Help me plan my AZ and NV trip please
Dec 18, 2014, 2:33 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
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I have a suggestion for the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Stop in Sedona on the way up, but once in Sedona, take the Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive on the 89A (instead of taking the I-17). You can stop at Slide Rock State Park on the way up as well, although I'm sure it will be busy. Once you've made it out of the canyon, there is the Oak Creek Vista, just off the 89A to the right, that has some nice views.
Dec 18, 2014, 3:33 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Now I'm hungry...)Las Vegas I'm not as familiar with, but I do know there's some very good local restaurants if you head off strip and look around town. One place I hit when I was up there in July was Sammy's L.A. Pastrami. Highly recommended.
Also, if you want to play tourist, you could hit In n' Out in either city.
Last edited by Lost; Dec 18, 2014 at 3:48 pm
Dec 18, 2014, 3:54 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
I have a suggestion for the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Stop in Sedona on the way up, but once in Sedona, take the Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive on the 89A (instead of taking the I-17). You can stop at Slide Rock State Park on the way up as well, although I'm sure it will be busy. Once you've made it out of the canyon, there is the Oak Creek Vista, just off the 89A to the right, that has some nice views.
You can also go from Phoenix to Flagstaff via highway 87 thru Payson, then Lake Mary Rd to Flagstaff. Very scenic, but you won't go through Sedona ( Sedona is about a 30 min drive south of Flagstaff).
Last edited by Lost; Dec 18, 2014 at 4:08 pm
In and Out what No Five Guys
Dec 18, 2014, 5:00 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: UA *Alliance
Posts: 5,612
For food in PHX/Scottsdale I would definitely recommend Roaring Fork, especially at happy hour. I would also recommend Cibo over Pizzeria Bianco, Oregano's, Carolina's for some of the best tortillas on the planet, Fuego Taco and Fuego Cantina, especially Cantina at happy hour, Chino Bandido Takee Outee for something unique, La Grande Orange, The Grind, The Parlor, oh geez so many good places to eat.
For Vegas, can't go wrong with Hash House A Go Go, 550 Pizza, Grand Lux Café in Venetian/Palazzo, or take a drive out the Pahrump Valley Winery for some good food in a classy setting without all of the fuss and formality.
For cheap tickets I've had good luck at the Tix4Tonite booth(s).
For Vegas, can't go wrong with Hash House A Go Go, 550 Pizza, Grand Lux Café in Venetian/Palazzo, or take a drive out the Pahrump Valley Winery for some good food in a classy setting without all of the fuss and formality.
For cheap tickets I've had good luck at the Tix4Tonite booth(s).
Dec 18, 2014, 5:12 pm
#24
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My Daughter has asked about Buffets in Vegas as she has heard alot about them. Someone mentioned MORE in the Luxor. Any other recommendations ?
Dec 18, 2014, 6:16 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Dec 18, 2014, 6:32 pm
#26
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Another random thing I just thought of on the way from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon... You could ride the chairlift at Arizona Snowbowl up to the top of Agassiz Peak at 11,500 feet above sea level.
The San Francisco Peaks (Mt Humphreys, the highest point in Arizona, as well as Agassiz and Fremont Peaks) are an extinct volcano that rise about 5,000 feet above the surrounding terrain.
Just north of Flagstaff.
The San Francisco Peaks (Mt Humphreys, the highest point in Arizona, as well as Agassiz and Fremont Peaks) are an extinct volcano that rise about 5,000 feet above the surrounding terrain.
Just north of Flagstaff.
Dec 18, 2014, 6:59 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 591
The 89A drive is a good recommendation. I'd chime in that a good 30-45 min stop is Montezuma Castle in Camp Verde, AZ, right off I-17. A nice place to stretch your legs while viewing 800 year old cliff dwellings.
http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
I personally think the quality of Vegas buffets has suffered in recent years, but am still a fan of Wicked Spoon @ Cosmopolitan, especially for the desserts. But food prices in general will be high at the nicer resorts. There are some great happy hours in Vegas, I'd go with that suggestion. If you like tapas, Julian Serrano's happy hour (at Aria) is one of my favorites.
If you are unable to get El Tovar @ the GC, I would consider just commuting back and forth to Flagstaff. The drive is beautiful, and there is a lot more to do at night. Flagstaff has a decent downtown with some good eating and drinking places, and the observatory is worth a visit - they will often open up the telescope for public viewing (Pluto was discovered here). There is a nice Doubletree along with plenty of other options.
http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
I personally think the quality of Vegas buffets has suffered in recent years, but am still a fan of Wicked Spoon @ Cosmopolitan, especially for the desserts. But food prices in general will be high at the nicer resorts. There are some great happy hours in Vegas, I'd go with that suggestion. If you like tapas, Julian Serrano's happy hour (at Aria) is one of my favorites.
If you are unable to get El Tovar @ the GC, I would consider just commuting back and forth to Flagstaff. The drive is beautiful, and there is a lot more to do at night. Flagstaff has a decent downtown with some good eating and drinking places, and the observatory is worth a visit - they will often open up the telescope for public viewing (Pluto was discovered here). There is a nice Doubletree along with plenty of other options.