Chaparral Suites & Resort – Scottsdale, AZ

by Adrienne Wilson on

Four days weren’t nearly enough for me at Chaparral Suites & Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. I have to go back. I must. If you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway to the Phoenix / Scottsdale area, the Chaparral Suites will work for either set of plans. Relax in complete peace and quiet in your room or visit one of the two pools for a more livelier atmosphere. In the morning head down to the breakfast room where you discover warm smiling faces serving cooked to order eggs, pancakes, bacon, hash browns, French toast, fresh fruit and more. (This was my favorite part of the entire hotel stay.) Located near major shopping malls, movie theaters and tons of local attractions, Chaparral Suites & Resort is the perfect home away from home and vacation away from it all.

Chaparral Suites & Resort are located at 5001 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250. Ph. 480.949.1414. www.chaparralsuites.com

Photo of the Day (7/1/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on


This is another landscape shot coming directly from my personal Kodak EasyShare Gallery. Walking out of Springerville, AZ in the direction of Show Low, you’ll find these happy little hills or mountains peaking out here and there. Part of the White Mountain chain, I had an unbelievable sense of calm come over me on this day. Fluffy white clouds dotting the blue sky, yellow grass, brown earth and somewhat White Mountains made for an especially interesting site, considering there aren’t any in Florida.

One Night Stand: Scottsdale, Arizona

by Adrienne Wilson on

It’s been sometime since I last sought the counsel of the Gadling readers on an unfamiliar U.S. city, but the time has finally arrived once again. As some of you may recall I have been traversing the country in a three month long walk across America and have been stopping at some fabulous and well not so fab places. Remember Olney and Salem, IL? Oh, and let me thank those of you who chip in your recommendations. If I don’t get back to you with a report, it’s probably due to the fact that my fellow walking companions are turning the entire ordeal into something of a reality show. Sigh – 19 more days to go.

Anyhow, it looks like I’ll be dropping into Scottsdale, AZ this Fourth of July weekend and staying at a pretty nice hotel to boot. Anyone know anything about the area around Chaparral Suites Resort? On a normal day I would request any and all ideas and suggestions, but tonight I’m in a placid kind of mood. That being said what’s cool, hip, peaceful, relaxing, and quiet to do in Scottsdale? Any neat art museums worth checking out? How about shopping plaza? After wearing workout clothing for months I actually wouldn’t mind a day spent at an off-the-beaten track strip mall. Anything special happening this weekend for the holiday? There’s no time to be shy, so share any and all your Scottsdale city secrets. Before I know it, I’ll be in Wickenburg.

Java Blues – Springerville, AZ

by Adrienne Wilson on

After hours on the road coming out of Quemado, NM or Show Low, AZ Java Blues won’t be the most recognizable on the small Springerville stretch, but you can count on it being the most appetizing and healthier of choices. The happy humming establishment is bound to please the most finicky taste buds whether you settle in for a warm cup of coffee, fresh fruit cup, or tuna salad sandwich on butter croissant. Those rolling through the area later in the day might want to stop in for happy hour Monday to Saturday from 4 to 6 PM where the appetizers are $3.50 and you can score a $1 off beers and wines. I stopped in twice in less than 24 hours spent in the town. Great staff, awesome atmosphere and delectable dishes.

Java Blues is located at 341 E. Main St., Springerville, AZ 85938. Ph. 928.333.5282.

Rode Inn & Suites

by Adrienne Wilson on

When the Rode Inn & Suites popped up on my virtual travel planner, I can’t tell you how skeptical I was. Within seconds my mind had started creating worst-case, roadside, dive motel scenarios where the bed bugs not only bite, but they chomp. I imagined funky room smells from the so-so cleaning products, mildew spots above the shower head, and icky sticky carpet among other things. Moments after pulling into the parking lot I swallowed my preconceived ideas about the place and found it was a heck of a lot better than I could have ever contrived.

Don’t mistake my eating my words as saying the place is a luxury joint, but it’s probably the best thing Springerville, AZ has in terms of accommodation. The rooms are simple, clean, and extra cozy. Balconies with patio furniture welcome guests out of their rooms to soak up a little Arizona sun or relax and read a book. If you’re more for taking advantage of the A.C., lounge a little in their Western inspired lobby. You’ll want to head this way first thing in the morning when they open up their deluxe continental breakfast. And when I say deluxe I mean DELUXE!  If they haven’t won any awards in the past for their phenomenal early morning meal then I kid you not when I tell you they should. Fresh, sweet fruit, bagels, breakfast burritos, sausage-on-a-stick, French toast strips and biscuits with gravy are just a few treats waiting to help you start off your day on the right foot.

If you find yourself in the Springerville, AZ for any reason and looking for a place to stay don’t pass this one up! (Even if you stay only for the breakfast…) Other amenities include Hi-Speed internet access, cable TV, business office, fax, copy and laundry facilities. Check out the Rode Inn & Suites online for rates and reservation info.

The Springerville, AZ Rode Inn & Suites is located at 242 E. Main Street. Ph. 928.333.4365.