Jessica & Connor
Things To Do
Cholla Trail Hike at Camelback Mountain
Want a great view of the Valley and way to workout before the big night? Just 1.1 miles from the Valley Ho is the Cholla Trailhead at Camelback Mountain. This is an intermediate hike with some steeper climbs and rocky terrain, but the half-way up and picturesque summit views are worth the climb! Best to go earlier in the day as it can be quite popular. Park along Invergordon and walk up Cholla Lane to the trailhead.
Desert Botanical Garden
Just a 10-minute drive from the Valley Ho, the Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees, and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres. Walking one or all of the Sonoran Desert nature paths at the gardens is a great way to experience the desert and get some exercise in before the night's festivities!
BODI
Want a good strength or cardio class to start your day off with a bang? Buy a drop-in pass on Groupon for Scottsdale Bodi (just across Indian School Road from the Valley Ho). Connor & Jess start their work days at Bodi by taking the 5 am class (yep, they're crazy). Kaileigh, Skye, and Nikki are their favorite trainers. You can check them out on Instagram for more information: @scottsdalebodi
Arizona Canal Trail
Want to go for a walk, run, bike, or scooter ride? The Arizona Canal runs east to west from the hotel. You can cross Indian School Road at 68th Street and go for miles in either direction. If you go right on the canal from the hotel, you will hit the Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront (pictured above). By going left from the hotel, you will run into the Arcadia neighborhoods and canal-side parks. Ask the bride for specific recs... word on the street is she has put in quite a few miles on these canals. ;)
Cartel Coffee Lab
One of the bride's favorite spots to get a caffeine buzz. If you're up for a morning stroll, you can walk the 0.7 miles from the hotel along the Arizona Canal by crossing Indian School Road at 68th St. The local 5th Avenue boutiques are always fun to pop into!
Farm and Craft Scottsdale
Looking for something lighter and on the healthier side? Farm & Craft Farm offers healthy and sustainable food with a contemporary twist. This is a great (and delicious!) option for anyone looking for sustainable, gluten-free, organic, and hormone-free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you want a cocktail with your meal, Jess highly suggests trying one of the Kombucha cocktails.
Original ChopShop
Looking for some feel-good fuel? The ChopShop is a staple for Connor & Jess. You can't go wrong with one of their bowls (the Thai bowl is their favorite) or "between the bread" options. Their juices and smoothies are one of Jess's favorite ways to refuel after a hard run or workout. Their patio makes for a great spot to hang for a while and people watch.
O.H.S.O. Eatery & nano-Brewery
Want $7 pitchers, a complimentary mimosa with brunch, and be surrounded by dogs?! OHSO is your spot. This is located right along the canal under three miles east of the Valley Ho. There are TVs for game watching and ample seating on their patio makes for great outdoor dining. We recommend tracking down a low-cost bike rental or bikeshare (Gr:d Bikes, LimeBike, Spin, Ofo) to get there and back!
JT's Bar & Grill
Ask the groom, but J.T.'s makes the best wings in town. If you go here on a Saturday, odds are you run into Connor and the guys. This has been their go-to staple bar for years. The best way to order wings at J.T.'s? "The Works" style. Make sure you budget in a nap after you throw a basket of these down, but they are 10/10 and so worth it.
Coach House
Deemed Old Town Scottsdale's oldest dive bar and tavern. It has been owned by the same family since opening in 1959 and is known for its festive holiday decorations and lights. Connor and Jess have been visiting the Coach House since their college days. The best part? You are just 0.2 miles from this watering hole from the Valley Ho - make a left on 69th Street and then a right on Indian School Road. You'll see those lights shining from the Goldwater Boulevard crossing!
The Mission Old Town
The Mission offers modern Latin cuisine. This is one of Connor and Jess's favorite spots to get margaritas and tableside guac in Old Town. Pro Tip: ask for a back patio table and order the short rib tacos... the tortillas come on a Himalayan salt block to keep them warm and this easily feeds two!
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Want to shop 'til you drop? Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is just a 3-minute drive/uber from the hotel and boasts more than 240 specialty stores and restaurants. Visit top retailers like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Macy's, and Apple and dine at recently Nobu, Ocean 44, Maple & Ash, Francine, Toca Madera, and Zinque.