Friday, August 28, 2015

Scottsdale Shows Its Green Side

As a premier travel destination located in one of the world’s most delicate natural environments, the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale has a deeply rooted commitment to sustainability and green practices. Going green is no longer just the “in” thing to do – it’s an economically and socially responsible way to help communities and travelers do their part while visiting, too!

In addition to making a commitment to preserve one-third of the city’s land in the Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfM), Scottsdale also is the nation’s first city to adopt a goal that all new municipal buildings should be LEED™ certified at the gold level. This initiative ensures that the city is mindful of environmental resources and energy.

Over the past several years, the destination’s hotels and resorts have strived to implement green practices that keep Scottsdale top of mind among environmentalists.

NOT THE LAST ‘RESORT’
The staff at Royal Palms Resort and Spa (http://ift.tt/TxZl3p) is committed to upholding the hotel’s sustainable practices. With the Destination Earth program, the resort implements and monitors all earth-friendly practices. Among the hotel’s green practices are the use of organic and environmentally safe supplies, purchasing sustainable and locally grown foods, and using water-saving and energy efficient devices. To top it off, Royal Palms has two on-site gardens that provide food and herbs to its incredible restaurant and bar, T. Cook’s and The Mix Up Bar.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (http://ift.tt/1disZIM) has made an effort to make every aspect of the resort sustainable, such as offering valet discounts to drivers who arrive in hybrid vehicles. Particular programs have taken the green efforts even further. Through the BioDiesel Program, the resort partnered with AZBioDiesel, a local manufacturer that collects its used cooking oil and converts the grease to biodiesel. The effort helps prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and provides power to fuel diesel vehicles. And the Fairmont-wide Carbon Management Program allows the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to monitor, track and report its progress toward achieving significant carbon dioxide reductions.

FireSky Resort & Spa – A Kimpton Hotel (http://ift.tt/ItitQm) is certified by Green Key Global, an international organization that promotes green practices specifically for the leisure and tourism sector. A recipient of four Keys out of five, FireSky features recycling bins in every guest room, a complimentary shuttle for guests to carpool to nearby locations in downtown Scottsdale, electric car Blink stations, LED lighting for energy saving, and all-new one-gallon low flush toilets. The resort also donates unused soaps and gently used bedding to local shelters and composts all materials at Green Organics Recycling. In addition to green amenities such as free bicycles and the all-organic Jurlique Spa, FireSky guests enjoy environmentally-friendly wines in drinking glasses made from recycled bottles used throughout the resort and in its on-site restaurant Taggia – a dining spot that grows organic herbs and sources some ingredients locally.

Hotel Valley Ho (http://ift.tt/Qz4FCs) in downtown Scottsdale utilizes non-toxic cleaning fluid, water-saving guest room features, and energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. In addition, the property saved 20,000 tons of landfill waste and debris by using the original, nearly 60-year-old structure instead of tearing it down and starting from scratch when it underwent an $80 million renovation in 2005. Gently-used linens are donated to local domestic violence shelters and heavily worn linens are donated to local animal shelters. And the hotel also participates in the Clean the World program. That means all soap, shampoo and other in-room amenities are collected, cleaned, and recycled for use in developing countries. Overall, Hotel Valley Ho recycles nearly 4 tons of material per month.

Talking Stick Resort (http://ift.tt/1disXAO), located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, incorporates green building elements using locally manufactured recycled steel and renewable materials like cork flooring. The hotel also utilizes eco-friendly practices including the use of nontoxic cleaning products, locally grown organic foods, and low emission fabrics in guestroom and resort furniture.

Home to a 5,600-square-foot organic garden, the Boulders Resort & Spa (www.theboulders.com) produces a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices for use in its restaurants and spa. Eco-friendly clothing and items like body care products and custom-blended organic soaps are sold in the resort boutique. Additional efforts include low-water-use grasses on golf course fairways, the use of non-toxic chemicals for landscape maintenance, and organic offerings at the Spa at the Boulders. For its efforts, Boulders Resort & Spa has been awarded the Urban Land Institute’s Environmental Award of Excellence and the Valley Forward Association’s Crescordia Award of Environmental Excellence.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://ift.tt/17Msq7J) has an environmental program that focuses on reducing energy use, water consumption, chemical additives to man- made water features, and the amount of waste the hotel generate. Educational activities also are offered through the Native American Learning Center and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale’s Lagoon Pond, which inform visitors of the benefits of sustainability and preservation of culture.

Stay at one of the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North’s (http://ift.tt/1fWlXal) 30 environmentally conscious rooms and suites that highlight the property’s commitment to offering a true sense of place in the sensitive Sonoran Desert environment. Each room is outfitted with green amenities and appointments, such as bulk amenity dispensers in the bathroom (with the same luxurious L’Occitane products offered in standard guest rooms, of course), LED lighting, reusable spa slippers and a recycling bin. And all guests staying in the green rooms will automatically be included in the property’s linen conservation program, where linens are changed every third day of the guest’s stay.

Celebrate the holidays on an eco-friendly ice skating rink at the W Scottsdale’s (http://ift.tt/IthzU9) festive holiday event, CHILL. The celebration features a hybrid, eco-friendly ice skating rink on the hotel’s rooftop. The rink is made from a recyclable polymer compound that won’t melt under the Arizona sun. It requires no electricity and creates zero emissions, providing a green alternative to traditional ice rinks. In addition to the ice rink, W Scottsdale takes steps to conserve energy, minimize waste and host sustainable meetings every day of the year. The hotel has eliminated Styrofoam from the property, and its recycling efforts have reduced its waste by 30 percent.

With a neighbor like the beloved Camelback Mountain, how could Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa (http://ift.tt/IthzUa) not vow to protect its surrounding environment? Conservation efforts like eco-friendly purchases, drought-tolerant landscaping and recycling initiatives ensure that the resort stays eco- friendly. The restaurant and bar utilize Scottsdale’s 330-days of sunshine for lighting during the day time, and the resort offers organic, paraben-free amenities in guest rooms. Plus, the rest has a staff incentive program to encourage environmental friendliness. And getting around Sanctuary on Camelback is easy in the electric golf carts used resort-wide.

MAKE FRIENDS BACK HOME GREEN WITH ENVY
Eco tours are a great way to learn more about the Sonoran Desert’s delicate environment. Windwalker Expeditions (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmE) offers tours that cover topics like American Indian history and archaeology, desert flora and fauna, and area geology.

Hummer and eco-friendly are not generally found in the same sentence, but Stellar Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlW6f) makes this ride guilt free by offering biodiesel-powered vehicles for desert exploration. Take part in the thrill of an off-road adventure, getting a glimpse of the desert’s Old West history as well as its beautiful foliage, without worrying about leaving a mark on nature.

Even a night on the town in Scottsdale can be eco-conscious thanks to Tour de Tavern (www.tourdetavern.com), a company that leads excursions to downtown’s bars and restaurants on a 16-seat bicycle that’s as long as a vehicle. The “party on wheels” navigates the packed streets using nothing more than pedaling man power. Why drive around downtown when you can speed along on a Segway? Scottsdale Segway Tours (http://ift.tt/17Y1hyF) offers a unique way to get around Scottsdale on a transportation device that’s more efficient than a car.

Hosting one of the world’s finest collections of desert and arid adapted plants, the Desert Botanical Garden (www.dbg.org) showcases 55 acres of cultivated open air. The garden harvest rainwater through bio-retention basins in the parking lot medians, which direct rainwater to plants, while filtering out debris and pollution.  By increasing recycling opportunities and providing recycling bins throughout the area, the garden also diverts significant amounts of material from the solid waste stream and reduces waste generated by its own operations.

Learn about cherishing Mother Earth from the very man who handles the compost for Scottsdale resorts, golf courses and even nearby Arizona State University.  Ken Singh and his wife Lee took an infertile plot of land on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and transformed it into their tree-top canopied paradise, Singh Farms (http://ift.tt/1Ir3VIw). At the weekly farmer’s market during the fall, winter and spring, pick up fresh produce plucked straight from the earth that morning. Or purchase compost and heirloom seeds from Singh to start an organic garden of your own.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com 

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
Email: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com http://ift.tt/1disXR3



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Thrill-Seekers Get Their Kicks In Scottsdale

Scottsdale has a natural advantage over other destinations. This sophisticated oasis in the heart of the rugged Sonoran Desert is a playground that’s comprised of mountains, parks and a diverse array of flora, fauna and wildlife. Scottsdale provides adventure opportunities that are second to none. Soar through the cloudless sky in a hot air balloon amongst mountain peaks. Feel the rush of excitement while maneuvering a Chevrolet Corvette around a tricky corner at top speed. Fulfill your childhood dream of ropin’ and ridin’ like the best of cowboys. And, even though the Sonoran Desert is the ideal landscape for thrill-seekers, Scottsdale also is home to indoor adventures, like rock-climbing and kart racing. Visit http://ift.tt/1fWlW6d to plan your thrilling escape.

BIKING, HIKING & BACKPACKING
Scottsdale is bordered by the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfM), which is 30,200 acres of protected land that can be experienced by mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. The Preserve offers guided hikes that range from one to more than 11 miles in length. At the main entrance, the Gateway Trailhead incorporates eco-friendly architecture; rock and soil excavated from the area make up the walls of its administration building. Check out the Bajada Nature Trail, where anyone, from the visually impaired to those in motorized vehicles, can enjoy a unique desert experience. See the stunning vistas from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead along the Preserve’s northern slope and visit Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, which offers hikers, bikers and horseback riders a look into the history of the area through exhibits featuring local ranchers.

Explore the Preserve with Arizona Outback Adventures (http://ift.tt/1bRTPnP) to learn about the desert and its unique inhabitants from local experts. From guided hikes to mountain biking, or even a combination of both, these enthusiastic guides share their passion for the Sonoran Desert and help visitors experience the diverse terrain in a whole new way. Or check out one of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfM) desert programs, which feature guided hikes that incorporate geology lessons, tai chi and wildlife experiences that broaden your knowledge of this scenic land and its history. Other favored trails can be found at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak and Superstition Mountains.

Join for the annual Tour de Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/TFRwP5) in October, 30-mile and 70-mile citizen’s bike rides through North Scottsdale that benefit the non-profit McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, the organization that protects the Preserve.

Book a road biking getaway at Bespoke Inn, Café & Bicycles (www.bespokeinn.com). Scottsdale’s only B&B also houses Scottsdale’s only artisan, steel boutique bicycle shop, Bespoke Cycles. With packages like the All Inclusive Cycling Vacation, Bespoke’s proprietors map out local rides, lend and service high-end road bikes for daily use, and guide you on multi-mile treks to areas like Saguaro or Bartlett lakes.

ROCK CLIMBING & RAPPELLING
Professional climbing guides from 360 Adventures (http://ift.tt/1bRTPnQ) help you experience the thrill of recreational rock climbing and rappelling amidst some of the desert’s most beautiful scenery.  The McDowell, Granite and Cholla mountains are hot spots for the booming sport of recreational rock climbing. Canyoneering might be a new word for your vocabulary, but one experience will have you hooked. Take a journey with 360 Adventures to the Roosevelt Lake area, where you’ll be exposed to hiking, wading, swimming, scrambling, and rappelling excursions through one of geology’s most impressive feats – the canyon.

Fine tune your skills at AZ on the Rocks (www.azontherocks.com), a 14,000-square-foot air-conditioned textured climbing terrain. Climbers of all skill levels experience a physical high while learning basic knot-tying, equipment usage, and more advanced climbing skills that take them to the top. The gym features 50 top ropes, lead climbing, a large bouldering (free climbing) area, and an observation deck.

OFF-ROAD TOURS & ON-COURSE RACING
If you prefer to experience the rugged desert terrain from the back seat of a four-wheel drive vehicle or atop a rumbling ATV, there are a number of motorized tours from which to choose. Jump aboard one of Stellar Adventures’ (http://ift.tt/1fWlW6f) specially modified Hummers for an axle-grinding tour up 60-degree grades and across a raging river. Tell everyone to eat your dust as you pilot one of Desert Dog Hummer Adventures’ (www.azadventures.com) dune buggy-like, U-Drive Desert Cars custom-designed for powering over desert terrain. Pink Adventure Tours (http://ift.tt/1zfTPuZ) pairs the thrill of off-roading with the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Learn about American Indian culture while traversing the pristine landscapes of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation aboard the company’s hot pink Jeeps.

Prefer to drive yourself? Desert Wolf Tours (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfP) and Green Zebra Adventures (www.gogreenzebra.com) offer self-pilot tours using their fleet of Tomcars, originally developed as Israeli Defense vehicles. Drivers and passengers romp through the desert at their own pace and learn all about Arizona’s varied desert terrain.

If loud engines and fancy cars are your thing, head over to the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving (www.bondurant.com), the largest purpose-built facility in North America that features a 1.6-mile racetrack and 8 acres of asphalt. There’s no better way to satisfy the need for speed than driving door-handle to door-handle at 100 miles per hour in a Chevrolet Corvette or Camaro. Experience the art of high-performance driving and the thrill of driving from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds.

Take your speed indoors at one of Scottsdale’s indoor kart racing facilities like Octane Raceway (http://ift.tt/1fWlWTJ). Experience the thrill of racing against your family and friends or just try and beat your personal best as you zoom around the track in karts during this adrenaline rush of a ride. Designed similar to real race cars, these karts make you feel like an experienced race car driver. Just put on your helmet, strap on your seatbelt, press the gas and you’re off!

HORSEBACK RIDING & WILD WEST EXPERIENCES

Enjoy a sunrise horseback ride through the Sonoran Desert with Windwalker Expeditions (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmE) or Fort McDowell Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmy). From high in the saddle, you’ll see exotic cactus, rolling desert foothills and crystalline streams. As you explore the pristine, natural habitats, your guide will entertain you with the stories and legends of Arizona’s first cowboys. “Greenhorns” and bowlegged caballeros alike will enjoy the quiet grandeur of the Sonoran Desert. The entire family will enjoy a trail ride at MacDonald’s Ranch (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmB), home to a petting zoo, gem mine and more.

For those who are looking for more than trail rides and cookouts, Arizona Cowboy College (http://ift.tt/1fWlWTM) offers students a unique first-hand experience of true cowboy life during one-, three- or five-day camp sessions. Participants sleep in a bunkhouse after days dedicated to learning the ropes of horsemanship and participating in rigorous classes about cattle. Then, they partake in on-the-range lessons about cutting, branding, inoculating, dehorning and driving cattle on working ranches.

HOT AIR BALLOONING & AERIAL ADVENTURES
Take to the air with a hot air balloon adventure with Hot Air Expeditions (http://ift.tt/127TH1s), Rainbow Ryders (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmH), or Arizona Balloon Safaris (http://ift.tt/1JC5OmM).  Sunrise and sunset flights provide magnificent vistas of desert terrain and towering mountain ranges. The view from the balloon’s handcrafted wicker basket is virtually unobstructed – a photographer’s dream! Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed back to earth in the traditional manner with flutes of champagne and breakfast, a ballooning custom dating back more than 100 years. Or, pick up the speed during a seaplane flight with Desert Splash Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmJ) that departs from Scottsdale Airport and soars over the Salt River canyons and lakes for a breathtaking bird’s eye view. Or scope out the desert by small plane during a scenic trip with Westwind Air Service (http://ift.tt/1fWlXa7) to Arizona landmarks like Sedona or the Grand Canyon. 

RIVER RAFTING, KAYAKING, FISHING & WATER SPORTS

In Arizona, rivers, streams, and lakes are lush, pristine oases surrounded on all sides by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert – perfect settings for water adventures of every kind! Rafting, kayaking, canoeing and jet skiing are popular ways to explore the lakes and rivers in the Scottsdale area. If you aren’t equipped with gear, several Scottsdale-based adventure travel companies provide outfitted raft and kayak trips on both the Salt and Verde rivers. Valley based rafting guides, Arizona Outback Adventures and AAM’s Mild to Wild Rafting (http://ift.tt/1fWlXa9), ply their trade on two such rivers, the Salt and Verde. While paddling through these lush Cottonwood-Willow riparian areas, rafters might spy predatory birds such as hawks and nesting bald eagles, as well as coyotes, javelina and wild mustangs. Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company (http://ift.tt/1JC5MuV) promises kayakers unforgettable vistas of cacti, red rocks and coves in nearby Canyon Lake.

Take a backseat to the action during a Desert Belle (www.desertbelle.com) cruise on Saguaro Lake. This 143-passenger, two-level boat allows visitors to get a closer look at the native flora and fauna while navigating one of the Valley’s pristine Sonoran Desert canyons.

LEISURE WALKS & LAID-BACK ADVENTURE

Scottsdale offers many beautiful places for leisurely walks and romantic strolls. Browse through the Desert Botanical Garden’s (www.dbg.org) many exhibits including the Cactus and Succulent Galleries, Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail, and more. Moonlight walks and outdoor evening concerts are offered during the warmer months. Walking and biking trails abound in Scottsdale’s signature greenbelt area along the Indian Bend Wash. The park includes a small lake for fishing, a playground, a picnic area, a swimming pool, and more. Located in the eastern foothills of the majestic McDowell Mountains, McDowell Mountain Regional Park (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmN) offers picnic tables, easy walking trails and up-close access to the Sonoran Desert.

Flutter over to Scottsdale’s newest world-class attraction, Butterfly Wonderland (http://ift.tt/1fWlXae), part of the OdySea in the Desert complex in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, for an up-close look at the largest butterfly pavilion in the United States. In addition to featuring an array of butterflies from around the world, the museum has several interactive exhibits showcasing other natural wonders, from honey bees and ants to sea life.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
http://ift.tt/1disXR3



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Scottsdale: A City for Lovers at Every Turn

FOR THE LOVE OF ART
Making a name for itself as a “LOVE” mecca, downtown Scottsdale is one of a handful of locations including New York City and Santa Fe that houses Robert Indiana’s iconic “LOVE” sculpture (http://ift.tt/187Pqcc). The image, first created for a Christmas card for the Museum of Modern Art in 1965, has become a symbol of pop culture with sculptures located across the world from Philadelphia to Shanghai, China.

Lovers of art and lovers in general should not miss Scottsdale ArtWalk (http://ift.tt/IthAau), a free event held every Thursday evening in downtown Scottsdale. Scottsdale’s finest art galleries open their doors to the public for a special nighttime viewing of their beautiful collections. While strolling along Main Street and Marshall Way, couples may encounter special cocktail receptions, artist appearances, or live music in the galleries. Scottsdale ArtWalk adds a special touch to any romantic getaway.

ROMANCE ON THE GOLF COURSE
The Phoenician (http://ift.tt/U3fte2) offers Tee Box dinners, an elegant sunset experience presented at iconic locations on the resort’s golf courses. Almost any request can be fulfilled, from arranging musical entertainment to creating a special gourmet dessert. Just before the day’s end, guests are escorted by golf carts out to the tee box to find their table perfectly set with fine china, crystal, linens and candles.

UNDER THE SONORAN DESERT SKY
Spend an evening under the stars at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (http://ift.tt/1fWlXal) with the Celestial Picnic program. Executive Chef Mel Mecinas customizes a gourmet meal for two based on the couple’s cravings and preferences, and he pairs it with a bottle of champagne or wine of their choice. Mecinas then packs the meal – with love, of course – in a deluxe basket with all of the traditional picnic trimmings and a constellation chart to navigate the night sky. Guests also can arrange for a stargazing session by professional astronomer, Richard Allen, and top off the evening with a couple’s massage on the terrace of their personal casita, beneath the moonlit, starry sky.

Planning a proposal? Put the arrangements in the capable hands of “engagement agents” at the Four Season Scottsdale’s LoveStruck proposal planning service. They will make sure the moment is flawless, creative and personalized, theming it to match each couple’s tastes. For the ultimate proposal, lovebirds can stay the night in the resort’s adults-only Hideaway romance building and enjoy a tasty “Love Potion” cocktail and other romantic in-room treats while relaxing in a deep-soaking bathtub.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE
Guests have whatever they want, whenever they want at the W Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/IthzU9). The hotel’s Whenever/Whatever concierge service guarantees to make guests’ dreams come true by turning special occasions into unforgettable experiences. From the perfect marriage proposal that includes the couple’s special song, champagne and rose petals to a surprise anniversary celebration with a room filled from floor to ceiling with flowers, W Scottsdale can make it happen.

VENICE OF THE WEST
Slip away to another world at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://ift.tt/17Msq7J). Guests experience a romantic sandolo (gondola-style boat) ride through the resort’s waterway as Gondoliers – decked head-to-toe in the traditional garb – serenade guests with traditional Italian songs. Afterward, couples settle in for a romantic evening in a private lakefront casita complete with a fireplace, wet bar, and Jacuzzi-style spa and deck. Looking to kick the romance up another notch? Guests can opt for the Palm Suite overlooking the lush lagoon, manicured lawns of the neighboring Gainey Ranch Golf Club, and purple mountain’s majesties of the McDowell Mountains.

A SENSUAL ESCAPE
Royal Palms Resort and Spa (http://ift.tt/TxZl3p) was named one of the “Top 50 Romantic Retreats” in the world by Travel + Leisure, and the resort even has a staff member dedicated to coaching the romantically challenged. Romance consultant Jenna Goss creates personalized experiences for guests in need of a loving getaway. From ordering flowers and making dinner reservations, to setting the stage for a dream proposal, Goss is the go-to lady for those seeking an unforgettable stay in a Mediterranean-inspired resort. Even the resort’s signature scent, neroli, which is derived from orange blossoms, represents joy, sensuality, weddings and romance.

For those seeking a weekend rendezvous with their partner, Royal Palms’ Royal Romance package provides all the pampering needed to give relationships a bit of added vigor. In addition to accommodations and a romantic in-room welcome amenity, couples enjoy dinner for two at the resort’s signature restaurant T. Cooks. After satiating their taste buds, they return to their room to find a rose pedal turndown.

LOVE ON THE ROCKS
The timelessness of the 12-million-year-old rocks surrounding the Boulders Resort & Spa (www.theboulders.com) can only be rivaled by the timelessness of love and romance. To honor this eternal existence, each private casita at Boulders is shaped into the natural terrain and grouped in clusters throughout the 1,300-acre property. Take advantage of the resort’s Love at the Boulders Package, which features luxurious, private casita accommodations, a chilled bottle of champagne, a fruit platter, a $100 food & beverage credit, and spa treatments in the Couples’ Sun Suite at The Spa at The Boulders. Or, couples looking for a place to say “I do” can exchange vows at the property’s Promise Rock wedding site for a fairytale desert wedding. Rich in history, this site home to an ancient fertility alter used by the Yavapai people as well as markings used for ceremonial purposes.

INTIMATE SPA RETREATS
Influenced by the architecture and lifestyle of Andalusia in southern Spain with hints of Roman, Greek and Moorish design, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia (http://ift.tt/1zfTS9Y) features the Alhambra walkway (modeled after the Alhambra in Granada, Spain), a wedding chapel representative of the ballroom at Hotel Cipriani in Venice, and tucked-away antiquities sourced from Spain. Joya Spa is the ultimate romantic getaway with a rooftop pool boasting uninhibited views of Camelback Mountain, a couple’s relaxation area and five spa suites – the most luxurious being the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace has a king-sized bed, fireplace, and private full restroom all bedecked with an ornate Moroccan design.

Experience Joya Spa’s speakeasy spin on romance with Puerta Privada – meaning ‘private door’ in Spanish. Couples get exclusive access to the renowned spa’s myriad offerings after hours. A butler guides significant others to a luxurious spa suite situated along the terrace, complete with private pool. The evening begins with a private performance by an acoustic guitarist, a couples massage, an astrology reading, and a custom dinner for two created by Executive Chef Michael Cairns.

Romance and relaxation come together in perfect harmony at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (http://ift.tt/1disZIM), where couples can experience a 60- or 90-minute massage of their choice. Enjoy spa time together side-by-side in the luxurious couples’ suite, which features a specialty tub, private shower, bathroom and sitting area.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com 

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
http://ift.tt/1disXR3



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1NMBagF
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It’s a Dog’s World

Dogs-world

Luxury resorts, rejuvenating spas, a breathtaking Sonoran Desert environment, and unbeatable weather with 330 days of sunshine a year. It’s why travelers come to Scottsdale, and it’s why our four-legged friends visit the city, too. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend more than $60 billion on their furry, winged and scaled sidekicks. It’s safe to say our pets are family. Lucky for you, Scottsdale is a top-notch playground for man’s best friend, so canines, cats and other furry buddies are welcome to enjoy pampering, adventure, relaxation and dining in their proper place – right by your side.

IN THE DOG HOUSE
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (http://ift.tt/1e0aFAo) accommodates all cats and dogs into its Kierland Companion’s Club, designed to make the resort a home-away-from-home. Dogs receive a complimentary Westin Heavenly Dog Welcome Kit including clean-up bags to use in the nearby Kierland Companion Park, food dishes and a Westin Heavenly dog bed.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://ift.tt/17Msq7J) welcomes cats and dogs to stay and play with the resort’s 4Paws pet friendly program. Furry guests receive all- natural gourmet treats, a toy, Labor of Love bed, suggested walking routes on property, and food and water dishes. Grab some food to go for your dog or cat in Canyon Market. Locally sourced, all natural freeze dried dog and cat food is available for purchase in single serving biodegradable bowls.

Pets are treated like royalty at Canyon Suites at The Phoenician (www.canyonsuites.com), where plush dog bedding and signature bowls, along with elegant bone-shaped mats, come standard. Canines enjoy a welcome amenity such as a “Bark Jacobs” shoe cookie and eco-healthy toy. Also on the menu, literally, is room service specifically for pooches. The bill of fare features delectable options like Puppy Poppers (grilled chicken bits in natural juices), Slobbering Salmon (from Skuna Bay, served with brown rice), and Canine Casserole (turkey, carrots, green beans and brown rice).

The Posh Paws program at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (http://ift.tt/1disZIM) lets pets stay at the resort for an additional $25 per night and includes a plush bed, “pet in residence” doorknob hanger, food and water bowls, food mat, toys and of course, treats. Fairmont Scottsdale’s concierge can point out nearby walking paths, parks and grassy areas suitable for four-legged friends. And if your dapper dog has a taste for the finer things, the room service team can whip up something special just for him. Traveling without your pet and craving some canine companionship? Visit Bixby, a Yellow Labrador Retriever that acts as the resort’s dog-in-residence, in the lobby for some much needed puppy love.

At FireSky Resort & Spa – A Kimpton Hotel (http://ift.tt/ItitQm), there is no additional charge or deposit for pets, and complimentary pet amenities include a doggie bed, in-room bowls for food and water, leashes available for walks, disposable clean-up bags, and a walking map. Plus, pet-sitting, walking services and grooming can be arranged through the resort’s concierge. The resort is conveniently located near the Scottsdale Chaparral Park (http://ift.tt/18bbA0i), an off-leash area where Fido can run free.

Pets and owners relax in style at the W Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/IthzU9) with the property’s signature P.A.W. (Pets are Welcome) program. Your pet will feel right at home with a W Hotels pet tag, W pet bed, food and water dishes, Pet-in-Room door sign and turndown treat amenity. Plus, check with the Whatever/Whenever concierge for leashes, toys and Bow-ow Boxes (first aid kits). Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat and some treats for Doga, or Dog Yoga, available at the property the first Tuesday of each month. And for special occasions, the W Scottsdale offers doggie birthday cakes to celebrate.

Other animal-friendly properties in Scottsdale include Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa (www.sanctuaryaz.com), The Hermosa Inn, a boutique hotel (www.hermosainn.com), JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa (www.camelbackinn.com), Hotel Valley Ho (http://ift.tt/Qz4FCs), and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (http://ift.tt/1fWlXal).

LABEL-LOVING POOCHES
Mackie’s Parlour Pet Boutique (http://ift.tt/1baV14P) features dog beds, bowls and feeders, collars, all-natural treats, and the latest and greatest in dog and cat toys. The store welcomes pets to join in the shopping excursions as you browse the eye-catching products like bedazzled collars and trendy harnesses.

Located in downtown, Oh My Dog! boutique + spa (http://ift.tt/1baV14R) is a dream for any canine lover. The boutique boasts a vast selection of specialized merchandise that you won’t find in any chain retail store – everything from organic treats and holistic food to Huggle Hounds toys. The independent shop carries lines like Susan Lanci Designs, Petote, Bowsers Pet Products and more. Oh My Dog! is also a doggy day spa with pampering services like deep conditioning massages and custom hairstyles and hair color. 

FOOD + FUN
Stop by Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace (www.foxrc.com) at the Scottsdale Waterfront, where humans can choose from any one of the market’s Mediterranean-influenced items while pups can delight in complimentary doggie bones fresh from the marketplace. Just down the street, people and animals alike go gaga over the melt-in-your-mouth pastry delights from Sprinkles Cupcakes (www.sprinkles.com). The bakery offers doggie cupcakes made with eggs, honey, and vanilla and then topped with a yogurt frosting.

Chaparral Park (http://ift.tt/18bbCVP) has four acres of off-leash doggie fun that includes grass frolic zones, turf areas, seating for people, play features and water fountains. There’s also another specially designated area for other types of pets. If you’re looking to commune with nature, take your dog to Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfM), approximately 30,200 acres of protected Sonoran Desert land featuring miles of untouched terrain perfect for leisurely walks and heart-pumping hikes.

EVENTS FUR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The stylish dogs of Scottsdale hit the catwalk during Canine Couture at The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships (www.thepoloparty.com), hosted by Applewood Pet Resort (http://ift.tt/1NMB9t2).  Spend the afternoon watching dogs strut down the runway in fashionable and creative duds.

Watch more than 10,000 top dogs from all over the country compete in the annual Fiesta Cluster Dog Show & Agility Trial (http://ift.tt/1rfHZHS). Pick up a present for your pooch at the vendor pavilion or enjoy a guided tour to learn the workings of how a dog show operates.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com http://ift.tt/1disXR3



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1NMB9t4
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Scottsdale Celebrates and Embraces Its Native Roots

Since Scottsdale was founded in the late 1800s, the city has treasured a close relationship with its American Indian roots. Arizona is home to 22 American Indian tribes, the largest of which are the Navajo and Tohono O’odham nations. Although each tribe is unique in terms of its traditions, all are proudly united by their heritage, which plays an influential role in Arizona’s past and current development. From shopping for American Indian art and artifacts to visiting museums and nearby communities, American Indian cultural activities flourish in Scottsdale, a community that celebrates and embraces its historic past.

COMBINING TRADITION WITH ECONOMIC GROWTH
Two American Indian tribes, the Pima and Maricopa, comprise the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRP-MIC). At Talking Stick: A Cultural and Entertainment Destination Area, past and present are stitched together and put on display in the nation’s successful business ventures, including Talking Stick Resort (http://ift.tt/1disXAO). The resort’s cultural center also showcases a 100-piece collection of pottery and distinguished artwork from the two tribes, and is home to a permanent exhibition of historic photographs that date as far back as 1880.

Besides these tributes to Pima and Maricopa history, Talking Stick Resort’s amenities include a rejuvenating open-air spa, numerous restaurants, coffee shop, cigar and wine bar, and an upscale dining experience on the top level complete with 360-degree views of Scottsdale and its surrounding Sonoran Desert. A showroom for live entertainment seats more than 2,000 people and a separate venue is an ideal destination for gaming. With adherence to the culture of the SRP-MIC, this resort features cultural significance in the design and exhibits throughout the property. And located adjacent to the resort is Talking Stick Golf Club (http://ift.tt/1dBsYQm), a top golf destination managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management that offers two courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

In 2011, SRP-MIC partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies to build a new baseball stadium for Cactus League Spring Training. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (http://ift.tt/Z4c7ZP) is the first Major League Baseball spring training facility to be built on reservation land in the United States. The multi- purpose complex includes an 11,000-seat stadium, 12 practice fields, league clubhouses, and team training facilities.

Other attractions that are part of the cultural and entertainment destination and neighboring OdySea in the Desert entertainment complex include Butterfly Wonderland (http://ift.tt/1fWlXae), the largest butterfly atrium in North America, as well as Octane Raceway (http://ift.tt/1fWlWTJ), an indoor and outdoor kart racing venue, and Topgolf Scottsdale at Riverwalk (www.topgolf.com), which hosts a variety a variety of golf games using microchip golf balls.  Additionally, in mid-2016, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community will become home to the largest aquarium in the Southwest, Odysea Aquarium (http://ift.tt/1EbbTE6).

At the nearby Talking Stick Visitor Center, explore the richness of Pima and Maricopa cultures further. Open Thursday through Sunday, the center offers a museum display on loan from the Huhugam Ki Museum, Native American art and jewelry, and area ambassador service.

Just east of Scottsdale lies the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a parcel of land that formerly was the ancestral territory of the once nomadic Yavapai people, who hunted and gathered food in a vast area of Arizona’s desert lowlands. Today, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is home to the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center (www.wekoparesort.com). Formerly Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, the newly branded resort incorporates the We-Ko-Pa name, meaning “Four Peaks” in Yavapai to complement the spectacular mountain scenery around the resort.

Ahnala, the onsite restaurant, is made of concrete obtained from the Yavapai’s very own sand and gravel operation, and Yavapai school children created glass windows that are part of a mural inside. Many different areas of the resort contain the pattern of traditional Yavapai basket weaves, including the resort’s china, wallpaper and carpet in the guestrooms. The windows are even offset and spaced unevenly, reflecting this same weave.

An abundance of outdoor activities surrounds We-Ko-Pa Resort. Play a round of golf on one of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s (www.wekopa.com) 18-hole award-winning courses. The Saguaro Course, also designed by Coore and Crenshaw, was named “The Best Course You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. When finished, head to Fort McDowell Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmy) for cowboy games, rodeos, horseback riding or a Jeep or Tomcar tour through the historic scenery of the community. There’s even an authentic Southwestern cattle drive for the truly adventurous! Fort McDowell Adventures also offers The Yavapai Experience. This one-of-a-kind cultural heritage tour shares the story of the Yavapai people with visitors on ancestral land during a hike led by a professional guide with opportunities to meet Yavapai tribal members.

EXPERIENCE NATIVE CULTURE THROUGH THE ARTS
Internationally acclaimed Heard Museum (www.heard.org) in nearby Phoenix is one of the best places to experience the varied cultures and art of American Indians in the Southwest. In particular, the museum’s exhibit, “HOME: Native People in the Southwest” is a must-see. This exhibition focuses on the importance of family, community, land and language in American Indian culture. Also visit “Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience,” an on-going, powerful exhibit with first-person recollections and memorabilia from boarding schools American Indian children were forced to attend.

Visitors can experience more American Indian culture by attending the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum in February. Signature events at the museum throughout the year include the Heard Museum Spanish Market, Holidays at the Heard and Katsina Doll Marketplace: A Gathering of Carvers. These involve spectacular music and dance performances, savory traditional foods, and the finest Native artwork.

At the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park (www.pueblogrande.com), visitors experience American Indian architecture by walking through a Hohokam Indian ruin and exploring the archaeological site’s interpretive trail. Inside the museum, walk through reconstructed homes at the Hohokam Houses exhibit and view a recreation of the Hohokam’s canal system, which served as the original groundwork for the Scottsdale area’s canal system of today.

Every January through March, the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in downtown comes alive with American Indian music, dance, art and traditional foods as part of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (http://ift.tt/17Msq7K). These free noontime festivals dedicated to exploring the rich and varied cultures of American Indian tribes include musical performances with traditional instruments such as flutes, gourds and drums, while the tribal dances are performed by members of various regional tribes.

Scottsdale is one of the best places in the country to buy authentic American Indian jewelry and crafts. View artists at work and buy directly from American Indians at family owned Chief Dodge Indian Jewelry & Fine Arts (www.chiefdodge.com) or browse through large selections of the finest handmade goods from renowned artisans at Territorial Indian Arts (http://ift.tt/1UbLBiF). At the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort &Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://ift.tt/17Msq7J), guests can consult with Native American jewelry artists and purchase one-of-kind pieces in silver overlay, sand-casting and repousse jewelry.

CULTURAL CONSERVATION
For a real hands-on experience with Native culture, visit the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort’s Native American Learning Center. The center is designed to provide an environment that engages, educates and also entertains resort guests and visitors. The experience highlights day-to-day life on the Hopi and Navajo nations. Learn about American Indian history, culture and teachings through display featuring jewelry textiles, pottery, and ceremonial Katsina dolls and carvings. The resort also has a renowned art collection highlighted by a life-size bronze gahn dancer and Cliff Dweller, a sculpture rendered in papier-mâché over cedar wood by Clyde Connell that evokes the imagery of the Southwest. Additionally, explore American Indian culture through song and dance during Friday night performances in the Fountain Court.

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH INDIGENOUS INGREDIENTS
Centuries ago, American Indians used local plants, cacti and herbs in their healing practices as they believed these fruits of the Earth possessed special energies. Today, many Scottsdale spas incorporate this use of indigenous elements into their treatments. Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (http://ift.tt/1disZIM) offers the Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation, a tempting two-hour experience. Named after the American Indian tribe located in Northwestern Arizona, it begins with a body exfoliation of ultra- fine desert salts infused with indigenous essential oils and warm bath of herbal foaming bath salts. An application of rich jojoba body butter follows to prepare the skin for a massage with hot riverbed stones.

The Adobe Clay Purification Treatment at The Spa at Camelback Inn (www.camelbackinn.com) uses pure red adobe clay and herbs found in the Arizona desert, such as sage and juniper. A Southwestern-inspired soap and cactus fiber cloth is used during a Vichy shower to remove the clay.

Spa at Boulders Resort & Spa (www.theboulders.com) offers multiple treatments originating from American Indian healing practices, including its signature Turquoise Wrap, which is based on the belief that turquoise is a protective stone and creates a sense of peace and well-being.

Traditionally used to heal the farmer, hunter and weary traveler, the Peaceful Healing massage therapy at Talking Stick Resort fills raw Pima cotton poultices with steaming desert herbs to bring on a state of rest. Rhythmic pressure is applied along energy pathways of the body, offering renewed feelings of vitality and balance, and finished off with a soothing massage of warm reviving oils.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com 

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
http://ift.tt/1disXR3



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1UbLBiH
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Learn As You Go

NATIVE LIFE AND LEGEND
The Native American Learning Center at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://ift.tt/17Msq7J) is an ongoing collaborative venture between the resort and Native artists and educators. The center showcases life on the Hopi and Navajo nations, efforts to preserve the languages, and the significance of art such as jewelry textiles, pottery, and ceremonial Katsina dolls. Additionally, explore Native American culture through song and dance during Friday night performances at the resort, featuring traditional dances such as the hoop dance.

And if you can’t make a Friday night performance at the Hyatt, consider attending Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (http://ift.tt/17Msq7K). Now in its 14th season, these January through March free noontime festivals take place most Thursdays and Saturdays at Scottsdale Civic Center Park. Each performance features traditional music, colorful dances and customary attire that showcase the traditions of various Southwestern tribes. The sensory journey ends in the audience-participation Round dance, bringing the immersion experience full circle.

The past and present come together at Talking Stick: A Cultural and Entertainment Destination Area at Talking Stick Resort (http://ift.tt/1disXAO). Its cultural center showcases a 100-piece collection of pottery and distinguished artwork from the Pima and Maricopa tribes. There’s also a permanent exhibition of historic photographs that date as far back as 1880. At the nearby Talking Stick Visitor Center, explore the richness of Pima and Maricopa cultures. Open Thursday through Sunday, the center offers a museum display on loan from the Huhugam Ki Museum, Native American art and jewelry, and area ambassador service.

The Yavapai Experience at Fort McDowell Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmy) is a cultural heritage tour that shares the story of the Yavapai people on their ancestral land. The excursion is led by a professional guide who facilitates the tour with tribal members born and raised at Fort McDowell. Learn about the ancient culture, history and heritage of the Yavapai and take part in a nature trail where guides show how the tribe’s lives are connected to the Sonoran Desert.

SCHOOL ON VACATION?
For a new look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West (http://ift.tt/Q21xnG), talk with the students who live and learn there. Armed with a desire to live in harmony with the environment, apprentices at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture offer a wealth of knowledge and interesting insight into life in the Sonoran Desert. Take the Desert Shelter Tour November through April for an up-close-and-personal visit to the self-designed and built desert dwellings of the students, which are customized according to the apprentice’s personal interests and talents.

Scottsdale Artists’ School (http://ift.tt/17Msqo1) opened in 1983 to provide a place where artists of all skill levels could learn from the best working artists in the country. With the addition of studio space and instructors, the school now boasts a variety of programs that cater to all skill levels and artistic mediums. For youngsters, the Youth Academy provides drawing, painting and pottery instruction to students between six years old and high school age during fall and spring breaks. For adults, sessions, including watercolor, photography and sculpture, are offered on a daily and weekly basis.

CONNECTING WITH THE SONORAN DESERT
The Desert Botanical Garden (www.dbg.org) is dedicated to promoting greater enjoyment, understanding, and stewardship of the Sonoran Desert. It offers several educational opportunities, including workshops on gardening, sustainability and desert photography. Classes provide a jump-start on mastering the topics and a solid foundation in which to build upon. Opportunities for preschoolers, in-depth camps, and service-learning teen programs also are offered to help stimulate children’s connection to nature and discovery.

Boulders Resort & Spa’s (www.theboulders.com) Desert Photo Tour is a guided nature walk with an artistic twist that allows you to capture the stunning flora and fauna with the help of the resort’s resident nature photographer, Linda Covey. Held at sunrise and sunset, the two-hour exploration surveys the desert’s most pristine scenic areas and includes tips on approaching nature and desert plants, as well as an “off the beaten path” trek in which encounters with wildlife like javelina, lizards, coyotes and even bobcats are likely!

Or take a step back in time with the Boulders’ Boulder Walk. Professional geologist Richard Allen guides you on this nature excursion that leads you through the prehistoric Sonoran Desert. He provides background on the topography, flora, fauna and the property’s namesake 12-million-year-old boulders. Learn about the rich geological history of the space and how the desert came to be some two billion years ago during the Precambrian era. You’ll also get an up-close look at the amazing “Levitation Rock” formation and artifacts left by the Hohokam Indians, who mysteriously disappeared in the mid-1400s.

CUISINE IS KING
You become the chef at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/1fWlXal) during the Chef for a Day program. You’ll spend an evening with Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and learn the ins and outs of culinary creation. Look the part in a chef’s jacket embroidered with your name and the Four Seasons logo – a keepsake from the experience – as you assist with the preparation for the evening dinner service at Talavera. Chef for a Day includes with a private dinner in Talavera, complete with chef-selected enhancements.

Celebrating food and history, Arizona Food Tours (http://ift.tt/17Msswa) offers a delicious insider’s look into the restaurants that dot downtown Scottsdale. A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale is a walking food and historical tour that opens minds and palates with tales of the area’s rich history – one taste at a time. Travel along the same streets once infamous stomping grounds for some of the West’s greatest cowboys in the early 1900s while enjoying historical tales and special food tastings from local restaurants and shops. Always looking to improve and showcase more of Scottsdale’s culinary delights, Arizona Food Tours also offers Sip and Sample. Held weekly on Saturdays, all stops include appetizers and specialty cocktails.

Satiate your dessert cravings with Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/1EbbRfw), the destination’s newest and most delectable walking tour, promises to be just what the pastry chef ordered. Feel like a character in “Charlie in the Chocolate Factory” as you weave through four of Scottsdale’s downtown districts – the Arts district, the Fifth Avenue Shopping district, the Southbridge district and the Waterfront district – sampling a variety of goodies at eight stops. Enjoy tasting brownies, ice cream, Belgium chocolates, and cannolis from local gems like Chocolade van Brugge, Petersen’s Old Fashion Ice Cream, Paula Jacqueline Cakes and Pastries, and Caketini.

SCOTTSDALE 101
Get a glimpse of downtown with local expert Ace Bailey on the Downtown Scottsdale Art & Cultural Trolley Tour offered by Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours (http://ift.tt/17Msqo2). The free tour starts at 10:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month and takes you through the area’s notable spots. Along the way, learn tidbits about the history and background while seeing the famous downtown landmarks. Or, learn about Hotel Valley Ho’s (http://ift.tt/Qz4FCs) history and design elements on the Magical History Tour, also offered by Bailey. This appointment-only experience shares the legends associated with the property’s famous Hollywood guests and gives a historical perspective to the mid-century modern design of the hotel, which first opened in 1956.

WORLDLY TUNES
Take a melodic journey through the world at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM, www.mim.org), the first global instrument museum. MIM showcases cultures from around the globe with more than 5,000 instruments from nearly every country in the world on display. Transport to another land with wireless headsets and LCD video displays depicting the sounds and sights of the instruments and the people who use them. See the recreation of a gong workshop, listen to the sounds of the traditional Beijing Opera or experience a contemporary Ukrainian wedding procession. After enjoying a worldly concert, try out your own musical abilities in MIM’s Experience Gallery, where you can play instruments such as guitars, gongs and drums.

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE CREATIVE KIND
The Artist-in-Residence series at The Hermosa Inn, a boutique hideaway (www.hermosainn.com) celebrates the historic property’s creative origins as the original home of cowboy and artist Lon Megargee. The series allows visitors to mingle with accomplished local artists over an intimate dinner or brunch at LON’s. Dinners bring guests together for an intimate evening of fine dining in LON’s at the Hermosa, while the brunch series features complimentary one-on-one workshops with the artists and an a la carte hacienda brunch on the restaurant’s patio.

IT’S A KIDS’ WORLD
At The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s (http://ift.tt/1e0aFAo) seasonal Digital Kids Camp, kids between the ages of 8 and 13 can create their own stop motion animation videos, design computer games, or create music videos, movie trailers and comic books.

Each day in the Trailblazers Kids Club at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (http://ift.tt/1disZIM) brings a new learning opportunity for kids. From solar cooking to fishing at the lagoons, children learn through themed games, sports, Southwestern crafts, animal interactions, and nature walks.

The Phoenix Art Museum (www.phxart.org) celebrates creativity through its PhxArtKids Gallery and its quarterly PhxArtKids Days. The interactive gallery is full of hands-on and “brains-on” activities that allow children to experience art in a new fashion. PHXArtKids Days celebrate the power of storytelling, encouraging young visitors to imagine stories about the artwork throughout the gallery while enjoying themed activities and performances.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com 

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com  

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com http://ift.tt/1disXR3



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1Krhi1u
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Get More Bang for Your Buck in Scottsdale

While vacations are a time to relax, rejuvenate and pamper yourself, getting a great value on your getaway also is important. What some tourists may not realize is that Scottsdale, in addition to being a world-class travel destination with luxury amenities and accommodations, also offers a number of free and inexpensive activities that are easy on the wallet and still a great way to experience the destination.

DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE
Downtown Scottsdale is a 786-acre pedestrian playground full of entertainment opportunities that won’t break your bank. Get around on the free Scottsdale Trolley (http://ift.tt/17XZWb0) that travels to every notable spot in the area. Loved by locals and visitors alike, you’ll get an up-close look at the specialty shops, restaurants and art galleries from the convenience of the air-conditioned trolley. And you can hop on and off as you wish – the ride is completely free and runs every 15 minutes, Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You’ll also find your fair share of culture in downtown. The area is like an outdoor walking museum where you can take in nearly 50 eye-catching public art pieces like George-Ann Tognoni’s “The Yearlings” and Donald Lipski’s “The Doors.” Herb Mignery’s statue “Passing the Legacy,” which is situated at the Scottsdale Waterfront (http://ift.tt/1dBsYzZ), symbolizes the melding of Scottsdale’s historic and modern western appeal with its depiction of a vintage 1860s horse rider of the Pony Express passing a mail bag on to a modern-day rider.

On the other side of Scottsdale Waterfront is the Soleri Bridge and Plaza (www.soleribridge.com), which connects the district to the rest of downtown across the historic Arizona Canal. The bridge evokes late designer Paolo Soleri’s fascination with solar movement. All of these pieces are possible thanks to Scottsdale Public Art (http://ift.tt/187Pqcc), which since its inception in 1985 has created a diverse collection that encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, from bronze to contemporary. Discover downtown’s most-celebrated public art works by downloading the self-guided Downtown Scottsdale Public Art Walking Tour (http://ift.tt/Ithy2l).

Other artistic offerings include the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA, www.smoca.org), which features compelling modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design from around the globe. Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA’s minimalist structure includes a public skyspace by the acclaimed artist James Turrell. There, you’ll experience the ever- changing light of the desert sky. Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for students, and free for kids 15 and younger. On Thursdays, enjoy the modern displays at no cost.

Also on Thursdays is Scottsdale ArtWalk (http://ift.tt/IthAau), a tradition that has taken place for more than 40 years. During ArtWalk, you will explore downtown and its diverse collection of more than 60 art galleries. From 7 to 9 p.m., galleries open their doors to the public and show off the works from some of the Southwest’s most extraordinary artists. The galleries host artist receptions with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as well as live demonstrations where you will observe creative minds developing their latest pieces. Themed ArtWalk events are held throughout the year, too, including the Native Arts ArtWalk (March) and Summer Spectacular ArtWalk (July).

For a sensory journey of song and dance, check out Native Trails, a series of free festivals showcasing the vivid first nations of Arizona and North America, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (http://ift.tt/17Msq7K). Representatives from various American Indian tribes take the stage at noon most Thursdays and Saturdays from January through April and inspire attendees with their musical performances and traditional dances. Staged at the Scottsdale Civic Center Park in downtown, the event celebrates American Indian traditions, while focusing on the individual cultures of tribes residing throughout the Southwest.

Enjoy a feast for the eyes and stomach during the Old Town Farmers Market (http://ift.tt/1fDv40O). Discover the best local restaurants and growers in the area as vendors sell a variety of organic vegetables and fruits, flowers, herbs, coffee, and an assortment of handmade items including pastries, jams, and baked goods.  And you won’t want to miss the event’s live entertainment and cooking demonstrations.

Afterward head to the Sugar Bowl (http://ift.tt/IthAav) for a taste of a true 1950s ice cream parlor and soda shop. The Sugar Bowl has been dishing out quintessential American food and scrumptious ice cream treats since 1958. The menu items, décor and location have remained virtually unchanged since its opening, and the Sugar Bowl holds a place on Scottsdale’s Historic Preservation Register.

AROUND TOWN
Downtown is bustling with wallet-friendly events and activities, but there’s no shortage of excitement throughout the rest of the city. Take the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (http://ift.tt/17XZYj7), for example. Ride on the Paradise and Pacific railroads and antique carousel, enjoy the museum and playgrounds, or just relax in the grass. Make time to visit the LEED gold certified building, featuring motorized model railroads with scenic exhibits. The park also offers a free summer concert series during which you can kick back with a picnic and enjoy live music from local bands every Sunday evening, May through July. Admission to the park is free and tickets to ride the train and carousel are $1 each.

Moving on from rails to trails, Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfM) is 30,200 acres of protected land that offers a plot of pristine Sonoran Desert. There, you can experience the magnificence of the natural environment with hiking, biking, mountain climbing or horseback riding adventures. Other spots to get in tune with the desert for free include the McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak, Pinnacle Peak Park and Superstition Mountains.

Scottsdale’s grand Sonoran Desert has inspired generations of talented architects, including luminaries like Frank Lloyd Wright, Will Bruder, Alfred Beadle, Ralph Haver, and the aforementioned Soleri. Their creations run the architectural gamut from earthen structures that blend seamlessly with the natural environment to contemporary designs that mirror desert forms in glass, copper and steel. Explore the destination’s myriad architectural gems with a free downloadable guide from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (http://ift.tt/17XZY2E). The walking and driving tours highlight 30 of the city’s most notable buildings and homes by locally and nationally renowned masters of the craft.

Movie buffs can check out the complimentary film series, Movies in the Park, at Biltmore Fashion Park (www.shopbiltmore.com). Taking place October through December and then again in March and April, the outdoor event features classic films and holiday favorites. It’s held on Friday evenings in the shopping district’s courtyard, so grab good friends and a blanket to enjoy a flick under the desert night sky. And in June, Kierland Commons (http://ift.tt/17XZWb9) puts on a special concert series that highlights some of the best local acts Arizona has to offer. The celebrated event is ideal for the whole family and includes jazz, rock, blues and Top 40 cover bands.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
http://ift.tt/1disXR3



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Art & Architecture In All The Wright Places

Internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright came to Scottsdale in 1937 and began building his winter camp, Taliesin West (http://ift.tt/Q21xnG) that year. Wright created a new form of desert architecture and established a legacy that is seen at the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. Visitors from all over the world come to Taliesin West, a National Historic Landmark and the living laboratory of Wright’s ideas.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has made many renovations to Taliesin West over the years, giving you the opportunity to view Wright’s private living quarters at the property, the last portion to be renovated and revealed to the public. Wright and his wife Olgivanna’s kitchen and bedrooms were restored to their likenesses from 1959, the year Wright died. The living quarters, added by Wright in 1940, contain a living room, private bedroom and work space. The wing— adjacent to the site’s famous living room that Wright called the “Garden Room”— was fully restored and remodeled to return the masonry and structural work to their original appearances. Recent transformations at Taliesin West have focused on eco-friendly practices, such as the installation of a 250-kilowatt solar power system. Eventually Taliesin West will become a net-zero facility, meaning it will produce as much or more power than it uses.

Wright’s vision and influence are seen throughout Scottsdale, and one of his most noted designs is the spire at the northwest corner of the Scottsdale Promenade (http://ift.tt/1dBsUQK) shopping center in North Scottsdale. Originally designed by Wright for the Arizona State Capitol building, the structure is 20 feet wide at the base and 125 feet tall. It is framed with steel, painted in a copper tone, glazed with plastic, and illuminated internally at night.

One of Scottsdale’s premier resort properties, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (www.sanctuaryaz.com), enjoys a legendary history with links to the Wright legacy. With its clean lines and minimalist approach, Sanctuary represents the cosmopolitan side of Scottsdale and is often views as a new breed of Scottsdale resort architecture. However, this property is rooted in Scottsdale history as it was originally designed by architect Hiram Hudson Benedict, a protégé of Wright, in the 1950s as the Paradise Valley Racquet Club, owned by actors John Ireland, Joanne Dru, Sydney Chaplin and tennis legend Dion Budge.

The developers of Sanctuary are also the masterminds behind one of the nation’s best-preserved examples of mid-century modern architecture, the historic Hotel Valley Ho (http://ift.tt/Qz4FCs), which was designed by former Wright apprentice Edward L. Varney. Originally built in 1956, the hotel reflected Scottsdale’s true cosmopolitan nature with much of the original property featuring minimalist Wright-inspired design elements. At the time, the hotel housed 99 rooms centered on a courtyard pool. An $80 million comprehensive remodel in 2005 included a rehabilitation of the original hotel, construction of a new room wing that brought the total accommodations to 235 rooms and suites, and the addition of a seven-story tower with five upper levels devoted to residences.

Wright is often credited for the design of the famous Arizona Biltmore Resort built in 1929. In fact, he was a consultant on the project with the lead designer, Albert Chase McArthur. The resort has become an architectural landmark, and it is one of Arizona’s most well-known sights. And the Biltmore Sprites that greet guests as they arrive at the Arizona Biltmore were created by Wright and sculptor Alfonso Lannelli. These geometric architectural statues were conceived in 1914 for the specific purpose of adorning and watching over Midway Gardens, once a center for entertainment, dining and music on Chicago’s lakefront. Most of the Sprites met a premature and unfortunate demise during Prohibition. Years later, the remaining pieces were donated to the Arizona Biltmore, which has been their home since October 1985. Replicas of the sprites can be purchased at Taliesin West.

Fifty years ago, one of Wright’s final designs was built in nearby Tempe, Ariz. In 1957, Arizona State University President Grady Gammage approached Wright about designing an auditorium for the school. Wright designed ASU Gammage (www.asugammage.com) based on earlier renderings for an opera house in Baghdad, Iraq, that was never built. ASU Gammage celebrated its opening season in 1964, years after Wright’s death in 1959. The auditorium features two long ramps that extend from the second level of the theater out into the parking lot. The ramps are dotted with lamp posts formed into interlocking circles and arches. These ramps were meant to be “arms” welcoming people to Arizona. The project incorporates multiple shades of terra cotta with accents of aqua and teal, and it is meant to be as acoustically perfect as possible. Seating more than 3,000 people, ASU Gammage continues to host touring Broadway shows, musicals and stage performances.

Vernon Swaback, a former student of Wright’s, also has left an indelible mark on Scottsdale’s architectural landscape. He spent more than two decades studying and working at Taliesin West and over the past 30 plus years has been involved in the design of award-winning master plans for hotels, office buildings, recreational facilities and custom homes throughout the Scottsdale/Phoenix metropolitan area. His firm, Swaback Partners, designed Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://ift.tt/17Msq7J). Spa Avania, derived from the Greek word for tranquility, is a 21,000-square-foot facility with 19 treatment rooms, five exterior treatment gardens, mineral pool, lotus pond, relaxation lounges and more. Swaback also has penned several books about living and building in a suburban metropolis.

The late Italian-born designer and visionary Paolo Soleri came to the United States in 1947 and spent nearly two years in fellowship with Wright at Taliesin West and Taliesin in Wisconsin. During this time, Soleri gained international recognition for a bridge design displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. In December 2010, Scottsdale became the home of the first and only Soleri-designed bridge ever to be built. The Soleri Bridge and Plaza in downtown is the second pedestrian bridge connecting the Scottsdale Waterfront (http://ift.tt/1dBsYzZ) and SouthBridge across the north and south banks of the Arizona Canal. The bridge, framed by a 22,000-square-foot plaza that serves as gathering place for special events and performing arts, demonstrates the importance of solar movement.

Soleri’s Scottsdale connections don’t end there. The designer made Scottsdale his home in 1956 with a life-long commitment to research and experimentation in urban planning. He established the Cosanti Foundation (www.cosanti.com), which is a not-for-profit educational organization. The Foundation’s major project is Arcosanti, a prototype town for 5,000 residents that has been under construction since 1970. Located at Cordes Junction in central Arizona, the project was designed by Soleri and based on his concept of “Arcology,” architecture coherent with ecology. Arcology advocates cities designed to maximize the interaction and accessibility associated with an urban environment; minimize the use of energy, raw materials and land, reducing waste and environmental pollution; and allow interaction with the surrounding natural environment.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 Fax: 480-947-4523
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
http://ift.tt/1disXR3



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Extreme Meetings

Scottsdale offers many opportunities for groups to break out of the traditional team-building box with innovative and adventurous activities that challenge and reward. Here are just a few examples of extreme team building activities sure to test the mettle of even the hardiest of groups.

RIDING THE RANGE
Mosey on down to Arizona Cowboy College (http://ift.tt/1fWlWTM) and learn how to rope like a pro! Your group will be trained on authentic cowboy skills such as riding, roping, cutting, shoeing, herding, branding and doctoring, all while emphasizing team building and cooperation. The college is challenging, and students are expected to pull their own weight with guidance from skilled instructors.

CRUISIN’ LIKE MARIO ANDRETTI
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving (www.bondurant.com) is the largest purpose-built facility in North America, featuring a 1.6-mile racetrack and an 8-acre asphalt pad. There’s no better way to build trust and confidence among team members than driving door-handle to door- handle at 100 miles per hour in a Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro or Formula Mazda. Attendees experience the art of high-performance driving; they may even drive from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds.

Stop by Octane Raceway (http://ift.tt/1fWlWTJ), home to a one-third mile racetrack, which begins indoors then winds through an outdoor section that is covered by a permanent steel canopy. Enjoy teambuilding in the fast lane with state-of-the-art, high-speed electric karts that travel up to 45 miles per hour.

If your group prefers to admire racecars instead of driving racecars, bring your event to Penske Racing Museum (http://ift.tt/1kYrSll). The museum showcases an extensive collection of cars, trophies and racing memorabilia chronicling Penske Racing’s 40 plus years of racing, including a replica of the 1963 Pontiac Catalina Roger Penske rode to victory in the 1963 NASCAR Riverside 250. The museum has 5,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, plus additional outdoor space. Music, food and beverage and activities, such as a Land Rover test climb are available for your event.

CITY SLICKERS IN THE SONORAN DESERT
At Fort McDowell Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmy), experience excitement and adventure on City Slicker Cattle Drives through the vast Sonoran Desert. Parties of 10 or more can participate in a two-hour excursion pushing cattle back to the stables. On the journey, get a taste of the real cowboy life and hear tales of the days when wild mustangs ran free across the landscape. Complete the cattle drive experience with a hearty meal on the trail, at the stables or back at La Puesta del Sol, a 7,200-square-foot Spanish Pueblo style Ramada with open courtyards, patios, fireplaces and an 1890’s rustic saloon.

TAKE IT TO THE TOP
AZ on the Rocks (www.azontherocks.com), Arizona’s largest indoor rock-climbing facility, is home to 14,000 square feet of textured terrain. Groups can partake in an exciting team building program that will take them to an emotional and physical high. Learn basic knot-tying and equipment usage, then work together to make it to the top of the wall. The program helps build trust and improve communication and listening skills.

SURVIVING THE ELEMENTS
Arizona Outback Adventures’ (http://ift.tt/1bRTPnP) Desert Survivor program tests participants’ survival skills in the Sonoran Desert. Teams compete against one another in a series of subsistence skills challenges, such as water transport, fabricating a survival rope, and setting up a shelter to protect the team from the environment’s harsh elements. Arizona Outback Adventures’ expert guides set up the challenge and are on-site throughout the program to ensure a successful experience.

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW
A trip to the Grand Canyon with WestWind Air Service (http://ift.tt/1fWlXa7) is a great option for a thrilling half-day activity. Take in the magnificent sights of the natural world wonder as you fly through the grandeur of the South or West rims. Desert Splash Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmJ) offers scenic group tours to other Arizona landmarks, like the Apache Trail.

EXTREME GEOLOGY
Professional climbing guides from Arizona Outback Adventures and 360 Adventures (www.360- adventures.com) help your group experience the thrill of recreational rock climbing and rappelling amidst some of the desert’s most beautiful scenery, while building your self-confidence and enjoying a great sense of accomplishment. The McDowell, Granite, Cholla and Camelback mountains are hot spots for the booming sport of recreational rock climbing.

Canyoneering might be a new word for your vocabulary but 360 Adventures guarantees that just one experience will have your group hooked. The journey takes attendees to the Roosevelt Lake area on hiking, wading, swimming, scrambling and rappelling excursions through one of geology’s most impressive feats – a canyon. Professional guides navigate attendees through spectacular chasms as they encounter the stunning elements of the high Sonoran Desert.

A GROUP RIDE
Get your group behind the wheel of a Tomcar, a vehicle originally developed for use by the Israeli Defense Forces, with self-driven tours from Desert Wolf Tours (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfP) and Green Zebra Adventures (www.gogreenzebra.com). Drivers and passengers romp through the desert at their own pace and learn all about Arizona’s varied desert terrain.

During Pink Adventure Tours’ (http://ift.tt/1zfTPuZ) Cactus Canyon Adventure, expert guides lead groups on an off-road adventure through the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in hot pink Jeep Wranglers. With sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert all around and rocky, dry creek beds ahead, groups will spot majestic saguaro, expansive ocotillo and pesky jumping cholla cacti while learning about the eco-system, as well as American Indian history and culture. During the Sonoran Desert Adventure, groups will explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, 30,200 acres of protected land, on foot and nearby Saguaro Lake on the Desert Belle Cruise.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com  

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719 
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
http://ift.tt/1disXR3



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Old West Meets New West In Scottsdale

WANNA BE A COWBOY?
Learn to rope and ride with the best of ‘em at Arizona Cowboy College (http://ift.tt/1fWlWTM), where visitors are exposed to authentic cowboy skills at a working cattle ranch. After a two-day tutorial, attendees spend the next three days on an expedition working side-by-side with cowboys. At Fort McDowell Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmy), guests take a horseback ride in the desert and round up cattle while they’re at it. Riders seeking a “city slicker” experience can opt for a two-hour cattle drive pushing herds from the Fort’s remote pin back to the stables. On the way, they observe spectacular views of the Mazatzal Wilderness and Tonto National Forest, and possibly encounter some of the desert’s wildlife – including wild mustangs.

Relive the Old West at Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse at Wild Horse Pass (www.rawhide.com) in nearby Chandler, Ariz. The 1880s town provides a full day of family adventure, including multiple rides, games and attractions, and daily performances by the high-fallin’ Rough Rider stunt men. If you like to shop, check out the collection of Western stores. Located on 1,300 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert land, MacDonald’s Ranch (http://ift.tt/1fWlWmB) is a premier horseback riding destination that also offers Western adventure for the whole family. Enjoy guided horseback rides, hayrides, stagecoach rides, pony rides and a petting zoo.

Explore one of the premier horse training facilities in the U.S., Los Cedros USA (www.loscedros.com), designed in the style of a Moroccan style citadel. Open to guests every day, Los Cedros USA houses and trains horses who specialize in Arabian, Hunter, Jumper, Dressage and Western styles. During a visit to the facility, watch the horses swim for exercise and pop your head into the “throne room” featuring traditional Moroccan style artwork and relics.

ANNUAL EVENTS
The Hashknife Pony Express (http://ift.tt/17VeWEp) makes its 200-mile ride every January from Holbrook, Ariz., to downtown Scottsdale to deliver 20,000 first-class letters by horseback. The ride, led by the Navajo County Hashknife Sheriff’s Posse to kick off the annual Parada del Sol Rodeo, is the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world. Riders are sworn in as honorary mail messengers braving weather, terrain and modern-day obstacles to deliver the United States mail.

Celebrating 63 years, the Parada del Sol Parade (www.paradadelsol.us) is the world’s longest horse- drawn parade and takes place every February in downtown. Following the procession is the popular Trails End Celebration with Western entertainment, music, and a pancake breakfast. The parade kicks off the Parada del Sol Rodeo, a full week of boot stompin’ fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/17VeWEt) that includes rodeos, dances, live country music, children’s activities and more. Also in February is the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show (http://ift.tt/17VeZ2Y), a 10-day spectacle where the event’s namesake breed of horse competes for highly coveted awards.

At the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Horses & Horsepower (www.thepoloparty.com) in October, polo’s top contenders compete during three polo matches and attendees get a sneak preview of the aforementioned Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.

Other must-see events include the Arabian Breeders Final, AZ Fall Championships, Arizona Sun Circuit and Western ArtWalk.

SADDLE UP AND SHOP
Western themes dominate much of Scottsdale’s art and shopping – particularly the gallery scene in the Main Street Arts & Antiques District (http://ift.tt/17VeZ32) and the Western boutiques and souvenir shops in Old Town. The boutiques offer everything from expensive Remington bronzes to the latest in chic cowboy fashion. Along with the growing market for Western memorabilia and historical collectibles, the city’s downtown redevelopment has strengthened the Old West shopping districts. In fact, strolling downtown one can find traditional hitching posts for riders, and the streets are still patrolled by Scottsdale’s mounted police unit.

Saba’s Western Wear (http://ift.tt/17VeWED) has been an Arizona tradition for more than 85 years. It made its home in downtown Scottsdale when coyotes were still roaming freely and the main mode of transportation was by horseback. From hats, boots and clothing for men, women and children, this family-owned and -operated business is the place to find all of your cowboy life staples.

Cave Creek (www.cavecreek.org), the town just north of Scottsdale, is home to a unique and colorful history that dates back to the 1870s. The town wasn’t incorporated as a municipality until 1986 and much of its history is still reflected in special events and fun, kitschy retail shops that dot the streets. Shopping in Cave Creek attracts not only the casual browser, but also the serious collector as offerings include everything from spurs to custom jewelry by local artists.

A HORSE IS A HORSE…
The City of Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/187Pqcc) has made an incredible investment in public art, making it a dynamic part of the cityscape. The result is a masterpiece of urban aesthetics including several magnificent sculptures that portray the city’s passion for the horse. One of the most notable is Ed Mell’s famous bucking bronco sculpture, “Jack Knife,” found at the intersection of Main Street and Marshall Way. Also in the Fifth Avenue shopping district is the popular Bob Parks horse fountain featuring several bronze horses at attention. In Old Town, the “Yearlings” sculpture attracts kids wanting to get their picture taken with the three young foals. There’s also the symbolic “Passing the Legacy,” a bronze sculpture designed by Herb Mingery depicting the melding of Scottsdale’s historic and modern Western appeal with a vintage 1860s rider passing a mail bag back to a modern-day rider. “Water Mark” by Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan is a series of five, 14-foot “horse gargoyles” that sits along Indian Bend Wash and pays homage to the history of Arabian horses in nearby McCormick Ranch. Just down the street at WestWorld of Scottsdale is “Impulsion,” a 40-foot-long horse that stands nearly 30-feet-high. This $470,000 sculpture is comprised of 10,000 pounds of stainless steel tubing that lights up at night.

Visitors of all ages can delight in authentic stagecoach rides through downtown Scottsdale. Pulled by North American spotted draft horses, the carriage takes guests on a Western-related ride through the Old Town area, highlighting significant stops and public art along the way. Guests also can enjoy horse-drawn rides through downtown Scottsdale’s art district from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays during the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk event.

A TASTE OF THE WILD, WILD WEST
Known as Arizona’s original family steakhouse, Rawhide Steakhouse celebrates the spirit of its Western roots through traditional cooking and true hungry cowboy portions. An abundance of indigenous ingredients are used from the Gila River Indian Community and Rawhide’s own Akimel Basho Farm. The diverse menu features everything from rattlesnake to the favorite lone cowboy T-bone steak.

No trip to Scottsdale would be complete without a visit to Rusty Spur Saloon (http://ift.tt/17VeYMF). This registered historic landmark in downtown was the Farmers Bank of Scottsdale from 1921 to 1933. The bank closed during the Great Depression and reopened years later as a saloon. The old bank vault holds liquor for those hoping to satiate their thirst. Just a few miles north, Handlebar J (www.handlebarj.com) also pays homage to the Old West. It’s been serving up steaks, drinks and live country music since 1966.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Phone: 480-429-2253 Fax: 480-947-4523
E-mail: lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com

Megan Neighbor, Director of Communications
Phone: 480-889-2716
E-mail: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com  

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Phone: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
http://ift.tt/1disXR3



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