Scottsdale Attractions:
1) Hot Air Expeditions: Start your day in a hot air balloon soaring over the desert with the sun creeping over the mountains.
2) Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, studio and architectural school campus.
3) Cosanti: The art studio of Paolo Soleri, an Italian immigrant who studied under Wright, known for his art complex and his decorative bells.
4) Heard Museum: Dedicated to the precise interpretation of Native arts and cultures, exhibits range from ancestral artifacts to contemporary works including paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture.
5) Desert Botanical Garden: The 140-acre garden (located in neighboring Phoenix) offers easy to follow trails that take guests past all manner of desert plant life.
Resorts:
1. Hotel Valley Ho: A fun casual resort in Downtown Scottsdale decorated in the mid-century-modern style aka Mad Men.
2. W Scottsdale: An ultra-modern resort with beautiful contemporary design elements in public areas as well as guest rooms.
3. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain: A boutique resort further away from the city offering beautiful panoramic view of the mountains.
Restaurants:
1. CafÉ Monarch: Chef and owner Gus Lewkowicz offers a set three-course menu which varies depending on the season. Not only is the food excellent, but the candlelit dining room is reminiscent of a European courtyard and very relaxing
2. Citizen Public House: Located in Old Town Scottsdale, this restaurant features a unique menu that includes everything from bacon fat heirloom popcorn and pork belly pastrami, to truffle grilled cheese sandwich and meatloaf.
3. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain’s elements: American meals are created by Food Network celebrity and Executive Chef Beau MacMillan.
For more information:
Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau: (800) 782-1117; www.experiencescottsdale.com.
I think Scottsdale (and Tucson as well) are among the most underrated travel destinations in the USA. The weather in the winter is near perfect and it’s such a unique and interesting place to visit. Your photos and blog reminded me that I need to head back there sometime soon. Thanks, Marilyn!