The Great Outdoors

Scottsdale calls the breathtaking, lush Sonoran Desert its home. When you plan your next meeting in Scottsdale, don’t be confined by the four walls of a conference room. Instead, pack your corporate retreat with adventurous outdoor activities guaranteed to challenge and reward.

Think you have what it takes to be on Survivor? Test your survival skills with the Desert Survivor program in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. During a series of subsistence skills challenges, teams will compete in various activities ranging from building water transportation, fabricating a survival rope and setting up a shelter to protect from the environment’s harsh elements. Expert guides from Arizona Outback Adventures will be there ensure your group has a successful experience.

Spend an afternoon amongst the waves, without leaving the desert. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa offers the ultimate surfing machine for guests. The FlowRider combines the tricks of skateboarding with the appearance of surfing and the board of wakeboarding to challenge co-workers on the waves through a technique called flowboarding. You’re sure to discover a rush of adrenaline like never before.

Develop a new respect for the Sonoran Desert while scaling one of greater Scottsdale’s myriad mountains. Professional climbing guides from 360 Adventures will help build your group’s confidence during thrilling recreational rock climbing and rappelling. Find yourself amongst some of the most beautiful desert scenery while exploring the McDowell, Granite, Cholla and Camelback mountains. Want to take it up a notch? 360 Adventures will have your group canyoneering in no time. Take a journey through the Roosevelt Lake area and experience hiking, wading, swimming, scrambling and rappelling excursions through one of geology’s most impressive feats – a canyon.

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Food, Glorious Food

Have you heard the expression that food is the way to the heart? Well it’s true of your employees, too. Nothing will entertain and bond your team faster than a food-centric Scottsdale retreat with tours that will leave your group satiated and rejuvenated.

Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale is the newest and sweetest walking tour in town. As your group explores Scottsdale’s Arts, Fifth Avenue, Southbridge and Waterfront districts, sampling sweets like brownies, ice cream, Belgium chocolates, cannoli’s and churros at nine stops, they’ll feel like the characters in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Indulge in goodies from local gems such as Chocolade van Brugge, Petersen’s Old Fashion Ice Cream, Paula Jacqueline Cakes and Pastries, and Caketini. Craving more? Your guide equips your group with a doggie bag to take some sweet morsels to-go. Tours take place each Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m. from October through April and cost $45 per person.

Nothing loosens up your team like cocktails and delicious small plates with a dash of local history. Sample some of the best spots in town with Arizona Food Tours during its three-hour lunch and dinner walking tours, “A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale.” Tickets are $54 and $74 for lunch and dinner tours, respectively. Or let Arizona Food Tours introduce your group to the scrumptious cocktails and appetizers served up at The House Brasserie, Su Vino Winery, Union Barrelhouse, The Mission and AZ88 during the Saturday afternoon “Sip and Sample” tour, which costs $62 per person. 

Celebrate your group’s hard work and success while taste testing the unforgettable offerings of Scottsdale’s gourmet food trucks. During Food Truck Caravan, your group will sample culinary treats from around the world, while savoring the latest exotic culinary creations from top local gourmet chefs. With the help of Food Truck Caravan’s event planners, you can customize the food trucks and menus for your event. The trucks are suitable for all occasions in any location, making it the perfect lunch break or a great gathering for weekends.

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Blank-Slate Venues

Looking to add a personal touch to an event? Can’t decide between hosting a meeting outdoors or indoors? In Scottsdale, you’ll find blank-slate venues with flexible event and meeting spaces just waiting to be transformed with your vision.

In the heart of pedestrian-friendly downtown Scottsdale, The Clayton on the Park is a 6,000-square-foot contemporary venue that features three distinct event spaces, making it perfect for meetings that require flexibility. The Terrace, which overlooks Scottsdale Civic Center Park, creates an intimate setting for small gatherings. Inside, The Clayton Room can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated dinner and up to 200 for a cocktail reception. Highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows and an illuminated bar. Upstairs, The Gallery offers expansive views over the park. The space accommodates up to 150 guests, making it perfect for corporate meetings and events. The in-house catering menu utilizes local and seasonal ingredients.

For a versatile venue with a resume that includes hosting popular events such as Rolling Stone magazine’s Super Bowl XLIX party, look no further than The Venue Scottsdale. The spacious multi-level, newly-renovated interior offers six rooms for 100 of your closest friends or 1,300 colleagues. In the Main Courtyard, you’ll find chic chandeliers and colorful roof paneling. The Main Courtyard neighbors The Ballroom, which is adorned with saloon-inspired red silk and velvet-lined walls. See if you have what it takes to take the private stage in the Comedy Spot, fantastic for intimate concerts or small events. Other rooms boast Old European décor, while The VIP Lounge offers French-style couches and a private bar overlooking the Main Courtyard.

Looking for a one-of–a-kind venue that captures the essence of the Sonoran Desert? Desert Foothills is a private venue that offers breathtaking desert views. Your guests will be surrounded by towering saguaro cacti under a canopy of twinkling stars. The venue offers three spaces to choose from and can accommodate groups as small as 50 to large events of more than 1,000. The Barn, built out of old telephone poles, boasts high ceilings and a large dance floor. Catch an unbelievable Arizona sunset on The Barn’s 2,500-square-foot patio. For a completely outdoor space, book The Cookout, which offers a wide open area surrounded by natural desert terrain. Large in-ground fire pits and a dance floor make it the perfect space to maximize everything the desert has to offer. The West Lot is an outdoor space with room for a large tent to shade your meetings-goers from the desert sun.

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8 Stay-Cool Attractions

It gets hot in Scottsdale during the summer- even we can’t deny it.  But, with plenty of indoor activities to enjoy around town, and cool pools to lounge by, who cares? Bring on the heat!

 

Scottsdale Fashion Square

From “haute” summer fashions and strappy sandals to trendy accessories, you’ll find all the treasures you seek at retailer powerhouses like Barneys New York, Nordstrom, H&M, Bebe and Jimmy Choo.

 

 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Discover the seamless blending of architecture and environment at the winter home and studio of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Night Lights tour also offer a cooler option during the evening.

 

 

AZ on the Rocks

Arizona’s largest indoor climbing gym offers walls up to 30 feet high! Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, AZ on the Rocks will help you learn the ropes and perfect your technique.

 

 

Scottsdale Artists’ School

Indulge your inner artist with a course in oil painting, portrait sculpture or drawing. Three-day mini-workshops and week-long intensives are offered for beginning and advanced artists.

 

 

Casino Arizona

Enjoy all your favorite casino games, as well as fine dining and live entertainment at Casino Arizona’s two locations (101 & McKellips and 101 & Indian Bend at Talking Stick Resort).

 

 

Dave & Busters

For hours of family-friendly fun, Dave & Busters offers 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, arcade games, billiards, dining, dancing and more!

 

 

Queen Creek Olive Mill

Learn about the process of creating gourmet olive oil! Products from flavored oils and tapenades to bath products are available in the Mill’s marketplace. Enjoy lunch onsite at Del Piero.

 

 

Octane Raceway

Experience the excitement of indoor go kart racing on a 1/3-mile, indoor/outdoor track at speeds over 45 mph! Octane also offers billiards, an arcade, a rock-climbing wall and the Trackside Bar & Grill.

 

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Summer Survival Guide

Summer in Scottsdale is hot. Like fry an egg on the sidewalk kind of hot. You may think that it’s un-livable…not true. Read this guide from an Arizona native who’s survived 24 summers here.

Shaded parking is the number one priority… 

Front parking spot is open? Awesome! Nope…top spots in the summer are those with any sort of shade. So keep going, those trees are normally in the back.

Leather seats are better heat conductors than than you think… 

Didn’t get that shady spot? First danger when you sit down in your car is your leather seats (if you have them). They might as well be metal. Bring a towel to throw down on the seat to prevent burns.

The metal part of the seatbelt might as well be lava…

Speaking of metal, parts of seatbelts are made of exactly that. Grab that spot and it’s basically like putting your hand on the stove. Carefully grab the plastic part of the seatbelt or bring along a pair of oven mitts to prevent burning (these would also come in handy for the next item on this list).

Steering wheels are just as hot as the seatbelt…

Pro Tip- Angle all possible A/C vents towards the steering wheel. This will cool it down much faster and you’ll be able to drive within five minutes of getting in the car. Or, just bust out those oven mitts we previously discussed.

Used to waiting for hot water? It’s reverse in the summer… 

Wait a few seconds for cold water to kick in or be prepared for a shock.

A pool is the only outside escape… 

Unless it’s before the hour of 8 a.m, the only reason to be outside is to be in the pool…lounging. 100+ degrees can’t ruin a pool day no matter how hard it tries.

Early morning hikes… 

Who says you can’t go hiking in the summer? The temperature at around 7 a.m. is spectacular (okay, like low 90’s). Just get up a little early to enjoy a short hike! Remember to bring lots and lots of water.

Find indoor activities… 

Shopping, Go-Kart racing, MIM, SMoCa, really any place with air conditioning (fortunately, just about every building in the area has it).

When the sun sets, things get awesome…

Arizona Desert Sunset from Dustin Farrell on Vimeo.

When it’s hot during the day, 95 at night is chilly. Nightlife is always a draw, flashlight tours at the Desert Botanical Garden, summer concerts, high-energy clubs. You know, the usual things nocturnal people do.

Stock up on this…. 

And this…

Stay away from Jeeps with no tops. (Great idea for 8 months of the year. Terrible idea in the summer)

If you brave the afternoon heat, be sure to bring lots water…

 

Don’t use your oven! You know what that does? Heats up the inside of your house. Worst. Idea. Ever. 

Trip to Sedona anyone?

Barefoot is never a good idea outside the house… (Hot coal has nothing on Arizona summer pavement)

Watch out for haboobs aka massive walls of dust…

But take in that sweet smell of desert rain with the monsoon…

Yeah, it’s hot, but at least we don’t have to deal with this…

But seriously, how do you even live with humidity…

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SCOTTSDALE TEES UP OUTSTANDING VALUES ON SUMMER GOLF

The World’s Finest Golf Destination doesn’t go on sale, but from late spring through summer, savvy golf travelers can enjoy Scottsdale’s best golf courses, resorts and other attractions at a fraction of their high-season rates.
            As the mercury inches upwards, the throngs of travelers who bask in the sun during the winter and spring seasons begin to head for home. As a result tee times, resort accommodations and restaurant reservations are easier to come by and the prices reflect this new-found availability. Plus, with Scottsdale’s low relative humidity, the morning and evening hours can be quite pleasant despite the afternoon highs.
            “If you plan your day correctly, you can play golf in the morning and finish well before the temperatures get too high. That will leave you the rest of the day to enjoy the poolside attractions at Scottsdale’s world-class resorts or seek out other fun at the city’s tremendous shopping venues, art galleries, museums and more,” said Brandel Chamblee, former PGA TOUR player, current Golf Channel analyst, and Scottsdale Golf Ambassador. “Besides, you’ll be surprised how much more pleasant a dry summer’s day in Scottsdale can be compared to other places with oppressive humidity. Best of all, the values simply can’t be beaten.”

Just how good are the savings? Top-tier resorts like The Boulders and Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North are offering golf packages and accommodations for roughly the same price as a round of golf in-season. The Boulders’ Two by Fore Summer Package features accommodations in a luxury casita, one round of golf per paying adult with an option for same-day replay, a 20-percent spa discount on services, complimentary access to the Waldorf Astoria Spa facilities and unlimited fitness classes. Rates start at just $189 per night, based on double occupancy with a two-night minimum.
            Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North is offering AAA Five-Diamond luxury accommodations with weekday rates starting at just $179 per night June through August. Or, guests can book the Troon Golf Vacations Four Seasons Getaway and receive two nights at Four Seasons Scottsdale Troon North and one round each on Troon North Golf Club’s acclaimed Pinnacle and Monument courses with rates starting at $186 per person, per night.

Other highlights from Troon Golf Vacations include The Phoenician Resort Three-Night Package. This package features three nights’ accommodations in one of the state’s most luxurious and iconic resorts, one round of golf on the Pinnacle Course at Troon North Golf Club, one round of golf on The Phoenician’s picturesque golf course and one round of golf at the dramatic Lookout Mountain Golf Club. Summer pricing for the package starts at $163 per person, per night.
            Travelers also can choose the Best of Scottsdale vacation package. It includes three nights at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa which offers an exceptional variety of dining, outstanding luxury accommodations and one of the state’s top-ranked spas. Plus, golf rounds are provided at Troon North Golf Club, Westin Kierland Golf Club and The Boulders Golf Club. Rates for this package begin at $169 per person, per night.
            Those looking for a one-of-a-kind Sonoran golf experience, Quintero Golf Club, recently named the top public-access golf course in the state by Golfweek, is offering the exclusive Q Stay and Play Adventure Golf Package. Available from April 1 to June 30, the package features three nights in a beautifully appointed golf course condo, two rounds of golf per person and one full-day boat rental at nearby Lake Pleasant. The package price is $600 per person with four-person occupancy.

When it comes to affordable luxury and exceptional golf, it’s hard to beat Meridian CondoResorts’ UNLIMITED GOLF stay-and-play package. The package is available April 12 to Oct 14 and rates start at just $79 per person. This includes unlimited golf every day with a variety of popular area courses from which to choose, plus spacious condominium accommodations in the heart of Scottsdale.
            Those just looking for great golf at a good value will find plenty to love about Scottsdale in the summer. A couple of examples include Starfire Golf Club’s classically styled 27 holes of golf. Located on the site of Scottsdale’s original golf course, Starfire is Scottsdale’s only Arnold Palmer designed golf facility. It’s parkland setting features mature shade trees and excellent playing conditions. Tee times are available throughout the summer starting at just $25 per player Monday through Friday, and $35 on Saturday and Sunday.
            Likewise, TPC Scottsdale is bringing back its popular unlimited golf offer for the Champions Course. Rates start at just $39 per player and guests are free to play as many rounds in the same day as they like. The offer runs June 1 through Sept 13.

Scottsdale boasts more than 200 golf courses in the surrounding area, as well as consistently perfect weather, outstanding resorts, dining, nightlife outdoor adventure, shopping and natural beauty. Combine all of this with easy access from nearly anywhere on the globe, and Scottsdale truly is “The World’s Finest Golf Destination.” To learn more, visit http://ift.tt/1rgJPx5.

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It’s Something Different in Scottsdale, Ariz.!

Scottsdale – Chic by Design
Scottsdale is a sophisticated city on the move, with the charm and hospitality of days gone by, breathtaking landscape and abundant architectural attractions. Don’t miss highlights like Hotel Valley Ho, one of the only mid-century modern resorts built in the 1950s still standing today, and the five acres of architectural and craft studios at Cosanti – the home and studio of the late Italian-born architect Paolo Soleri. And of course, no architectural tour of Scottsdale is complete without a stop at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. http://ift.tt/Qz4FCs, www.cosanti.com, http://ift.tt/Q21xnG, http://ift.tt/17XZY2E

Downtown Scottsdale’s Urban Renaissance
What’s old is new again as downtown Scottsdale’s ancient Indian canal system is transformed into the city’s hub of urban vitality with more than 80 lounges, bars and nightclubs; more than 100 restaurants; and more than 30,000 visitors on any given weekend night during high season. A highlight of the downtown renaissance is SouthBridge, an urban development boasting independent restaurants and a variety of trendy, unique boutiques. Plus, enjoy plush accommodations at several upscale downtown hotels including Scottsdale’s only bed & breakfast, Bespoke Inn, Café & Bicycles. http://ift.tt/17VeZ32, www.bespokeinn.com

Wanna be a Cowboy? 
If you want to get down and dirty in the Wild West, Fort McDowell Adventures, Arizona Cowboy College and MacDonald’s Ranch offer the chance to do just that. Watch the sun rise over the McDowell Mountains during a ride through the desert foothills on horseback with Fort McDowell Adventures or at the 1,280-acre MacDonald’s Ranch. If you’re looking for more than trail rides and resort-style cookouts, Arizona Cowboy College offers a firsthand look into true cowboy life. Sleep under starry skies and partake in comprehensive and rigorous classes about cattle and horsemanship including on-the-range lessons about cutting, branding, inoculating, dehorning and driving cattle. Other cowboy hangouts include the historic Rusty Spur Saloon and Handlebar J and hip newcomers to downtown like Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. http://ift.tt/1fWlWmy, http://ift.tt/1fWlWTM, http://ift.tt/1fWlWmB, http://ift.tt/17VeYMF, www.handlebarj.com, http://ift.tt/17XZVUy

Connect with Native Roots
Scottsdale has always had a close connection to its Native American roots. Arizona is home to 22 American Indian tribal communities, two of which border Scottsdale. Watch as dancers perform traditional dances, such as the Eagle Dance, in brilliantly colored attire, most Thursdays and Saturdays January through April during Native Trails. Browse American Indian art and history at the Heard Museum. See the past and present stitched together at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Talking Stick Resort, which boasts a series of free presentations that explore Native American culture through song and dance. Admire the pattern of traditional Yavapai basket weaves on china, wallpaper and carpets throughout the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The Native American Learning Center at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is an ongoing collaborative venture between the resort and Native artists and educators to showcase life on the Hopi and Navajo nations.  http://ift.tt/1zpjqU2, www.heard.org, www.pueblogrande.com, http://ift.tt/15kWSGn, http://ift.tt/1disXAO, , http://ift.tt/17Msq7J

Take Downtown’s Roads Less Traveled
Why not get out of the car, off of the tour bus and explore downtown Scottsdale? Experience the pedestrian-friendly downtown with Destination Food Tours’ walking food exploration that opens minds with tales of the area’s rich history and opens palates with food tastings from hidden local gems. Explore the sights with Tru Cab, a locally owned taxi cab company. Each vehicle comes equipped with a tablet that allows you to select your own music or search for a nearby restaurant. Or, hop on and off the 40 or so stops served by the City’s free trolley. http://ift.tt/17Msswa, www.trucab.com, http://ift.tt/IthzU2

A Taste of Scottsdale
Eating local in Scottsdale has never been easier with chefs tending their own herb gardens and using local organic purveyors to create their menus. One of Scottsdale’s best known independent restaurants, FnB dishes out sophisticated comfort food using seasonal, local, and organic produce and offers an Arizona-only wine list. Owner Pavle Milic’s latest ventures, Bodega/AZ Wine Merchants, expand on the “local love” in the form of a wine retail shop and boutique grocery. At the downtown Old Town Farmer’s Market, sample a cornucopia of locally grown flavors and Sonoran Desert specialties or check out The Farm Sessions, a “farm-to-table” experience where local chefs lead participants on market excursion and demonstrate a seasonal cooking class with local ingredients. http://ift.tt/IthzU1, http://ift.tt/1fDv40O

The Greatest Party on Grass
More than 330 days of sunshine a year and more than 220 area golf courses combine to make Scottsdale a golf mecca. But the “The Greatest and Greenest Party on Grass” creates the most buzz. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is the world’s best attended golf event, which attracts 500,000 spectators from around the world for four days of serious golf at TPC Scottsdale. The football stadium-type crowds that watch from the 16^th hole and the nonstop partying at the famous Birds Nest have earned this golf tournament its nickname. This is definitely not your father’s game of golf. http://ift.tt/1rgJPx5, http://ift.tt/IthxM6, http://ift.tt/17XZY2L

The World’s Finest Resort-Spa Destination
When it comes to the definitive spa experience, Scottsdale has it! This revitalizing spa destination boasts treatments that marry age-old elements of the Sonoran Desert with modern healing techniques. The destination’s fresh, edgy ingredients are sure to surprise the most seasoned spa-goer. Indigenous elements – Arizona river rocks, Sonoran Desert clays and muds, Arizona-grown honey, and desert herbs – and other unique items – heated golf balls, limes, aromatic eucalyptus, amethyst and natural oats – are used to pamper, relax, detoxify and reinvigorate spa guests. http://ift.tt/17XZVUK

A Desert Oasis for Celebrities
With its stylish resorts, world-class shopping and dynamic nightlife, Scottsdale has long been a celebrity haven. It all began in the 1950s when Hollywood’s biggest names started to frequent hotels that coupled luxury, seclusion and a chic pool scene with the rustic charm of the West. Hotel Valley Ho, Royal Palms Resort and Spa and The Hermosa Inn are among the Scottsdale properties that have and continue to draw celebrities. Scottsdale Fashion Square has attracted the fashionable likes of Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker and Angelina Jolie. A-listers like Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Britney Spears relaxed at the exclusive Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, and the city also has been the destination of choice for Jennifer Garner, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry and Jeremy Piven. http://ift.tt/Qz4FCs, http://ift.tt/TxZl3p, www.hermosainn.com, http://ift.tt/IthxM7, http://ift.tt/IthzUa    

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May Calendar of Events

If you’re looking for events in and around Scottsdale for the month of May, we’ve got the PDF for you. This printer friendly download highlights many great events, many of which are free. So, grab your friends and family, and head on out and enjoy the May weather.

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AZ BBQ Festival

The AZ BBQ Festival at Salt River Fields is a barbeque lover’s dream. More than 25 pit masters will be dishing up BBQ favorites like brisket, chicken, ribs and pulled pork. Don’t forget your favorite sides like cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw! To go along with all that delicious BBQ, catch some sweet-sounding country music from Laura Walsh, Ashley Wineland, Honeygirl and many more! One of the more interesting aspects of the BBQ festival is the Redneck Games. Anybody can participate in contests like redneck horseshoes (horseshoes played with a toilet seat), bobbing for pig’s feet and the classic pie-eating contest. Check out all the redneck games here. AZ BBQ Festival tickets are $12 for adults and BBQ vendors will be dishing up tasty treats for $2. Click here for more information.



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Chipotle Cultivate Festival

The Chipotle Cultivate Festival celebrates food. Not just any food though, but food that’s prepared the right way with fresh ingredients. Chipotle also knows how to throw a fun event, so along with all that tasty food you’ll also get live music from bands like Magic Man, Ms Mr and Jared & The Mill. The entertainment headliners at the festival will be Twenty One Pilots and Bleachers. Both bands have had chart-topping hits and bring a contagious energy to the stage that’s sure to make plenty of new fans at the festival. Fans of Chipotle’s famous guacamole will be excited to learn how to make that famous chip dip! Along with the guac-making demo, , there will also be local chefs letting you in on the secrets of some of their top dishes. The Chipotle Cultivate Festival at WestWorld of Scottsdale brings fresh food and fresh music to Scottsdale. . .and did we mention it was free?



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