Arizona Master Thread

[Joe4007]

Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale
I think the grand canyon is going to be a long day trip from Scottsdale - even Sedona, given the age of your kids is a long day trip.

Sedona shouldn't be too bad. He might want to overnight in the area and do Sedona and GC.

[Ergel]

Sedona shouldn't be too bad. He might want to overnight in the area and do Sedona and GC.

That was the original plan, but with it being Chanukah, we didn't want to hassle with that. Just staying a week in a house in Scottsdale so we don't have any issues with candle lighting.
As such, Grand Canyon was cut from the trip (definitely not doing 3.5 hour trip each way on a single day).
Sedona seems to be 1-1.5 hour trip. I'd do Montezuma's castle on the way. Jeep ride. Choose a hike. Maybe stay for sunset.
We'll definitely check out Butterfly Wonderland.
Out of Africa.
That's 3 days planned. I'd probably want to do one more activity and spend the rest of the time at the pool.
Maybe the instruments museum mentioned upthread.

[Ergel]

Anyone ever been here:
http://www.therailroadpark.com/

[Joe4007]

That was the original plan, but with it being Chanukah, we didn't want to hassle with that. Just staying a week in a house in Scottsdale so we don't have any issues with candle lighting.
As such, Grand Canyon was cut from the trip (definitely not doing 3.5 hour trip each way on a single day).
Sedona seems to be 1-1.5 hour trip. I'd do Montezuma's castle on the way. Jeep ride. Choose a hike. Maybe stay for sunset.
We'll definitely check out Butterfly Wonderland.
Out of Africa.
That's 3 days planned. I'd probably want to do one more activity and spend the rest of the time at the pool.
Maybe the instruments museum mentioned upthread.

Makes sense. Sedona is more like 1.5-2 hours though.

Check out the mountain hikes around Phoenix.

[Ergel]

Makes sense. Sedona is more like 1.5-2 hours though.

Check out the mountain hikes around Phoenix.

Thanks.
What do you recommend?

Hole in the Rock?
Camelback mountain?
One of these?
http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/features/5253-10-best-hiking-spots-in-phoenix.html

[Joe4007]

Thanks.
What do you recommend?

Hole in the Rock?
Camelback mountain?
One of these?
http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/features/5253-10-best-hiking-spots-in-phoenix.html

I've never done any of them so I wouldn't know which one to recommend.

Maybe this will help.

[Denverite]

Anyone ever been here:
http://www.therailroadpark.com/

Yes, multiple times!  Super fun little day, park trip close to the kosher restaurants.

[shiframeir]

Anyone ever been here:
http://www.therailroadpark.com/

I was suckered into spending a small fortune on this, will report when/if i survive the hokiness https://www.thetrain.com/

[shiframeir]

Everyone talks about the Pink Jeep tours, but has anyone tried the other Sedona jeep tours (which u can get for much less with groupon/20% off) like "A day in the west" or Arizona desert mountain jeep tours? this looks simple enough and i can get a ride for 2 for about $75 with tip. Best would be anyone who did both... https://www.groupon.com/deals/a-day-in-the-west-8

[yakrot]

When I was there I took a company that was not pink jeep tours and had a great time. I don't remember who I used. Pink jeep tours claims that certain trails are exclusive to their tour and that's why they are better

[BarryLincoln]

Everyone talks about the Pink Jeep tours, but has anyone tried the other Sedona jeep tours (which u can get for much less with groupon/20% off) like "A day in the west" or Arizona desert mountain jeep tours? this looks simple enough and i can get a ride for 2 for about $75 with tip. Best would be anyone who did both... https://www.groupon.com/deals/a-day-in-the-west-8

We used a tour provider that we sourced from Groupon.  They were great - can't recall their name.  Offroading was great, guide was helpful and entertaining, had a blast...

[shiframeir]

Went to segals oasis yesterday which was fine (decor/lighting could use an update), but tonight was kitchen 18, which is really a great restaurant option here (prob best fleishigs), and would be great in ny too!
Specials on the board, which were great

Apps avocado rolls and tuna sesame tartar (didn't take pic til most was devoured, both excellent)

Lamb steak with candied figs

Osso buco short ribs with excellent homemade gnocchi (that I liked more than mike's bistro (jawdrop))
Ribs platter, not amazing but very good even though slathered with an obviously commercial BBQ sauce; falling off bones
18 burger was very good even medium well (for kid) but note they put in lots of onions and even cilantro so your kid may get picky about it...
Had a nice full meal for 6 plus a baby and portions were huge, brought half of it home, all for well under $200 after tip.

[shiframeir]

We went to Imperial. No cholent unless you order 3 pounds minimum? That'll never fly in Flatbush! Anyway, in Imperial you saw everything in front of you and picked what you wanted. No liver, except frozen Meal Mart. We bought our stuff there. We were totally not impressed with the food. Very unhappy. The chopped liver was sawdust.

After the hike we went to pick up food at Imperial for Shabbat.

How was Imperial for takeout other than liver? what is best option for yummy shabbos food in PH/Scottsdale (trying to get from Kitchen 18 but may be a bit too expensive to just get specific dishes vs. a few pounds of fried chicken from somewhere)?

[Redbull3]

Thanks for the Kitchen 18 pics! Have some family in AZ and go maybe once a yr been meaning to try that place out.. Last time it was closed b/c it was right before Pesach.

[shiframeir]

Thanks for the Kitchen 18 pics! Have some family in AZ and go maybe once a yr been meaning to try that place out.. Last time it was closed b/c it was right before Pesach.

really impressed with them, and their La Bella Pizza (same owners) is amazing too. May just get my shabbos food from them...