Scottsdale: The True Gem of Arizona
When you think of Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Phoenix and maybe even Sedona come to mind. But the true gem is Scottsdale, a neighbor to Phoenix and a small-sized city with big city art, cuisine and activities.
Tucked away in the northern reaches of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is one of the fastest growing cities and attracts visitors from all parts of the country. With its museums and art galleries steeped in Native American history, its plethora of resort spas and getaways for luxurious revitalization, and its 330 days of sunshine a year for outdoor exploring, Scottsdale earns its keep as the real gem of the Grand Canyon State.
The crown jewel of Scottsdale and a must-see is its historic Old Town Scottsdale, a bustling collection of nine walkable neighborhoods teeming with urban shops and restaurants, galleries and nightclubs. Old Town — positioned in the heart of Scottsdale — seamlessly mixes in its historic roots in the preservation of the original canals built by locals who cultivated the land for farming, stretching back to when Scottsdale was founded in the late 1800s. "It's this effortless blend of urban chic and Old West charm that gives our city's downtown its one-of-a-kind flair," the city's website proudly boasts.
As you stroll the streets, you can take in other historic landmarks such as the Old Adobe Mission, Scottsdale's oldest church and a relic of its early days as an agricultural community. And if you get hungry while meandering the many gems found in Old Town, pop into one of over 100 bars and restaurants serving up the tastiest cuisine in the west. For an even more in-depth look at the rich history and wonders of Scottsdale, visit the Experience Scottsdale website to download a map of one of three self-guided walking tours: A Public Art Tour map, a Historic Scottsdale Tour map, and a Coffee, Wine and Ale Trail map for curious imbibers in search of the best refreshments in the city.
Because of the city's walkable design and sunny days, shopping is a favorite activity for visitors and locals alike. But it's not just any shopping — Scottsdale is world famous for its unique offerings of the latest in designer fashion and Native American art and wares that beckons to the region's indigenous culture. First on your shopping itinerary is the Scottsdale Quarter, an open-air center with over 80 shops at the forefront of fashion and beauty care. The shopping center features The Quad, a grassy gathering place bedazzled with a pop-jet fountain and breathtaking nighttime ambiance.
Next on your shopping list is to visit the Native Art Market, an avenue of boutique pop-ups and shops featuring local handmade Native artwork. Native owned and operated, the market lets shoppers engage with vendors who celebrate Native history through their crafts and supports passing on the traditions for generations to come. In addition to celebrating indigenous culture, Scottsdale highlights its Black entrepreneurs. There are a number of local Black-owned beauty shops and eateries that add to the city's gem-like qualities. Be sure to check out Cutino Sauce Co., which serves up a savory line-up of secret hot sauces, the Sparkle Bar, a glam shop for diverse women in search of the best looks, and Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles, a joint serving soul food made with the finest ingredients: Love and authenticity.
Not only will you encounter over 45 public art installations on your adventures through historic Scottsdale, the city is home to Taliesin West, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright's desert laboratory and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As if the architectural wonder grew up through the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, the laboratory is designated a National Historic Landmark and "a look over the rim of the world," as Wright said about his own creation.
The sprawling complex includes studios, dining facilities, three theaters, a workshop and living quarters — all connected by terraces, pools and gardens. Visitors can take in the lush interiors "comprised of low-slung buildings designed to reflect the sweeping expansiveness of the desert," explains the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation website. Be sure to visit the website to learn about upcoming events, plan your trip, and get connected with the history of one of architecture's most influential figures. And it can only be found in Scottsdale — another reason the city is the hidden gem of the west.
With sunshine to spare, a multitude of exhilarating outdoor activities awaits your Scottsdale getaway vacation. One of the best hiking spots that is unique to the city is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a 35,000 acre slice of desert utopia that includes 225 miles of recreational trails. Nature enthusiasts can explore the variety of trails through hiking, biking and climbing and equestrian riders can even go on horseback. Take in the stunning vistas, connect with nature and celebrate the vast desert landscapes that only Scottsdale has to offer.
If hitting the trails isn't your speed, check out other local adventures such as hot air ballooning with Rainbow Ryders and whitewater rafting through the nearby Salt River Canyon. You can even rent ATVs and go on a high-speed adventure through the Sonoran Desert. When you're done with the thrills and ready for rest and relaxation, Scottsdale is the spa capital of the world with more spas per capita than any other city in the country. These luxurious resort and day spas feature "treatment and wellness therapies inspired by Sonoran Desert Botanicals, ancient Native American healing techniques and curative traditions from around the world." Visit the Experience Scottsdale website to explore the full list of activities and connect with the companies that host them.
If a desert oasis is your calling, Scottsdale is the premiere dream vacation spot. The exquisite art and design scene, sprawling desert vistas, big city flavors in a diverse range of restaurants and bars, and outdoor adventures for thrill seekers of all kinds makes Scottsdale the sparkling gem of Arizona.