I prefer a road trip to a plane trip any day. I realize that, living in Chandler Arizona as I do, road trips to destinations on the East Coast are a bit more ambitious than the amount of vacation time that I have available. But there are plenty of weekend trips that can be made in the comfort and convenience of my very own vehicle, with Arizona as the jumping-off point. We’ve refined road tripping to an art form. And now, gentle readers, I am going to divulge my secret destinations to you.

They’re really not all that secretive.

A view from Highway 25 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Chandler Arizona to Santa Fe New Mexico: 8 hrs 16 min, 473 miles

An eight-hour-and-change drive is an easy jaunt for us – especially when we’ve been known to drive for sixteen hours straight to get to a particular destination. Santa Fe is a lovely destination for a long weekend. I have my eye on a luxurious stay at the Bishop’s Lodge Resort and Spa, doing some shopping and dining in the historic downtown area, and maybe get in some skiing if we happen to visit in the winter.

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The Dr. AJ Chandler Park in Downtown Chandler, directly across from the San Marcos Resort.

I’ve been living in Chandler Arizona for about sixteen years. Most of the time when my husband and I are looking for a romantic weekend, we venture outside of our home town. However, there are some great lodging, dining, and entertainment options within just a few miles of our house that, when combined with an overnight stay, make for a romantic weekend without traveling all that far.

The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort is located in historic downtown Chandler. The hotel was built in 1912, is on the National Register of Historic places, and recently underwent a $4 million dollar renovation. The resort itself features an 18-hole golf course, tennis, and swimming. AJ’s Cafe features award-winning dining and the resort’s famous buffet – folks come from miles around for the Prime Rib buffet on Saturday nights. Or you can stroll along the sidewalks of the downtown area and partake of several options from casual to fine dining, then window shop among the stores and galleries. Downtown Chandler is enjoying a boom in economic development, and the San Marcos is an anchor for the town square. Events regularly held in the downtown area include classic car shows, farmers markets, movie nights, art shows, and food festivals.

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Downtown Chandler Arizona

Chandler Arizona is kicking off the fall season with its annual TASTE Culinary Festival on Saturday, October 2nd. Enjoy the cooling (FINALLY!) weather as you stroll among the shops and restaurants along the Historic Downtown Chandler Promenade. The gourmet food and wine tasting event showcases Chandler’s diverse business and restaurant population.

Featured restaurants include Cathy’s Rum Cake, Red White and Brew, The Urban Tea Loft, and Kokopelli Winery and Bistro, among many others. A silent auction benefiting the Chandler Service Club includes dozens of items, such as tickets to football games, rounds of golf, food and beverage gift cards, and a night for two at The Buttes.

General admission is $45.00 per person, and includes unlimited food tasting, as well as twelve beverage tastings from local wine, spirit, and beer vendors. VIP tickets cost $75.00 per person, or $135.00 per couple. VIP admission includes valet parking, access to the culinary courtyard and VIP lounge, demonstrations by the Le Cordon Bleu School Chef, live jazz music, and a chance to win a cruise for two. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and continues until 10:00.

My husband and I are going. It’s a great opportunity to hold hands and stroll, sample good food and listen to good music, and get all romantic with our bad selves.

Photo Credit: Kevin Dooley on Flickr Creative Commons.

Be jealous of the ostrich's eyelashes.

As a resident of Chandler, Arizona, I was unaware until recently that the town has a long and rich history of ostrich farming. However, I AM very well aware of the annual Ostrich Festival, which kicks off again this year on March 12th and runs through the 14th.

When was the last time you watched an ostrich race? With actual honest-to-goodness jockies? When was the last time you actually RODE an ostrich? Ever? Do ya wanna? Attend the Chandler Ostrich Festival, and you can cross “ride an ostrich” off of your bucket list!

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