As we turned down North Saddlebag Trail to strobe lights and country tunes coming out in full force, I knew my preconceived notions about this place were pretty far off. I couldn’t wait to get this party started.
Scottsdale makes party planning easy in many ways. First off, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a hot 15 minutes away. Rent a car or don’t – your Toyota Camry rental or Nissan Sentra Uber will be at your hotel or Airbnb in no time.
Stay
If you’re the hotel type, you should probably look into the W Scottsdale or The Saguaro in Old Town (chic with the best location for bars, restaurants, etc), The Phoenician or Sanctuary nestled in Camelback Mountain (easy access to trails!), or the Fairmont Princess (where the spa is life) in northern Scottsdale. As for our group of 13, we settled into a large Airbnb in south Scottsdale. It was quite the party house indeed with pool table, poker table, pool and many bedrooms – highly recommend for parties with many people in tow. Find the Airbnb link here (entitled Old Town Scottsdale Modern Desert Escape).
Eat
Friday afternoon: To start things off on Friday, the girls met at Olive & Ivy during mid-afternoon for some wine and small bites. You really can’t beat this cheery outside ambiance and happy-hour menu. I could’ve stayed here until the sun went down sipping on my malbec while basking by the fit pit, but alas, we had a party to throw and a bride to celebrate 🙂
Friday night: I can’t say enough good things about Fat Ox. From the service to the food to the attention to detail to the follow up/thank you the next day by the restaurant manager, I hiiighly recommend this eatery. I got the chicken dish, and it was MMMmmmMm.
Saturday AM: We had a big morning scheduled from hiking Camelback Mountain to heading north towards the Fairmont Princess hotel for our spa day. For a quick and healthy breakfast to make up for all the alcohol we put in our bodies the night before, we passed the Original Chop Shop for some juice and acai bowls. They have everything from avo toast to bagels to PB & J greek yogurt.
Saturday afternoon: Look no further than a girls lunch at the Fairmont hotel. More details below!
Saturday night: The bride’s parents surprised the group after we returned from the spa and cooked us the most amazing dinner. (Special thanks to Ira, Julie, Rick and Peter for EVERYTHING.) This is a great way to save money if there’s a chef in the group who doesn’t mind cooking a big meal, but if you want another boozy dinner out in town, maybe try The Mission for latin cuisine and a lively atmosphere or SumoMaya for Mexican-Asian fusion vibes.
Sunday AM: If you’re still thirsty and hungry for more, I obsessed over The Montauk on Sunday. I couldn’t stomach any more mimosas or vodka on this particular morning, so I opted for lots of coffee, egg whites and the parfait.
Do
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row – I think I speak for all 13 of us when I say Whiskey Row was a highlight of the weekend. We had bottle service (which is a straight STEAL in Scottsdale) and a giant table to ourselves as we danced the night away to country music, Backstreet Boys and Queen B. ‘Twas a night to remember…or, er, maybe not 😉
Hike Camelback Mountain – I hiked Camelback the day before the group arrived, and it wasn’t a walk in the park. Sunset was lit and I have photos to prove it, but I knew a group of 13 hungover women wouldn’t want to partake in such a strenuous activity come Saturday morning. There are many trails around the area to choose from, but if you really want to say you tried Camelback/post proof on Instagram, hike about 10 minutes from the trailhead to the big cactus for a group pic, turn around, and go to the spa. Oops. Secret’s out.
Spa’rty at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel – All day spa days are my favorite days. This Saturday was THE BEST day at the hotel’s Well & Being Spa where, if you book with a group, you get $20 off your spa treatment with access to all amenities AND lunch included. If the group isn’t into hiking beforehand like we did, may I suggest aerial yoga at the hotel’s fitness center? It really is a dreamworld inside these walls… 🙂
Weather
A word of caution to the party planners out there: Summers in Scottsdale get VERY hot, like 115 degrees hot. Unless your group is inside or inside a body of water the entire weekend, I might look into another location. Scottsdale is perfect during winter, spring and fall!
We went to Olive & Ivy when we were there back in December. Sooooo good!!
Yes! Loved the ambiance 😉 The outside area was amazing.
You are very lovely. Lost my pregnant baby girl in Phoenix to cancer. Watched and admired your spirit on Bachelor Winter Games. I live in Kansas next to Joplin, MO. You are Truly a remarkable person.
Bob from Baxter Springs
Bob, so sorry to hear your story. Appreciate you for sharing and for your kind words.
For your group of 13 at Olive and Ivy we’re you able to make a reservation for the outside seating area?
Awesome. Heading there in March for girls weekend. Any tips for the sunset Camelback hike? And what constitutes a “group” at the Fairmont?
5 or more makes a spa’rty group at Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:
5 constitutes a group at the spa. As for Camelback at sunset, I’d make sure your phone is charged so you can use the flashlight when hiking down 🙂 Bring lots of water and pay attention on the way up! We got lost a few times on the way down b/c the path looked a bit different in the dark ek!
I’m glad you enjoyed Arizona! I moved here from NY 9 years ago and have never looked back! ✌🏽
I’d love to live there one day 🙂
Sweet girl, I watched your season on the Bachelor so that’s how I ended up following your travels and living those trips vicariously through your photos! So curious as to your comment about Memphis, TN because that is my hometown (my husband and I live in Orlando now)………it didn’t sound very pleasant, so I hate to hear that, but it’s also a nice place to be FROM, but not live there anymore!?? Also, because I feel like there were some negative feelings toward our President with your comment……please take it from someone who knows him personally, he isn’t the “racist, sexist, whatever” kind of person the media calls him but one of the most kind, giving, generous persons who doesn’t see race, gender, or monetary boundaries with people, many he has helped but the media doesn’t report! It’s important that everyone know that he has given so many people of all races and genders (many women executives) careers that they wouldn’t have otherwise! Anyway, I am curious about one other thing…….along the lines of having a relationship while you’re traveling, do you want to have children of your own one day? Looking forward to your travels and blogs this coming year!!! Have a great week!! Melanie
Hi Melanie – thanks for the comment! Not sure what Memphis comment you’re referring to, but I was born there 🙂 And I do want children one day, yes. Safe travels!
Wow I don’t think it’s anyone’s business if Lesley want children someday. Some people are just sooo intrusive. Knowing trump personally? Then you should know everything you said is just a figment of your imagination (including making up about Memphis)….Whatever.
My parents, as well as, my brother and his wife have lived in Scottsdale for the past 8 years, so I frequent Arizona often. I absolutely love it there! Your post was spot on and I’m happy to see you had such a good time!
Hi Lesley!
Can you share which Airbnb you stayed at? Co-planning a bachelorette party there in October and anticipating a large group. Also- any specific beginner trails you’d recommend?
Thanks!
Updated the post to show the link!
Hi there – do you happen to have the link to the exact airbnb you rented? I’m trying to plan my bach but am struggling with what area to stay in… thanks!!!
Updated the post to show the link! Have fun!
Any recommendations on other night spots for dancing? Also going on a bachelorette party and the bride is really into dancing! Thanks
The valley is so underrated, thank you for talking about it! Olive & Ivy truly is one of the best places- we had our rehearsal dinner there, nothing beats wine on that patio on a warm March evening. Hope you get to visit Phoenix proper sometime, also an underrated place!
Wondering what house you rented? I can’t really find a good one for our group of 12..
Updated the post to show the link!
Hi! I love Arizona and the Phoenix area is the BEST in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. During the summer, if you’re near this way, head @2 hrs north and hit Sedona, Prescott, or Flagstaff! You won’t be sorry! I’m originally from Louisiana, and I’ll take the dry climate over humidity any day…although it will always have a big portion of my heart. So next time you’re here, try Piestewa Peak (you can see Camelback from there) at sunset and it’s equally beautiful!
Oh and as far as having kids and traveling…the Bucket List Family…those kids have had amazing adventures most can only dream of! How awesome for a kid to grow up experiencing life rather than life just experiencing them!
Keep heading down that road “les” traveled!! 🙂
The Bucket List fam is my fave fam, besides my own 🙂 Thanks for the support!
It was nice to see and read your post. It’s good to know that you had a great trip in Arizona. Many thanks for sharing with us. Keep it up.
I really like Olive & ivy, their metal menu covers offer tasty and healthy food. I also had my bachelorette party dinner there.