Sweeney Asks the Locals: Mike Shubic

Favorite Phoenix and Scottsdale things to do

Next in our series of interviews with Valley of the Sun locals, Mike Shubic shares some of this favorite Phoenix and Scottsdale things to do. I can’t wait to try out a few of his suggestions.

Night lights at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

Night lights at the Desert Botanical Garden

About Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic has lived in Scottsdale on and off for most of his life. He is an award-winning travel writer and seasoned road trip travel video blogger. Mike has been publishing Mikes Road Trip for over seven years and has worked with the Travel Channel, USA Today, Yahoo Travel and is currently a Gnomad for Travelocity. Mike also has his own ROKU channel and later this year his content will appear on DirecTV as they roll out a new streaming technology.

Mike’s picks for Phoenix and Scottsdale area favorites

Restaurant

Citizen Public House is where comfort meets class. Fantastic food, creative cocktails, tremendous service and overall great vibe!

Cocktail hour at the Citizen Public House

Cocktail hour at the Citizen Public House

Outdoor activity

Camelback Mountain has always been a favorite, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a strenuous hike but offers a fantastic reward at the top…360 degree views of the city below.

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

Cultural Venue

Fairly new on the scene is the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum). It’s not just a museum for music lovers; they also have a top-notch venue for intimate concerts.

Special Event

Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Scottsdale has become one of the best culinary cities in the country and this festival allows attendees to sample food from some of the top local chefs.

Great getaway

Located in the southern part of the state is Tubac, which has received a lot of national recognition over the past few years for its world-class lodging, charming downtown and historical significance.

Place for romance

Everything just tastes better outside. Ensconced within the Desert Botanical Garden is Gertrude’s, a fabulous restaurant that allows diners to eat al fresco on one of the best patios in the city. After dinner couples can take a romantic stroll through the gardens, perhaps even take in a concert or special exhibit.

Gertrude's at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

Mike’s insider tips

  • Scottsdale has long been known for its world-class resorts. If you don’t mind the heat, summer is an opportunity to stay at some of these resorts for a third to one half the price of peak season from January through April.
  • During the summer months the McCormick Railroad Park offers outdoor concerts. It’s a lot of fun to take a picnic meal with your loved one and/or family to enjoy some free live music.
  • Scottsdale was once an artist colony, but eventually the real estate got too expensive and they were pushed out in favor of art galleries, which is known as the famed “5th Avenue Shops.”
  • Scottsdale has been a retreat for celebrities since 1940, when Elizabeth Arden opened Maine Chance Spa, welcoming society mavens, celebrities and royalty.

Mike, thanks for sharing your Phoenix/Scottsdale favorites and insights!

Follow Mike Shubic on social media

Twitter: @MikesRoadTrip
Facebook: Mike’s Road Trip
Instagram: @mikesroadtrip

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

3 thoughts on “Sweeney Asks the Locals: Mike Shubic

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