By Melody Richardson
In 2021, I traveled to Arizona for the first time—and loved every minute of it. Despite a near-disastrous attempt to return last summer (ask me later why I’ll never fly a particular airline again), I finally made it back this April. The trip was everything I hoped for: hiking, hidden gems, and even a touch of history.
Photo Courtesy of Pane Bianco
Although Phoenix wasn’t our original pick for an April getaway, when my boyfriend’s brother—our go-to foodie and travel companion from our 2022 trip to Italy—invited us to stay with him, we jumped at the chance to return to a place we’d both grown to love. For our first stop, he took us to lunch at Pane Bianco, confidently declaring it served the “best eggplant parmesan sandwich outside of Naples.” He wasn’t wrong.
The moment we stepped inside, it felt like we’d been transported to a cozy neighborhood spot in Italy—the air thick with the aroma of fresh-baked bread, local ingredients on display, and an effortless old-world charm woven into every detail.
One place we were eager to visit was the Desert Botanical Garden. The plant life there is truly breathtaking—so dramatically different from the lush greenery we’re used to in Georgia. Many of the species on display are native to the Sonoran Desert and found nowhere else in the world, which makes walking the trails feel like exploring a living museum. We happened to visit during a traveling orchid exhibit and an immersive butterfly garden—both unexpectedly enchanting, and each offering a unique sensory escape. It was a beautiful reminder of how diverse and awe-inspiring the natural world can be, even in the harshest of climates.
Camelback Mountain
If you know me, you know I wasn’t always a hiking girl. Ask pre-2020 me if I’d ever willingly crawl up a mountain and I’d have laughed you off the trail. Fast forward to 2021—Camelback Mountain ended up being one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever completed. I was the only woman in our group to reach the top, and I’d never felt so strong.
So of course, this time around, I had to do it again. And I did! This time, I think I even enjoyed it.
Dinner at Pyro
Food is always a high priority when we travel, and Pyro did not disappoint. This Japanese-American fusion restaurant is a feast for all the senses. The design alone is a showstopper—think modern geisha vibes, lush florals, rich wood, stunning chandeliers, and an open kitchen wrapped in jewel-toned zellige tiles.
Each dish and cocktail was a standout, making the entire evening a multi-course experience we’ll be dreaming about for a long time.
Photo Courtesy of Coabana
Baseball & Coabana
On our second-to-last night, we caught a Diamondbacks vs. Braves game—which turned out to be an unexpected highlight, especially since the Braves won! Afterward, our hosts led us on a little city stroll. Just when we thought we were heading to our Uber, we were surprised with a stop at Coabana, the cutest late-night restaurant.
With overtly feminine, boho décor, sparkly “Barbie” cocktails, and pink guava empanadas (yes, the guys got food too), it felt like a dream. The little—and big—girl in me was completely charmed.
Taliesin West- Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Frank Lloyd Wright
At some point during the trip, someone mentioned that a Frank Lloyd Wright property was just a short drive away. As a designer, I couldn’t pass up the chance. While Wright may not have been the most lovable character, his vision of organic architecture remains unmatched.
Seeing how his designs intentionally integrated with the landscape was breathtaking. We even got to view the original plans for some of his most iconic buildings—including the Guggenheim!
Photo courtesy of @bacanoraphx
Bacanora
To wrap up our trip, we had brunch at Bacanora, one of Phoenix’s most coveted restaurants. (It’s tiny, and the chef won a James Beard Award last year, so getting in is no small feat.) But wow—what a sendoff. From the quirky vibe and welcoming staff to the unforgettable food, Bacanora is a spot we’ll absolutely prioritize on our next trip.
Until next time, Arizona.
You’ve got the hikes, the history, the heat—and now a little piece of my heart.
