If you're a fan of "Live with Kelly & Ryan," you've probably already caught the Phoenix episode, which aired Feb. 25 as part of the show's virtual road trip week. But for anyone who hasn't, you're in for a behind-the-scenes treat.

Kelly Ripa, who has spent a considerable amount of time in the Greater Phoenix area — for family reunions and such — took viewers on a tour of some of the most memorable places she's visited. And Ryan Seacrest recounted his experience hosting the red carpet at Super Bowl XLII in 2008.

Check out the Phoenix episode and explore additional details on the stops along the show's virtual road trip:

 


Desert Botanical Garden

With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, Phoenix is home to endless ways to experience the Sonoran Desert. To that end, Kelly and Ryan check in with meteorologist Krystle Henderson (KPNX/12 News), live at the Desert Botanical Garden, for the day's forecast: sunny. This 140-acre outdoor museum showcases a variety of arid plants, from towering saguaros to delicate blooms, and is home to five thematic trails that feature more than 50,000 plant displays. The garden also plays host to rotating art installations, cultural festivities and seasonal events — including Las Noches de las Luminarias each winter — all nestled against the red rock buttes of Papago Park.

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
480-941-1225

 

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

For a taste of the Southwest, Kelly and Ryan pay a virtual visit to Beau MacMillan, executive chef at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. Perched atop the north slope of Camelback Mountain — and set against a particularly delicious view — chef MacMillan whips up some blue corn fried Mexican white shrimp with poblano truffle aioli. Check out the recipe here, and see if you can follow along better than Ryan did in the studio. Or just head over to the award-winning elements restaurant to indulge in the farm-fresh culinary delights, impeccable service and extraordinary views. Additionally, the resort offers a unique boutique experience and one of the top destination spas in the country.

5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley
480-948-2100

 

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Kelly reminisces on memories of staying at the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, with her family. This legendary landmark boasts a rich history, superior service and worldwide notoriety. Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” the property is home to 39 acres of lush gardens, glistening swimming pools, a luxe spa, two distinct golf courses and unmistakable Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture. Open since 1929, the Arizona Biltmore has hosted many celebrities and U.S. presidents. Songwriter Irving Berlin is believed to have composed “White Christmas” while sitting poolside, and a number of movies, including scenes from "Waiting to Exhale," have been filmed on the resort's grounds.

2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix
602-955-6600

 

State Farm Stadium

Since opening in 2006, State Farm Stadium has been the home of the Arizona Cardinals as well as the Fiesta Bowl. Located in the heart of Glendale's Westgate Entertainment District, this stadium has hosted two Super Bowls (XLII and XLIX), the first of which Ryan spent interviewing celebrities in attendance from the red carpet. Whether or not he'll return in 2023 for Super Bowl LVII remains to be seen (but we hope so). What makes this place so unique? For one, the stadium's innovative design approach includes the first retractable, natural grass playing surface in North America and the first completely retractable roof to operate at an incline. Another is The Great Lawn, an expansive tailgating area, because there aren't many places this perfect for catching some pre-game rays.

1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale
623-433-7101

 

Ranch Markets

If you're looking for a market similar to the one Kelly describes dining at, you should stop by Cardenas (also known as Los Altos) Ranch Markets. With locations throughout Greater Phoenix, these markets carry all the staples for fresh, Mexican cuisine. Much more than your typical grocery store, these are tortilleriascarniceriastaqueriaspanaderias and more, all rolled into one. Which is precisely what earned them "Best Mexican Grocery Store" honors in 2020 from Phoenix New Times. While you'll find plenty of authentic products, gifts and food items that can make the trip home with you, we recommend arriving hungry and trying a little bit of everything — including the agua frescas! If you're looking for a quicker bite, check out our guides to the best tacos, burritos and tortas in Phoenix.

1602 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix
602-253-6874

5833 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-268-7166

3223 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix
602-264-8002

5802 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix
623-873-0189

3415 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-841-0346

6730 W. Camelback Road, Glendale
623-846-4447

1118 E. Southern Ave., Mesa
480-969-1270

 

Red Rock State Park

During one of her visits, Kelly and her family took a day trip to explore the world-renowned red rocks of Sedona. Located about 100 miles north of Phoenix, Sedona offers breath-taking views of extraordinary red sandstone formations that rise majestically from the desert floor. Popular ways to experience this unique landscape include hiking via Devil's Bridge or Cathedral Rock trailheads, booking a tour with A Day in The West or going off-roading with Pink Jeep Tours. Check out our day trip guide to the Top 10 Things To Do In Sedona.

Visitor Center: 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona
928-282-6907

 

Old Tombstone Western Theme Park

As a gift to her son, Joaquin, Kelly and her family hit the road for a visit to Old Tombstone Western Theme Park in southeastern Arizona. You too can create your own cowboy experience at Old Tombstone Western Town by taking in a gunfight stunt show by The Tombstone Cowboys, a national champion gunfight team; explore more on a 30-minute narrative trolley tour of historic Tombstone; pan for gold like an Old West prospector; practice your aim at the shoot’n gallery; dig in to some Western grub at Chuckwagon, the onsite restaurant; and wet your whistle with a sarsaparilla at Pancho's Cantina. Or just book a your visit to Tombstone through Arizona Scenic Tours, and sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

339 S. Fourth St., Tombstone
520-955-3090