Arizona Staycations- The McCormick

No too long ago we spent a couple of nights at the McCormick in Scottsdale. A nice quiet place to unwind.

On the walk to check in you’ll see a row of bikes that are available for guests to enjoy. Out by the lake are canoes and paddle boats that are also available to guests. What a nice surprise! We ended up spending most of our time relaxing poolside. Eating and drinking poolside in the Arizona warm weather is the best. For added family fun there’s ping pong and darts in the nestled in pool area.

If you choose to stay on the grounds to eat, the Pinon Grill does serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. We ordered lunch poolside and enjoyed dinner at the bar. Everything we ordered was on point.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped. You can lounge on a hammock while soaking in the lake view. Close to shopping and hiking, the McCormick is a nice getaway tucked in the middle of Scottsdale, definitely a must.

Have you been to the McCormick? Let me know.

The McCormick is located at 7401 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 1 (800) 243-1332

Arizona Favorite Staycations- The Arizona Biltmore

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The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is one of the best staycations Phoenix has to offer.

This past Labor Day weekend, The Arizona Biltmore had plenty of activities to keep you busy in the Arizona heat.

This oasis in the middle of the desert is stunning. The lush greens of this secluded resort are welcoming. There are several pools to choose from depending on your needs. Whether privacy is your thing or family fun with the water slide, pools are plenty here.

The Paradise Garden is a nice area for picture taking or for a calming walk. Don’t forget to play a game chess on the famous life size chess board outside. Croquet and putting course are also fun and relaxing.

Live music and dining options are all abundant. There’s also plenty of shopping here. We need to go back for another quick stay soon.

Have you been to the Biltmore? How was your stay?

The Biltmore is located at 2400 E. Missouri Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85016

Oak & Fork

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Oak & Fork is located inside the Harrah’s Ak Chin Casino in Maricopa, Az.

If you know Maricopa, you know there is a limited selection for dining. In a sea of fast food, Maricopa is slowly getting better options.

Harrah’s Oak & Fork has got to be our favorite spot in Maricopa. Our first visit was at the soft opening and we have been regulars since then. Specializing in fine wines and small plates, this place is the perfect amount of food for 2. Set inside the casino with bar seating and seating available outside near the fire, depending on the time of year.

Our favorite from the start has got to be the build your own charcuterie board. The meat and cheese options are endless and we plan on trying everything at least once. Usually my husband and I will share 2-3 small plates, which is plenty.

Have you tried Oak & Fork? What are you favorites?

Reservations are not needed, Oak & Fork is located inside the casino at:

15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, AZ 85139 Tel: (480)802-5000

Ocean 44

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Coastal Dining Scottsdale AZ

We first ‘overheard’ someone mention Ocean 44 while having dinner at one of our favorite spots in Phoenix, Steak 44. The bartender mentioned this new restaurant to one of the other customers. We had to go.

When you walk in there is a view of magnificent seafood spread on ice and your mouth drops.

This was our second visit to Ocean 44. My husband made reservations to celebrate our anniversary. We knew we had to have the Maine lobster rolls, my favorite! Poached Maine lobster on buttery grilled rolls… Delish…. We also tried the wood roasted oysters au gratin with parmsan, romano and garlic. The calamari and shrimp with peppers was also equally good.

Dessert-how could you not have dessert! We had the ultimate warm vanilla caramel cake. The name alone makes my mouth water…. The toasted brown sugar cinnamon pecans on top were just the best. And yes, we ate the entire mound of whipped cream on the side. Cannot wait to eat here again.

Ocean 44 is located at 4748 N. Goldwater Blvd. Scottsdale, Az 85251.

The Sicilian Butcher

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Craft Meatballs and Charcuterie Bar

https://www.thesicilianbutcher.com/

Not too long ago I was in the Chandler area and saw The Sicilian Butcher. My mouth watered. I texted my husband, we have to go. Now. I failed to see the dumpster in the front of the non finished building. He later told me it wasn’t open. Yet. We moved on and forgot about this place.

Quite some time later we happen to be in the North Phoenix area and saw The Sicilian Butcher, WHAT!!!! Mind you we had already eaten…… so we kept this in mind for another time.

The smells that come from this place is that of just yumminess. The wait is worth it, although we choose to sit outside where the misters cool you down a bit. We ordered a board with cured meats and cheeses that were all delectable. The fig jam is the best. My eyes were glued as the staff delivered fresh pastas and meatball dishes. NEXT TIME…..

What could be better?? Next door is the Sicilian Baker!!!!! Yes…..

The Sicilian Butcher is located at:

15530 N. Tatum Blvd #160
Phoenix, AZ 85032
(602) 775-5140

Cannot wait for the Chandler location to open!!

Sunday Brunch at the Wright’s at The Biltmore in Arizona

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Sunday brunch. A must. Definitely a must at Wright’s at The Biltmore in Arizona.

To start-bottomless mimosas!!!!! Yes, bottomless. Your glass will never be empty. Yummm!

If mimosas are not your thing, there are lattes, juices, teas, coffees, cappucinos or even a bloody mary.

This is not just another buffet. Be prepared for a lavish feast. There is a wide selection of cold seafood to start with and we are talking massive shrimp here! The charcuterie meats and cheese alone are delightful.

Warm dishes are also available while you have your fill at the cold set up. The Wright way benedict was my favorite with the pork belly. The country french toast was unbelievable with strawberries and vanilla cream.

The house made desserts are all equally wonderful. A variety or cheesecakes, tartes, donuts and pastries await you.

Sunday Brunch is 10am-2pm.

Arizona Biltmore is at 2400 Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85016 602.955.6600