Traveling with Danielle and Paige

We recently spent a weekend in Phoenix , Arizona , focusing on a mix of local coffee, live entertainment, a solid workout, and a well-executed dinner downtown. The itinerary was simple but well balanced — active mornings, structured plans in the evening, and time to explore in between. Coffee Stop: Moxie Coffee Co. We started one of our mornings at Moxie Coffee Co., a locally owned shop known for small-batch roasting and a straightforward, quality-focused menu. The space is modern but relaxed, with ample seating for working or meeting friends. The menu includes classic espresso drinks, seasonal specials, teas, and light breakfast options. Service was efficient, and the environment felt neighborhood-oriented rather than tourist-heavy. Evening Performance: Cirque du Soleil 'Twas the Night Before… Saturday evening was anchored by the winter production from Cirque du Soleil. The seasonal show, 'Twas the Night Before… , combines Cirque’s signature acrobatics and aerial work wit...

Our “Murals and More” Tour with Tucson Trolley Tours When we booked the Murals and More Tour , we expected to see some colorful walls around Tucson . What we got instead was a deeper look at the city’s neighborhoods, history, and creative culture — all from the comfort of a trolley with a guide who clearly loves what they do. Operated by Tucson Trolley Tours , this guided experience focuses on Tucson’s thriving mural scene while weaving in local history, architecture, and lesser-known stories you wouldn’t easily discover on your own. Our guide didn’t just point out murals — they explained: Who the artists were What the imagery represents The social or historical context behind the artwork How certain neighborhoods have evolved over time It quickly became clear that Tucson’s mural scene isn’t random decoration — it’s storytelling on a large scale. The Murals: Color With Context Tucson is known for its vibrant public art, and seeing it with a guide added important layers o...

A Guided Walk on the Turquoise Trail in Tucson, Arizona During our visit to Tucson , Arizona , we joined a guided tour of the Turquoise Trail to get a structured introduction to the city’s downtown and its history. The 2.5-mile walking route connects many of Tucson’s most significant historic sites, and having a guide provided context that would have been difficult to piece together on our own. Here’s what the experience was like. Starting Point: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson The tour began at the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum , the reconstructed site of the Spanish fort established in 1775. Our guide outlined Tucson’s early history, including its Indigenous roots, Spanish colonial period, Mexican governance, and eventual incorporation into the United States following the Gadsden Purchase. This overview was helpful. Rather than viewing downtown as a collection of individual buildings, we began to understand it as a layered landscape shaped by shifting political and cul...

  Sedona is defined by contrast—red rock formations rising from high desert terrain, resort-level amenities alongside public trail access, and a mix of geology, outdoor recreation, and tourism infrastructure concentrated within a relatively small area. Our trip combined hiking, scenic driving, local dining, and time to take advantage of the region’s dark skies. We began with Bell Rock , one of Sedona’s most accessible and recognizable formations. Located just off State Route 179, the butte is part of the larger Courthouse Butte area and offers multiple route options ranging from flat perimeter trails to steeper scrambles higher on the formation.    In town, we spent time at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village , a Spanish Colonial–style complex built in the 1970s. The architecture—stucco walls, tilework, shaded courtyards—creates a distinct pedestrian environment compared to the surrounding desert landscape. The village houses galleries, artisan shops, and restauran...