Have you ever had that "perfect" vacation? You know, the kind when you get home, you can't think of a thing that went wrong and you still want to go back 'cause there was still so much to see and do? Thanks to the advice that came through this website, I had that "perfect" getaway.

Starting with the great convertible that was obtained from Alamo via the website 11th hour vacations. Great price and a fun car in the mountains for the price of a sub-compact. The hotel for the first night in Chandler
was at the Sheraton San Marcos Resort. Stayed there for there for $25 and couldn't believe how nice it was when we arrived. We even felt guilty about paying so little! {As we were checking in, another couple was quoted $129 for the night.} And the advised Blue Adobe Grill in Chandler was right across the street from the resort and was extremely good.

Thanks to another advisor here (sorry, wish I could give each of you credit for your suggestions, but then this post would really be long!), I stayed in the room with the best view at the Scottsdale Villa Mirage. Had a great week at that resort - full kitchen, washer/dryer, fireplace, nice gym and pool, etc.

Had great food at the Phoenician for lunch, and was able to see their grounds. Ate at The Enchantment in Sedona and was extremely disappointed in their service. I will be writing their chef and let him know what is going on in his dining room as the food was quite good. Loved Los Olivos downtown - great Mexican food/atmosphere! Anther great spot is an Asian food place called Flo's located at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. It was very hip/"New York."

Speaking of F.L. Wright - I really enjoyed the tour offered at his home and studio of Taliesin West. It was not quite the home of Taliesin East of Spring Green, Wisconsin, but very interesting, none-the-less. We absolutely LOVED the Arizona Biltmore, and the advice that Frank gave during that masterpiece was stunning. This also looked like a very fun spot to stay, and will definitely stay here for a few days for our next visit. Also picked out a beautiful bell at Consanti, toured the Arconsanti School (how bohemian/chic!), and thoroughly loved the drive through the Apache Trail. We took the long drive - which lasted about 5 hours - more terrific Foddorite advice! While I love to hike, the only hiking I did was in Sedona. The mountains in and around Scottsdale (Camelback, etc) didn't seem to share the excitement that hiking in the Great Smokies provides. I did enjoy jogging in the desert right next to our resort though.

I write this, as I know that advice is so often given out on this forum, and one probably wonders if any of it was acted upon. I thank you all so much for contributing to our great trip to Arizona. It was my first-time there, and I look forward to returning there again soon. Of course, our 8 nights there gave us more to do than what I listed above, but that touches on the highlights.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Paul; I loved reading your post. We head out to Scottsdale every spring for a week to visit my in-laws so I feel comfortable giving some advise but not a lot. I would love to hear some more details of your trip to give me some new ideas of places to hit (even though it'll be with a 7 and 5 year old).

Thanks for taking the time to write back, Paul.
Very glad everything clicked for you.
The only downside to those 'perfect vacations' is the readjustment period to the old home routine.

Hi Karen and Robin,

Thanks for you kind replies. Yes Robin, I have been adjusting getting back to work today... but hey, life is good!

Karen, I don't know if you have done either of the things I am about to mention, but I would find them enjoyable activities to do with 5 and 7 year old children. First, I would be sure to take them to the Cosanti Original Bell Shop at 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road. The place has an unusual design of a sort of "hobbit-hill" -with lots of little spaces for them to get great visuals with. Of course the 100's of bells will capture their awe too.

Second, I would pack a lunch and go for a long drive through the canyon of the Sierra Mountains and the Mazatzal Mountains. To do this, you would get on the Beeline Hwy. heading north-west (I-87) through the town of Fountain Hills. From I-87, hook up to 188 south-west. You will head through Punkin Center and down to Roosevelt, where you will drive on the (dirt road) Apache Trail. There are great spots through here to stop for your picnic lunch right on the water. Picnic tables are offered throughout, and there are even beaches along the river. After lunch, continue through the Apache Trail through Tortilla Flats (where the road surface becomes asphalt again) and through Apache Junction, where you are almost home again. Without a stop, I would say the drive lasts for about four hours, so make your plans accordingly.

Have a terrific time! I also would like to mention that I had about the best Mexican Food I have ever had at a place downtown on 2nd Street called, Los Olivos. Your family would probably have fun at this place too - it is an establishment that is around 55 years old. Not only is the food great, but also the atmosphere is not to be missed - very unique and lots of fun!

Happy Trails,
Paul

Paul, so glad you had a good visit here...and went on the Apache Trail. As a native, I find it a bit too windy, but I have not ever had a visitor that hasn't thought it was the highlight of their trip here....think it looks best in spring...you sound like the perfect tourist to this area and hope you will come again.