Last month, I embarked on a 7-day adventure to Scottsdale, Arizona, that turned out to be a whirlwind of celebration, creativity, and cherished moments. It was all for my friend Madi’s bachelorette party, but what unfolded was much more than just your typical pre-wedding celebration.
Day 1: Unexpected Starts and Stunning Stays
Our journey began with a bit of a hiccup—my car decided to quit right before the trip, leading to a last-minute rental pickup. After a quick detour to drop off my little dog, Tater Tot, at my mom’s and scoop up my mom and sister, we were on our way. Six hours and a hearty meal at Texas Roadhouse later, we arrived at our Airbnb in Scottsdale, a gorgeous retreat complete with a much-needed pool to beat the 100-degree heat. When I got to my room, there was a surprise waiting for me. Madi and her mom put together the cutest bridesmaid gifts bags for us. everything was so personalized and thoughtful. I’m so grateful to be a part of her special day.
Day 2: Downtown Delights and DIY Martinis
The adventure truly kicked off the next day as we explored downtown Scottsdale. After some shopping and a relaxed lunch at Zipps Sports Grill, we returned to our Airbnb where the late arrivals meant it was finally time to dive into barbecue and bespoke martinis—courtesy of a dirty martini mix and stuffed olives I snagged earlier.
Day 3: Hat-Making Havoc
Perhaps the highlight for me was our trip to Rancho Hat Bar, where we got creative customizing our hats. Starting with choosing between a cowboy or a trucker hat, we adorned them with patches, pins, charms, and chains. I opted for a sage hat, adding ribbons, branding it with butterflies, and giving it a ‘lived-in’ look by burning the edges. The process was overwhelming yet exhilarating, and sewing on the final charms felt like putting a signature on a masterpiece. Here’s a TikTok video on the whole hat making process! @alymariehairartist We ended the night at Dierk’s Bentley’s Whiskey Row for dinner and drinks.
Day 4: Butterflies, Aquariums, and Burger Debates
After bidding farewell to the bachelorette brigade, the next part of my Arizona trip took a more tranquil turn. My family and I visited a butterfly observatory and the Odysea Aquarium, where I was mesmerized by jellyfish and thrilled by unexpected sights like a sloth and baby alligators. Our day concluded with a culinary experiment—tasting Whataburger for the first time, though my California taste buds confirmed that though Whataburger has more options, In-N-Out still has a better a burger in my opinion.
Final Days: Relaxation and Reflection
The remainder of the trip was a blend of relaxation and local dining, from poolside lounging to tacos with family friends and Rally’s. It all wrapped up with a soothing day of rest before the drive back home to the salon for two days, only to head out again (during a thunderstorm) to Las Vegas for my boyfriend’s sister’s police academy graduation.
Traveling, whether for events like bachelorette parties or simply exploring new places, brings a wealth of inspiration. Each destination tells a story, and every new experience enriches our lives in unexpected ways. From custom hat making to comparing burger joints, every moment of this Arizona trip reminded me of the beauty and spontaneity of life. And as I returned to the salon, refreshed and inspired, I was reminded of the endless possibilities that await, just a road trip away.
Aly | Los Angeles & Dana Point Hair Artist 