Old Town Scottsdale is a great place to hang out. There are hundreds of restaurants, bars, and shops. There are also parks, art installations, and museums. You can even grab a drink at Old Town Tavern (where Sara and Mike had their first date) or at some of our other favorite local watering holes (Porters, Rusty Spur, Beverly on Main, or Coach House)...maybe we'll see you there!

Canal Convergence is a free, large-scale public art installation that illuminates the Scottsdale Waterfront each evening from Friday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 17. This entirely outdoor, immersive event features large-scale, light-based artworks, as well as educational workshops, family-friendly activities, art and history tours, live music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, and more! We highly recommend checking the schedule and viewing the fire show.

November is a beautiful time to be outside in Arizona! And there are some great, shot hikes that are in town and conveniently located. Here are a few of our favorites. If you'd like some longer or more difficult trails, please ask!

Piestewa Peak - moderate (great views!)

36th St PHX Mountain Preserve Trails - easy to moderate

PHX Mountain Preserve Trail 100 - easy

Camelback Echo Canyon - moderate to difficult (great views!)

Camelback Cholla Trail - moderate to difficult (great views!)

Papago Park Hole in the Rock - easy (and very close to the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Phoenix Zoo, and a pretty park)

If you've got some time during the day and want to experience the natural beauty of the desert, we recommend taking a stroll through the Desert Botanical Gardens. Tickets are roughly $25-$33 per person.

The Wrigley Mansion is a great place to get a cocktail and enjoy the 270-degree views of the valley. The property has interesting history and you can take a self-guided tour or join one of their 45-60 minute guided tours. It is technically a private club and requires a $20 annual membership per party, but it's also a unique place! Mike and I enjoy watching the sunset from Geordie's bar.

Believe it or not, Arizona has some decent wineries and some charming towns and vineyards about an hour and a half north of Phoenix. Check out the tasting rooms in the historic mining town of Jerome, AZ; cruise through the tasting rooms and shops along Main Street in Cottonwood; or check out some of our favorite wineries along Page Springs Rd in Cornville, AZ. And there are a number of tours that you can take from Phoenix to these areas so you can drink without worrying about your transportation.

Another unique Arizona experience is to take a four-hour train ride on the historic Verde Canyon Railroad. Listen to guides sharing the history of the area while you take in the beautiful views and wildlife. You can even enjoy food and drinks in the renovated train cars. It's well worth the 2 hour drive there and back!

If you're an out-of-towner with a free day, a car, and want a once-in-a-lifetime view, you should check out one of the seven natural wonders of the world! The Grand Canyon's South Rim Visitor Center is about 3.5 hours away (depending on traffic), but the views are priceless. They truly will take your breath away! There are also a lot of other ways you can experience the Canyon, so check out the National Park Service site if you plan to visit.

If you have time for a day trip, Sedona should be at the top of your must-see list! There are some amazing outdoor vistas (even from the road), or you could see them up close on a hike or on a Pink Jeep tour through the high desert.