Pesach arrived, and we decided to shake things up by exploring Arizona for the very first time (little did we know, this was just the beginning of our Arizona obsession…).
Honestly, Arizona is amazing! The scenery is insane, the vibe is chill, and there’s so much to see and do. Plus, the weather in April is absolute perfection – warm, sunny, and just a hint of breeze. It’s literally the ideal spot to spend Pesach.
Packing kosher le’Pesach food: We’ve got that down to a science! We’re total pros at packing homemade goodies in our checked bag for our trips. We prep ahead of time, freezing meals and wrapping them snugly in towels alongside other fridge essentials. And the surprising part? No matter how far we fly, our food arrives just as frozen as when we packed it!
For Pesach, we break out our trusty hotplate, where we heat up our pre-cooked meals and even whip up some scrambled eggs. Of course, we also stock up on plenty of matzah and kosher le’Pesach snacks.
I’ll share some insider tips on where to find kosher goodies in Arizona for regular days. But let’s be real, Pesach is a whole different ball game, and since it was our first time in Arizona, we didn’t want to take any chances, so we brought our own food from home.
Day 1: New York to Phoenix, Arizona
We got up early and were at the airport at 5:30 am for our early flight. We didn’t want to lose time – Chol Hamoed is short, and Arizona is waiting. We had enough time to watch the sunrise at the airport and have a breakfast before boarding our flight.
The fun part about going on trips within the United States is that the only thing you need as a U.S. citizen is to show your driving license – no passports or other requirements.
Another part is that anywhere you go, you feel like home. No need to travel to a foreign country to see breathtaking natural wonders, experience vibrant city life, or enjoy rich cultural heritage.
America’s got it all, from the majestic Grand Canyon to the sun-kissed beaches of California, and from the bright lights of New York City to the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans. And for us, Arizona was the perfect destination for this Pesach adventure.
The flight from New York to Phoenix, Arizona, is approximately 5 hours and costs around $400 (depending on the airline, time of year, and other factors, of course). We were excited to leave the East Coast behind and head to the American Southwest.
As we soared through the skies, we were able to catch a nice nap and wake up just as the plane was approaching the Arizona desert. Looking out the window, we were greeted by the breathtaking desert landscape – the stunning combination of sandy dunes, rocky formations, and towering cacti stretching as far as the eye could see. We knew right then and there that we had arrived in the perfect destination!
After arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, we first picked up our luggage and then made our way to the light rail, which took us to the rental car area. To pick up our reserved car, we were thrilled when they offered us a free upgrade to a sports car! (We suspect they needed the cars with more seats for other reservations, and since we were only two, they kindly offered us the upgrade.)
I highly recommend having a car in Arizona – the state is vast, and public transportation options can be limited. With a car, we were able to explore the surrounding landscape, visit remote attractions, and enjoy the freedom to create our own itinerary. For our stay, we chose to base ourselves in Scottsdale, a vibrant and upscale city about 20 miles northeast of Phoenix, conveniently located near everything you need as a kosher-traveler.
We rented a beautiful house with a private pool in Scottsdale, but since the check-in time was 3 pm, we decided to make the most of our morning. We started our Arizona adventure with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, located in Papago Park, just a few miles east of Scottsdale.
I have to say, visiting this garden was a real treat for us. Coming from a completely different climate, we were fascinated by the unique plants and landscapes that thrive in the desert. The Desert Botanical Garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including one of the world’s largest collections of cacti and succulents. We spent hours exploring the garden’s five thematic trails, marveling at the towering saguaro cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and even a butterfly exhibit.
What really made this experience stand out for us was the opportunity to see plants and flowers that we’d never even heard of before. The garden’s Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail was a particular highlight, with a stunning display of native wildflowers that bloom in every color of the rainbow.
All in all, the Desert Botanical Garden was a fantastic way to spend our morning, and we felt like we really got to experience the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
The price for adults is $32.95 and only $19.95 for youth.
Supermarket Shopping
We still had some time to kill until 3 pm, so we decided we’d use the time to stop by the supermarket to pick up a few essentials. Our main goal was to stock up on some fresh fruits and vegetables.
We loaded up our cart with plump tomatoes, juicy apples, avocados, and more. With our groceries safely stowed away in the car, we were ready to head to check-in to our rental home!
As we arrived at the house, we were pleased with the warm and inviting exterior. The spacious 3-bedroom house was just like the pictures, with its beautifully landscaped yard and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The pool outside was exactly what we needed – a serene oasis perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
We quickly unpacked our stuff (and were relieved to find that the food was still frozen after hours in flight and then in the car!) and jumped into the pool. With the temperature soaring to 90 degrees outside, it was the perfect way to cool off.
The “Hole in the Rock”
After preparing a meal, we headed to the “Hole in the Rock,” a unique red rock formation with a hole in it, located in Papago Park in Phoenix. This natural wonder offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for hiking.
We had multiple trails to choose from, including the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, a short and easy 0.2-mile hike that takes you through a lush desert garden and offers breathtaking views of the Phoenix skyline.
As the sun began to set, we joined other visitors on the rock to watch the sunset. The “Hole in the Rock” is a popular spot for sunset viewing, and it’s easy to see why – the views of the surrounding landscape are simply stunning.
As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, we headed back to our rental home for supper and another refreshing dip in the pool, bringing a perfect end to our first day!
Day 2: Grand Canyon Day
You can’t go to Arizona and not visit the natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is a 3.5-4 hour drive from Phoenix, and we drove all the way with our open-roof car. However, there are other options for tourists, including guided tours and a train that departs from Williams, Arizona, which is a 2-hour drive from Phoenix.
One of the most scenic and convenient ways to get to the Grand Canyon is by taking the Grand Canyon Railway train from Williams, Arizona. The two-hour journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes that change dramatically as you approach the canyon. The train drops you off right at the South Rim, so you don’t need to worry about additional transportation. This way you add extra adventure to the way! Especially if you do it with children.
On board, you’ll be entertained by musicians playing cowboy tunes, both before and during the journey. You’ll also be treated to a Wild West show, complete with “robbers” and a “sheriff” who will “rob” the passengers and then be chased away. It’s all in good fun, and the crowd loves it. You can also purchase snacks and drinks on the train.
The train has three classes of service: First Class, Second Class, and the Observation Dome Class, which is designed specifically for tourists.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is highly recommended.
Unfortunately, when we tried to buy our tickets, they were already sold out, so we ended up having to drive the entire way instead. We did get to see the train passing by on our drive, though.
The open-roof sports car was amazing on the road, providing us with breathtaking views of the Arizona landscape. We saw vast expanses of desert, rocky formations, and even a few wildflowers blooming along the side of the road.
We started our day very early to ensure we had enough time to explore the Grand Canyon. I packed some food, matzahs, and water, and we hit the road.
When we arrived at the Grand Canyon National Park, we were greeted by a long line of visitors waiting to enter. However, we noticed a shorter line for visitors who had prepaid their entrance fees online, so we quickly took care of that and joined the shorter line. Upon checking, the park does not offer this option anymore, so be prepared to wait in line to pay. The fee per private vehicle is $35, and payment is accepted by card only.
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder that stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep.
As we stood at the edge of the canyon, we could see the Colorado River snaking its way through the bottom of the canyon.
We decided to hike the Bright Angel Trail, which is one of the most popular trails in the park. However, we didn’t hike the entire trail, which is 9.5 miles round trip and can take up to 6 hours to complete. Instead, we hiked for a few hours to get a taste of the trail and take in the stunning views.
Tip: Be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting the Grand Canyon, as the temperature can be significantly cooler than in Phoenix, especially in the mornings and evenings. I wasn’t prepared for the cooler weather and had to purchase a sweatshirt at the gift shop. It’s a good idea to pack layers, even in the summer months!
Day 3: Day of adventures
We woke up early, courtesy of the time difference with New York. But we didn’t mind – it was the perfect opportunity to catch the breathtaking sunrise outside by the pool. We sipped our coffee, took in the stunning views, and got ready for our next adventure. Little did we know, it was going to be an adrenaline-packed day.
We were super excited for our off-road ATV tour in the desert. We booked it for the early morning slot, which turned out to be a great decision. You see, the desert gets scorching hot during the day, but it cools down significantly at night. As the day progresses, the temperature rises rapidly. By starting early, we managed to beat the heat.
We met our guide at the designated meetup point and joined another lovely family in our group – parents and their adult son. Before we set off, we were kitted out with bandanas to cover our faces from the dust, eye protection, and helmets to ensure our safety.
As we began our journey, we started on a straight surface to get accustomed to the vehicle. Once we were all comfortable, our guide led us to more rugged terrain, where the ATV’s capabilities were truly put to the test. The rocky paths and bumpy trails were no match for our vehicle, and we felt surprisingly stable throughout the ride. The more gas we gave it, the more stable it felt!
Our guide was absolutely fantastic, providing guidance and support whenever needed. The ATV’s speed reached up to 40 miles per hour, and my husband was a total rockstar, taking the lead and navigating the challenging terrain with ease. On the other hand, I was a bit more anxious, preferring to stay at the back of the group.
At one point, I found myself stuck in front of a massive rock, my anxiety getting the better of me. I had taken my foot off the gas, but our guide had warned us that the ATV was capable of overcoming such obstacles. Taking a deep breath, I hit the gas and managed to get over the rock. It was such a rush!
The tour lasted around 2 hours, 8am to 10am, and our guide captured some amazing photos and videos, which were shared with us later that day. The experience was truly worth every penny, and we left with unforgettable memories of our desert adventure.
Heading back to Relax and Recharge
After an action-packed morning, we headed back to our home base in Phoenix to unwind and escape the hot hours. We spent a leisurely time lounging by the pool, soaking up the warm rays, swimming and recharging our batteries.
Tip: take the Arizona sun seriously! It’s surprisingly strong, even when it feels gentle. Keep applying sunscreen thoroughly, trust me, you don’t want to end up like me… sunburnt and regretful!
A quick bite to eat, and we were ready to embark on our next adventure. This time, we set our sights on Goldfield, a historic town with a rich mining past.
We drove for about 40 minutes and arrived at Goldfield Ghost Town. Goldfield Ghost Town was founded in 1893, during the height of the gold rush in Arizona. The town was a thriving mining community back then, but it was eventually abandoned as the gold deposits ran out… Today, the town has been restored to its former glory, offering visitors a glimpse into what life was like back then. This is a super cool tourist spot. We walked down the main street, feeling like we were in the Wild West!
Goldfield offers a bunch of fun attractions, with each one costing between $10-$20. One of them is the Goldfield Mine Tours, a must-do.
It took us deep into the earth, showing what life was like for miners back in the day. We learned about the harsh conditions and the daily struggles of the miners.
Another place that blew our minds was The Mystery Shack, where the laws of gravity seem to disappear. Inside, we found ourselves puzzled by tilted floors, weird angles, and mind-bending illusions. It was like nothing we’d ever seen before!
We also stumbled upon a gun shop where visitors can buy chips to use and test their aim on various targets. It was a fun way to experience the Wild West spirit.
A ride on the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad offered breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. The train, which runs on a 1.5-mile track, takes you on a 20-minute narrated tour of Goldfield’s history, circling around the old town.
We also discovered a store where you could dress up in Old West costumes and take photos. It looked like a lot of fun, but we decided to prioritize other attractions.
One of the attractions we did enjoy was the gold and gem panning experience. We got to search for stones and gold in the water, using special equipment to filter and sift through the sediment. It was a cool way to experience what it might have been like for prospectors back in the day, and left us with a nice souvenir – the stones we found.
As we explored, we discovered the old jail, which was super creepy. For the adventurous types, there’s even a Superstition Zipline that soars over the desert landscape.
As the attractions closed at 5 pm, we took that as our cue to head home. Luckily, we still had some daylight left and made the most of it by spending some time in the pool one last time.
Returning home!
With our flight scheduled for later that night, we wrapped up our evening routine. While I prepared supper, my husband packed up our belongings, and soon we were off to the airport.
We returned the rental car, took the PHX Sky Train to the terminal, and boarded our midnight flight. Before we knew it, the night had slipped away, and we were back home in New York, ready to celebrate the second days of the holiday!
Bonus Section
As promised, here is all the information you’ll need for kosher food, mikvaos and more in Scottsdale, Arizona:
Groceries
- Imperial Kosher Market
– Phone: 602.285.6999
– Address: 737 E Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020
- Canyon Glatt Kosher Market
– Address: 6516 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
– Phone: 602.899.9233
- Fry’s
– Non-Jewish chain store with a Kosher section.
– The Fry’s on Shea Blvd has a nice-sized dairy section with Cholov Yisroel products.
– Address: 4707 E Shea Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85028
– Address: 10450 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Eating Out/Takeout
- Kitchen 18: Restaurant, Meat
– Phone: 480.284.6001
– Address: 10209 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
– Hechsher: Chabad
– Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season!
– Recommended for Shabbos food orders (place orders by Wednesday evening, pickup between 2-3 pm Friday).
- Fata Morgana Mediterranean Cuisine
Fleishigs and Sushi
– Phone: 480.687.2243
– Address: 7116 E Mercer Lane, Suite 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
– Hechsher: Chabad
- La Bella Pizza Pizzeria & Restaurant
– Phone: 602.354.7002
– Address: 6505 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
– Hechsher: Vaad of Phoenix
- Manhattan Pizza
– Phone: 602.248.8086
– Address: 5224 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
– Hechsher: Chabad
- Milk + Honey
– Address: 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
– Phone: 480.566.9020
– Hechsher: Vaad of Phoenix
– Located in the JCC building. One adult needs to have an ID to enter the JCC building and then it’s right there.
– Available on Uber Eats!
– Specify Cholov Yisroel for dairy products.
– Food is terrific, and they’re probably the only place offering Cholov Yisroel coffees.
– Note: Closed Sundays.
Shuls and Mikvaos in Scottsdale
- Ahavas Torah Shul and men’s Mikvah
– Rabbi Ariel Shoshan, Nussach Ashkenaz
– They are the only ones with a men’s Mikvah
– Address: 13402 N Scottsdale Rd Unit B140-150
Mikvah Be’er Moshe is @ Ahavas Torah For questions call 480.369.5988(no texts, please)
- Chabad of Scottsdale
– Rabbi Levertov, Nussach Ari
– Address: 10215 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
– Located in a shopping center, there is no sign from the road. It’s next door to Kitchen 18
– They also offer Keilim Mikvah. Ring the bell and a Rav will buzz you in
Phone for the Keilim Mikvah: 480-998-1410
Women's Mikvahs
- Esformes Women’s Mikvah
– Address: 13402 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite #B140-150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
– Phone: 480.580.5685
– Text 718.683.6558 for appointments
- Goldman Mikvah Nashim @ Cong Beth Tefillah
–Website: bethtefillahaz.org/goldman-mikvah.html (the appointment can be booked online)
Other
- Shabbos Eruv
Check each Erev Shabbos/YT
for updates https://arizonaeruv.org/
- “Chaverim” of Arizona
480-470-1200 for flats/lockouts/gas – Chaverim’s services are free, you may be charged for parts.
