Vacations Blog

Southwest Airplanes

For the last couple years, as many airlines have gone under, there have been that select group of airlines that have continued to grow and rise in popularity. Although considered a smaller airline compared to some of its competitors, Southwest Airlines has quickly risen as one of the most liked and most flown airlines, predominantly because of its customer service and low fees. Now, for only a couple days, you can fly for Southwest Air for even cheaper rates, as they’re offering steeply discounted fares for as low as $25.

Southwest has become quite popular and talked about among the major airlines over the last year because of its strong social media and customer service presence. Southwest is especially popular on Twitter, as it ranks high in popularity along with JetBlue with almost one million followers. Southwest is also preferred because of the perks it offers that other airlines do not. To this point, Southwest continues to offer complimentary snacks and drinks, while many airlines have started to charge for many food and drink options. Another major pain for travelers is fees for checking in baggage. This is a fee that Southwest waives, compared to many other airlines which are now charging for checked bags. Read More »

My husband and I are constantly on the lookout for weekend day trip ideas. Our weekends are spent filled with the awareness of all the useful things that we’re supposed to be doing around the house, yet we are severely lacking the willpower to do those things. One Saturday afternoon not too long ago, our desperate escape from the horror of chores took us in the direction of Scottsdale, and the Arts District.

The Old Town area of Scottsdale is a treat for window shopping enthusiasts, and a mecca for Southwestern oriented artwork and decor. Parking can sometimes be a challenge, though it’s easier during the day than at night, when Those Who Wish To See and Be Seen come out to play.

Art galleries mingle seamlessly with souvenir stores and restaurants. Every Thursday the art galleries host an evening Art Walk from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., displaying their artwork and crafts along the walkways and sidewalks. Come for the art, stay for the free wine!

It’s easy to spend hours looking through the hundreds of shops in the area. My husband and I broke up the day with regular stops for refreshment, first at the Rusty Spur Saloon:

Then at the Sugar Bowl:

There is absolutely no way to forget that you are in the heart of the Southwest.

Nothing says Arizona like a good old fashioned cow skull:

Scottsdale is family and pet friendly – though they discourage pets coming into the stores and restaurants themselves. To get there from Loop 101, exit on Indian School Road and travel west to Scottsdale Road. If you’re taking the 202, exit on Scottsdale Road and travel north to arrive in the Old Town area. The heart of the Arts district is on Scottsdale Road and Fifth Avenue.

The Old Town area of Scottsdale – just like the rest of the city – is an excellent place to spend very little money and enjoy the sites; alternately, you can spend a WHOLE LOT of money and indulge in some truly unique arts and crafts.

Happy WW!