Fun in Phoenix

Phoenix is a city of contradictions. It is a desert city but a river runs through it. Lush green golf courses are surrounded by powdery dry, dusty landscapes. Mile after mile of flat land, with occasional mountains rising from nowhere, form a most interesting topography not often seen throughout the United States.

A neighbor to Phoenix, Scottsdale is an upscale suburban area that is part oasis and part arid mountains scattered amid the hot, dry landscape. Adjacent to Camelback mountain is The Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott resort and spa. The property is very large and comprised of several two story guest room buildings scattered around the meticulously manicured gardens.

Patio at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa, Scottsdale, AZ.

I can only imagine what the water bill must be at a resort like this in the middle of the desert. The grounds are very nicely maintained and although the humidity level is basically non-existent, the resort has the look and feel of a lush garden paradise.

Gardens of The Camelback Inn.

All around the property, heat and drought resistant foliage is used to create color, texture and visual appeal. Water streams run through the gardens and create more irony in the landscape.

Just past the gardens is Camelback Mountain.

Although man made gardens in the desert tend to look a little Disney-esque, the landscape crew does a fantastic job of keeping everything looking fresh and thriving.

A very refreshing pool at the base of Camelback Mountain.

The pool offers the best of both worlds. A cool, refreshing oasis at the base of the desert mountain gives sun bathers an opportunity to cool off before the water quickly evaporates from their skin.

Of course a Cosmopolitan is a great way to start most any dinner.

When nighttime arrives and the temperature cools down to a balmy 89, nothing wets your whistle like a pink cocktail while sitting around the pool, waiting for dinner.

This simple salad at Rita’s Kitchen was sweet and delicious.

Fresh and cool, our dinner salad at Rita’s Kitchen was colorful and just the perfect size to accompany the Southwestern dinner we enjoyed near the band that was performing next to the pool.

Rita’s slow cooked Green Chili Pork.

Slow Cooked Green Chili Pork with Cotija cheese, beans, corn elote and tortillas had just the right amount of heat to help your body cool down from a day spent in the hot desert.

Rita’s Chicken Enchiladas Rojas.

Chicken Enchiladas Jojas with red pasilla sauce, Cotija cheese, topped with Rita’s slaw was outstanding and the perfect way to end our adventure in Arizona.

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