How to Plan a Guy's Getaway in Scottsdale

Step-by-Step Plan Makes Weekend Arizona Trip Fun and Easy

May 19, 2009

Sure it 's 110 degrees, but real men don't let a little heat stop a good time. When the sun sizzles in Phoenix, the prices drop, and it's the ideal time for a mancation.

Girlfriend getaways may get all the press, but a guy’s weekend is the ideal time to reconnect with old friends, and work in some adventure along the way.

While there are plenty of resorts in Scottsdale, a mancation calls for a happening hotel centrally located to activities, restaurants and nightlife. Either the W Hotel, the hip hotel dujour, or the retro Valley Ho fit the bill. Both are in Old Town Scottsdale, and both offer deeply discounted rates during the summer.

A Saturday filled with Scottsdale Sports

Plan to wake up early Saturday morning to take advantage of the best golf rates. Head to the nearby Phoenician, a five-diamond resort where in-season golf rates are well over $200, but thanks to the rising temperatures rates in summer range from $35 to $70. The Canyon/Oasis is the top 18-hole course on the property.

In the afternoon, head to North Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Gun Club. This indoor shooting range is like a country club for target shooters. It features 32 shooting lanes with sound dampening technology and 360 degree rotating targets. Gun rentals and ammunition are available. For a memorable experience try the machine gun adventure program. Starting at $55 shooters have their choice of 23 fully automatic weapons. Staff is available to instruct anyone on basic firearm safety and shooting.

In the evening, head back to Old Town for a night on the town. Restaurants featuring all cuisines and price points can be found. Popular choices are Cowboy Ciao, Digestif, Canal and Olive & Ivy. After dinner head to one of the many nightclubs in the era like Axis/Radius, Myst or e4. For a quieter time, Kazimeriz World Wine Bar or Fine’s Cellar offer up great atmosphere and the best wine selection in the area.

Add Testosterone to the Sunday Drive to Sedona

What could be better than the traditional Sunday drive? How about the adrenaline coursing Sunday ride? Rent a BMW 1200RT, BMW 1200 LT or the BMW 1200GS at AZRide and take the back roads up to Sedona. The roar of the engines and the thrill of the road provide a perfect backdrop for male bonding. Up in Red Rock country, stop for lunch at the Silver Saddle Room to dine on local specialties like rattlesnake skewers, fried cactus strips and buffalo steaks.

On the way back, forgo the Interstate and take the backroads from Sedona to Prescott. Fodor's called the drive on highway 89A one of the most scenic drives in America. In Prescott, a historic mining town, head to the center of town and Whiskey Row or enjoy the 1.2 million acre Prescott National Forest and its Ponderosa Pines.

The copyright of the article How to Plan a Guy's Getaway in Scottsdale in Arizona Travel is owned by Dena Braun. Permission to republish How to Plan a Guy's Getaway in Scottsdale in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.