The beautiful and elegant city of Scottsdale, AZ, awaits you to kick off your romantic endeavors. The restaurant: Don and Charlie’s Steak house off Miller and Camelback road. This place has withstood the test of time, hailing to the valley for the better part of thirty years, and offering all sorts of fine American Food. They have an amazing prime rib dish (if this is your thing) that is utterly delicious and addictive. They also serve steak and chicken, and fish as well. Dinner here will run you about $100, but it is well worth it. Gourmet food and five-star customer service await you and your date, and the art-walk in Old Town Scottsdale is but a three minute drive from this restaurant.

Finally, end the evening by hitting up one of the hottest nightclubs in town, Axis Radius; a few blocks up the street (see my guide on the Top Nightclubs in Scottsdale, AZ). This two-level, high-class nightclub typically has a line that extends, but you can visit their website and acquire VIP passes for the right price (about $50 per couple) that will let you skip the line and gain entrance and enjoy an evening of the best dancing and nightlife that Arizona has to offer.

Once you have finished your romantic walk in the park, make the short trip to the Orpheum Theater a few blocks away and enjoy and amazing and beautiful evening at the symphony. The Phoenix Symphony is considered to be one of the best orchestras in the world and frequently has performed for visiting dignitaries, presidents and others over their 100+ year span in the valley. Make sure that you are dressed appropriately, no tuxedo required, but slacks a button-down shirt and sports jacket are appropriate.

A quick stop at the local Whole Foods or other farmer’s market store will net you all the supplies that you need to make the perfect picnic lunch. Make sure to ask your date what types of foods they like so you do not pack the wrong items. You can typically make a great picnic lunch for under $40—do not forget a nice bottle of wine, a basket, blanket to throw on the grass and of course, wine glasses to indulge. The place that screams have a date at my park is Eldorado Park in South Scottsdale. This park offers plenty of rolling, grassy hills, as well as covered tables and BBQ grills; you may even want to consider marinating some meat and grilling it up here.

Bobby’s Restaurant and Jazz Lounge located in North Scottsdale, is just a few minutes from the Greenbelt and offers some of the best jazz in the state. Head there with your date in-hand and grab a table in this small and dimly lit Jazz bar. Drinks are fairly decently priced and they have a huge 24 ounce stacker Long Island Ice Tea that will just go down like water; cab it if you drink too much here. The jazz is amazing and features several different acts each night of the week. So no matter what day or night you end up here, there will be great music for the listening.

If you are looking for a great dating restaurant in downtown Phoenix, head to Aunt Chilada’s located in the heart of the downtown area. The entire restaurant looks like Mexico City inside and is very well decorated. While there, enjoy homemade tortillas and chips, as well as some of the most authentic Mexican food to be had in AZ. This restaurant also features lives music seven nights per week, and you can even order Mariachis to your table to serenade your date. I recommend their homemade burritos and enchiladas while dining here; they are some of the best that I have ever tasted.