Top Reasons to Go to Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale, Arizona

Desert Owls

Last week in my story Feeling English at Teatime in Arizona, I highlighted the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, Arizona. This spurred me into thinking about this destination, one of my favorite places in the Southwest. If you’re going to Phoenix or Scottsdale, you must add on a few days and spend some time in Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale. Or, you could make it a destination in and of itself–there’s that much to do there. From the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert to terrific dining, lodging, shopping and spa-going, this area enchants me in so many ways and I’m sure you’ll feel the same.

Picture Perfect Sonoran Desert

Sonoran Desert

It was the first destination I wrote up for Discovery Map; check out Embrace the Desert and Desert Dining and Shopping to find out the top reasons why you should visit this part of America. I also chose to start with this destination because Discovery Map Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale is owned by Margie Hans, a childhood friend. She lives in Carefree, practically across the street from the breathtaking Boulders Resort & Spa (more on this fabulous place later). She became involved in the map business via her brother, Peter Hans, another old friend of mine, who is the owner of Discovery Map International. Yes, it’s a franchise business with well over 150 maps across the U.S. and beyond. 

Margie and Peter Hans

Desert Lights

Most definitely one of the more dynamic franchisees, Margie, an endorsed affiliate member of the National Concierge Association, is always going to Chamber of Commerce get-togethers in addition to hobnobbing out and about to check out what’s happening in the area. This girl knows how to work it and have a ton of fun! I can’t believe I haven’t taken her up on her many invites to come and visit. Will definitely do it soon and hopefully experience lots of Discovery Map establishments while I’m there! (Better rest up ahead of time.)

Hope you’ll enjoy reading Embrace the Desert and Desert Dining and Shopping, all top reasons to visit this exciting spot in the sun. Be sure to pick up a Discovery Map as soon as you arrive to max out your visit. They’re available at local tourism offices, the properties featured on the Map as well as many others. You can also buy one in advance from the website for less than a dollar! Love those Old West prices.

And here’s one more way to find out about Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale:  Check out the Discovery Map podcast on this beautiful destination here. (Scroll down to locate Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale.)

Thank you to Marek Lakotko for the oh-so adorable owls in the cactus shot above.

Carefree Sunset