When you have time in Phoenix, you'd be crazy to not spend some of it hiking. One beautiful area to consider visiting is the White Tank Mountains Regional Park. It's about a 35-minute drive from central Phoenix in Waddell, but it's worth the trek. It's an expansive park with opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, picnics, mountain biking and exploring. Last time I visited the park was when I ... Read more
A Phoenix Hike in Fabletics
** This post about our hike contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Dreamy Draw Recreation Area The No. 1 activity I had planned during our weekend in Phoenix was a hike, even if it wasn't too challenging or long. I longed for the Phoenix sunshine, especially as we made ... Read more
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica
** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. Thanks for supporting Floradise!The most fun I had on our Costa Rica trip was during our whitewater rafting tour with Exploradores Outdoors. The company picked us up 6 a.m. Saturday from Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast for the 12-hour adventure. We picked up two new friends, one from France ... Read more
Caribbean Costa Rica Itinerary
Punta Uva I am sitting in the airport in San Jose, Costa Rica, trying to wrap my head around flying home. These past nine days seemed to fly past us. This country has taught us so much in just a short time. We met some wonderful people from around the world. Several Costa Ricans and expats helped us when we needed it and showed us so much kindness. I will never forget it. I plan to share tons ... Read more
Christmastime at Camelback Mountain
If you live in Phoenix, or know anyone who does, you've probably heard of the Christmas tree atop Camelback Mountain. It seems to be what everyone's talking about nowadays, besides the weather. You've probably also heard about the guy who dresses as Santa and poses for photos with hikers on weekends leading up to Christmas. While I didn't get a photo with the big guy, I saw the Christmas tree for ... Read more
Where to Hike in Phoenix (Besides Camelback Mountain)
One of the best things to do in Phoenix during the winter months is hike. If you're not hiking, what are you doing with your life? Highs of 60 degrees mean that you'll still feel cool even after you've worked up a sweat, which you'll do on the inclines. My favorite time to hike is after a storm when the clouds are clearing. The most gorgeous sunsets happen on partly cloudy days, after the rain ... Read more
Visiting Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park has been on my bucket list for years. Seeing those sunset-colored arches has been the cherry on top of a sweet 2015. You can take in the splendor of the park even if you don't have time for much hiking, but schedule some time for exploring if you can. Now that I've had a taste, I need more. I plan to return to Arches for more hiking as soon as Graham and I can. Arches is ... Read more
A Quick Stop at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
We almost didn't make it to Mount Rushmore. It wasn't part of our loosely pulled-together road-trip plans. But we had just left Badlands National Park, and I kept seeing signs for Mount Rushmore. It can't be too far out of the way, I said. Graham wasn't convinced it was a good idea. He wanted to get back on the road, but I insisted. This is what road trips are for, after all. Plus, who knows when ... Read more
Arizona Monsoon Storms
It may sound crazy, but I miss Phoenix's monsoons. They were a respite from the monotony of sunshine and 110 degree heat. The storms didn't last long, but they put on a colorful show.Graham and I used to race to the mountain when we knew there would be a storm or when a storm had just passed through our neighborhood. Those storms always created the best sunsets.We would run to a specific viewing ... Read more
Free things to do in the Phoenix area
This blog began thanks to my desire to be a tourist in my own city. As a frugal explorer, I always appreciate advice on free or low-cost things to do. This post is an attempt to compile a list of such activities in my area. I hope to add to it regularly. Any more ideas on free things to do? Send them my way!1. Check out the lawn games at the Yard.2. Hike at one of the countless Valley trails.3. ... Read more