Growing Up Grigsby : All Work and Some Play

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A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to go on a working trip to the Phoenix, AZ area. I had never been to Arizona before, and I know many people here in Seattle who have ties to the Phoenix area, including my husband. I was excited to check it out!

Sitting at Seatac getting ready to leave!

Although it was a work trip, and most of my time there would be dedicated to that, I was excited for having some down time to explore the area! The only thing I was apprehensive about was the mid summer heat. About a week before I was do to leave, it was so hot in Phoenix, that planes couldn't land at the airport.

When I first arrived, it was warm, but not brutally hot. It was the start of the annual storm season, which I guess also drove down the temps.

Only in the upper 90's!

After my first day of work, I decided to relax at the pool a bit before heading to North Phoenix to check out a Mexican restaurant. I had some delicious tacos and margaritas before exploring the neighborhood, called High Street. This area was a very vibrant shopping and dining center with a lot of cool restaurants and bars. Among them, Blue Martini, a fun spot which used to have a location here in Bellevue, and a Mellow Mushroom! This was a throwback to my college days, as the "Schroom" has been a presence in Statesboro, GA, where I went to school for years. I couldn't pass it up! I went in for dessert and a local brew.

Yum!

Ice Cream and a Beer at the Schroom!

The next night, after work, I decided to check out Scottsdale, which has a reputation of being the Beverly Hills of Phoenix. Unfortunately, a big storm was rolling in as I drove up there, and by the time I arrived, was raining. I ducked into this little karaoke place in Old Town, and had dinner, and enjoyed watching some locals singing karaoke.

Arabian Horse Fountain in Old Town Scottsdale. Arabian horse breeding has ties to the area.

After dinner, I walked all around town, from the western themed older section to the very affluent riverfront area where all of the shops and upscale hotels are located. I came across a few little boutiques I checked out before heading back to my car. On the way back, I came across a tiki bar and had to stop for a drink. I love tiki bars, and can't pass one up!

The fancy part of town!

Can't pass up a good Tiki Place!

On my last evening in Phoenix, I met up with a high school friend who happens to live nearby. We had dinner near the ASU campus and walked around afterwards. It was a really warm and pretty evening!

I really enjoyed my time in Arizona, and I would like to go back some time. My husband, who used to live there, has told me about all of the things he liked to do there. I think a family getaway to the area will be in our future!