I swear every time I get on a plane it’s taking me to az — whoops! honestly I just miss my besties and all my fave restaurants - can you blame me!? anyways, I have a list of spots that are must-gos whenever i’m in town, and then usually a list of newbies I haven’t tried yet, so thought I would share! mix + match them for your perf girls weekend in the desert — I promise you’ll love.

if you don’t already, follow me on ig for some snaps of scottsdale and more of my fave vacay recs → @taylormikhail

the best restaurants in scottsdale —

1. postinos

a staple in my scottsdale diet! I mean, it’s basically carbs + wine, what’s not to love? I always plan this stop for a monday or tuesday on bottle + board night — a bruschetta board and any bottle of wine for $25. my must tries — smoked salmon bruschetta + the centenario cab. @postinoswinecafe

2. toca madera

new to my list but have not been disappointed! v swanky vibes with upscale mexican dishes + insane cocktails. so cute for date night, a birthday dinner, or just grabbing a spicy marg at the bar after a day at fashion square. always packed but worth the wait! @tocamadera

3. true food

if you are in or around the scottsdale quarter - this is the perfect lunch patio with so many delish healthy options. I die for their juicy margaritas — they are so fresh + light — and always get the seasonal veggies and a grain bowl. so yum. @livetruefood

4. culinary dropout

another spot at the quarter with quite the opposite menu of true food, but I love the vibe here! all open air, very light and bright, cute decor, fun bar games, and just a fun hangout spot for weekend brunch or a little pregame scenario. @culinarydropout

5. the canal club - the scott

the cutest! the decor throughout the entire hotel is so stunning + chic — very modern cuban feel — and they have the perfect bar for pre-dinner drinks. you have to check out their ig for the vibes — I’m obsessed! and if you’re looking for a chill day in the sun, their poolside cabanas are it. @thecanalclubaz

6. deigo pops

a cutie. love this little taco + marg spot — perfect for happy hour. think neon signs, bright colors, and all the ig photo moments. try the brussel sprout nachos + a ranch water! @diegopops

7. farm + craft

love this spot for a quick breakfast or lunch in downtown scottsdale. so many great salads, bowls + breakfast options on the lighter side. they also make the freshestttt cocktails with their cold pressed juice! one of my faves in old town. @ilovefarmandcraft

8. berdena’s

macadamia nut milk matcha and avocado toast is all I have to say. right in the heart of old town - if you’re looking for a cute morning spot this is it! so yum. @berdenas

9. sumo maya

bottomless brunch for the win. our favorite reservation to kick off some weekend day-drinking! sort of an asian-fusion but with really great brunch food? and of course the flowing mimosas. another great spot for bigger parties or special events. @sumo_maya

10. volanti

new to my list — if you’re staying in north scottsdale this bar is so unique and vibey! it sits right on the scottsdale airport landing strip so the views are amaze. the drinks + food were also incredible. i’ve only been once but will definitely be back for the meatballs hehe. @volantiscottsdale

11. sol

another staple in my scottsdale rotation — a great happy hour and easy spot for a little mexican night. they have the best chips + salsa and I could drink about 10 of their cucumber jalep margs. oops! @solcocina

the best shopping in scottsdale —

1. the lifestyled co.

my number one — they are a dream! home decor, trendy clothes, accessories, jewelry and beyond. obsessed with their brand as a whole and could buy just about everything in the shop! check out their new gilbert location in my arizona ig highlight! so stun. @thelifestyledco

2. vida moulin

another of my favorite boutiques in arizona! cutest brands, great dresses + fun swim. cannotttt wait for their new neighborhood retail destination to open this year — the fred phx. find them on ig and drool over all the dreaminess. @vidamoulin

3. the scottsdale quarter / kierland commons

the best outdoor shopping! more for the experience than the shops I’d say. they are all very chain spots — from hm to victoria’s secret to free people and lululemon. peek around for a bit then grab a drink at the mission, postinos, sol, true food, or culinary. allll the options in that area!

4. fashion square

literally anything and everything you need in one place. it’s a little overwhelming but I usually try to stop by for nords and zara when I’m in town! great for serious day of shopping and have quite a few good restaurants and patios in the area!

honestly the scottsdale recs could go on and on but I’ll leave you with these! hope you like xx