A Few of the Finer Things - February 2018

Kelly’s 1st Year

As I've now passed my one year anniversary of Arizona residency, I thought it might be fun to share a recap of what I’ve been up to this last year! Moving has been exciting, as I've lived most of my life in various locations of Florida. The move itself was an experience - driving from Florida to Arizona in a matter of 10 days - but that may be enough for another Finer Things!

One of my first memorable experiences was visiting Cave Creek. It didn't take me long to stumble upon delicious food at a little establishment called Indian Village. Right next to a biker bar called The Hideaway, the restaurant itself is located in the back of a tiny retail shop offering an eclectic mix of goods: Saguaro growing kits, prayer stones, colorful blankets and hand woven native Mexican Zapotec rugs (these are gorgeous!). The food though…Indian Fry Bread, tacos and enchiladas…everything authentic and hand made. So simple, yet so perfectly delicious!

Since I now reside in the beautiful state of Arizona, I have a lot of visitors from the best friends anyone could have. A frequent request is Sedona, OF COURSE! I've visited Sedona now a handful of times, each more stunning than the last. If any of you haven't taken a Pink Jeep Tour, I would highly recommend. It allows you to view the landscape of Sedona (so much better when you're not driving!) and also enjoy a history of the geographical terrain and town from educated tour guides. So fun!

Over the fourth of July holiday I visited Montezuma's Castle and Well - National Monuments protecting dwellings used and inhabited by different Indians over the last three centuries. While the Castle was amazing, the main structure comprises five stories and twenty rooms and is more like a high-rise apartment, the Well was even more interesting. This area involves some hiking to explore, but you will discover a natural limestone sinkhole in which 1,500,000 gallons of water emerge each day from an underground spring (thanks Google). Amazing! Also, etched into the limestone walls of the sinkhole are the long-past homes of various Indian groups, again over the last three centuries. If you do decide to visit this landmark, I’d recommend spring or fall, skipping the 115 degree heatwave!

Last but not least, I took the last train to Clarkdale! Also known as the Verde Canyon Railroad, this refurbished vintage train (two of only ten remaining in North America) departs Clarkdale and slowly takes you through the Verde Canyon (very near Sedona) to areas not accessible by car. The canyon is situated between two protected sanctuaries, the Coconino National Forest and Prescott National Forest. My favorite spot was in the open-air viewing cars, relaxing under the canopy enjoying the cool fall weather with my good friends. It is a lovely afternoon ride with food and drinks served right on the train, but keep in mind it is a 4 hour commitment with 40 miles covered. What I do promise is by the time you are delivered back to Clarkdale, you will have met some new friends and have seen some new parts of gorgeous Arizona.

Before I sign-off…as I am a bit of a foodie…I’d like to give a shout-out to a few of my favorite local restaurants! Also located in Cave Creek is Tonto Bar & Grill, a Southwestern/Native American fusion which sits on ground that once was home to American Indians. Not only is the property very pretty, the food is excellent. FnB in Old Town Scottsdale is another favorite. This farm-to-table offers a global seasonal menu which changes monthly. They source the best of Arizona’s farming and agricultural communities, and you can see the quality in every dish – really tasty! Rusconi’s is on my favorite list as well, serving regional American food, and also with a rotating menu which caters to seasonal ingredients. These are just three of the growing list of great restaurants I’ve found in this area. If you have any favorites I should try, please share!

Thanks for allowing me to share my adventures! There were a few more here and there but these are the main treks. I’ve enjoyed meeting all of you since being here and I will say moving to Scottsdale and joining Weiss Wealth Strategies has been the best move I’ve made. Thank you all for being so welcoming!

– Kelly Hughes, February 2018