One of the pluses of staying in the area is the ability to take advantage of the lower prices area resorts charge at this time of year. Instead of paying the $300-400 a night cost of these places during the peak tourist season, those willing to deal with the heat can enjoy the same amenities for less than half that. For locals, often extra sweeteners are offered, like dining credits, free wine tasting at night, discounted spa costs, and upgraded rooms.
Betty and I grabbed one such offer two weeks ago. A small resort 35 minutes from home was our destination. A beautiful pool area, quiet ambiance, and a relaxing feel made for a tremendous two nights and parts of three days.
Sleeping late, lounging by the pool, using the hot tub, reading a few newspapers each morning, burning through the dining credits at the upscale restaurant, and talking about our future made for a marvelous time. A stroll through parts of Old Town Scottsdale was fun. We drove home refreshed and are considering booking another stay at the end of next month.
It just goes to show a satisfying journey doesn't need to involve great distances, just a meaningful experience and building memories. Here are a few pictures that may motivate you to explore close-by options for a quick summer getaway.
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| Start of the day |
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| End of the day...tough life |
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| Almost took this home! |
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| And a good time was had by all |
Wow! What a beautiful place. My drive time will be a little longer but I need to add this to the list.
ReplyDeleteWe like it because it is smaller and quieter than most Scottsdale area resorts.
DeleteA great decision, Bob. While we don't have anything of that caliber in our small town, whenever we want a quick trip we use some Wyndham vacation points and go to the Smoky Mtn resort just to the east of us, or their place in Nashville just to the west. Both are a little less than two hours drive but you feel like you are a long ways from home. And because the travel is short you don't feel like you have to take a week or so. Good choice, and the resort you stayed at looked great, btw.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest brother just moved to an area near Nashville, so someday we may be close enough to pay you a visit! The Smoky Mountains are on our short list.
DeleteNashville is a great town; you guys will like it. By all means you are both welcome; you have a place to stay in the Cumberlands as well.
DeleteBeautiful place. Makes me want to visit the Southwest. Do you think your RVing days might be coming to an end? :-)
ReplyDeleteRVing is not coming to an end, but we are thinking that the long, 2 month-type trips may not be very frequent. Shorter trips to the White Mountains or Flagstaff and Southern California mean we don't have to spend a few weeks just getting to where we want to be.
DeleteDid I miss it? Where did you stay? WE love taking advantage of the summer rates here in Arizona. Cindy
ReplyDeleteIt is Firesky, across from Scottsdale Fashion Square.
DeleteGreat idea! Way to maximize your decision to stay close to home this summer. Now, get them to cover your costs by promoting it on your blog. I'm looking for those opportunities at the moment.
ReplyDeleteb
That worked last year when we stayed at a new Del Webb retirement community. All expenses were covered for a blog post.
DeleteEspecially love "End of the day ... tough life." I want to go there!
ReplyDeleteYou will notice our feet switched sides...changing sides was the biggest expenditure of energy all day.
DeleteThis reminds me of a trip to the coast of Maine I took one January years ago. For 39.00 a night the room had a fireplace and Jacuzzi. It was 300.00 in the summer. These days they close most of the hotels and only keep enough open to house the few winter travelers, so the rates don't go down as much.
ReplyDeleteIn Sept. am hoping to get to the North Rim park during our stay in St. George. Any recommendations?
I have never been to the North Rim, believe it or not. It is a 700 mile round trip from Phoenix, while the South Rim is half that distance.
DeleteI like St. George, Utah. It is a pretty town and area. I understand Jacob's Lake, on the road to the North Rim, is pretty with a cafe, store, and small motel, plus a nice lake. In September it will be starting to get cool. I think the road to the North Rim is closed from November to May due to snow.