Page Springs Cellars - Cornville, AZ

North of Phoenix, in the Valley Verde region, about 10 miles from Sedona and 8 miles from Jerome, the vertical city, lies Cornville, Arizona that hosts several wineries. The weather is not as scorching as Phoenix and Tucson. It felt like I was in the wine country of California. One winery, my favorite, is Page Springs located at 1500 North Page Springs Road in Cornville, AZ.

In the tasting room you have a choice of 3 flights of wine consisting of five different wines for $10. I tried the Arizona flight. Page Springs makes both white and red. The tasting room also offers a selection of appetizers. Wine bottle prices rage from $24 and up. The wines were generally mild and finished clean. You could definitely get hints of the unique Arizona soil.

Bordering the vines is a cool spring that you can wade in. It's definitely worth a visit and a taste.

Dreamy Draw Park - North Central Phoenix

Dreamy Draw is located at the base of the Piestewa Mountain. It is in North Central Phoenix and not far from downtown Phoenix. The Piestewa Freeway or 51 Freeway runs through the park. The exit for the park on the 51 Freeway is Northern Avenue. When you exit, hang a right and the park sign is situated on the east corner of Northern. Dreamy is popular with hikers, photographers and nature lovers. Despite being so close to urban Phoenix, it is a great nature escape that erupts not far from you back door. If you are going during summer, pack water. Wear hiking shoes or other sturdy shoes as the terrain is rocky and uneven.

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/piestewapeak/