I’m in Scottsdale, AZ at Bloghouse Scottsdale (a travel blog conference). I’ve been blogging for almost 10 years (this November), so it seemed like a good time to learn more. As I walked around the resort this morning, I was struck by these beautiful flowers.

I arrived the night before in order to take part in my first “familiarization” activity with Discover Gilbert. Glenn bought us a lovely brunch (which makes this photo sponsored). Check out this delicious plate of chilaquiles at Liberty Market, which is housed in a former grocery store founded in 1935.

We took a walk around the adorable downtown, where I found this cute mural.

On our walk, we spotted Topo (the gopher-topped burrito restaurant) and learned that they also serve Prickly Pear ice cream.

I am never one to turn down ice cream, especially local flavors, so we stopped by. I had the prickly pear with a lime shell dip. It was so good!

On our way back to Scottsdale (I went with two other bloggers), we stopped by Agritopia, a planned community around a family farm.

They had a coffee shop, a wine bar, lots of independently owned artisan shops, and this self-serve farmer’s market. If you are ever nearby, you need to make this a lunch and wander stop!

After our Gilbert tour, the retreat kicked off in a classroom with critiques (!!!) and sessions about a range of topics. Once we wrapped that up, we headed to a Welcome Reception hosted by the Andaz Scottsdale (I love their properties!). They focus on local artists and display a lot of it throughout the rooms, spa, meeting spaces, and on-site restaurant. 

We enjoyed drinks and snacks on the lawn while listening to a live band and trying our hand at crafts. It was nice to get to have some casual time with these great female travel bloggers.

The sunset over the resort was such a nice way to end the day. I look forward to sharing more with you tomorrow!

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