5 Southwestern Cities to Visit This Fall
1.) Scottsdale, Arizona Located just outside of Phoenix, this lively suburb offers vacationers the best of both worlds: the city’s lively nightlife and cozy getaways for poolside fun in the sun, even in the fall.
Near Scottsdale, you’ll find day trips to Camelback Mountain and Squaw Peak. Arizona State University is just a short drive away in Tempe, with everything a major college campus has to offer: sports, nightlife, and stunning architecture. The botanical garden house has some interesting Southwestern plant life you won’t find anywhere else, and if you’re lucky you might also find some birds and critters wandering around. And don’t forget all the ghost towns of the Old West!
Our recommendation: Check out Westbrook Vacation Rentals for family-style stays with all the amenities, including the must-have pool!
2.) Dallas, Texas There’s something about Dallas that just screams, “We’re friends!” from the moment you step off the plane. Maybe it’s because, like all of Texas, everything is big and done to the max. No wonder their new catchphrase is “Live Large. Think Big.”
When Texans do one thing, they do it all, it’s part of the state’s charm. For example, the Pumpkin Village at the Arboretum includes four houses made entirely of pumpkins. If that’s not dedication, we don’t know what is. For shopping, Uptown is second to none for everything from books to kitchen accessories, but the area is best known for its trendy shopping opportunities. Traveling with the family? Let fashionistas browse the high-end stores, while sports fans take a tour of the new Cowboys Stadium. Dallas really does have something to offer everyone!
Our recommendation: If you’re in the mood to see exotic animals, skip the Dallas Zoo and head to the Ft. Worth Zoo.
3.) Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe has long been known for its bustling art scene, and as soon as you start walking the streets of the city, you’ll see why. You can find everything from avant-garde to traditional Mexican and Native American artwork in one of the many galleries dotted around the city.
Speaking of art, no artist has had as lasting an impact on the city as Georgia O’Keefe, whose downtown museum houses the largest collection of her work. The dedication to art and craft is evident everywhere you look in Santa Fe, which is largely the result of ordinances that have preserved its Spanish Town Revival appearance. No matter where you are in Santa Fe, you’ll be surrounded by the warm colors and patterns of terra cotta and turquoise, the classic motif that screams Southwest. If you’re feeling restless, head to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which have plenty of hiking and ski/snowboard trails.
Our recommendation: The New Mexico History Museum was recently voted the best Western Museum in the country. No trip to Santa Fe would be complete without a stop here.
4.) Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City’s landscape is as unique as its history, making the city an important (and attractive!) destination. Named for its giant body of interior saltwater, spa visitors will appreciate the glow of a salt scrub made from the lake itself.
Depending on how early the snow arrives, Park City, where the Winter Olympics recently took place, has everything a snow bunny could dream of. Park City boasts outdoor ice skating, crazy ski slopes, and some of the best snowboarding in the country. Even if snow isn’t your thing, there are 21 different national parks and monuments within a short drive, proving you don’t have to play in the snow to have a good time in Utah.
Our recommendation: Even if you’re not a Mormon, be sure to spend some time on a tour of the Salt Lake City Church of Latter-day Saints Temple. The sheer beauty of its grounds and architecture is nothing short of stunning, and the photos you’ll take home will
5.) Las Vegas, Nevada No list of cities to visit in the Southwest seems to be complete without mentioning Sin City. Despite rebranding itself as a playground for adults (with its “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” campaign), this place has it all… and then some.
There are top-tier shows for all ages and interests, and the food rivals what you can find in New York City. Even if you’re staying on the Strip, it’s worth spending a night on Fremont Street, the “old town” of the Strip. Yes, it’s a bit more seedy, but both the gambling tables and the drinks are cheaper (not to mention the room rates!). Off-Strip spas are also often cheaper than their on-Strip counterparts, and hotel spas offer deals and discounts on a regular basis. Every type of food imaginable is available on the Strip, but carnivores will especially want to visit steakhouses like Craftsteak and Delmonico’s.
Our recommendation: Right on the strip is some of the most fabulous shopping to be found in the US If you have your Black AMEX card, be sure to stop by Caesar’s and the Venetian. Do we have a budget? Head to the Outlet Center and save your pennies for food and fun!