Rest, Relax, and Recharge: Wisconsin Winter Escape to Arizona — Family, Music & Porch Vibes
Jan 13
7 min read
2
13
I’ve always loved Wisconsin’s seasons—the golden rebirth of spring, when everything awakens and birds frantically build their nests; the long, hot summer days filled with backyard barbecues and forest hikes that melt worries away; the symphony of fall colors! Autumn speaks to me on some deep, intuitive level—the squirrels foraging busily, the air turning crisp and invigorating, apple cider tasting like pure magic, and bonfires warming both body and soul.
Then comes winter. The first snowfall blankets the earth like a freshly laundered quilt, inviting you to cozy up indoors and bake lasagna for dinner. But Wisconsin winters stretch on too long. The days feel endless yet painfully short, the darkness heavy and sleepy. My body craves vitamin D; my mind yearns for sunshine.
I’m fortunate to have a second home to escape to: Arizona. Throughout my life, I’ve visited my grandmother there many times. We explored Sedona’s red rocks, wandered through Wickenburg, and visited other charming towns. Winning bingo with Grandpa was always a thrill, and splashing around in the rec center pool with Grandma felt wonderfully refreshing. We even took a few road trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin. But mostly, it was about spending time with people I love deeply and soaking up the sun.
These days, I visit my dad. I’ve just returned from my third trip to his place, and I feel positive, hopeful, and deeply grateful. It was a truly relaxing getaway—full of love, gentle fun, and the calm I needed.
Dad prefers to avoid the chaos of Phoenix Sky Harbor, so we flew into Mesa Gateway Airport on Allegiant Air from Appleton, Wisconsin. As the plane climbed, we watched the sun rise gloriously above the clouds—a perfect start to the journey.
We stepped off the plane directly onto the tarmac—my first time ever deplaning outside! It was so much nicer than funneling through a jet bridge into the sterile airport interior. The moment we descended the stairs, warm air enveloped us, mountains rose in the distance, palm trees swayed gently, and sunshine poured over everything. Instant bliss.
Dad was waiting just beyond security (Brian and I had flown together). He looked great, as always—a handsome man with that signature joyful energy. Both my parents have these radiant, joyful souls; it’s one of my greatest blessings.
When we pulled up to the house, the sweet and talented Paula, my dad’s wife and my friend greeted us with her wonderful, welcoming smile! And then came the real welcoming committee: two excited pups, Lucy and Porch.
Lucy isn’t exactly a puppy anymore—she’s about twelve years old, a sweet little rat terrier who makes the perfect companion. She’s an A+ therapy dog in the making: she locks eyes with you, radiates pure love, and just begs to be petted while you sit and relax.
Then there’s Porch. Meet Porch:
Haha, oh Porch—we adore your boundless, youthful puppy enthusiasm! This dog loves me fiercely—probably because I’m one of her favorite fetch buddies! It’s her absolute favorite thing in the world. When I lay down for a nap, she stationed herself right outside my door like a loyal guard. After my shower, I’d step into the hallway to find her orange ball waiting patiently for the next round.
We had great talks and listened to music, especially Keb’ Mo’—his soulful blues filling the patio air and perfectly matching the laid-back Arizona vibe.
Dad is a musician who sings a lot of beach music, and Paula loves the beach. So imagine a beach in the desert. Well, you don’t have to imagine—take a look! Dad built a gorgeous pergola, and Paula did an incredible job designing the backyard. It’s the perfect fusion: sandy vibes, nautical touches, and tropical flair all wrapped in Arizona sunshine. More details can be seen in the video below these photos.
And! Dad gave me one of his guitars!
Video—
If you enjoy videos, I could share a few more . . .Every morning in fall and winter, these grackles visit The Back Porch. Their glossy black feathers, long tails, and chatty calls add a lively soundtrack to breakfast on the patio: You can find this video on YouTube.
Meanwhile, in the front yard . . .check out this short.
In addition to playing fetch with Porch, I took a few leisurely walks with her around the neighborhood and enjoyed the surprising winter flowers blooming along the way. Arizona’s mild desert winters bring unexpected pops of color—pansies, petunias, snapdragons, calendulas (marigolds), and even some native shrubs like Baja fairy duster or desert marigold. The cooler temps make these strolls comfortable and refreshing, a far cry from Wisconsin’s deep freeze!
More sightseeing was done at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix—a truly world-class spot that ties beautifully into the music theme of our trip.
The MIM is the world’s only global music museum, showcasing over 8,000 instruments and objects from nearly every country, with geographic galleries exploring regional sounds, an Artist Gallery featuring icons’ instruments, hands-on experiences in the Experience Gallery, and a stunning Music Theater hosting live performances (around 200 artists a year). It’s family-friendly, interactive, and incredibly immersive—perfect for a relaxing yet inspiring day out.
What makes it extra special is the innovative audio system: You’re given high-quality wireless headphones (using Sennheiser guidePORT technology) that automatically activate via motion/proximity sensors. As you walk up to an instrument display, the headphones seamlessly tune in to the video soundtrack next to it—suddenly you’re hearing the instrument played in its original cultural context, from performances and rituals around the world. No fumbling with numbers or buttons; it just happens as you approach. It keeps the museum quiet while letting every exhibit come alive with authentic sound—such a clever, engaging way to experience the collection!
We loved wandering through the exhibits, letting the music guide us from one discovery to the next, and soaking up the global rhythms.
You can find more of my photography from the museum (and beyond) in the Aesthetic Photography Gallery on my site—it’s a collection of images showcasing aesthetic shots, often with nature and art, balance, and atmospheric themes. See the gallery here: Aesthetic Photography Gallery
The next evening we played You Gotta Know Rock Trivia Game—a fun, rock 'n' roll-themed trivia set. Brian reigning supreme, Dad close behind, and me with my one triumphant “Metallica!” Paula opted out but cheered us on from the sidelines. It was lighthearted fun, and I bet it’ll be even more fun once we’ve played a few more rounds and memorized the answers!
We also baked cookies! We whipped up batches of pizzelles and koulourakia, rolling up our sleeves for some creative fun in the kitchen. Pizzelles are those thin, crisp Italian waffle cookies (often flavored with anise or vanilla), and koulourakia are the traditional Greek butter cookies—great for dipping in coffee and subtly sweet. They’re perfect for shaping into twists, braids, rings, or other playful forms.
We got extra inventive with the koulourakia dough, forming them into all sorts of creative shapes. I even made a few that looked like Milk-bone dog treats for the pups! The kitchen filled with the warm scent of baking and laughter.
On New Year’s Eve, Dad and Paula air-fried a turkey right on The Back Porch—what a treat! The air fryer did its magic, giving it that perfectly crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Brian did a superb job carving it up, slices coming out beautifully even. It was absolutely delicious—classic holiday vibes with a desert twist.
The next day was Thursday (New Year’s Day!)—And, Dad’s weekly gig at The Hideaway, a cozy, local spot in Youngtown (behind Father Sarducci’s). It was so much fun! I heard Dad sing Elvis, and he sounded phenomenal—nailing that signature voice and charisma. I got to play the rubboard (washboard) for a few songs, shaking out the rhythm alongside Dad. After the crowd thinned out, I let loose dancing, and the whole staff came out to join me—spontaneous, joyful energy, a night of celebration.
Friday night, Brian treated us all to dinner—such a generous way to cap off the week! We found Buca di Beppo at Arrowhead Fountains Center in Peoria, Arizona.
This spot has a classy Italian vibe. Rolling pins dangle from the ceiling in one section like a whimsical kitchen mobile, while a creative wall display of butcher cleavers adds a fun, rustic touch. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.
I ordered gluten-free pasta with a mouthwatering truffle sauce—rich, earthy, and absolutely delicious. The plates looked modest at first glance, but they were deceivingly filling; we left happily stuffed without a scrap left behind.
The only thing I’d suggest for next time? A basket of bread or breadsticks to nibble on while waiting—classic Italian restaurants often start with that, and it would've been the perfect warm-up to the meal.
Then we went to a movie—a special one with a personal connection. Brian and my dad knew this couple who used to play out in Wisconsin. They were a husband-and-wife Neil Diamond Experience act called Lightning and Thunder, and the film we saw was based on their true story. It was a heartfelt biographical musical drama called Song Sung Blue. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson did a terrific job bringing Mike “Lightning” Sardina and Claire “Thunder” Sardina to life—their journey of love, music, soaring success, and heartbreaking challenges felt authentic and moving. We all enjoyed it so much; it was the perfect full-circle moment, tying back to Dad’s own musical world and those Wisconsin roots.
The next morning came too soon—we had to head home. It was a nice, peaceful drive to the airport. A soft, foggy mist blanketed the desert as the sun rose above a distant mountain, casting everything in a gentle, golden glow. It felt like Arizona was giving us one last beautiful send-off.
I’m so grateful for this wonderful trip. Arizona’s sunshine, cherished family moments, soul-soothing music, shared laughter, Porch fetch sessions, beach-in-the-desert magic, and every quiet joy along the way—it all recharged Brian and me deeply.
Love,
Tracy
Thank you for reading my blog about Rest, Relax, and Recharge: Wisconsin Winter Escape to Arizona — Family, Music & Porch!
