In the height of summertime, when cities coast-to-coast are being battered by oppressive heat, the idea of visiting a notoriously sweltering place like Phoenix may not seem especially appealing. Yet, withstanding temperatures that easily surpassed the century mark, LowFares recently took a trip to the Greater Phoenix area to learn more about what makes the Southwestern city a unique and worthy vacation spot. We were pleasantly surprised by the warmth of its citizens, beauty of its landscape, impressive culinary scene and its…wine country? Yes, there is burgeoning—thriving, even—wine region amidst its arid climes. Should an upcoming weekend getaway take you to Phoenix, take advantage of the 48-hour itinerary we’ve compiled below to guide your activities. We’re already itching to book our next airline ticket back to the Copper State.

Day One

Check-In to Luxury – The Phoenician, Scottsdale

Located at the foot of Camelback Mountain, whose red sandstone peaks provide a stunning backdrop for a resort stay, the Phoenician straddles the border of Phoenix and neighboring Scottsdale. Sprawling across 250 acres, the property embodies opulence in every sense. Our casita suite was adjacent to a grassy, shaded patio with a view of the nearby pool and cabanas, while inside a plush king-sized bed was squarely situated. On-site you’ll also have access to a championship golf course, slew of restaurants that would receive any gourmand’s stamp of approval, and a spa that spans 250,000 square feet.

Spa treatments are designed to be luxurious and supremely relaxing, as you might expect from a resort of the Phoenician’s caliber, but they also transcend traditional European-style offerings. To nourish your inner well-being, consider booking a Guided Meditation, during which time you’re led through a focused one-on-one session intended to bring about inner calm.

Culture Break – The Heard Museum, Phoenix

Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are often traveled to for their thriving arts and culture scenes. Though smaller in size and comparatively modest in scope, Phoenix offers travelers several options for exploring museums and learning about the area’s rich history. We spent our first afternoon in Arizona touring the historic Heard Museum, where everything from traditional Hopi Katsina dolls and Warhol paintings were on display. An exhibit dedicated to the boarding school experiences of Native Americans was perhaps the most emotionally affecting of all.

Localvore Tendencies – Phoenix Farmer’s Market

Alice Waters and her California cohorts aren’t the only ones who champion supporting the efforts of local farmers. Among the foodstuffs found at this outdoor farmer’s market—the ideal place to refuel and take a leisurely mid-afternoon break—were cactus leaves (yes, for eating; ask the purveyor for preparation instructions) and juicy, local summer fruits.

Urban Living – Strolling Downtown Phoenix

Arizona isn’t all deserts and rock formations—quite the contrary. The city’s impeccably clean downtown area is home to high rise office complexes, sports stadiums, and countless shopping options and restaurants, including Chris Bianco’s renowned Pizzeria Bianco. You’ll consistently find a long wait to get in, but Phoenix denizens and out-of-towners agree that it’s worth it.

Though locals tend to hide out in air-conditioned buildings when summer heat hits its peak, evenings are generally pleasantly warm, which is the perfect time to take in an outdoor concert or trek to the area for a play. Check out the local Events Calendar for an extensive list of activity options.

Haute Cuisine – Dining at the Phoenician

After a day jam-packed with sightseeing , kicking back amidst the Phoenician’s comfortable surroundings is the ideal way to unwind. Thankfully, the resort has myriad options for hungry guests who don’t want to travel far from their hotel room for five-star cuisine, including a restaurant bearing the mark of famed chef Jean-George Vongerichten. The offerings at J&G Steakhouse are undeniably impressive, from a tuna tartare bearing 20-plus ingredients (we saw the hallowed recipe ourselves), its flavors seamlessly melding together, to heartier fare such as Red Wine Glazed Shortribs.

For a slightly more casual atmosphere, Relish Burger Bistro serves comfort foods including Sweet Potato French Fries, Turkey Chili, and burgers, naturally. Or, you can settle in for Italian fare at the equally casual Il Terrazzo, where we grabbed a meal and chatted with fellow guests in the bar area. Whatever your taste, the resort has you covered.

Day Two

Let’s Get Physical – Hiking Camelback Mountain

That slightly imposing mountain just behind the Phonecian is Camelback, named for its hump-shaped peaks. Outdoor enthusiasts and experienced hikers hit its trails, which vary in difficulty level, to get spectacular views of the area from different summits. If you get up early enough, the weather should be nice enough not to deter you from a worthwhile morning exercise session.

Sweet Beginnings – Breakfast at Essence Bakery

A brief drive from Phoenix is Tempe, where you’ll find local favorite Essence Bakery. We had the chance to taste a sampling of their pastries, including a to-die-for Almont Croissant so buttery and flaky it practically fell apart in our hands, and Chocolate Macarons that would give traditional French purveyors a run for their money. In addition to baked goods, a full breakfast and lunch menu is available for your palate’s pleasure.

Communing with Cacti – Desert Botanical Garden

Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden is a calm respite from more harried, populated areas like downtown and Scottsdale. Get up close and personal with some of the area’s flora, including a chocolate-scented species, along with requisite cacti and beautiful local birds. We found that stopping by earlier in the day, before noon, offered a more comfortable experience weather-wise.

Chardonnay in Arid Climes – Touring Arizona’s Wineries

We were somewhat flabbergasted to learn that the state has a robust wine culture. While you’re in Arizona, we highly recommend driving to local wineries producing amazing varietals which rival the offerings from Napa and Santa Barbara. Two of our favorites were Arizona Stronghold, whose crisp rosé is the ideal summertime wine, and Page Spring Cellars, who impressed us with their commitment to community-building and making quality wines, not to mention an unpretentious rock ‘n’ roll attitude and some of the most delicious, complex reds we’ve sampled as of late.

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These are but a handful of the experiences that you can partake in on your next trip to the greater Phoenix area. Others await as well, including shopping in the area’s answer to Beverly Hills, Scottsdale, dinner at Quiessence (anointed “the best restaurant in Phoenix”) and exploring more of the breathtaking areas around Phoenix. If you have a few more days and a few (er, a lot) more dollars, we also suggest booking a stay at Sedona’s impressive Enchantment Resort, which we had the chance to check out on our trip. Hailed by the travel maestros of Condé Nast and FORBES, the property (pictured above) is a haven of relaxation for those hoping for a rejuvenating escape. We were especially impressed by their cuisine, which tastes rich and fulfilling despite their calorie-conscious preparation, and spa complex, whose holistic approach to health and pampering makes it nonpareil in terms of quality and luxury.

Whatever your preference, be it for exploring the desert, getting a lesson in local history and culture, spa pampering, or five-star dining, Phoenix has something to offer any traveler.