The Phoenix Traveler

You’ve probably been hearing the word, staycation. It’s the new buzz word for folks who decide to stay closer to home for that next vacation. Rather than taking off to Europe or investing in a sea cruise, they plan a trip in-state, or even at a resort near the hometown. Summertime is the perfect time to do that in Phoenix. Valley resorts offer great deals at high-end properties. You can find a list of them here.

To make this kind of long weekend even more affordable, book a suite or a room with a mini kitchen and stock up on food items to save on your dining-out costs. Not that you skip dining out altogether, but plan to hang out at the resort pool and bring your own picnic meal with you once or twice. Or, skip room service and microwave a meal or two. You can find good buys and vacation-ready meals in Phoenix–and other locations in Arizona, Southern California and Nevada–at the new Fresh & Easy neighborhood markets. They’ve been springing up all over Phoenix this past year.

My boyfriend and daughter both had been raving about them, and I finally got my chance to step inside of one recently to check things out. Sure enough, I left the store, spending nearly $150 on fresh-made meals that I’ve been munching on all week long. From fresh organic fruit to homemade meals that I’ve just popped in the microwave, I’ve saved a bundle on what would normally be my dining out dollars.

I brought home macaroni & cheese, meatballs, fresh pasta and sauces, and a host of other homemade items . Plus, I found a decent supply of toiletries. The stores are compact enough that you won’t get lost in the aisles, and your choices aren’t so many that you won’t be able to decide.

Even better, I was able to pick up some really good wines for less than $10 each. One of my new favorites is a Pinot Grigio Prosecco–a light sparkling wine that I can see would serve a couple well on the balcony of a hotel overlooking a garden, pool or city view. If you like reds, you can bring home any number of bargain-priced–and award-winning–wines, including the Hilltown Sauvignon Blanc or the South American Malbec from Recoleta that is made exclusively for Fresh & Easy. I suggest tossing a bottle in your backpack and taking a hike through the resort property of your choice until you find the perfect spot to pop the cork and enjoy.

If you’re planning your affordable staycation in Phoenix, here is a list of Fresh & Easy stores that may be near you:

Dysart & Thomas, Avondale

107th Ave. & Thomas, Avondale

Alma School & Elliot Rd., Chandler

Ray & Kyrene, Chandler

Higley & Guadalupe, Gilbert

Higley & Ray, Gilbert

59th Avenue & Olive, Glendale

Alma School & University, Mesa

Brown & Recker, Mesa

Crismon & Guadalupe, Mesa

Apache Trail & Ellsworth, Mesa

Stapley & McKellips, Mesa

Sossaman & Southern, Mesa

12th Street & Northern, Phoenix

19th Avenue & Baseline, Phoenix

32nd Street & Greenway, Phoenix

35th Avenue & Greenway, Phoenix

Frank Lloyd Wright & Shea, Scottsdale

And soon to open: 7th Street & Thunderbird, Phoenix

(Photo used with permission by Fresh & Easy, provided by its marketing firm, Wagstaff Worldwide.)

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