How I Found the Best Restaurants and Hotels on a Desert Southwest Road Trip

Table Mountain at sunset

In the fall of 2023, I was on a road trip through the desert Southwest. My mission included Executive Chef interviews, chef-tasting menus, and luxury accommodations reviews. At every destination, I found a multitude of exciting things to do. From broad vistas at the Flatirons in Boulder and the canyons between buildings in Downtown Denver […]

Sonoran Desert Animals Coloring Book

Julie Recommends

When I moved to a Phoenix suburb in the Valley of the Sun, I was thrilled to witness an abundance of wildlife right in my own backyard–the Sonoran Desert. I have collected some fascinating creatures from this region for this coloring book. The Sonoran Desert is a vast area in the southwestern United States and […]

Why the Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Are Unforgettable

luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden with Papago Park in background

Luminarias are a Christmas tradition in Mexico and the Southwest states in America. Learn more with the link below. This article first appeared on Extended Weekend Getaways on December 1, 2023. Start on Page 94 of Extended Weekend Getaways December issue to learn why the luminaries at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, are […]

Cielo Restaurant at Adero

Adero Scottsdale Resort Charcuterie board at Cielo Restaurant

“Perched near a mountain top in Southern Arizona, Cielo Restaurant at ADERO Scottsdale is a delightful place for dinner and is an award-winning resort for 2021 and 2022.” First appeared in Weekend Notes on August 9, 2022. Enjoy fine dining at Cielo Restaurant at ADERO Scottsdale Resort in Arizona. Love great food? See my Must-Try […]

Discover Arizona Wineries along the Wine Trail

“When you think of Arizona, it’s hard to imagine that the climate would be conducive to growing grapes. However, the Verde Valley in central Arizona, one of three wine-growing regions in the state, has the altitude and latitude that is perfect for thriving vineyards. Look at a world map, and you’ll see that Arizona is […]

Pisces Authentic Adventures in Arizona–A Road Trip Horoscope

Pisces JDP rides a segway in Flagstaff

February 19 to March 20 One of the most selfless of all the zodiac signs, Pisces feel deeply and give much to others without questioning it. (Inspiring Quotes) Pisces enjoy authentic adventures when they take a Nostalgic Road Trip in Flagstaff, Arizona. At DiscoverFlagstaff, take the whole family for fun and games. I learned how […]

Favorite holiday lights by US travel writers

Favorite holiday lights at Desert Botanical Garden, Las Noches de las Luminarias, at night

The holidays are over but I wanted to share this GUEST POST for favorite holiday lights that I and my travel writer colleagues contributed to TravelAwaits. If you missed the magical lights, take a look at this article. See some travel photos by Julie here.

Fantastic Flagstaff Restaurants

American Wagyu beef on a platter served at Tinderbox Kitchen in Flagstaff, Arizona.

“Recognized as a favorite Arizona food town, Flagstaff will have you wiping the smile on your face with many cuisine choices. Creative cocktails, award-winning craft beers, and artful seasonal menus combine to give you fantastic restaurants to try in Flagstaff, Arizona.” First appeared in TravelAwaits on November 23, 2021. Check out this fantastic American wagyu […]