Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Phoenix

by  Darren Murph | Feb 14, 2013
Camelback Mountain, Arizona
Camelback Mountain, Arizona / Jeremy Janus/iStock

Much like Florida, Southern California, and the islands stretched along the Caribbean Sea, Phoenix does a fine job of sidestepping winter. As snow and ice test the patience of many Americans this time of year, a lot of events and conferences are heading to the The Grand Canyon State for a climate that's more palatable. In an effort to get you outside of the boardroom and into the comforting confines of Arizona, we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings.

EAT:
Given that you'll want to enjoy a bit of sunshine, it's worth the quick jaunt to Nobuo at Teeter House. The self-proclaimed Asian-style teahouse by day, Nobu turns into something a bit more invigorating at night. Regardless of when you visit, the food and drinks are revered, and the quirky atmosphere will definitely take the "boring" out of a working lunch.

While you may need a reservation (or a little thing called patience), Cibo is generally worth the effort. It's just a short stroll from the Phoenix Convention Center, and while the wood-fried pizzas are exactly as good as you'd imagine, the salad options are ideal for those looking for lighter fare.

DO:

Desert Botanical Gardens / Flickr/Scandblue

If you end up with a few hours to spare, and you've got a penchant for photographing beautiful things, it's worth the 15-minute cab ride to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Particularly for those who aren't from the southwest, the flora you'll find here will certainly fall into the atypical category. Better still, the gardens are actually tucked within a larger area that includes Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo, and two golf courses – this is Phoenix, after all.

Just seven miles south of the conventional hall sits Ponderosa Stables. While you'll probably need to change clothes afterwards due to the dust, a quick ride in the desert can be accomplished with just a few hours to spare in the morning or afternoon. You'll find some of the best riding trails in the country here, and you don't have to travel far to take advantage of them. If you've been looking for an excuse to cowboy-up, this is it.

DRINK:
If you're hoping to end your work week in memorable fashion, head over to the Rose & Crown Pub. It's a curious mix of Britain and America, and the food menu isn't half bad, either. You'll find over 50 local and import beers to help blow off any leftover steam, and you'll also find pool and foosball tables to pass the time.

This is a recurring feature exploring must-visit locales in a variety of cities. If you find yourself traveling to a place for business, why not venture out and enjoy your surroundings?

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