A few weeks ago I got to tag along with my husband on a work trip for a conference in gorgeous Scottsdale, Arizona. We went to Phoenix several years ago for another conference and visited Scottsdale then as well, and I was surprised by how much I loved Arizona the first time we went! So, I was really looking forward to returning for another visit. Last time we were there in June and although hot it wasn't unbearable, but in April the weather was absolute perfection! Today I thought I'd share a bit of our trip with you- some photos from the gorgeous resort where the conference was, a few local restaurants we loved, and my basic travel essentials that I pack for every trip.
The conference was held at the beautiful Royal Palms near the base of Camelback Mountain. The grounds had so many gorgeous nooks and crannies and a stunning view of the mountain. A family bought the property in the 1920's and constructed an estate for their winter home. It changed hands a few times and in the 40's was transitioned to an inn. Over the years the 65 acre property was fully built out with additional guest rooms, restaurant and meeting areas and a spa. Love that history! Here's a little tour around the property from some photos I snapped, it was really hard to relax here during the off times from the conference sessions... 😉😂
This courtyard was just outside the reception area (above) and is part of the original estate. It was a great spot to get a bit of work done one morning, although that mountain view was pretty distracting!
I snagged this dress before the trip because I wanted a few pieces that were loose and flowy and easy to wear. It is an absolute winner! It is true to size, has pockets, and comes in many different prints but this one reminded me of a Kate Spade or Lilly Pulitzer print for a fraction of the cost. It's also available in a sundress option as well but I really liked the short sleeves.
Floral Maxi Dress || Bow Tie Sandals || Lightweight Gold Bracelets || Similar Earrings here, here, or here
This was kind of a central lawn where we had dinner the first night. There were white lights strung over all of the tables and it was just magical. The restaurant is in the background and the larger event rooms where several of our meetings were held were in this same area.
The bougainvillea was just breathtaking!
This was part of the decor but oh how I would have loved for it to come home with me!
Courtyard with fountains, sitting areas with firepits, and a fireplace-
I had a good deal of free time while Ray was in meetings and had planned to venture out and about around Scottsdale and Phoenix. However, I ended up not wanting to leave the property and took lots of opportunities to enjoy the pool!
Caftan/Coverup (Looks like it's out of stock currently but I'll let you know if it comes back, it's a good one! Several other options in the listing, though.) || Gold Glitter Ponytail Cap || Bow Tie Sandals || My Travel Tote doubled as my pool bag || Not pictured but I also took this hat and love it for beach/pool days!
Separate little hidden garden area, it was lovely!
The brass? hardware on the doors was so cool!
I shared a peek of this dress in my last Five Friday Favorites, but I really enjoyed wearing it on this trip! It comes in several colors and is a really nice linen-blend fabric, I got multiple compliments on it. Even though it's very full, I bought my usual size because the band across the chest is pretty fitted.
Orange Dress || Lightweight Gold Bracelets || Similar Earrings here, here, or here || Jean Jacket || Sandals- old, sorry!
The pool was just to the right of this lovely walkway that led to the back of the property-
This was in the "Orange Grove" that had tables set up and lights strung for one of our dinners. The lawn in the background housed several fun yard games. I'm sure there's a reason that several tree trunks were painted white on their lower section, can anyone fill me in? If nothing else it looked pretty cool and modern!
Pants- sold out in this color (but I got the navy too!). A few left in petite (I hemmed mine to make them cropped so a petite might have given me the same result!) || Striped Oversized Boyfriend Shirt- size down one and still oversized || Shoes- past season but similar here (major sale!), here, here, or here
"Camelback Vista" at the back of the property, a separate garden that was walled off overlooking the mountain. They were setting up for an event later in the day, such a picturesque spot.
This was the view of Camelback as we stepped outside the door to our room, glorious!
I'm not sure what happened but this quick selfie is the only one we took of us together... total fail with this property full of gorgeous photo opps!!
WHERE WE ATE
(Snapped this along the street as we were out and about, the lantana was at least waist high!)
Most of our meals were with the group at the conference, but we did have a couple of unscheduled lunches where we were able to eat off property.
Blanco Tacos- A fabulous taco/mexican spot that a friend who used to live in Phoenix recommended to us. Good chips and salsa and we both enjoyed our tacos and the patio seating.
I couldn't help snapping a pic of this darling table next to the kitchen, Love!
Oregano's- Several friends on Instagram recommended this Italian restaurant, any place with a vintage brass chandelier hanging over my table and colored Christmas lights up year round is ok in my book! Loved the kitschy decor.
And, the food was fabulous! We got personal deep dish Chicago style pizzas and had to try their famous garlic cheese bread. Worth all the carbs... ha! We'll definitely go back to both of these spots the next time we're in Scottsdale. Wish I had a piece of that cheese bread right now!
On our previous trip to Phoenix several years ago we also ate downtown at The Breakfast Club and Chico Malo (incredible guac!), and at Taco Guild which were all also very good!
MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Several years ago we all needed new luggage. I shopped around and ended up choosing several pieces of Calpak luggage. We've used it on multiple trips now and I'm a fan! I have picked up all of ours here and there at Marshall's or TJ Maxx over the years, but they actually have a great selection online on their sites as well as on their sister adventure store's site Sierra too!
I always want to be cute but comfy and well covered when we fly (no bare skin touching airplane seats!😝), this outfit checked all the boxes! These belted, high (elastic!) waist palazzo pants are so cute and they were insanely comfortable. The original length was a bit short for me but I liked the pants so much I hemmed them so that they were a cropped length instead. Lots of colors and patterns available! I also like to wear layers not only for temperature variations while traveling but also to save some room in my luggage, and I wear bulky shoes if possible too to save room.
Palazzo Pants (khaki/navy dot color but the navy totally reads black IRL) || Jean Jacket || White Tee || Comfortable Wedges || Tote || Layered Necklace Set || TSA Friendly Lightweight Bangles ||
I also bring my Barrington Zippered Tote along on almost every trip I take. I've said it before and will say it again... these bags can take a beating- or rather being stuffed to the gills- without showing one sign of wear and tear. I can't tell you how heavy it gets when I load it up with a book, my laptop and several other electronics, and snacks along with the normal contents of my bag. I usually stick a small crossbody inside as well and the straps are still in perfect condition! I also like the zipper on this style for a little extra security when traveling.
Toiletry wise, these things go on every trip with me-
Power Strip with USB Ports- I keep this extra set of cords with my travel gear. There are never enough outlets in a convenient place in hotel rooms, so this power strip with usb ports comes in super handy!
Clear Toiletry Pouches- Gone are my days of using ziploc bags... I love sorting all of my small bath items into these bags. In addition to keeping small things organized they are great for containing any possible product leaks from spilling all over my suitcase. I use one for skincare, one for hair, one for shower and teeth, and an extra for odds and ends if needed. These are a generous size and the french stripe detail on this set won me over!
Flat Makeup Case- this bag is so easy to pack and holds a ton of stuff! There are large clear zipper compartments on each side, with an additional double sided flat clear pouch attached in the middle. The clear bag that comes with it is nice for keeping makeup brushes clean- and to keep them from rubbing off on the other things in my bag.
LED Rechargeable Travel Mirror- Most of the time on trips I prefer sitting at a table or desk to put on my makeup, especially when our whole family is sharing a bathroom. This mirror packs flat, has multiple light settings, and recharges when needed! Love this mirror.
The BEST Shower Cap Ever- Seriously. I've shared with my best friend and my sister and they both agree and are hooked on theirs now! The thick terry cloth liner protects the curl in your hair so it will last for days, and it's a generous size to really cover all of your hair even if you're not trying to keep a curl (I've tried way too many that don't quite fit over all of my hair). I actually have two of these, onee I use every day and one I keep packed with my travel stash. It's nice to have an extra in case I ever accidentally leave it somewhere!
Microfiber Hair Towel- I forgot to include this in the photo but I always throw one of these in my bag as well. It takes up virtually no room and I prefer using this to wrap my wet hair in when I wash it than a big bulky hotel towel.
Hope you enjoyed this little tour today!
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Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your fabulous trip. You pictures are gorgeous, and I love all of your travel essentials. You always look like a doll.
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