Arizona - Mike's Road Trip

The Spanish treasure of Omni Montelucia Resort

Mike Shubic December 26th, 2018 2 Comments

Ensconced between Phoenix and Scottsdale, in an enclave known as Paradise Valley, is the magnificent Omni Montelucia Resort. The Montelucia is modeled after an idyllic village in the hills of Spain. For centuries, Spanish explorers ventured to the Southwest in search of treasure. Upon finding such riches, fortune seekers left...

Ghost City Inn review

Mike Shubic June 27th, 2016 Comments Off

Ghost City Inn provides centrally located accommodations with stunning views from the hip hilltop community of Jerome. Located on the backside of the Mingus Mountain range, high atop Cleopatra Hill, is the historic mining camp of Jerome, once the fourth largest town in the Arizona territory. With a current population...

Hotel Valley Ho: Historical Hip in the heart of Scottsdale

Mike Shubic January 6th, 2016 Comments Off

When I first arrived at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona, it reminded me of being in Palm Springs/Palm Desert, where mid-century design is so prevalent, and iconic to the modern movement of the 1950s. The property is surrounded by towering palm trees that moved gracefully by a gentle...

Fabulous Four Seasons in Scottsdale, AZ

Mike Shubic July 10th, 2015 Comments Off

It was way back in 1940 when cosmetics mogul Elizabeth Arden opened the doors to Maine Chance Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, which set the stage for the city east of Phoenix to become well-known for its high-end spas, resorts and retreats. The Maine Chance Spa was a sanctuary for local...

Tubac and namesake resort captivate visitors

Mike Shubic March 6th, 2015 1 Comment

Nestled in the high desert of the Santa Cruz Valley, in the shadow of the Santa Rita Mountains, lies one of the earliest settlements in the state of Arizona. Tubac was established way back in 1752 as a Spanish presidio. However today, artists are more prevalent than a military men....

Mountain Ranch Resort

Mike Shubic July 17th, 2014 1 Comment

The Grand Canyon State of Arizona is an amazing place and its diversity never ceases to amaze me. Like a lot of folks from the Valley of the Sun, I try to escape the summer heat as often as I can. Thankfully, the pilgrimage is only a couple hours north...

Blue Agave Bed and Breakfast, the nectar of Tucson

Mike Shubic June 11th, 2014 2 Comments

As you travel just six or seven miles northwest of downtown Tucson, Arizona, you’ll find yourself in a sparsely populated area in the foothills of the majestic Tucson Mountains—here, is where I discovered the marvelous Blue Agave Bed and Breakfast. The Blue Agave is situated on fifteen acres and is...

Cozy Cactus: Not fancy…just fabulous

Mike Shubic April 18th, 2014 2 Comments

Cozy Cactus is a wonderful bed and breakfast located in the Village of Oak Creek, not far from Sedona, Arizona. Heading north on Hwy 179 toward Sedona, the landscape is similar to that of the drive from Phoenix. However, just a few miles after you round a bend in the...

Loews Ventana Canyon: A sanctuary for looking into the soul of the Southwest

Mike Shubic March 2nd, 2013 1 Comment

One of the most beautiful areas of Tucson, Arizona has to be Sabino Canyon, which is located at the base of the iconic Santa Catalina Mountains. Situated in the heart of Sabino Canyon is one of the most revered resorts in Tucson…the Loews Ventana Canyon. “Ventana” is the Spanish word...

Omni Tucson tees up ultimate resort experience

Mike Shubic February 25th, 2013 4 Comments

Tucson, Arizona is synonymous with luxurious resort lodging and world-class golf. One of the pillars of the resort golf community is Omni Tucson National—where for more than two decades the resort played host to the prestigious PGA "Tucson Open" tournament. My stay at the Omni Tucson National Resort was actually...

Flying E Dude Ranch

Mike Shubic January 2nd, 2013 9 Comments

If you’re looking for a truly unique vacation experience…enjoy history and the outdoors, do yourself a favor and check out a dude ranch. I recently visited the Flying~E~Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona…this ranch dates back to the mid-40s and still offers guests a way of the west cowboy experience. You’re not...

A Review of the Briar Patch Inn

Mike Shubic April 10th, 2011 6 Comments

Inside a room at the Briar Patch Inn Sedona by MikesRoadTrip.com

A Review of the Briar Patch Inn Bed & Breakfast in Oak Creek Canyon - Sedona, Arizona When you first arrive at the Briar Patch Inn, you can’t help but notice the lush gardens that encompass the property, which span nine pristine creek-side acres along the famed Oak Creek. There...

The Wonder and Mystique of Sedona, AZ

Mike Shubic July 2nd, 2010 4 Comments

Sedona is one of those magical places that should be on everyone's top-20 list of places to visit. The brilliance of the red rock spires, the adventure of exploration, the spiritual feeling one gets when meditating on the serene banks of Oak Creek...it's just an amazing place. There is so...

Desert Rose Bed and Breakfast Reveiew

Mike Shubic June 16th, 2010 Comments Off

The Desert Rose Bed and Breakfast, just outside of Cottonwood, AZ is a charming place with a lot to like. When I first approached the area however, I was a bit skeptical given the vicinity—located in an unassuming residential neighborhood. Once I arrived though, my doubts were squelched…a long driveway...