'''Scottsdale''' is a city in the state of Arizona. It is east of Phoenix and is considered to be part of the Phoenix Metro Area.

Understand

Scottsdale is home to many galleries, high quality resorts, and golf courses. It is also one of the wealthier parts of the Phoenix Metro Area.

High end shopping destinations are one of the primary attractions of the city. For example, the '''Fashion Square Mall''' is near downtown Scottsdale and is one of the biggest malls in the United States. The '''extensive galleries''' to the west of the downtown also offer upscale shopping and strolling. The galleries in this area display works both from local artists and from around the world.

The '''Old Town''' section of Scottsdale is to the east of the gallery district [http://www.downtownscottsdale.com/]. It showcases the ironic attempt of Scottsdale to both embody swank upscale style as well as a caricature of the gruff American West. This part of town is undeniably kitschy. Well over half the shops are gift shops. However, it is fun enough for a browse in a Disneyland sort of way.

The Canals

The valley of the sun has over [http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/distances.aspx 130 miles of canals]. Most of them were built in the last 100 years to provide water for the irrigation of farm land. However, now that the valley is much less agrarian the canals are primarily used to carry away storm water. Some are also used generate hydroelectric power.[http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/history.aspx]

These often overlooked gems are open to the public. One can take in the beautiful desert scenery and fresh air while strolling along them. They provide walkers, joggers, and bikers with a nice refuge from traffic. But don't try swimming in the canals, aside from being an obvious bad idea because the sides are so steep it is also illegal, along with motorized vehicles [http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/safety.aspx]

[http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/distances.aspx Here is a map] of the valley's canal network.

Get in

By Plane

The phoenix metro area has several airports. The biggest and most used is the Sky Harbor Airport which is about a 20 minutes drive away from downtown Scottsdale.

There is also a smaller airport in Northern Scottsdale for smaller planes and private jets. It is also about 20 minutes from downtown Scottsdale.

Get around

By Car

The city of Scottsdale extensively uses photo radar cameras. Over time residents learn where the cameras are. Beware that some drivers will slam on their brakes as they approach the cameras then speed up after they pass the range. :There are 3 types of cameras. #'''Stationary freeway Cameras''' These are simply to keep the speed reasonable. They generally are triggered 11 mph over the speed limit. #'''Intersection cameras''' These camera's monitor both speed and red light running. #'''Mobile Van cameras''' These cameras are in white vans which park on the side of the road. These are harder to spot because they move locations regularly and park inconspicuously.

Generally it is easiest to simply drive the speed limit and not run red lights. :)

See

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. 2621 North Frank LLoyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. 90-627-5398. ttp://www.franklloydwright.org/t_west.html. am - 4pm. 32-$60 per person. Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home
  • Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. MOCA. 374 East Second Street Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 80-994-ARTS. ttp://www.smoca.org/. 0-5 Tu, We, Fri, & Saturday; Closed on Mondays; Free and open until 8 on Thursdays. 7 adults, $5 students, free for SMOCA members and children under 15. A museum of contemporary art, architecture, and design.
  • LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana. 839 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ. utside the Center for Performing Arts. This sculpture, and other versions of it, by Robert Indiana have become iconic symbols of Love. The design was originally made for a Christmas card. It has since been used in a myriad of mediums from stamps to sculpture. Other versions of this statue are in Philadelphia's Love Park, Sixth Av. in New York, and outside the incredibly tall Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan.
  • Scottsdale Center for the Arts
  • Do

  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. 301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250. 80-312-2312. ttp://www.therailroadpark.com/visitor.html. ours depend on time of year (9 or 10am to 5:30 or 7pm). dmittance is free; Train rides cost $2 per adult. A children's park with playgrounds and a small train that children and parents can ride around the park.
  • Wander the Rock and Roll Car and Bike show. 175 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. n the pavilions shopping center to the west of the 101 freeway. ttp://www.rockandrollcarshow.com/. very Saturday night at 4pm. ree. A large classic car show.
  • Stroll or Bike Along the Canals. http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/distances.aspx. The banks of the canals provide nice views and an escape from cars. They are open to the public, but motorized vehicles and swimming are prohibited.
  • Take a hike in the Piestewa Peak area. incoln & 32nd; Shea & 40th;. ttp://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikephx.html. am to 11pm. ree. A large undeveloped mountainous area close to downtown phoenix and Scottsdale where one can picnic or take a hike. Mountain biking is also allowed.
  • People Watch at Fashion Square Mall. amelback Rd & Scottsdale Rd. ree. One of the biggest malls in the US, the Fashion Square Mall is an upscale place to fill your wardrope. It can also be fun just to wander around and see what other people are wearing.
  • '''Desert Storm Hummer Tours''', tel: (866) 374-8637, [http://www.dshummers.com/]. Since 1995, Desert Storm Hummer has specialized in Sonoran Desert adventures. If you are truly adventurous, experience the dark side of the desert. Night vision tours let you witness desert life after dark!
  • Spa at Camelback Inn
  • MacDonald's Ranch
  • Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tours
  • Out of Africa Wildlife Park approx. 1 hour north in Camp Verde
  • Buy

  • '''Scottsdale Fashion Square'''
  • '''Scottsdale Waterfront'''
  • '''Downtown Scottsdale Arts & Shopping Districts''']
  • '''Marshall Way'''
  • '''Fifth Avenue Shopping District'''
  • '''Borgata of Scottsdale'''
  • '''In Celebration of Golf'''
  • '''Shops at Gainey Village'''
  • '''Boulders el Pedregal Festival Marketplace'''
  • '''Heard Museum North'''
  • Eat

  • ''' Asia de Cuba''', 7353 East Indian School Road, [http://www.mondrianscottsdale.com/mondrian_hotel_scottsdale_asiadecuba.asp]. Asia de Cuba, overseen by renowned international restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow, combines elements of Asian and Cuban cuisine.
  • '''Eddie V's Edgewater Grill''', 20875 N. Pima Rd., 480 538 8468. The food is great, and Eddie's has something for everyone, in comparison to the meat-centrism of common steakhouses. Try the Parmesan encrusted sol. Call ahead for a reservation.
  • '''Mastro's Steak House''', 8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., 480 585 9500. Mastro's also has a restaurant in Beverly Hills, with a plethora of well-known visitors that frequent it. Call ahead, as you'll most likely need a reservation.
  • Voce' Ristorante and Lounge. 719 N Hayden Rd. E Corner of Hayden and Shea. 80.609.0429. ttp://www.voceristoranteandlounge.com. Arizona's Finest Italian Ristorante' & Live Music Lounge

    Drink

  • '''Axis/Radius'''
  • '''Cowboy Ciao'''
  • '''e4'''
  • '''Eli_fs American Grille'''
  • '''Handlebar-J Restaurant & Saloon'''
  • '''Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch'''
  • Kazimierz. 137 East Stetson Drive. 1 480-WINE-004. 1 480-WINE-055. ightly, 2:30 PM - 2:00 AM full menu served until 1:45 AM. 20-$30. ttp://www.kazbar.net. A great nook of a place to drink wine, eat flatbread, and decompress on kooshy couches in their dimly lit main room. The massive (over 2000) wine list is well experienced in their nicely-selected and presented three-wine flights. Add a flatbread (a fancy word for a fancy pizza) and a few friends and it's easy to lose the whole evening in a place like this. It's also easy to run up a big bill ($40-$60 per person) if you don't restrain yourself with the wine menu.

  • ''' Red Bar''', 7353 East Indian School Road, [http://www.mondrianscottsdale.com/mondrian_hotel_scottsdale_redbar.asp]. Located in the Mondrian Scottsdale Hotel.
  • '''The Rusty Spur Saloon'''
  • '''Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain'''
  • '''Sea Saw'''
  • ''' SkyBar''', 7353 East Indian School Road, [http://www.mondrianscottsdale.com/mondrian_hotel_scottsdale_skybar.asp]. Located in the gardens of Mondrian Scottsdale Hotel.
  • '''Suede'''
  • '''Sugar Daddy_fs Blues'''
  • Sleep

    <!--This list needs to be sorted into price categories.-->

  • The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa. 4631 N Tom Darlington Dr, PO Box 2090. arefree, Arizona 85377. 66-397-6520. ttp://www.theboulders.com/.

  • Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas. 333 N. Scottsdale Rd. 1 480-948-7750. 1 480-948-2232. PM. 2 PM. 99-$120. ttp://www.scottsdaleresort.hilton.com. A fairly typical Hilton hotel, though prettier than most. Quite comfortable, but housekeeping services are erratic. Good business services with $10/day wireless.

  • Hotel Indigo. 415 north civic center plaza. 80-941-9411. ttp://scottsdalehiphotel.com. Fun, fabulous and affordable boutique! Close to everything.

  • '''Mondrian Hotel Scottsdale''', 7353 East Indian School Road, [http://www.mondrianscottsdale.com]. Similar to its sister hotel in West Hollywood. It overlooks the Scottsdale Mall gardens in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. On-site upscale restaurant and lounge.
  • '''Orange Tree Golf Resort''', 10601 North 56th St ''+1'' 480-948-6100, [http://www.shellhospitality.com/hotels/orange_resort/index.html]. Suites with patio or terrace.
  • '''Scottsdale Plaza Resort''' 7200 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley, [http://www.scottsdaleplaza.com/]. Large resort with swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness center, raquetball.
  • '''Scottsdale Resort''' 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, [http://www.thescottsdaleresort.com/]. The resort is surrounded by a 36 hole golf course, a spa and fitness center, salon services, tennis, and two pools. Resort features 326 spacious guest rooms, casitas and suites.
  • Smoke Tree Resorts & Bungalows. 101 East Lincoln Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. ear the intersection of Scottsdale Rd. and Lincoln Dr.. 80-948-7660. info@smoketreeresort.com. 80-948-7661. ttp://www.smoketreeresort.com/. "Restaurant REM" is at the resort itself. Families will also be pleased to know it is just a two minute drive away from the Railroad Park (a park with a small train children can ride).

  • '''Westin Kierland Resort and Spa''', 6902 E. Greenway Parkway (480) 624-1000 [http://www.kierlandresort.com]. Beautiful property, with a great kids pool area, including a lazy river. They also have an adults-only pool area. Great service. Attached to a golf course and shopping mall.
  • Splurge

  • Scottsdale Cottonwoods. 160 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. he Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort & Suites is situated at 6160 N. Scottsdale Road, just 12 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport. The tools below will help you find us more easily.. 80-991-1414. eservations@scottsdalecottonwoods.com. 80-951-3350. oderate. ttp://www.scottsdalecottonwoods.com. Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort & Suites is a luxury Scottsdale resort nestled on 25 green acres in the Sonoran Desert. Secluded yet convenient, just 14 miles from the Phoenix area; it is surrounded by world-class shopping, and a variety of arts, dining and entertainment choices. </sleep>

  • '''Fairmont Scottsdale Princess''', 7575 E. Princess Dr., ''+1'' 602-585-4848. Hotel/spa with multiple pools, fishing, golf, tennis, The area that surrounds it is also very nice, in close proximity to Mastro's and Eddie V's restaurants. $200-400.
  • The Phoenician. 000 East Camelback Rd. -866-716-8136. ttp://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Phoenician/so.htm?propertyID=103&EM=WIKITRAVEL_SOP_LC_103_AZ. Upscale resort with a 27-hole championship course. Nine pools, tennis courts, spa.

  • '''Resort Suites'''[http://www.resortsuites.com], 7677 E. Princess Blvd., ''+1'' 888-222-1059. Suites with full living and dining areas, private patios, kitchen and free wifi. Four swimming pools, three whirlpools, a fitness center, and a business center.
  • '''Scottsdale Resort & Athletic Club''', 8235 East Indian Bend Road, [http://scottsdaleresortandathleticclub.com/]. Uspcale resort wtih a Eurasian day spa with a long list of custom treatments and wellness therapies.
  • Stay safe

    Flooding

    It doesn't rain very frequently in Scottsdale. However, when the rain does come many lakes swell, bike paths are submerged, and roads become impassable.

    If there is a notable amount of water on the road, don't drive through it. Drivers frequently become stranded in the middle of flooded washes. Cars can be swept away in a deceptively small amount of water. As you might guess, attempting to drive across such flooded roads is dangerous.

    Arizona also has what they like to call a "Stupid Motorist Law." It says that if someone drives around a barricade to enter a flooded road they will be charged for their rescue.

    Heat

    In the summer it can get quite hot. Dehydration, heat stroke, and sun stroke become notable risks.

    Drink plenty of water and stay indoors in the afternoon, during the hottest parts of the day.

    Outdoor activities are usually far more pleasant in the early morning when it is still cool. Because the temperatures in the desert swing so much between night and day, morning temperatures can be quite pleasant even during the height of the summer.

    Get out

    Be sure to try one of the 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Although most of the green fees are relatively high during the high season (Nov - Apr)there are a few good courses that can be played year round at a reasonable rate. Green fees are very cheap during the summer ($10 - $50 per round with cart) and if you tee-off early in the morning the heat doesn't become too bad before you finish your round.