The Chill Factor

Feelin' hot, hot, hot!

(get-to-know-me-side note) the setting: watching a scientific video about volcanoes in 6th grade at my strict religious prep school, the song, the situation: song deemed 'inappropriate' by my teacher due to its passionate beat...)

Volcanic eruptions and lava slides aside, it got me thinking about ways to get out of the heat and do something out of the ordinary... luckily I had the fantastic opportunity to head up to the quaint and remarkably interesting wine destination of Northern AZ.

My first stop was Page Springs Cellars, a picturesque vision of what a wine weekend getaway is all about: idyllic vistas, tasty wine and knowledgeable staff ready and waiting to pour delectable amounts of their finest vintage.

strangers are only friends I haven't met yet~

howdy folks!

***CR Insider: the members only patio area is a must see on the weekend as the place gets packed with locals and tourists alike.

ummmmm.... yes please!

Onto the next! The short trip to Old Town Cottonwood proved delightful and peaceful with winding roads and charming scenery artfully displayed just beyond my car windows.

The Arizona Stronghold tasting room differs from that of Page Springs in its rock 'n roll sensibility and cowboy chic decor.

Tasting their 'site-archives', another term for 'reserve', is a tipsy treat best waited out by lounging on a nearby sumptuous leather couch before the long drive home.

***CR Extra Treats: Stronghold's tasting room showcases local products for purchase, perfect for souvenir shopping

Bea's Beauty Bar

Queen Creek Olive Mill

And if you're feeling like a bit of a joiner- sign up for their new wine club. Membership gives you hand selected bottles of vino from the vigneron masterminds of Eric Glomski and Tim White- pretty effin' awesome if ya ask me.

new friends followed me here... or maybe I followed them?

I've already started planning my next trip back- I'm thinking good people, an RV and a lot of tylenol... don't miss Page Springs' Upcoming Harvest Festival- good tunes and booze?

Count me in!

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards (Tasting Room)

Phone: (928) 639-2789

1023 N. Main Street

Cottonwood AZ 86326

Page Springs Cellars

Phone: (928) 639-3004

1500 Page Springs Road

Cornville AZ 86325

A New Twist

I don't know about you, but this little blog of mine is starting to become my reality in a BIG way.... friends- methinks I may be in a rut.

http://artbyvida.com/portfolio.php

Upon realizing this, I began to loathe my desert surroundings and crave new destinations scented with salty air and evoking the coastal calm of a southern beach.

this....

vs.

this.

But seeing as I only have 2 more weeks until my yearly return to the South, I figured I would stop, breathe and take another look at all the possibilities around me in AZ.

Sometimes all you need is a little perspective to shake things up.

I decided to visit an oldie, but a goodie- El Chorro Lodge.

Say what you want about the 'lack of culture' in AZ, but this historical landmark speaks to the patrons of this place and the citizens of this great desert valley.

A school in its infancy, a celeb den as a teen and now, after having a little work done, is graciously all grown up.

Night time is the right time to visit El Chorro. A pristine view and magical misters make their reverse happy hour (thurs.-sat. 9:30-11:30) the perfect place for summer lovin'.

the happy hour burger: sub-par, but hey- they can't all be the kobe beef zinburger...

sugar high. it's not a trip to el chorro without their famous sticky buns.

A classic is forever for a reason. Break your summer rut with a timeless visit to the El Chorro Lodge.

Location:

5550 E. Lincoln Dr.

Paradise Valley, AZ 85253