There are so many beautiful long and short hikes in the area and March is a great time in Arizona to get sun and exercise. Some favorites of ours are Papago Park (easy), Tom's Thumb (medium) and Camelback Mountain (more difficult). Each gives you a beautiful vista and great opportunity to get outdoors.

Old Town Scottsdale is definitely a must-see on your visit. Often voted the country's "most livable city" and "best city to work in" Scottsdale boasts galleries, silver shops, retaurants, and a night life to please anyone. The art walks every Thursday night from 7-9 (be sure to stop by the Pabst Signature gallery) are wonderful and the restaurant array is impressive. So many shops and cultural spots to see. Some of the shops have been around for 50 years. Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor is a lovely stop after visiting Chuck Pabst's Signature Gallery on Maine. The whole area is lit up at night and if you are into the nightlife bar scene, you won't be disappointed at all Old Town offers.

There are also lots of culinary goodies in Downtown Chandler if you are staying on the East Side near the wedding venue. A great Irish Pub, Murphy's Law, in Chandler is a great stop. Our very favorite steak place if you're feeling upscale, is DC Steakhouse. Sit outside and you will get to enjoy live country music from across the lawn - and go dance there after! Lots to walk around and see there also.

We love Downtown Gilbert! If you are staying near St. Anne Church you will need to go no further for fun than Downtown Heritage district in Gilbert. So many great restaurants (Joe's BBQ, Joyride Tacos, Culinary Dropout and Liberty Market are a few faves), shops and even the Hale Theater if you want to catch a show. You can't beat the outdoor weather in AZ in March so make a day of it on Friday!

Baseball fan??? Cactus League Spring Training is in full effect in March. (yes that is why your airbnb prices are double from August, sorry!). Tons of baseball fans descend upon the valley to enjoy the games and you can too. Just don't miss the wedding or reception! Mesa and Tempe are the closest places to catch a game if you are trying to stay within a few miles.

We wouldn't be doing our job of boosting AZ tourism if we didn't recommend a day trip to Sedona. It is a short two hour drive and full of hikes and AMAZING beauty. Lots of great shops and dining too. As Ethan's mom says, it's like God dropped a bucket of red paint on the whole beautiful area. If you want to get out of the city a bit and aren't willing to drive four hours to the Grand Canyon, Sedona is the trip for you.