Discover Arizona through its art and wine trails

Planning a trip to Arizona?

Make it unforgettable as you travel the southwest through its art and wine trails. Here you’ll find recommended wine tours and art murals, as well as where to stay, eat and relax in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cottonwood.

I confess, I have fallen in love with Arizona over the years. This is my fourth visit with @visitphoenix.

At first glance, the city looks pretty much the same, but look closer and you’ll see plenty of fine arts, culture, and incredible cuisines. Look deeper, drive around, and you’ll discover Phoenix’s unique geology, inviting parks, and interesting histories.

Art murals in downtown Phoenix

On this particular trip, I focused on the art murals in downtown Phoenix and a wine tour through Page Springs.

I had a terrific tour with Billy Oxford, AZPC. He’ll make sure you see the best of the city based on your art preferences. Phoenix has an eclectic collection of public (and private) art. You can read more here: Phoenix – The happy hunting ground for murals  @visitphoenix

According to Billy, this is one of the first murals of size that demonstrates the once graffiti criminal, or tagger, turning the city into an art gallery. This colorful masterpiece is the Light of Phoenix.  Billy introduced me to “canvases” that I wouldn’t typically go for. That’s part of why I love travel so much, always learning and always meeting people like Billy.

Do you know the 5 C’s of Arizona?

First, a little side note. Do you know the 5 C’s of Arizona? They are copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate. Back in the pre-statehood days, these C’s were responsible for building Arizona’s economic infrastructure. The availability of jobs in mining, agriculture, and ranching helped populate the state. Some people add cactus and canyons to the C-list.

Where to Stay in Arizona: Unique Luxury Hotels

Usually, I think it’s nice not to have to unpack and repack my suitcase one a one-week trip. In the case of Phoenix, I enjoyed experiencing the different ambiances, amenities, and grounds of each hotel. All very individual yet decidedly Arizona in flavor.

Photo by: Liv Violette

My happy place was at the @hermosainn because it embraces the notion of home and hearth with an exquisite international flair.  Xeriscape. That’s a style of landscaping that requires very little or no irrigation. So beautiful and so different from my neck of the woods in DC. Visiting this tranquil property in Arizona is as refreshing as drinking the fountain of youth.  The food is as memorable as their wonderful service. I hope to return and enjoy their beautiful gardens and spacious patio.

The wine, Provisioner rose, was like drinking out of a honeysuckle flower. Photo by: Liv Violette

It was incredible to have a healthy snack platter to welcome us on our first night at The Hermosa Inn. The wine, Provisioner rose, was like drinking out of a honeysuckle flower. The nuts, cheese, and grapes went beautifully with the fruit forward wine. The local foodstuffs were an appreciated touch. Now, I have a taste of Arizona at home whenever I want.

 

CopperWynd Resort in Scottsdale

Escape to the CopperWynd Resort in Scottsdale to enjoy tranquil views. There are two swimming pools and lighted tennis courts for some wintertime outdoor activity. There’s a fabulous spa, if that’s more your style. There is plenty to do and see for a week or weekend hide-away. The entrance to this hotel is so welcoming, and there are so many gorgeous outdoor lounging areas.

Next visit to @copperwyndresort, I am going to meander through downtown Scottsdale. It’s hard to pull myself away from the Copper Wind.

Where else do you get this up-close-and-personal kind of mountain view?

My third accommodation was a return stay at @hyattscottsdale. They gave us a gorgeous balcony view, unfortunately it was raining when I visited. Nevertheless, I revisited their newly renovated spa.

Photo by @up.early

I highly recommend the Himalayan Salt Room. This was my second visit and treatment with @hyattscottsdale. I can attest to glowing skin for days after visiting the Himalayan Salt Room. I will always return here when I am in town. Extra bonus: the recently remodeled pool.

I wish I could bottle the @hyattscottsdale Himalayan Salt Room or could access the same treatment at my hometown spas. I would be there once a week. I am a believer in recharging and revitalizing with the natural resources of Mother Nature.

Here are some details from the brochure about the treatment: Salt rooms offer multiple benefits including boosting your immune system and an ideal way to detox. Originating in Eastern European salt mines decades ago, the 100% “halotherapy” is a non-invasive treatment. The process includes inhaling pure, dry, micronized salt air particles that travel deep into the lungs, providing an anti-inflammatory property. Bacteria and pollutants adhere to the salt and leave the lungs. Also, skin is cleared, breathing made easier, endurance strengthened, and general wellness enhanced.

Which other spa should you also check out while in Arizona?

A must: Aroma Design Massage at The Phoenician Spa. A massage therapist will design an aromatherapy oil specifically for you. The elixir is used for your massage oil, body butter and/or body polish. Did you know that the Phoenix (the city’s mythical creature namesake) feathered its nest with spices and fragrant plants? Also, the salt water pool is heated to the perfect temperature for swimming laps.

Where to dine and taste wine in Cottonwood, Arizona?

Have you ever seen snow in the desert? We drove to the Page Springs Vineyards and Cellars to find snow-covered vineyards. To me, this was such a delight, despite that I wanted to winter in Arizona for the sun and vitamin C. I will need to revisit this vineyard in the future.

​We lunched and talked with Christian Oliva del Rio, president of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, at Merkin Vineyards Osteria, Arizona. We were treated to delicious Italian food – all pastas were made fresh. They had canned wine, and I was a bit hesitant, but you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test. The wine is quite delicious and easy to pack, a very important detail for travelers.

After my tour with @visitphoenix. I adventured through other parts of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Stay tuned for my hiking recommendations and tips. Vaya con Dios!

 

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