Best of the West

COWBOYS & CULTURE IN SCOTTSDALE

Scottsdale has been known as “The West’s Most Western Town” since 1947, and that cowboy spirit is still central to the city’s identity. However, Scottsdale isn’t a city stuck in the past. Over the years, Scottsdale refined its nature, trading in its dusty hitching posts for sleek, modern art. While Scottsdale continues to pay homage to its rustic roots, myriad cultural amenities are evident throughout the city. Get a dose of history, art and culture in this one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates its ties to Hopalong Cassidy, Frank Lloyd Wright and everyone in between.

WESTERN ROOTS

In January 2015, visitors and meeting attendees alike can put on their cowboy boots and bolo ties and mosey on over to the long-awaited Scottsdale Museum of the West. This 40,000-square-foot museum tells the story of history’s notable pioneers. Explore or plan an event in its five galleries of paintings, sculptures and cultural artifacts that depict the ever-evolving American West, from cowboys on horseback to historic roads like Route 66. Looking to buy a piece of Western memorabilia? Western themes dominate much of downtown Scottsdale’s art and shopping districts. Browse the selection of souvenirs, such as cowboy boots at Saba’s Western Store, in Old Town or the cowboy-inspired artwork at the galleries in the Main Street Arts District. Stop by WestWorld of Scottsdale, one of the nation’s top equestrian and special event facilities. Set against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, WestWorld plays host to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and numerous other indoor and outdoor equestrian and special events.

CULTURAL AMENITIES

Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece Taliesin West (above)attracts more than 150,000 visitors annually. Explore Wright’s singular talent for integrating indoor and outdoor spaces with the Panorama Tour, a guided one-hour stroll across the main grounds of the famed architect’s winter home. Or delve deeper with the 90-minute Insights Tour for a look into the life of Wright and his beloved wife, Olgivanna. Renowned Arizona modernist Will Bruder built his stellar reputation on award-winning public spaces, such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Scottsdale. This minimalist space houses an international collection of modern art, architecture and design, as well as a public “skyspace” by the acclaimed artist James Turrell.The Musical Instrument Museum showcases cultures from around the globe with more than 5,000 instruments on display from nearly every country in the world. See the re-creation of a gong workshop, view instruments played by musicians such as Elvis Presley and Carlos Santana, or test your own musical abilities in the Experience Gallery.

CELEBRATION DESTINATION

No matter whether you’re visiting for fun or attending a meeting, Scottsdale’s lineup of cultural and Western events and festivals is bound to enhance any itinerary.The Parada del Sol Parade, the world’s longest horse-drawn parade, has taken place every February for more than 60 years. Horses, rodeo riders and wagons march along Scottsdale Road. The Trails End Celebration follows the procession with entertainment, music, and a pancake breakfast. Now entering its 25th year, Celebration of Fine Art takes place in Scottsdale from mid-January to late-March. Immerse yourself in the creative process at this event in North Scottsdale and meet up to 100 working artists in their temporary studios.

To find out more about all of Scottsdale’s cultural and Western amenities, visit ExperienceScottsdale.com or MeetInScottsdale.com.

from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1xe14kD

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