When you first walk into the newly opened AC Hotel in North Scottsdale, you are greeted with hospitality and relaxation. The colors are inviting and calming, and it’s European inspiration shines right through the modern design. It’s no wonder their target audience of Millennial, like myself, love to work and play at this hotel line!
AC Hotel – Newest Modern Escape in the Desert
Coworking seems to be the name of the game in the lobby, as you will find many different seating arrangements and opportunities to relax and still accomplish work. Much like the other locations in this hotel line, they only have one private room for meetings onsite. The rest is an open concept, which we all know speaks to my soul! If you are in need of a meeting space to entertain clients, this room is bookable, even if you aren’t a guest of the hotel. AC gets the state of the world right now, and understands your office may not be open, but you still need to conduct business.
Let their home become yours when you need a meeting space.
One other thing you can expect and will see in the lobby and carried out throughout the common areas of the hotel – live plants. When Brian, the Sales Manager, was showing me around, I had to stop and feel if they were real! Yes, the succulents are all real as are the plants outside in the outdoor dining area.
To me, this was a great touch that brings in the outside through the expansive glass windows and doors, really making it feel completely open. Right off of the bar area, guests can enjoy outdoor seating and the pool. The artwork and thought that went into the design is incredible. You will be in awe everywhere you look, not overwhelmed.
Food and Beverage Service
Since opening in January 2021, in the middle of a global pandemic, the food and beverage service are a bit modified. Understandably so. For breakfast, you can still get a variety of items. Dinner service starts at 5 pm, and you can also do catering. If you are in need of an event space, or wedding space, the side patio is available to accommodate your needs. And it has a covered roof which will be perfect come summer!
One of the coolest things I saw at AC was the call buttons on all of the tables. It corresponds to a watch the servers/bar attendants wear, and lets them know you need something based on which button you press. It allows you to enjoy your space while still being able to have your needs met when you need them. And it also allows for as minimal contact as you want from service staff, without having to chase them down, either poolside or barside.
And as an attendant, it gives them reassurance they are taking care of you, and you are fine, without hovering over you. <— Wish I had this back in my days of serving and bartending back in the early 2010s! I can imagine there would have been fewer of those “awkward Hey, wanted to check to make sure you were still ok?!” asks!
Food and Drink Selections
One thing you will notice about this hotel versus other hotels in the valley – they have a specialized drink menu created just for this location. Michael Jordan’s tequila line is a staple of their selections. And you have to try the Sunset, their newest gin drink.
Now, I’m not a gin fan, or drinker, and I even told Jolie and Albert, the attendants, I think it tastes like pine cones 🤷🏼♀️. However, they convinced me this drink wouldn’t. And they were right! The combination of pineapple juice, Grand Marnier, and blue Gin, make this an eye appeasing and palette pleasing drink!
The next special drink on the menu is the Spire. Named and created after the Scottsdale Spire, just up the road from the hotel. The Spire is a piece from Frank Lloyd Wright, a major inspiration in the area for architecture.
Make sure to watch the video for the creation and the fun way they light it up! 🔥
As far as food goes, you can get dinner, which is mostly Tapas and smaller plates, from 5-9. I saw and tried a few selections. And I’m told the house made meatballs are the best. (I’m not a meat eater, but they did look appealing). The bread with the arugula salad was amazing! And the pecans in some kind of candying were also drool worthy.
The last thing that caught my eye for food and beverage – in the mini bar area off of the check in desk, there’s a wine opener on the wall. They sell bottles of wine in the mini bar. But you can also purchase a bottle from the bar, open it at the mini bar or take it home, and enjoy it! Another amenity I find so useful and wonder why all hotels don’t have this!
Artwork
Every piece in the hotel is on purpose. From the REVIVE wall on the patio by the pool that repeats itself to the wood statues who were commissioned by an artist who flew Internationally to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon and create the pieces after its beauty. I loved all the textures, the heights, and the simplicity. Real plants and succulents are featured throughout the property to bring the beauty of the outdoors, in and create unexpected color.
Guest Rooms
As with most hotels, this one has amazing rooms that carry the calming colors and atmosphere as well as the modern design throughout. The bathrooms have sliding glass shower doors, and pedestal countertops to keep the open and light feel, and all the TVs have streaming available with the most popular options.
Views from the room are incredible – either of the mountains or the city – the perfect spot to work away from home. With the guest rooms, access to the on site gym is available as well as any of the services across the plaza at the Westin Kierland Resort.
Overall, the AC Hotel in North Scottsdale is a top spot to consider when wanting a staycation away from home, or for business and leisure travel to Scottsdale and really experience living the high life while still getting work done. I know I will be planning a little staycation here very soon!
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to tour the brand new restaurant for the private community, Desert Highlands, which was specifically made for the members of the community. Jack’s Gastropub is modeled after the famous golf legend and course architect, which is exclusive to the members of the community. When visiting Desert Highlands, I had no idea it even existed in the desert. Even though I have driven by it many times on the way to my family’s home.
Please enjoy the photographs I grabbed and if you are thinking of moving to the desert, the community has several amenities and appeals to a more mature demographic – one that is potentially moving from California or other locations to the desert. It appeals to someone wanting the ability to access the city yet have all the amenities of land, golfing, a private community, and a restaurant/bar usable only by you and community members. I have left the link below for you to check.
Desert Highlands Introduces Jack’s Gastropub
The remodel started in 2018 which was originally part of the library. And they modeled it around Jack’s first course in the desert, which is also on the property. Phx Architecture designed the entire project and removed a patio that blocked all of the amazing light which you now see over the open circle bar in the center which seats up to 22 people. The food featured is small plates and some of Jack’s personal food favorites. And his signature on many things.
My personal opinion of the community is a great one! If I was looking for a community to move further from where we live now, and a golf course in my back yard, this is the one I would choose. Maybe someday when the girls are older we can look into something here. For now, we will stay where we are. But look forward to meeting some community members to visit Jack’s Gastropub again! The ahi cones are a MUST try! And the cocktail menu is pretty robust as well!
Dynamic Clubhouse Amenity Completes $2 Million Project that Included Kitchen Renovation
Desert Highlands – the acclaimed luxury golf club and community in the stunning Sonoran Desert of North Scottsdale – unveils Jack’s, a lively gastropub inside the clubhouse named after golf legend and course architect Jack Nicklaus, to its members.
Led by award-winning architect Erik B. Peterson of PHX Architecture, Jack’s is a high-energy gathering space that diversifies Desert Highlands’ dining options. A large custom communal table commands the room and provides a custom bar experience for up to 22. Jack’s also features high tops, flat-screen televisions and images that pay homage to the influence that Nicklaus and other golf legends have made.
The design also incorporates a piano bar and upgraded lounge area, which provides members a relaxed atmosphere to mingle and entertain. Additionally, the eatery’s entrance offers a “walk through memory lane” feel, featuring images and classic golf memorabilia. The overall aesthetic is a modernized take on a historical clubhouse. And Jack’s incorporates an entire interiors refresh designed by Sam and Mike Hatch of the Hatch Design Group.
Construction of the gastropub, along with a renovation of the Desert Highlands kitchen was part of a $2 million project that began in June.
The kitchen renovation, which finished a month ago, includes the creation of an efficient layout that allows the club’s culinary team to be more imaginative. An additional 16 feet of space allows Executive Chef Todd Allison to oversee the entire operation and create direct service lines for both the gastropub and the club’s intimate Ventana Room. Additional enhancements include improved acoustics, which provides a more positive overall dining experience.
“We are excited to showcase Jack’s to our members and provide them an engaging and festive dining experience,” says General Manager / COO Monty Becton. “Our culinary team constantly evaluates the immediate and long-term needs of our membership and wants to create a completely seamless and first-class dining experience for our members. The gastropub, along with the kitchen renovation and other enhancements, allows us to accomplish this and remain a standard bearer for upscale private communities.”
Desert Highlands’ energetic lifestyle consistently draws discerning families and active Boomers in equal measure – golfers, tennis enthusiasts, pet lovers, and health and wellness enthusiasts.
A full social calendar allows residents to fully enjoy this peaceful community.
Stretching to over 7,100 yards, the Desert Highlands golf course recently re-opened after a $7 million renovation project that included refurbishing every bunker, restoring the 13th hole to its original design, installing a new irrigation system and updating cart paths. The splendid golf course offers a challenging, but fair test, and striking views of Pinnacle Peak and the lights of the Valley spread across the horizon in the distance below. Desert Highlands was Nicklaus’ first design in Arizona, and immediately set the bar for desert golf experiences, not only in Scottsdale but statewide and nationwide.
Just as impressive is Desert Highlands’ Racquet Club, which sports 13 tennis courts featuring all three Grand Slam surfaces – grass, clay and hard. Noted ATP player Nick Kyrgios considers Desert Highlands’ grass courts “better than Wimby [Wimbledon].” The Racquet Club also added two regulation-size pickleball courts earlier this year.
In addition, Desert Highlands boasts a 7,700-square-foot Wellness Center, an 18-hole professionally designed putting course and a spacious dog park.
Inside, the club provides residents peace of mind with a state-of-the-art security system, professionally trained security personnel, visitor control and access, and other protection amenities. Among the acclaimed residential services that truly pamper residents and meet their specific needs – shipping and transportation assistance, pool and spa maintenance, auto detailing and other customized services.
Scottsdale’s premier private community and club, Desert Highlands melds Sonoran Desert luxury with world-class golf, tennis, dining and residential services. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Desert Highlands is easily accessible for second and vacation home owners. It is only minutes away from famed Old Town Scottsdale and its myriad shops, restaurants and art galleries. Homes (all resale) range from $1 million to over $6 million, and feature architecturally adapted styles and systems for life in America’s most vibrant desert. A residential remodel program offers investors the opportunity to have the membership fee waived during the period in which they are restoring / upgrading their investment property. The club’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is considered one of the best layouts in Arizona, and hosted the first two Skins Games back in 1983-84.
Each year, we take a family trip to one of the Hawaiian islands with the hope that one day we will have a house there. 2020 was a bit different as we all know. The state of Hawaii and her islands were one of the last to open back up to tourists and we took every precaution to be able to get to visit her beauty this fall. Here’s how we safely traveled to Hawaii with our children amid COVID-19.
How to safely travel to Hawaii amid COVID-19
Hawaii pre – flight testing
The first thing we did when setting out to take this trip was to plan the days, and which island. This may not seem important or much different than any other trip, however it is in current times. Some of the islands require additional quarantine or won’t rent for less than x amount of days.
Another consideration is to be flexible in your travel dates as not all flight paths have been fully restored yet. You may want to take a 10 day trip but may need to cut to 9 or extend to 11 to get a flight home.
Once you decide where and when, the need for pre-flight testing comes into play. If you don’t mind quarantining for the first 14 days you arrive and not leaving your place you are staying for anything, no testing is needed.
Our travels were only for 9 days, so we opted to get a COVID-19 test from Vault Health. It was an approved provider that mailed a saliva test to our home with the cost being $150. You can file with your insurance company for reimbursement if you’d like. There are several other providers listed on the site, but this was specifically recommended and used by Hawaiian Airlines, which we always fly.
The test is required 72 hours before the final leg of your trip into Hawaii, and must be done on a Zoom call in front of personnel from Vault Health. You call in and wait for a practitioner and then take the test. Because it’s a spit test, you can’t eat or drink or smoke or chew anything 30 minutes before the test.
Testing Process
It’s a very simple process, the hardest part being creating enough spit to fill the tube. The average time it took the 6 of us traveling to take it was about 10 minutes. Leila, our 9 year old, took about 30 minutes because she wasn’t sure how to spit I think.
Once your test is completed and sealed, you simply drop off and wait for the results. Everything is logged and tracked, and Vault Health emails you with status updates.
Most everywhere you go, the QR code as well as the Negative test results are required for entry, so getting the result before leaving or landing on the islands is pretty important.
Some airports have testing right at the airport for Hawaiian Airlines passengers while the home test is the only option for others. The two options that had testing when we went were LAX and San Francisco. If you are flying from the east and have a layover in one of these airports, this might be the best option for you since the test is required to be taken within 72 hours of the final leg of your trip.
In order to be able to do anything when landing and not quarantine, the self testing in front of a practitioner was the only option for us. We were very careful before testing as well as before traveling to limit exposure and to hopefully pass our test.
We sent our test out on Sunday a few hours after completing the test, and it didn’t leave the UPS store until Monday evening. Tuesday afternoon, we received an email saying our sample had arrived at the facility. Overnight, our test results arrived via email, and we were able to upload them into the required Hawaii.travel.gov site so we could pass through screening much quicker.
If you plan to travel to the islands, doing the self testing before leaving is the easiest and quickest if you want to do anything when you land. The state requires online forms to be filled out within 24 hours of departure, and this is where the QR Code and COVID-19 test results are uploaded to keep everything together. The QR Code is required or Contact Tracing is recorded when you visit restaurants or places of leisure.
The islands are opening back up and her people want you to come visit safely. We are still in a pandemic, and be sure to bring your mask and wear everywhere unless actively eating or drinking. Personally, we knew what we were getting into, and it Hawaii has been closed for 7 months, so they are being very cautious, probably like we all should.
It’s time to visit the islands if you want, but there’s some things I’ve outlined above you need to keep in mind and line. If you don’t have everything done you could be denied entry or cause a longer wait when you arrive. Also – if you don’t comply or abide by their masking guidelines, you can be kicked out of the place, and the airlines can ban you from flying with them again.
It can get hot in Arizona, especially during the summer season. However, if the fall season, the temperatures start to cool down and you can finally go outside an enjoy some outdoor activities. We look forward to fall all year long, especially when the scorching temps continue for over 100 days straight!
With temperatures typically being in the 70’s during the fall in Arizona, that brings a variety of different fun things to do in Arizona in the fall. When you are wanting to enjoy a bit of the great outdoors while the weather is nice, here are a few things to experience in the fall.
Things to Do in Arizona in The Fall
1. Enjoy the Fall Flavors
Fall brings in some of our favorite flavors when it comes to drinks and food. Many of the area restaurants and shops bring in the seasonal foods from local supplies and will include them into their dishes.
Take a challenge and try at least one new dish that incorporates some of the best fall fruits or vegetables. This may be a whole new experience for you with the flavors and textures. You might just find a new favorite fall flavor or restaurant that you love.
2. Attend a Fall Festival
No matter where you are, there are always some fun fall festivals to attend when the season comes around. Many areas of the state, big and small, put on fun family friendly festivals that everyone can attend and have a little fun at.
3. Be a Tourist Again
Rediscover Arizona just like a tourist would. You can plan a trip around the state to visit the national parks, scenic byways, and major tourist attractions. There are always a variety of different museums, art collections, and other attractions that are sure to pique your interest.
If you want to stay a bit closer to a certain area, instead of traveling around the state, plan a trip around your favorite or closest larger city to enjoy everything it has to offer.
4. Outdoor Experiences and Sightseeing
Much like being a tourist again and visiting some of your favorite museums and other indoor activities, take an adventure outside to discover the beauty around you.
Arizona is full of picturesque landscapes, like those beautiful views you see on the postcards. Full of forests that have thousands of beautiful tall trees, it is the perfect time to take a hike or visit one of the national forests in Arizona. You can also take a camping trip to enjoy the outdoors for a close-up sightseeing experience that you are sure to remember.
Another way to experience some of the outdoor beauties is to take a hot air balloon ride that are done in several locations throughout Arizona. Not only will the ride be an exciting activity, you will also get to see the beauty of Arizona and the mountains from way up high.
These are just a few of the many things you can do in Arizona in the fall. The list is endless and there is nothing better than experiencing the nice weather and beauty Arizona has to offer. Whether you are traveling with a small group or friends and family, Arizona is a great place to see during the fall.
Many people associate Las Vegas with casinos, parties, and a thriving nightlife. The city is a tourist hotspot and if you know where to look, wonderful attractions and fun are awaiting your family here. As someone who has taken their kids to Vegas several times to visit family, I can tell you first hand Vegas is a great spot to take kids. In this article, we have explored some of the best attractions in Las Vegas that are kid-friendly. Here are 7 must-see attractions in Las Vegas with kids!
7 must-see Attractions in Las Vegas with Kids
1. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
Just north of the Las Vegas Strip, you will find this museum that promises delightful indulgences to your kids and delivers exactly that. There are a lot of activities your kids can engage in here, including amazing art and craft projects, climbing structures, the DISCOVERY lab, and water sports. Most of the fun activities here are educational as well.
2. Watch the Blue Man Group show
The blue man group show is perhaps the most talented in the world. They have been hosting shows in Las Vegas for a long time and each time they come up with unique ideas that leave their audience in awe. Their acts include color, light, and sound using a variety of musical instruments such as drums, trombones, and others. The 3 man group is world-renowned for their bizarre but brilliant acts.
3. Visit Marvel’s Avenger STATION
Your kids will enjoy watching full-sized creations of their favorite superheroes. There are interactive exhibits on display and a lot of memorabilia on these superheroes. They get to learn the behind-the-scenes of what it takes to create an Avengers movie. They are
also allowed to touch, photograph, or even wear some of these costumes they have seen in these movies.
4. Go Skydiving indoors
The thought of skydiving from a plane scares most people. However, if you still want to experience the thrill in a controlled and safe environment, you can head to the Las Vegas strip at the Vegas Indoor Skydiving location. A 1,000 horsepower motor will keep you floating in the air and free-falling at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. There are safety nets and protective clothing to keep you safe throughout the whole session. You can book tickets online for this experience.
5. Visit the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
This is probably the world’s largest exhibition of marine life. There are over 2,000 different marine animals on display here. The name comes from the large collection of over 14 species of sharks and other sea predators. You get to walk through a tunnel and experience this spectator in every angle possible. Your kids are allowed to touch different types of marine life (crabs, stingrays among others) at a different section of the bay.
6. Visit the Ethel Chocolate factory
Kids love chocolate and a trip to this factory will be a fulfilling one. This factory is located about 20 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. Your kids will get a chance to learn how chocolate is made. And take guided tours around while enjoying free samples.
7. The Adventuredome at Circus Circus
This is an amusement park that is the dream of every kid. They get the chance to take rides, go rock climbing indoors, bungee jumping, roller skating, arcade gaming, bowling, and many other activities. Most of these games are located indoors meaning that your kids get the chance to enjoy themselves with little regard to the weather or season.
Before moving to Arizona, I never considered visiting Las Vegas even though I have family there. Now that we live here, it’s a super easy and quick trip up north, which we try to take at least once a year. If you are struggling with what to do with your kids and how to travel with them, check out my post on that here. If you are thinking of taking a roadtrip to get to Las Vegas, I have a post on how to keep the kiddos entertained while traveling. You can find that post here.
When traveling, you can’t take your house with you, so how do you deal with children’s games? How do you keep your kids from asking “Are we there yet?” a thousand times or needing to stop for a break every 5 minutes? How do you keep them entertained in a world where internet connection rules? The times we are living in has more and more people thinking of taking longer trips, not a quick one that entertains them for longer. As a result of this new normal, we are getting new requests for travel games to keep kids busy on long train or car or plane trips. I searched and searched to pick some of the best games available. This is a quick summary for all ages and some games are easier to handle when things do not move too much or on a small tablet.
This superior quality chess set offers you smooth hand-feel while frivolous. Smooth processing for each chess piece to lower the noise while traveling. Offers silent environment for your analytical thinking.The pieces are stress-free to differentiate. The Chess set has an attractive wrapping with rules of the chess game available inside the box. Every distinct piece of the chessboard has a magnetic pull to the playing field of the 64-square chessboard, and light magnetic attraction would create it steady to play while not solid to transfer the pieces at the time of playing in stormy weather, out-of-doors or traveling. Small enough for travel in a backpack or bag, but large enough surface area for easy play.
Appreciate the typical game of bingo, animal style, anywhere you go. Easy to play with simple to follow the rules. No requirement for decks of cards only utilizes the magnetic pieces and a built-in magnetic spinner. This game is recommended for ages 3 and above. This game is played between two or more players. It is an excellent hands-on game for children to stay busy for long hours without utilizing technology or their phones. A classic game that everyone is sure to know and want to play instead of driving or being left out for long!
In this board game for kids, it’s a contest to acquire all of the animals on Noah’s boat beforehand the
excessive flood. Collect every animal together to conquest. Appropriate for two to four players, and
appropriate for kids age 4 and up. The box comprises one game panel, five animal tokens, thirty-six
terrain cards, one rain token, and thirteen rain cards. This makes a great gift for Christmas or other holidays including a birthday present.
This forty piece game set consists of thirty-two magnetic tiles and eight style mags. The original
technology creates Stile Mags, simple accumulation of magnetic buildings as well as mosaics. Talk about a game that is friendly for all ages and imaginations! This one is sure to keep them (and maybe you) busy for hours on end creating magnetic magic!
Appreciate the all-time typical game of Backgammon anywhere you go. No requirement for decks of
cards, sports, or additional action games. This game has you enclosed with long hours of
entertainment. This game is played between two players. It comes with all that you require to get on
the go, such as magnetic pieces, two dice, and the game board published ingeniously within the box.
Appreciate the typical game of Words anywhere you go—no requirement for technology, phones, or
applications. Pick your head to come up with a word prepared from letters on your board. This game
can be played between 4 players.
Board games and the like are at an all time high, especially those that are friendly on the go. Families are spending more time together and games that can be easily taken on a ride and don’t get upset when moving will continue to be at the forefront of shopping purchases this year and next. What is your favorite game to take with you which is missing from the list?
open. Right off of the bar area, guests can enjoy outdoor seating and the pool. The artwork and thought that went into the design is incredible. You will be in awe everywhere you look, not overwhelmed. 
commissioned by an artist who flew Internationally to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon and create the pieces after its beauty. I loved all the textures, the heights, and the simplicity. Real plants and succulents are featured throughout the property to bring the beauty of the outdoors, in and create unexpected color.
community, Desert Highlands, which was specifically made for the members of the community. Jack’s Gastropub is modeled after the famous golf legend and course architect, which is exclusive to the members of the community. When visiting Desert Highlands, I had no idea it even existed in the desert. Even though I have driven by it many times on the way to my family’s home.
The remodel started in 2018 which was originally part of the library. And they modeled it around Jack’s first course in the desert, which is also on the property. 
Construction of the gastropub, along with a renovation of the Desert Highlands kitchen was part of a $2 million project that began in June.
restoring the 13th hole to its original design, installing a new irrigation system and updating cart paths. The splendid golf course offers a challenging, but fair test, and striking views of Pinnacle Peak and the lights of the Valley spread across the horizon in the distance below. Desert Highlands was Nicklaus’ first design in Arizona, and immediately set the bar for desert golf experiences, not only in Scottsdale but statewide and nationwide.
In addition, Desert Highlands boasts a 7,700-square-foot Wellness Center, an 18-hole professionally designed putting course and a spacious dog park.
took the 6 of us traveling to take it was about 10 minutes. Leila, our 9 year old, took about 30 minutes because she wasn’t sure how to spit I think.
The islands are opening back up and her people want you to come visit safely. We are still in a pandemic, and be sure to bring your mask and wear everywhere unless actively eating or drinking. Personally, we knew what we were getting into, and it Hawaii has been closed for 7 months, so they are being very cautious, probably like we all should.
traveling. Offers silent environment for your analytical thinking.The pieces are stress-free to differentiate. The Chess set has an attractive wrapping with rules of the chess game available inside the box. Every distinct piece of the chessboard has a magnetic pull to the playing field of the 64-square chessboard, and light magnetic attraction would create it steady to play while not solid to transfer the pieces at the time of playing in stormy weather, out-of-doors or traveling. Small enough for travel in a backpack or bag, but large enough surface area for easy play.
technology, phones, or
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