So I know this isn’t technically a recipe, but wanted to share nonetheless. Travel is one of my big loves. I so enjoy seeing the world though different lenses; capturing the sights, sounds and smells of new destinations. I may dedicate random Thursdays to travel (we shall see)! Still figuring out what all I want to include on the ol’ blog. I’ve taken a bit of a break from the blog as well, mainly as I’ve been busy with work/freelance and traveling. I plan to post a few new fall recipes soon! Speaking of traveling, let’s get to it!
This past weekend my husband and I traveled to Scottsdale, AZ, the Grand Canyon and Sedona, AZ. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but it was so worth it. It’s always nice to get out in nature, and for me, taste some delicious local cuisine and dabble in some photography.
Here are some of my favorite shots from the trip! (Warning: there are a lot!!)
First up, Scottsdale, AZ. Scottsdale was one HOT city. My skin felt like it was shriveling up by the end of it. But, the colors were awesome and we had some amazing food!
Our hotel, The Saguaro – great place with two amazing pools!
Walking around town, loved the cacti and colors. Everything was so vibrant.
We ate at a seriously delicious lunch spot in Scottsdale – The Mission http://www.themissionaz.com/ Wonderfully authentic Mexican/Hispanic/Spanish cuisine. Everything we ordered was sooo tasty, and yes, we ate way, way too much! But isn’t that what you are supposed to do on vacation?!
Kale Salad with Marcona Almonds, Raisins, Heirloom Tomatoes, Blood Oranges and Goat Cheese. Insane!
Crazy good Mahi Fish Tacos: Tecate battered, citrus escabeche, green olive roast garlic crema, cilantro & cotija. Some of the best I’ve had!
You can’t go to the Southwest and not order a margarita! This one featured blood oranges and was delicious!
Our hotel also had an awesome, and I repeat, awesome restaurant named Distrito http://scottsdale.distritorestaurant.com/ We got breakfast there early (opens at 7 am which is great when traveling). My husband ordered the Tres Leches French toast which he declared one of his top five (he’s a French Toast Connoisseur). I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and they were perfect. Corn tortillas, spicy black beans, two poached eggs, a delicious spicy salsa. So authentic and filling – the ultimate southwest breakfast to precede a day of hiking in the Grand Canyon.
For me, the highlight of the trip was definitely the Grand Canyon. We stayed overnight so we could enjoy the sunset which was spectacular. I highly suggest staying overnight in the canyon if possible. We did two hikes down into the canyon and spent a bunch of time on the Rim Trail which stretches along part of the South Rim. Pictures just don’t do this place justice. You have to see it to believe it. Absolutely spectacular.
That’s my husband out there in the blue shirt on our hike down into the canyon!
Our last stop was Sedona. Welcome to Red Rock country. We had both been there before but this time were able to enjoy the sunset and the sunrise as our previous trip was just stopping through. The colors here are beautiful as well, especially at sunset when the rocks turn wonderful shades of orange, red and purples.
Dawn breaking over Sedona. Breathtaking last view on our vacation.
Sometimes quickies are good. A quick trip to remind yourself of the bigger world that’s out there, to get out in nature and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Happy traveling, I know it always makes me happy :)
KristinKooks 