Local Favorites

La La Land Kind Cafe

About a 4-minute walk from the AC Hotel

Denae used to stop here during college in California, so she was so excited when La La Land expanded to Arizona. This is your stop if you’re a matcha drinker, but coffee lovers should try the Banana Cloud Latte, one of their signature drinks made with fresh banana and a fluffy banana cloud.

15215 North Kierland Boulevard, Suite 190, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Press Coffee

About a 6-minute walk from the AC Hotel

Press is where Denae and Kyle buy the Union Espresso beans they use to make coffee at home. If you want to try the coffee that’s always stocked in their kitchen, start here.

15257 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Light Heart Coffee

About a 13-minute drive from the AC Hotel

The Berry Cobbler is the reason to stop here, made with brown sugar and wildberry purée for a sweet, fruity twist on your morning coffee. Their breakfast sandwiches are a quick bite without committing to a full sit-down brunch, and Denae and Kyle would argue they are some of the best in Scottsdale.

20875 North Pima Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Little Snitch

About a 16-minute drive from the AC Hotel

If you’re willing to make the drive north, do it. The Raspberry White Chocolate Mocha is Denae’s favorite coffee she’s ever had. With its pink details, garden patio, bakery counter, and morning cocktails, it’s the perfect place to turn a coffee run into a whole morning.

8700 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 106, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Butters Pancakes & Cafe

About a 9-minute drive from the AC Hotel

Practically throwing distance from Denae and Kyle’s apartment, Butters has become a go-to for a classic breakfast. The menu is huge and there’s plenty of seating, so it’s an easy choice for large groups with different tastes.

14795 North Northsight Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Nautical Bowls

About a 9-minute drive from the AC Hotel

This is where Denae and Kyle stop almost every Sunday after church for an açaí bowl. It’s a great option if you want something quick, fresh, and light.

18529 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 128, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Volanti

About a 6-minute drive from the AC Hotel

For brunch with a view, Volanti overlooks the runway at Scottsdale Airport, so you can sit on the second-story patio with a mimosa and watch the planes take off and land. A fun option if you want breakfast to feel a little more like an experience.

15000 North Airport Drive, Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

About a 6-minute walk from the AC Hotel

Sweet Paris serves both sweet and savory crêpes, waffles, coffee, and other breakfast options. Their patio at Scottsdale Quarter is especially lovely, making it a convenient choice if you want to stay close to the hotel.

15147 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 133, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Postino Kierland

About an 8-minute walk from the AC Hotel

The couple’s classic anniversary spot, especially in college when they would visit the location near ASU. The Kierland patio is one of their favorite places to sit. Order a mix-and-match bruschetta board (their go-to is the spinach and artichoke), and don’t skip the espresso martini, which they think is one of the best in Scottsdale.

7030 East Greenway Parkway, Suite 185, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Din Tai Fung

About a 20-minute drive from the AC Hotel

A little farther from the hotel, but absolutely worth the drive. Din Tai Fung is Denae and Kyle’s all-time favorite restaurant. They first discovered it at the Century City location while Denae was at Pepperdine and made a point to go anytime they were back in California or visiting Las Vegas. Arizona just opened its first location in April.

Some of their must-orders are the Chicken Fried Noodles, Spicy Chicken Wontons, and Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao with Sea Salt Cream. You’ll definitely want a reservation, or plan to join the online waitlist well before you arrive.

7014 East Camelback Road, Suite 608, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Sushi Brokers

About a 7-minute drive from the AC Hotel

This is Denae and Kyle’s most-visited restaurant, and the waitstaff knows their usual order. It’s a casual, easy spot with fast service that has been part of their relationship for years. Their go-tos are the Pan-Fried Pot Stickers, Chimichanga Roll, Crunchy Roll, and Crispy Spicy Tuna.

17025 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

North Italia

About a 5-minute walk from the AC Hotel

Whatever you order, get the Zucca Chips. Even if they don’t sound like something you’d normally order, trust us, you’ll like them. The Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto Pizza is another order worth adding to the table.

15024 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

About a 6-minute walk from the AC Hotel

Denae and Kyle had their first date at the DC Ranch Grimaldi’s, so this one has always had a special place in their relationship. For the wedding weekend, head to the Scottsdale Quarter location for the same classic coal-fired pizza just a short walk from the hotel.

15147 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Tell Your Friends

About a 7-minute drive from the AC Hotel

An underground cocktail lounge hidden beneath The Americano with moody interiors, live music, and surprisingly good bites. The Art of Aries is the cocktail to order, and don’t skip the fries. This is the spot if you want to dress up a little and make drinks feel like a night out.

17797 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Antidote

About a 5-minute walk from the AC Hotel

Located inside The Westin Kierland just next door, Antidote is an easy spot for a great cocktail without venturing far from the hotel. It’s open to the public, so you don’t need to be staying at The Westin to stop in. Grab a drink on the patio and take in the mountain views, especially around sunset.

6902 East Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Catch a Spring Training Game

March is Spring Training season in Arizona, and catching a game is one of the most quintessential things to do while you’re here. There are a couple of great nearby options around the wedding weekend:

• Friday, March 12

  San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

  Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

  7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

  About a 15-minute drive from the AC Hotel

  Open in Maps

• Sunday, March 14

  Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants

  Scottsdale Stadium

  7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

  About a 20-minute drive from the AC Hotel

  Open in Maps

Game times are still to be announced, so be sure to check the schedule as the weekend gets closer.

Explore Old Town Scottsdale

About a 15-minute drive from the AC Hotel

Spend a few hours wandering Old Town’s boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and patios. Denae and Kyle got their permanent bracelets at Truly Blessed Jewels, so stop in if you want a little Scottsdale souvenir of your own. For something sweet, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is their pick. There’s plenty to explore without needing much of a plan.

Old Town Scottsdale

Camelback Mountain — Echo Canyon Trail

Very Difficult • About a 22-minute drive from the AC Hotel

Denae and Kyle usually take the Echo Canyon side for their weekend workout. It’s one of the most iconic hikes in Phoenix, with incredible views over the city, but this route is very difficult. Expect steep climbs, scrambling, and sections where you’ll need to use your hands, especially on the way back down. Only take this one on if you’re ready to sweat.

4925 East McDonald Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Pinnacle Peak Trail

Moderate • About a 15-minute drive from the AC Hotel

Denae’s favorite hike to do with the girls before a coffee run to Little Snitch. It’s still a great workout with beautiful desert and mountain views, but it’s much more manageable than Camelback and doesn’t require the same scrambling.

26802 North 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Pima Dynamite Trailhead

Easy • About a 17-minute drive from the AC Hotel

For something easy and relaxed, head to Pima Dynamite. The trails are scenic, relatively flat, and full of saguaros, making it a great option if you want the Sonoran Desert experience without a strenuous climb.

28777 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Kierland Commons & Scottsdale Quarter

About a 1-minute walk to Kierland Commons · 7-minute walk to Scottsdale Quarter

Two of Scottsdale’s most popular open-air shopping destinations sit right beside the hotel, with boutiques, national brands, restaurants, coffee shops, and patios spread between the two centers. Kierland Commons is essentially next door to the AC Hotel, while Scottsdale Quarter is just across Scottsdale Road.

15205 North Kierland Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Scottsdale Fashion Square

About a 20-minute drive from the AC Hotel

Scottsdale Fashion Square is the much larger indoor shopping option, with everything from everyday retailers to designer and luxury brands, plus restaurants and a traditional food court. A good choice if you want a full afternoon of shopping or would rather stay indoors.

7014 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251