Local Favorites from Favorite Local: Julie Ertz

In honor of the Grand Canyon State and Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee welcoming more than 100,000 sports fans for the Big Game, Julie shares her favorite local spots and experiences to help visitors make the most of their Arizona Super Bowl LVII vacations.

Camelback Mountain

Favorite Hike: Camelback Mountain, Photo Credit Visit Phoenix

Located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and in the heart of Paradise Valley, Camelback Mountain is one iconic hike and popular attraction in the greater Phoenix area. Two rock formations resemble a kneeling camel creating its namesake and both the Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail are traversed daily by locals and visitors alike.

Address: 4925 E McDonald DrPhoenix, AZ 85018

Casa Corazon Restaurant

When in Arizona, eat as the locals do! You can't leave the state without indulging in some guacamole and street corn so visit Julie's favorite Mexican eatery, Casa Corazon. This gourmet Mexican establishment is located in central Phoenix with tequila offerings that will make your head spin. Visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner and you won't regret a Taco Tuesday spent here. @casacorazonrestaurant

Address: 2637 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Desert Botanical Garden

Favorite Attraction: Desert Botanical Garden, Photo Credit Adam Rodriguez

Located in Phoenix, near Papago Park and the Phoenix Zoo, is the Desert Botanical Garden. If you are looking for a stroller-friendly way to experience the desert and all of its diverse plant life this local favorite may be the perfect activity. On the trails, you will encounter beautiful plants that thrive on Arizona's sunny days. @dbgphx

Address: 201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Ocean 44

Serving sustainable, fresh, and the highest-graded seafood is this local fine dining favorite: Ocean 44. Make sure to include this lively, Scottsdale staple on your itinerary if upscale is your mood and your palate is screaming for oysters and lobster. @ocean44

Address: 4748 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor

Favorite Dessert: Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Shop & Restaurant, Photo Credit An Pham

Talk to any local and they may tell you of a first date spent at the Sugar Bowl or childhood memories from the 1958 establishment but absolutely anyone who has driven down Scottsdale Road in the Old Town district has rubber necked at this pink landmark. Make sure you stop in for a banana split or super fancy sundae and relish in the 50's charm of this historic Old Town Scottsdale staple. @sugarbowlaz

Address: 4005 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Buck & Rider

Oysters, oysters and more oysters! Buck & Rider serves up six East and West Coast varieties every day, and if you make it in during happy hour they are only $2.25 each. Currently, open at the original location on Camelback Road with a second location in North Scottsdale, locals indulge in the fresh seafood flown in daily from some of the best spots around the world. @buckandrider_camelback and @buckandrider_nscottsdale

Camelback Address: 4225 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 and North Scottsdale Address: 7015 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054

Uptown Farmers' Market

Every Saturday from 8 am-1 pm or every Wednesday from 9 am-1 pm you can shop as the locals do at the Uptown Farmers' Market. The creme de la creme of farmers markets can be found at the North Phoenix Baptist Church parking lot at Central Ave. and Bethany Home Road. You will see everything from Arizona lavender, honey, meat, and cheese and the bread that makes glutenous dreams everywhere: Noble Bread. @uptownmarketaz

Address: 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse

Favorite Saloon: Buffalo Chip Saloon & Restaurant, Photo Credit An Pham

Spend a night out in Cave Creek, Arizona. The rustic, cowboy town is sure to kick your boots up and wet your whistle. Want to know the town's favorite spot for line dancing and live bull riding? Buffalo Chip Saloon & Restaurant. Serving up authentic cowboy flair and amazing barbeque you won't want to miss this stop on Julie's suggestions. @buffalochipaz

Address: 6823 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Lola Coffee

This downtown Phoenix darling prides itself on serving up organic, fair-trade tea and coffee. The family-owned coffee shop, Lola Coffee, offers delicious baked goods and amazing coffee in the trendy Roosevelt Row district. Stop in on a poetry night and experience the culture and art scene of vibrant downtown Phoenix. @lolacoffeebar

Address: 1001 N. 3rd Avenue #6, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Be sure to check out Julie's favorite spots for authentic Arizona experiences, or head over to our Super Bowl LVII page for even more suggestions and official Big Game events to fill your Arizona Super Bowl LVII vacation itinerary!