• About Me
  • Arizona
    • Arizona Destinations
    • Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures
    • Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences
    • Arizona Seasonal Content
  • Other Destinations
  • Coffee
    • Camping Coffee
    • Coffee Shop Guides
  • Guides & Merch
  • Arizona Leaf Watch
Join My Weekly Emails 🙂
Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona

Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona

by daniellenfairbanks | Jan 13, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Coffee, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Shops & Restaurants

Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona Scottsdale is known for its sunshine, stylish neighborhoods, and vibrant food scene—and its coffee shops are no exception. Whether you’re looking for a beautifully designed café in Old Town, a cozy spot to get some work done,...
Hot Air Balloon Tour Phoenix: A Review

Hot Air Balloon Tour Phoenix: A Review

by daniellenfairbanks | Aug 8, 2025 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Phoenix, Scottsdale

Hot Air Balloon Tour Phoenix: A Review While the city offers countless attractions on the ground, nothing compares to the serene and spectacular experience of a hot air balloon tour. Imagine floating effortlessly above the Sonoran Desert as the sun paints the sky with...
18 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale AZ (Beyond the Resorts)

18 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale AZ (Beyond the Resorts)

by daniellenfairbanks | Jul 17, 2025 | Arizona, Arizona Destinations, Phoenix, Scottsdale

18 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale AZ (Beyond the Resorts) Scottsdale, Arizona – the name often conjures images of luxurious resorts, championship golf courses, and vibrant nightlife. And sure, it does have all of that. But as a local who’s called this desert...
The Best Local Phoenix Souvenir Shops

The Best Local Phoenix Souvenir Shops

by daniellenfairbanks | Nov 30, 2024 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Shops & Restaurants, Tempe

The Best Local Phoenix Souvenir Shops Looking for unique PHOENIX SOUVENIR SHOPS? I got you covered! The magnets and trinkets are reat, but when I travel, I like to get unique, local gifts that last! Things that I can wear consistently, or things I can work into my...
Tom’s Thumb Hike: One of Scottsdale’s Most Stunning Trails

Tom’s Thumb Hike: One of Scottsdale’s Most Stunning Trails

by daniellenfairbanks | Mar 28, 2024 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Phoenix, Scottsdale

Tom’s Thumb Hike: One of Scottsdale’s Most Stunning Trails I honestly don’t know why the Tom’s Thumb Hike isn’t talked about more. It’s BEAUTIFUL, and has other worldly landscape. Not only do you have the cacti you’d expect...
Best Coffee Shops in Phoenix (Local Favorites + Hidden Gems)

Best Coffee Shops in Phoenix (Local Favorites + Hidden Gems)

by daniellenfairbanks | Feb 4, 2024 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Coffee, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Shops & Restaurants, Tempe

Best Coffee Shops in Phoenix (Local Favorites + Hidden Gems) If you’re looking for the best coffee shops in Phoenix, you’re in the right place. As a local who’s spent countless mornings exploring cafés across the Valley, I’ve narrowed it down to the spots that are...

Recent Posts

  • Best eSIM for Switzerland in 2026: My Honest Review
  • 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Sedona, Arizona (2026)
  • 15 Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

Follow Along on Instagram

↓

what’s your favorite thing to do in flagstaff in t what’s your favorite thing to do in flagstaff in the fall? 👇🏼🍁🍂

comment 🔗 for my guide on other things to do & current colors!
october might just be the best month to visit ariz october might just be the best month to visit arizona 🍂🌵

up north, the aspens are turning gold and the mornings are crisp. down in phoenix, hiking season is finally making its comeback. add in cute pumpkin patches, fall festivals, cozy cabin weekends + scenic drives and there’s SO much to do this month.

a few things to know before visiting arizona in october:

🍂 head north for fall colors — flagstaff, oak creek canyon, the mogollon rim + white mountains are some of my favorites
🥾 october is one of the best months to get back on the trails
🎃 phoenix has pumpkin patches, fall festivals + plenty of seasonal events
🏕️ desert camping season is starting, but northern arizona nights can get COLD
☀️ phoenix can still be pretty warm during the day, especially early in the month
❄️ flagstaff + higher elevations can see freezing temps and even early snow (they just did!!)

and yes, you can go from saguaros to golden aspens in the same weekend 🤎

save this for october in arizona + follow @danielleoutdoors_ for fall color updates & arizona travel ideas 🍁
yeah nope im not sad 😂🍁🎃🍂 if you want info on the yeah nope im not sad 😂🍁🎃🍂

if you want info on the best places to see fall in arizona/ leaf color timing, etc, comment 🔗 & i’ll send you my blog!
4 phoenix hikes to save for cooler weather 🌵🥾 🥾 “ 4 phoenix hikes to save for cooler weather 🌵🥾

🥾 “a” mountain / hayden butte — ~0.9 mi | easy–moderate
a short but steep climb right in tempe with views over downtown, asu + the surrounding valley. perfect when you want a quick workout or sunset hike.

🥾 fat man’s pass via national trail — ~3.7 mi | moderate
this south mountain hike feels like a mini adventure! you’ll hike through rocky desert terrain before squeezing through the giant boulders at fat man’s pass.

🥾 camelback mountain via echo canyon — ~2.5 mi | hard
one of the most iconic hikes in phoenix — and definitely the toughest on this list. expect a steep climb, scrambling, handrails + a serious workout, with panoramic valley views from the summit. start early and bring plenty of water! a cave too!

🥾 hole-in-the-rock at papago park — ~0.3 mi | easy
a super short walk to a natural opening in the red sandstone with views over the valley. great for sunrise, sunset or an easy outdoor stop when you don’t have much time

MENU

ARIZONA

OTHER DESTINATIONS

GALLERY

LET’S BE FRIENDS

About Me

Work With Me

Contact Me

TERMS

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Disclaimer

LET’S BE FRIENDS

About Me

Work With Me

Contact Me

LET’S BE FRIENDS

About Me

Work With Me

Contact Me

Copyright | Danielle Outdoors | 2024