway 40, getting near Highway 64, I noticed the smoke before the caution signs and thought oh boy this could be a problem. As it turns out, yes, I'm home and I have done some research, this was actually a planned event to keep the future risk down. I knew things like this were done, just didn't think when I first saw the huge plumb of smoke that it was "under control". The drive from Sedona, after 89A really wasn't bad, fyi for anyone thinking about doing the trip. We arrived in Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park checked in to the hotel and hoped back in the car
We made it into the Park and boarded a bus just in time to get to Yaki Point for Sunset. I'm told now...I should have gone on a bus heading the other way. All I can say is where I was, wasn't crowed and it was the most beautiful thing I have seen in a very long time. As the sun set the rocks would change colors, so the images would be different. Truly with out a doubt one of the wonders of the world. Words just don't cut it, if you get the chance see it.
By the way, at night, as soon as that sun goes down, it was COLD!!!!
We headed for Plaza Bonita for a nice Mexican meal. The atmosphere was fun, and the décor was colorful and enjoyable.
By the way, at night, as soon as that sun goes down, it was COLD!!!!
We headed for Plaza Bonita for a nice Mexican meal. The atmosphere was fun, and the décor was colorful and enjoyable.
In the morning, it was back to the Grand Canyon after a quick meal at the hotel buffet. Because it seemed to be the less populated and developed area we drove the 22 miles up to the Desert View Watchtower. Along the way we saw a herd of Elk, about 5 or 6 of them, just off the road grazing for food. We weren't fast enough to get a picture of them, but WOW are they huge! The views, again words just can't describe the amazing sights. I did see the Colorado River down there. I am in awe, and would like to return again some day.
I know that my friend I was traveling with is more of a Beach and Pool person, so I balanced my desire to stay and see every nook and cranny with that reality. About 11 we hopped in the car to head back to Scottsdale. We decided on a whim to stop for lunch once we got back to highway 17. That was amusing, just as we made that decision we had passed Flagstaff...no going backwards so I started searching for places "near me". Munds Park popped up as an option, so we took the exit. Well, there's not a lot going on in Munds Park this time of year. The private golf course...they didn't even want you on their property nonetheless to feed you lunch, so we opted for the local whole in the wall Pinewood Bar & Grill. A nice quick grilled cheese sandwich, and we were back at the resort in time for a couple hours by the pool! After that we decide to treat ourselves for dinner. The day of extremes, from frost on the windshield to sun at the pool; Grilled Cheese and Hotel Buffets to Fine Dining at Rusconi's Kitchen The menu was nice, it wasn't easy to decide. I went with the Apple Cider Glazed Pork Osso Bucca. I had never ordered that before. It was incredible! Now that I know, I would not hesitate to order that type of entrée again. We splurged on dessert Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salt Carmel Sauce. Mmmm...wish I had a bite of that right about now.
I know that my friend I was traveling with is more of a Beach and Pool person, so I balanced my desire to stay and see every nook and cranny with that reality. About 11 we hopped in the car to head back to Scottsdale. We decided on a whim to stop for lunch once we got back to highway 17. That was amusing, just as we made that decision we had passed Flagstaff...no going backwards so I started searching for places "near me". Munds Park popped up as an option, so we took the exit. Well, there's not a lot going on in Munds Park this time of year. The private golf course...they didn't even want you on their property nonetheless to feed you lunch, so we opted for the local whole in the wall Pinewood Bar & Grill. A nice quick grilled cheese sandwich, and we were back at the resort in time for a couple hours by the pool! After that we decide to treat ourselves for dinner. The day of extremes, from frost on the windshield to sun at the pool; Grilled Cheese and Hotel Buffets to Fine Dining at Rusconi's Kitchen The menu was nice, it wasn't easy to decide. I went with the Apple Cider Glazed Pork Osso Bucca. I had never ordered that before. It was incredible! Now that I know, I would not hesitate to order that type of entrée again. We splurged on dessert Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salt Carmel Sauce. Mmmm...wish I had a bite of that right about now.
Today was a pool day. I have a funny way of laying in the sun, it involves a lot of shade! But I enjoy the down time and read a book. That's always enjoyable as I rarely do things like that at home. That evening we decided to go back to Oldtown after all it was the "day of the Dead". The Oldtown Adobe Mission had a nice display explaining "Día de los Muertos". I never understood what it was about until this. What a great way to honor those who have passed on every year. We walked around, enjoyed the dancers and storytellers than made our way to Bandera for dinner. Again, it is time to pick wisely we shared an Appetizer Grilled Brussel Sprouts and each had a Macho Salad. The food was really good. You could smell the rotisserie chicken all around the area as it cooked.
It was indeed time to RELAX!!! Thanks to my membership at Hand & Stone we had lovely massages at a great price, even while on vacation. Before the massages we went to a cute little place called The OINK Café for breakfast. The food was good, the atmosphere could be a bit better, but it was okay. What I found the most amusing was that they listed a "Flight of Bacon" on the menu. Basically a sampler of their 8 kinds of Bacon: Apple Cider, Applewood, Chef’s Choice, Hickory, Honey, Jalapeño, Pepper, Sugar Cured. I didn't order it, but I thought it was funny. I had the Paradise Valley Omelet: Spinach, mushrooms, bacon, and cheddar cheese& Chai Tea Latte. Then it was off to the massages, and an afternoon at the pool before my daughter and her husband came up to visit for the evening. We ended up at Grimaldi's again. Mmmm yes, really good Pizza!
It was time to go home! Our last morning we went back to Eggstasy on the way to airport. We just had to have the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes again. We also shared an Apple Brie Omelette with Chicken Sausage. Even though this was not the way our week had originally been planned, in the sun and sand of St. Maarten, it was a fun adventure with lots of beautiful sights and some great food. Yes, I did indeed join a gym when I got home!!!
RSS Feed
