Any suggestions for an out-of-towner?

maumeemara

My friend is getting married in Scottsdale on 12/5. The hubs and I are flying out on 12/1 to make a little vacation out of it. We're in Toledo so it's an great excuse to get a little warm weather in the winter

We're staying in Scottsdale but we'll have a car, so we're open to any and all suggestions for fun stuff to do in the Phoenix area. We'd like to maybe get a hike in, and also restaurant suggestions would be appreciated. Nothing *too* spendy. Thanks!!

HawaiiLover

Early welcome to our part of the country   Your friend picked a great time to be out here.  The weather cools down a lot so hiking is pleasant.  We have a lot of great mountains in the area to hike.  My mother loves to do Pinnacle Peak (in Scottsdale), my hubby has done Piestewa Peak (it has been renamed and I always forget it) or Camelback is nice in Phoenix.  Just depends on what type of hike you are looking for (more relaxing or more challenging).  Since you are from out of town I would recommend driving up to Sedona if you have never been.  It's a beautiful town (breathtaking views and rocks).  It's about 2 hours north of Scottsdale.  We go every few months since my hubby loves it up there.  There's shopping, restaurants, sightseeing tours, etc.  Always fun.  We love a pizza place called Grimaldi's in DC Ranch or Old Town Scottsdale.  We are from NJ and it's the closest thing to NY pizza we have found out here.  If you like Mexican food there are a ton of great places to eat!

HawaiiLover

And I noticed that was your first post, welcome to The Nest

maumeemara

Thanks! I was wondering how long the drive to Sedona was, I think we'll definitely have to do that. And LOL, I used to post on the knot and nest a ton, but it's been a few years. The format is totally different now, my prior posting history must not have carried over with the change : )

HawaiiLover

I hate when stuff like that happens.  Yeah, Sedona is about 2 or 2 1/2 hours or so.  And you pass some other fun towns on the way up like Flagstaff and Prescott.  There is also the Grand Canyon but it's a drive, about 6 hours one way.  So that would be more of a overnight, 2 day thing.