So far, I have written about places that I particularly liked, that I enjoyed or were impressed by(and a little less), and after my mom was here, she already had the knowledge and experience to ask me “Why don’t you write about your close area?”
And I really wondered why. Maybe because I got used to it, even though I never got used to Jerusalem. I never ceased to get thrilled and excited by the most beautiful city ever. And I admit that I can’t wait to arrive in Israel for more than a few days to take some photos and write to you all about Jerusalem.
So I decided to make some recommendations regarding to our place.
Tip: Do not visit Phoenix from May till October. It would be too hot to travel and walk around.
The Camel Back Trail- Cholla Trail Head
This trail is in Scottsdale, it is pretty hard, it is not long, but it is steep, high and challenges your breathing abilities. Even if you are not a great athlete (but you are healthy), I recommend doing it. It’s one of the most famous trails in the area. It has a great spot from which you can take a look at the breathtaking view of the entire area.
We like to get there before sunrise, and climb to the top when the sun rises.
You have to wear high shoes, bring with you water, and if you go before sunrise you should bring a flashlight. The entire route (going up and down the mountain) will take between two and three hours.
Adress: E Cholla Ln 6131 Phoenix Arizona
Old Downtown Scottsdale
This is one of the first places that Oren and Anat took us to. There are many cool shops: Indian art and jewelry (very similar to the stuff you will find in Sedona), Mexican art, Wild West restaurants and bars, as well as leather boot shops and cowboy hats that suit the atmosphere.
There is plenty of free parking in the area and it is fun to walk around even if you are not planning to buy anything.
Meet Market
I’m one of the weird people who love souvenirs. You know, expensive and unnecessary small items that later you wonder why you bought them. I, unlike most people, adore them.
Souvenirs are never cheap, but at Meet Market they are sold for the most reasonable prices. There you’ll find a lot of Indian and Mexican art and just Arizona souvenirs. Some of the items you will see at exorbitant prices in Sedona or Old Downtown Scottsdale, are sold for reasonable prices. The market is open from Friday to Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm. There is plenty of free parking.
Adress: East Baseline Rd 10550 Mesa Arizona
Premium Outlets– Chandler Outlets
I’ve heard so much about the Vegas outlets, I’ve heard of people who fly there especially for shopping. Well, this outlet is much cheaper. The prices there are funny. We really like Columbia– the prices of coats and other clothing items are much cheaper than the ones in Israel (or in Vegas). I have to point out that various stuff in the USA aren’t cheap at all. Israelis have ridiculous believe that everything here is so cheap and that money grows on trees. The truth is, that junk food and textiles are cheap here. Anyway, you’ll find there many other brands with good prices.
Adress: 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler, AZ 85226
Anthem Outlet
This place is a little farther away, it can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, but if you’re on your way to Flagstaff or Sedona, just stop there. It has the only North Face outlet store in the USA, it is really cheap and affordable. I bought a pair of hiking shoes for$35 and two pairs of snow boots for $ 41. Again, there are various brands for reasonable prices.
Adress: 4250 W Anthem Way, Phoenix, AZ 85086
Santan Village
I love this area! It reminds me of Mamila in Jerusalem, just bigger. This is a fabulous avenue of shops, with a luxurious atmosphere. A lot of stores, most of them are quite expensive but the atmosphere there is really fun and unique. If you decide to go there, I recommend on two awesome restaurants: “Grimaldi’s”, which is an Italian restaurant (love thier pizza) or if you are in the mood for sushi go to “Blue Wasabi”.
Adress: 2218 E Williams Field Rd Suite 235, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Desert Botanical Garden
Unlike the zoo here, I really recommend on visiting the botanical garden.
Try to arrive on days when the weather is pleasant (even cool days) because there is no shadow, and as you must know by now the sun here is just a preview to hell. Take water, wear comfortable shoes and check before arrival if there are special shows or events. The walk in the garden can last for about two hours or even longer; there are different varieties of desert plants, all kinds of small rodents. As a plants enthused I had a lot of fun.
Adress: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
I don’t recommend on visiting Phoenix and the surrounding on a vacation wise, but if you are here, I think you really gonna love these places.
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