Monday, September 28, 2015

Spirited Shows

web_The_Nutcracker_tif

 

As always, the Scottsdale area delivers a jam-packed holiday event lineup that will get you and your family in the spirit in no time.

  • Holiday Pops (The Phoenix Symphony): Enjoy this festive concert of seasonal favorites and the ever-popular Holiday sing-a-long as the tradition soars to new and angelic heights this year. The Desert Bells Bell Choir and The Phoenix Girls Chorus take their place among over 200 artists in a performance guaranteed to deliver the holiday spirit. Dec. 4 – 6, 2015
  • Frances Smith Cohen’s Snow Queen (Herberger Theater Center): Come to downtown Phoenix for an enchanting evening and magical retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen masterpiece. Set to music by Sergei Prokofiev, this holiday event is great for families, as little ones will find themselves charmed by vivid costumes and a dazzling light show. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 5 – 20, 2015.
  • The TEN Tenors: Home for the Holidays (Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts): Home for the Holidays is a magical experience for the whole family that will dazzle, delight and captivate audiences. Join Australia’s rock starts of the opera as they amaze and enthrall with their unique selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites. With soaring versions of “Joy to the World”, “Sleight Ride,” “Amazing Grace,” “Feliz Navidad” and many more, Home for the Holidays is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Dec. 10 – 11, 2015
  • Sister’s Christmas Catechism (Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts): This hilarious take on the classic story of the Nativity will get you in a joyous spirit this holiday season. Sister, the tart-tongued, ruler-wielding nun, asks her students to help solve the greatest Christmas caper ever – who swiped the gold that those three wise men gave to Baby Jesus? Using the latest forensic technology and her uncanny ability to detect guilt, Sister creates an unforgettable living Nativity with her students to expose the culprit. Catch this performance once and you’re likely to make it a holiday tradition for years to come. Dec. 11 – 20, 2015
  • The Nutcracker (The Phoenix Symphony): Ballet Arizona presents the Nutcracker at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix. Dancing toys, mischievous mice and sparkling snowflakes dance to Tchaikovsky’s unmistakable holiday score. This timeless holiday tradition comes to life with over 150 performers illuminating the stage in hundreds of intricate costumes. Dec. 11 – 27, 2015.
  • Spirit of the Season (Herberger Theater Center): Enjoy seasonal songs that will touch your soul and warm your heart. Jeffrey Hattrick and Nicole Pesce return to the Herberger stage for their annual holiday season music concert. This musical medley featuring everything from jazz to classical will get you ready to celebrate the magic of the holidays. December 15, 2015
  • An Irish Christmas in America (Musical Instrument Museum): This family-friendly performance of Irish ballads, holiday classics, lively fiddle tunes and thrilling Irish dancing at the Musical Instrument Museum will leave your toes tapping with the spirit of the season. Dec. 16-17, 2015
  • Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: (Comerica Theatre) Moscow Ballet’s spectacular Great Russian Nutcracker is the must see event this holiday season! This showstopper takes center stage with 40 world class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. Experience Tchaikovsky’s master score this Christmas with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, a growing Christmas Tree and supersized Matrushka dolls! Dec. 16, 2015.
  • A Merri-Achi Christmas (Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts): The original rhythms, fresh sounds and inspiring ideas of Jóse Hernàndez and Sol de Mexico have energized the world of mariachi for more than 30 years. This special performance includes treasured holiday favorites and selections from the mariachi songbook. Hernàndez’ organic, irreverent renditions have become instant classics. Don’t miss what the Los Angeles Times calls ‘a show-stopping performance.’ Dec. 18, 2015


from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/HS7y2x
via IFTTT

October Calendar of Events

October COE One Sheet-1

While the weather starts to cool off, event season starts to heat up. Whether it’s taking a train ride to find that perfect pumpkin, watching great movies at the Scottsdale International Film Festival, or having fun at Octoberfest, there are plenty of events in and around town to attend!

Printable Calendar of Events

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

Saturday, September 26, 2015

[Football] Football Losses In A Heartbreaker To New Mexico Military Institute

The Scottsdale Community College Football team went on the road this afternoon and suffered a loss to conference opponent New Mexico Military Institute by a score of 28-25.



from Scottsdale Community College Athletics - News http://ift.tt/1PGOTo1
via IFTTT

[Football] Football Game Available Via Video Live-Stream Today At 1PM

The Scottsdale Community College Football team is on the road today as the face the New Mexico Military Institute Broncos at 1:00PM.



from Scottsdale Community College Athletics - News http://ift.tt/1FA2m0s
via IFTTT

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Why We Love Scottsdale for the Holidays

Kierland_Commons_Christmas

Migrate on over to the Valley of the Sun and discover what makes Scottsdale so unique during the holidays. Whether you’re searching for family fun or looking to cozy up with that special someone, there are a plethora of opportunities for enjoying an exclusive experience in the Sonoran Desert this holiday season. 

Lights & Sights

The holiday spirit lights up at night in Scottsdale…literally. Sip on a warm cup of cocoa as you watch the night come to life with illuminating light displays at places like the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden and the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. You don’t want to miss out on any of these Christmas light sightings this season. 

Spirited Shows

World class venues such as the Musical Instrument Museum, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and The Phoenix Symphony play host to some of the most well-known spirited shows during the holiday season. Take a traditional performance of the Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona, enjoy a delightful journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express or catch Sister’s Christmas Catechism at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Holiday Cheer at Scottsdale Resorts and Hotels

Scottsdale’s resorts and hotels make it effortless for you to stay and play this holiday season. In addition to seeking sparkling holiday decorations and enjoying a sunny, warm ambiance, you will also have the opportunity to ice skate under the stars, stroll through jaw-dropping light displays, and visit Santa Claus! Check out these hotel hotspots that have decked their halls just for you!

Patio Dining

Some of Scottsdale’s best dining spots offer picturesque patios with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. Leave the cooking up to Scottsdale’s seasoned chefs and enjoy a savory meal with friends and loved ones this holiday season. 

 



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

Sparkling Holiday Sights & Lights

las-noches

Luckily, you don’t have to dash through any snow to enjoy spectacular holiday light displays in Scottsdale. Here are some of our favorite spots for a little seasonal cheer. No sleigh required.

Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo: Glimmering displays light the way through the Phoenix Zoo. Zoolights has become one of the largest light shows in the country, with 3.8 million lights and nearly 700 sparkling displays. Enjoy two lakeside Music in Motion shows – a show with music from Polar Express and Carol of the Bells, all synchronized to 15,000 sparkling holiday lights. Don’t miss out on the Zoo’s 4-D theatre to take the ride of your life on the Polar Express Train! (Nov. 21, 2015 – Jan. 10, 2016)

Las Noches de Las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden: Celebrating its 37th year, this favorite local tradition brings the Garden to life with more than 8,000 hand-lit luminarias and thousands of white twinkle lights, as well as live entertainment and festive treats. (Nov. 27, 2015 – Dec. 31, 2015).

Holiday Lights at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park: Take a train ride through thousands of lights and endless holiday displays during the Railroad Park’s winter wonderland festivities. A tree-lighting ceremony marks opening night, along with a visit from Santa. (Dec. 11, 2015 – Jan. 2, 2016). 

Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express: Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s storybook comes to life aboard this magical journey that departs from Williams, Arizona and ends with a visit to the North Pole where Santa and his reindeer await their arrival! (Nov. 6, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016).

Holiday Night Lights at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West: Holidays at Wright’s desert masterpiece are dramatic and romantic, with nighttime casting a jewel-like-glow over the Scottsdale landmark. It’s the most enchanting way to view the architect’s home! Check website or call for dates (480-627-5340)

Holiday Lights Tour with Desert Splash Adventures: See Scottsdale’s scenic side from high above with holiday-centric tour from Desert Splash Adventures. Munch on holiday cookies and sip some eggnog, then take off with the birds for a soaring of city lights, Camelback Mountain, and more. Check website or call for dates (877-588-8819).

Arizona Helicopter Adventures: Get in the spirit! As the holidays grow closer, lights of all colors start appearing all over the desert landscape. Take a ride with us and enjoy season’s greeting in full color from Santa’s perspective – the sky! Delight yourself with a tour of the multiple spectacular light displays in the Valley of the Sun. Get a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle with a blanket, and enjoy the best view of the holiday season! Check website or call for dates (800-282-5141)

Decorative Downtown Scottsdale: Over half a million lights are adorning downtown Scottsdale again this season, making your holiday experience here shine even better! Take a stroll around Scottsdale’s arts, shopping, dining and entertainment districts and prepare to be amazed at more than a half million twinkling lights. Downtown Scottsdale has the largest year-round lighting project in Arizona full of lights that span over the streets. Enjoy the twinkle of the wrapped palm trees and beautiful rooftop views of the sparkling city! 



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/17uD8j5
via IFTTT

Saturday, September 19, 2015

[Football] #18 SCC Football Drops Home Game To #6 Snow College

The Scottsdale Community College Football team lost their first game of the season tonight to the Snow College Badgers by the score of 31-14.



from Scottsdale Community College Athletics - News http://ift.tt/1WbcdxR
via IFTTT

Thursday, September 17, 2015

The Sporting Event of the Culinary World: Arizona Taco Festival is Bringing the Heat!

taco

The sporting event of tacos is back and it’s spicier than ever! In its 6th year, the Arizona Taco Festival is ready to literally “bring the heat” to the Valley of the Sun. More than 50 restaurants, caterers, amateurs, bars and nightclubs are preparing to serve up their best tacos and compete in the largest competition and celebration of the year. With a $10,000 cash prize on the line, it’s sure to be one hot competition. 

On October 17 and 18, make your way out to Salt River Fields and let the smell of savory Mexican food fill the air around you. Be sure to come hungry because there are more than 100 types of tacos to choose from. Did I mention that tacos are only $2? That’s right, $2 chicken, pork, beef, seafood, veggie and dessert tacos available everywhere you turn. Some of the Valley’s hottest restaurants, including Blanco Tacos & Tequila, Cien Agaves, Hacienda’s Mexican Grill, and  Wasted Grain, are preparing to dish out more than 100,000 total tacos. So grab a score-card, pick up an icy margarita and start searching for that taco that makes your mouth water. 

Whether you’re listening to the sounds of live surf and salsa music at the main stage, sampling 100 different types of tequila at the Tequila Expo Tent or watching Lucha Libre wrestling, you’re sure to have a great time as the festival rages on all weekend long. The Arizona Taco Festival is believed to be the world’s first event of its kind, and the Valley’s fastest growing culinary celebration. Don’t miss out on this tasty event – it’s sure to make your taste buds tingle. 



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

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

[Football] SCC Football's Kisima Jagne Named ACCAC Defensive Player Of The Week

The Scottsdale Community College Football had one of it's members named as this weeks ACCAC Defensive Player of thew Week.



from Scottsdale Community College Athletics - News http://ift.tt/1F1jRXq
via IFTTT

Pumpkin Patches in Scottsdale

Before you can wow all the neighborhood kids with your awesome pumpkin carving skills, you have to go pick out the perfect pumpkin. Scottsdale has great spots to choose from, so grab that pumpkin spice latte or some apple cider and get to picking out that melon!

MacDonalds-Ranch-Pumpkin-Patch

MacDonald’s Ranch: McDonald’s Ranch is known for its family fun environment and genuine Western experiences, from cookouts and hayrides to horses and stagecoaches. But when fall comes around, the ranch pulls out all the stops for their pumpkin patch. Train rides, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, sand art, and food all make for a fun family outing! Plus, everyone will love the maze made out of more than a semi-load of hay. With all the fun, don’t forget to pick out your pumpkin! Head to the ranch Oct. 1-31 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., every day except Tuesday.

Desert-Botanical-Garden-Pumpkin-Festival

The Great Pumpkin Festival: The Desert Botanical Garden is a great spot to take in some of the best views the desert has to offer, and from Oct. 23-25, it turns into the home of one of the most celebrated pumpkin patches in the Sonoran Desert. Take a hayride to the patch, where you’ll also find a hay bale maze, petting zoo and carnival games.

Grand-Canyon-Pumpkin-Patch-Train

Pumpkin Patch Train: Feel like taking a train ride for a fun day out on the hunt? Hop on board the Grand Canyon Railway Pumpkin Patch Train! On Oct. 3,4,9,10,11,12,17,18 you can ride to a secret pumpkin patch along the tracks and scoop up a pumpkin just craving to be carved. Visitors can enjoy a hay bale maze, pumpkin arts and crafts, and a haunted train car. Be sure to don your favorite Halloween costume for this fun and festive train ride!

Boo-at-the-Zoo

Boo! At the Zoo: For a pumpkin patch experience like no other, visit the Phoenix Zoo and enjoy this wild and fun fall festival! This year’s festivities span the whole week long, Oct. 20–26. Partake in daily activities like the pumpkin ”stomp and chomp” with animals enjoying pumpkins and other munchies, scavenger hunts, and a scarecrow straw maze. Visit the pumpkin patch and enjoy great photo ops of the little ones dressed up in costume.



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

Monday, September 14, 2015

Scottsdale Meeting Travel News: Summer 2015

A NEW RESORT IS COMING
We’re so excited, and, heck, we just can’t hide it. In 2017, Scottsdale will boast an all-new resort for meetings-goers to book. In January 2017, Westroc Hospitality, which owns Hotel Valley Ho and manages Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, will open the doors of new resort in a coveted Paradise Valley locale. Hotel at Mountain Shadows will take over the former spot of Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort nestled between Camelback and Mummy mountains. The 180-room, full-service boutique hotel has a lounge, restaurants and a 5,000-square-foot fitness center. Plus, the project includes the redesign of neighboring Mountain Shadows Golf Club. An additional eatery, with a coffee shop and specialty grocery store, will also open on the property. For media information, contact Kristin Heggli at kheggli@hotelvalleyho.com or 480-421-7734.

THINK PINK!
When you’re planning an off-site adventure in sunny Scottsdale, we just have one request – think pink! Starting in September, Pink Adventure Tours is partnering with Fort McDowell Adventures for an all-new tour that takes groups through the diverse landscape found in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation near Scottsdale. During the two- or four-hour Cactus Canyon Adventure, experts lead groups on an off-road adventure in hot pink Jeep Wranglers. With sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert and rocky, dry creek beds ahead, meeting-goers 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. If they’re looking for a lengthier outing, book them on the Sonoran Desert Adventure. After exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, 30,200 acres of untouched, protected land, they’ll stumble across an unexpected sight – water in the desert. Your meeting-goers will cruise along Saguaro Lake in the air-conditioned comfort of the Desert Belle for a 90-minute journey. For media information, contact Mike Hermen at mike@pinkjeep.com or 928-282-8807.

SCOTTSDALE’S EXTREME MAKEOVERS
Drumroll, please! Three of Scottsdale’s luxury resorts are getting multimillion dollar facelifts, and they’re gearing up for the big reveals in the coming months. 

This year, the Boulders Resort & Spa is celebrating a hallmark birthday – 30 years. As a present, this Sonoran Desert hideaway is gifting itself some pampering. In December 2015, Rhode Island-based design firm DiLeonardo will complete a multimillion dollar makeover at the property with new architectural elements and color schemes that embrace the resort’s indigenous inspirations and Old West charm. The 160 casitas with have new furnishings and a palette of earthy desert tones with teal and orange accents, as well as upgraded fixtures in the bathrooms. During you meeting-goers’ next visit this winter, they’ll take in the desert vistas from the refinished patio of their casitas. They’ll admire the 12-million-year old boulder formations through floor-to-ceiling windows while they sip libations from the redesigned bar lounge and chow down on Southwestern cuisine in the newly furnished Palo Verde restaurant. Plus, in December, the revamped Latilla Ballroom will be unveiled and ready for your group’s convention. The floor-to-ceiling windows will showcase the lush Sonoran Desert, and the room will open up to an outdoor patio with an adobe-wood-burning fireplace. For media information, contact Debi Bridges at db@bridgesmediagroup.com or 480-306-4242.

Starting in early 2016, corporate execs can book a relaxing retreat at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa’s newly unveiled Spa House. As a part of a $10 million room overhaul and renovation, the resort will convert one of its private residences, Casa del Sano, into a spa and wellness compound perfect for small groups. The Spa House offers a private workout studio, pool, sauna and tennis court.  It will also host Sanctuary’s Satori Meditation Retreats, coupling yoga, meditation and mindful practices with pampering in Sanctuary Spa. The resort promises an even more luxurious vacation as it debuts the new Camelback Casitas and Camelback Suites in the fall of 2015, marking the property’s first major room overhaul since its opening in 2001. These mountainside rooms overlooking Paradise Valley will boast contemporary, elegant décor, including tile flooring, wood furnishing and light, neutral color palettes. The décor will weave nature-inspired details into the design, with desert-inspired artwork and photography adorning the walls. For media information, contact Alison Bontrager at abontrager@sanctuaryaz.com or 480-607-2321.

During the summers, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess heats up the nights with “techno-glo” pool parties. During the winters, it becomes a winter wonderland decked out in twinkly lights. It would be hard to top all those ample offerings, but the AAA Five Diamond Resort is doing just that. Come summer 2016, the property will boast an additional 102 guest rooms, including three luxury suites, for a whopping total of 750 rooms. The resort’s original architects, Allen + Philp, returned for this major endeavor, which broke ground in June. But the resort isn’t just adding rooms. Next summer, your meetings attendees will dive into the all new Sunset Beach, which at 6,900 square feet will be the largest of the six pools at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The renovation also includes the new Great Lawn, a 35,000-square-foot outdoor space that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. Bring the Old West to life for receptions and events with the expansion of the Princess’ 1880s Western town, which will be renamed Copper Canyon and feature two saloons, an outdoor stage and dance floor, a blacksmith shop, and a jail. For media information, contact Valerie Lee at valerie.lee@fairmont.com or 480-585-2706.

FORTY YEARS OF PERFORMANCES
Set in the heart of Scottsdale in the idyllic Scottsdale Civic Center Park, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has hosted a variety of world class performances each year since its opening in 1975. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ is celebrating its 40th season by welcoming acts like comedian Margaret Cho, actor Alan Cumming, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. What are you waiting for? Get your meetings goers out of the conference room and treat them to a spectacular performance at the Center. Or take advantage of the Center’s stunning adobe-inspired design and innovative technology to host your next conference. The state-of-the-art Virginia G. Piper Theater seats 853 people and it has been recognized for its acoustics and comfort. Or book the more intimate Stage 2 for up to 137 guests. Before your meeting’s presentation or lecture, host a reception in the 6,200-square-foot Dayton Fowler Grafman Atrium. The atrium’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests views of the beautifully landscaped, grassy Scottsdale Civic Center Park. For media information, contact Bill Thompson at billt@sccarts.org or 480-874-4626.

Remember to log onto http://ift.tt/1disXR3 for additional tourism news, press kits and releases, media tour information and more. And you can always turn to our public relations team for additional assistance, from photo needs to story ideas. If you are interested in being considered for a group or individual media tour, please fill out the form here. To keep up with Scottsdale’s latest news and happenings, follow @ScottsdalePR on Twitter, @ScottsdaleCVB on Instagram or visit http://ift.tt/1LuUqdv

Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Contacts:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Direct: 480-429-2253
lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com 

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

Stephanie Pressler, Communications Manager
Direct: 480-889-2719
spressler@scottsdalecvb.com

 

 



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

Tour de Scottsdale: The Ultimate Pedaling Party

© Copyright Jerry Foreman

 

Get in the cycling spirit this October with one of Scottsdale’s most popular cycling events! The 12th Annual Tour de Scottsdale will be pedaling through the beautiful Sonoran Desert on October 11, 2015. Whether you are a hardcore cyclist or you’re riding for the scenery, the Tour de Scottsdale is for all levels of expertise. Choose between the 70-mile or 30-mile course and be one of the 12,000 cyclists and spectators to join the pedaling party! 

The event kicks off at Market Street in DC Ranch and circumnavigates the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, bringing awareness to the important mission of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. As the event beneficiary, the Conservancy is committed to protecting and promoting the sustainability of the Preserve for the benefit of future generations. Regardless of the number of miles you are cycling, you’re sure to enjoy impeccable views of Scottsdale’s magnificent Sonoran Desert. 

The Tour de Scottsdale not only benefits a great cause, but also has a lot of fun in store for riders and fans after the race. Whether you are a cyclist or just cheering from the sidelines, you are bound to work up an appetite. Head on over to Market Street at DC Ranch afterwards to celebrate crossing the finish line! Refuel and Replenish your body with a hearty brunch at one of the area’s outstanding restaurants including, Herb Box. It is sure to satisfy any competitor’s appetite! 

 



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/ZZ6cN2
via IFTTT

Saturday, September 12, 2015

[Football] #19 Scottsdale CC Football Holds Off Glendale CC

The Scottsdale Community College Football team brought home a victory tonight over conference foe Glendale Community College by the score of 35-27.



from Scottsdale Community College Athletics - News http://ift.tt/1O8qgmk
via IFTTT

Friday, September 11, 2015

Arizona Fall League 2015: Names to Watch

Arizona Fall League returns this October and promises some of the best prospects since Mike Trout and Bryce Harper rolled through town. 25 of MLB.com’s top 100 prospects will be suiting up in Arizona this fall, headlined by J.P Crawford, Adam Brett Walker and Jurickson Profar.

J.P Crawford: Drafted straight out of high school in 2013, Crawford is a highly touted prospect in the Phillies organization. Everything about Crawford’s game points to a bright future in the Majors as a leadoff man. He puts the ball in play, gets on base and is a 40-steal threat. Pretty good for a 20 year old…

Adam Brett Walker: The Minnesota Twins have already promoted prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. Next in line is Adam Brett Walker. Think Adam Dunn type prospect with tons of power potential, but lots of k’s and a low average. Even with the flaws, Walker cranked 31 home runs with 106 RBI this past season in AA. Those numbers are hard to ignore.

Jurickson Profar: Rarely does the Fall League see a prospect with two Major League seasons under his belt, but that’s the case for Profar. He hasn’t played in a game since the end of the 2013 season due to injuries, and will use the Fall League as a rehab stint. Don’t forget who we’re talking about though, once the number one prospect in baseball and the Texas Rangers savior at second base.



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1KgjgS3
via IFTTT

Arizona Fall League Kicks Off

SaltRiverStadium_sm The Arizona Fall League officially begins its 2015 season in October. Top prospects from the around the majors have made their way to town and are looking to impress their big league clubs. Scottsdale plays host to two AFL teams, the Scottsdale Scorpions and the Salt River Rafters. The Scottsdale Scorpions call Scottsdale Stadium their home. Located right in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, Scottsdale stadium is the Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants. Come check out players from the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants organizations. Take a look at their schedule here. The Salt River Rafters are stationed at Salt River Fields, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies in the spring. You’ll find players from the New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals organizations on the Rafters. Check out their schedule right here: Don’t miss tomorrows stars begin their rise to the majors this fall in Scottsdale!

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

3 Must-See Equestrian Events This Fall

web_Arabian_Horse_Show_Horse_Lineup_JPG

Every fall, WestWorld of Scottsdale hosts some of the region’s most notable equestrian events, including the Arabian National Breeder Finals, Arizona Fall Championship, and The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. Showcasing premier horses from around the country, these three events embody the spirit that makes Scottsdale a renowned equestrian destination. 

1. Arabian Breeder Finals (September 30 – October 3, 2015): Arabian horse enthusiasts and breeders put their best “hoof” forward at the Arabian National Breeder Finals. This prestigious show offers the Arabian horse community the opportunity to showcase the very best the breed has to offer. Attendees will get to experience the beauty and elegance of these Arabian horses as they compete for the winning prize money. 

2. Arizona Fall Championship (October 7 – 11, 2015): Returning for a third year, the Arizona Fall Championship features some of the best show horses from around the country. The event continues to build on its success and popularity with an enticing line-up of classes, prizes and awards. Put on your riding boots and enjoy all the reining, riding, and roping at the Arizona Fall Championship. 

3. Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship (October 24, 2015): In its fifth year, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship is returning bigger, badder and better than ever. Last year’s event attracted the biggest crowd to date with over 12,000 fans in attendance, making it America’s most well-attended polo event. Experience some of the most athletic horses and polo players around at this signature Scottsdale event. 

Saddle up and trot on over to WestWorld of Scottsdale this fall because you don’t want to miss out on some of the most well-known equestrian events in the country. 



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1Q25Fhh
via IFTTT

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Forget the Foliage: 16 Reasons to Visit Scottsdale This Fall

Summer’s over, but that doesn’t mean you have to break out the parkas and snow shoes. As most of the country descends into an icy five months, Scottsdale hovers around the perfect line. With an average temperature of 83°F, there are so many reasons why forgetting the fall foliage and escaping to Scottsdale should be on the top of your list. Here are 16 of our top picks for fall:

waterfront Like we mentioned before, 83°F is the average high. Enjoy exploring the Sonoran Desert, golfing, horseback riding, perusing downtown Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Golf Now that we think about it, golf alone is another reason why Scottsdale is fabulous in the fall. While other courses around the country are iced over, Scottsdale is as green as ever.
Segway-Offroad Off-roading Segway tours. Why? Because taking something that a mall cop normally rides and throwing huge tires on it to run over rocks is awesome.
Scottsdale-Quarter Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter are terrific outdoor malls located across the street from each other. Trendy shops and that unbelievable weather make these malls an awesome day or night activity.
Resort Scottsdale is home to some of the best resorts in the world. Sometimes the best vacations are spent at the resort…by the pool…drink in hand.
Hot-Air-Balloon Hot Air Balloons. Because you won’t believe just how vast of view you can get hovering over the desert.
secrets You can uncover our best-kept secrets…
splash1 Sea planes. Yeah, bet you didn’t expect this one to be on the list.
el-Chorro-patio Picturesque restaurant patios. After a long day, the only way to unwind is with a meal in front of a fire pit with a nice, desert view in the background.
Sunsets. (See here, here, and here)
Horse-Statue-ART That ideal weather makes browsing all of our public art that much better.
Sunrises. (See here and here)
Empty-Trail There are acres upon acres of land in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve to explore, hike and bike.
Breakfast You can have one of the best breakfasts in the world at Bespoke Inn, Café & Bicycles.
Saguaro-Forest You get to see a Saguaro cactus in real life.
canyoneering You can go canyoneering with 360 Adventures, which is guaranteed to produce an Instagram worthy photo.
4Seasons_day-pool Because are you really going to pass up 83°F? No, we didn’t think so.

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

Saturday, September 5, 2015

[Football] Scottsdale CC Football Knocks Off #2 Arizona Western College

The Scottsdale Community College Football team opened up its season tonight with a huge win on the road against #2 nationally ranked Arizona Western College Matadors 21-0.



from Scottsdale Community College Athletics - News http://ift.tt/1Fquii1
via IFTTT

Friday, September 4, 2015

Walkable Downtown

Scottsdale-Canal-evening-shot

Scottsdale’s perennially sunny skies mean the weather is almost always perfect for a walking tour of downtown. From monumental art installations and historic sites to fine chocolates and the inside scoop on locals’ favorite restaurants, these tours will show you some of the best downtown Scottsdale has to offer.

On the self-guided Public Art Walking Tour, you’ll discover 10 of the city’s most-celebrated public art works. Your tour starts at the “Soleri Bridge & Plaza,” designed by the late Italian architect Paolo Soleri. At Donald Lipski’s “The Doors,” you’ll discover what it’s like to stand inside a giant kaleidoscope. And at “Knight Rise,” a James Turrell skyspace, you’ll witness the changing light of the desert sky. You can complete this tour in 60 minutes at a comfortable pace, but with all the enticing boutiques, galleries and restaurants you’ll see along the way, we recommend adding in some time for browsing.

Get a glimpse into Scottsdale’s past with the Historic Old Town Walking Tour. Another self-guided adventure, this tour takes you to colorful stops like Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop, Rusty Spur Saloon, Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor and the Little Red Schoolhouse, home of the Scottsdale Historical Museum. Plan to spend about 60 minutes on this tour, depending on how many stops you make along the way.

For a tasty tour, join the experts from Arizona Food Tours for “A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale.” Choose between the mid-day or dinner tour options, then get ready for a three-hour gastronomic romp through downtown. You’ll sample specialty dishes from half a dozen or so restaurants, with additional stops along the way to learn about the area’s history and heritage. Our best advice for this tour? Come hungry – you won’t want to miss a bite!

Truffles, cupcakes and gelato – oh, my! If you have a sweet tooth, Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale is the one for you. This two and half hour stroll takes you to some of downtown’s most “chocolicious” shops. Along the way you’ll learn fun facts about chocolate and have the opportunity to sample it in its various forms, from candy and baked goods to ice cream and hot chocolate. It’s a chocoholic’s dream!



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

5 Reasons to Attend the Brazilian Day Festival

brazilian-day-festival

The Brazilian Day Festival is much more than an event – it is an open window to explore Brazil’s diverse, historic and colorful culture. The award-winning celebration has become the perfect place for all ages to see, hear, touch and taste their way through Brazil’s culture, both past and present. Taking place on September 19, this multi-sensory event is guaranteed to be an incredible experience of music, dance, art and culture infused with the infectious energy of Brazil. 

LISTEN – You can’t celebrate Brazilian Independence Day without some of the most well-known styles of Brazilian music. Step outside the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and listen to the sounds of live bands performing Pagode, Samba, Funk, Forro and Samba-Reggae fill the air. With more than 50 musicians, dancers, and performers, this year’s music lineup will make you wish you were at the real Carnaval! Performances from Grupo Cupim do Samba, Delta Nove and DJ Seduce will have you on your feet and dancing to the beat in no time. 

TOUCH – Attendees will be given the chance to play with some of Brazil’s most well-known percussive instruments. The hands-on experience allows you to truly immerse yourself in the big percussive sounds and beats that are heard around the world! 

SMELL & TASTE – If you love food, imagine walking into the Brazilian Day Festival and discovering a new world of taste-tempting opportunities. Let your nostrils take in the enticing aroma of delicious Brazilian cuisine and other cultural dishes. Aromas so good, you have to taste. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the authentic flavors from Brazil, Argentina and other countries that help make the Brazilian Day Festival a delicious place to be. 

WATCH – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Capoeira are two forms of Brazilian martial arts that you simply have to stop and watch. Observe as instructors demonstrate the importance of self-defense through quick and complex moves using power, speed and leverage. 

Brazilian Day Festival Arizona is the largest, most authentic Brazilian Independence Day Festival in Arizona, drawing more than 10,000 people since its inception. Make your way to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on September 19, 2015, and be one of the thousands of people to join together in celebrating the culture, history, and freedom that is Brazil.



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

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Set Your Sights On Scottsdale’s Stellar Skies

With vast open skies offering plenty of stargazing opportunities, Scottsdale is known as a stellar site for celestial activities. Visitors can partake in a variety of experiences from one-on-one viewings with astronomers to guided night-vision Hummer tours in the desert. And it’s not just astronomers looking to the stars. Several Scottsdale spas feature on-site astrologers ready to align the planets and give guests insight into the future.

JEWELS IN THE DESERT
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (http://ift.tt/1fWlXal), Boulders Resort & Spa (www.theboulders.com), Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia(http://ift.tt/1zfTS9Y),  and JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa (www.camelbackinn.com) offer Sky Jewels™ (www.gemland.com), a local stargazing program that holds one- and four-hour long astronomy tours that change as often as the night sky. Depending on the time of year, guests can locate Jupiter, Saturn, the Orion Nebula, Mars and other stellar sights. Richard Allen hosts all sessions using state-of- the-art telescopes and star charts, and he tells awe-inspiring stories about the heavens above. The sessions are complimentary to resort guests. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale also offers telescopes in the resort suites and constellation charts as a turn-down amenity.

ADVENTURES IN STARGAZING
What better way to experience Scottsdale’s starry nights than on a Hummer excursion through the Sonoran Desert? Offered by Stellar Adventures (http://ift.tt/1fWlW6f), this three- to four-hour tour departs at dusk. It takes guests on a memorable experience through desert landscapes on the way to a remote observation area, with an astronomer pointing out constellations and celestial wonders along the way.

During sunset, drive your own desert vehicle through the Sonoran Desert with Desert Wolf Tours (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfP). You’ll hop into a Tomcar, a vehicle originally developed for the Israeli Defense Forces, and with only the illumination of a roof-mounted LED light and the taillights of your guide, you’ll get a true experience of a pitch black desert as you navigate over washes, rocks and ridges. You’ll spot nocturnal creatures including scorpions, desert mice, coyotes and more.

DINING UNDER THE SONORAN DESERT SKY
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale offers customizable Celestial Picnics, a deluxe basket packed by Executive Chef Mel Mecinas with all of the traditional accoutrements based on your tastes. The picnic includes a blanket and constellation chart and the meal can be paired with a bottle of champagne or wine. Other enhancements include a telescope for stargazing, a musician, a photographer, or a personal butler for the evening.

IT’S IN THE STARS
The Phoenician
’s Centre for Well-Being (http://ift.tt/U3fte2) has an intuitive guide that helps you achieve serenity of the spirit through astrology readings. Gain insight into the past, present and future using a personalized chart calculated from your birth date, birth time and birthplace. Readings are 80 minutes long and provide powerful tools for self-understanding and personal development.

Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia offers a Wellness menu with spa services that include everything from Numerology to Astrology. You’ll uncover the secrets of the Earth’s cycle, such as how it affects your place in the world. You’ll become more in-tune with your spirit, as well as receive insight into your life path.

NIGHTTIME FUN
What’s more romantic than a relaxing massage beneath the stars? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Well & Being Spa (http://ift.tt/1disZIM) offers the Moonlit Romance Couple’s Massage. The couple’s spa suite connects to an outdoor patio. Listen to the sounds of the waterfalls in the spa courtyard as you relax side- by-side with your love during the 90-minute treatment.

Guided night bike rides at the Boulders Resort & Spa are the perfect way to explore and learn about the property’s desert surroundings. Wearing halogen light hats, you are given an intimate view of the Sonoran Desert at night. Your guide will point out the local wildlife and plant life, and you may spot some of the coyotes, javelina and jackrabbits known to roam the property in the evenings.

On the eve of the full moon each month, stretch out those weary muscles during Moonlight Yoga in the resort’s serene Organic Garden.  The Boulders also offers a night walking excursion, where you’ll see the desert night as never before. Led by the resort’s expert guide, you’ll use hiking headlamps and night vision monoculars to see the unique surroundings while learning about the geology, history, and flora and fauna. The excursion also visits areas that might otherwise be missed, such as ancient sites used by the American Indians that walked the grounds centuries ago.

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



from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1Jzp2u9
via IFTTT

Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert Spa Secrets

Scottsdale’s spas are pampering guests with treatments based on Sonoran Desert elements like Arizona river rocks, natural woven fibers, Arizona honey, and desert herbs. Here, spa therapists have truly perfected the art of marrying age-old, time-tested American Indian remedies and healing techniques with modern-day indulgences.

THE SPA AT CAMELBACK INN (www.camelbackinn.com
Inspired by the ancient healing rituals of Arizona’s first inhabitants, the American Indians, the Adobe Clay Purification Treatment uses pure red adobe clay to relax the muscles and draw out impurities. The entire body is exfoliated with a cactus-fiber cloth and Southwestern-inspired aromatherapy soap to remove the clay before a body massage with warm juniper and sage oils.

The Desert Nectar Honey Wrap drenches skin with a creamy mixture of pure Arizona honey, buttermilk and oats. A fragrant conditioner is massaged into the scalp and hair to bring out a radiant shine. The body is rinsed and the skin is treated with a rich hydrating cream. The face is left baby soft after it’s cleansed by a hydrating facial of natural orange blossom water, sweet lavender oil, and a light cucumber mask.

THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH (http://ift.tt/1fWlXal)
The invigorating Healing Hiker’s Massage utilizes mountain arnica and sage to ease inflammation and soreness after an adventurous day of hiking. This full body massage places special emphasis on the legs to help rejuvenate those tired muscles from hiking at nearby Pinnacle Peak Park.

The desert-inspired Jojoba and Prickly Pear Body Polish uncovers the skin’s natural glow and is rich in jojoba and plant antioxidants. Prickly pear sugar scrub is applied and then rinsed under a Vichy shower. The treatment continues with a loofah-applied prickly pear body wash and concludes with an essential omega-3 and omega-6 nourishing finish of prickly pear and jojoba body butter.

AGAVE, THE ARIZONA SPA AT THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT (http://ift.tt/1e0aFAo)
Skin can be parched by the hot desert sun, but the Agave Enchantment is a hydrating treatment that softens skin and increases blood circulation. A body mask, rich in desert plant extracts, is applied in order to stimulate and rejuvenate. The combination of agave extract and essential oils restores balance and brings a sense of well-being to the spirit. The experience finishes with a light application of the spa’s signature Agave oil.

THE SPA AT THE BOULDERS RESORT (www.theboulders.com)
With a new “intention-based” menu, the Spa at the Boulders taps into the surrounding Sonoran Desert and American Indian legacy. Spa-goers choose between Desert Zen Experiences, Global Shaman Experiences and Radiant Oasis Experiences. Each intention incorporates scents from the resort’s Organic Garden and the surrounding desert flora.

The resort’s signature treatment, the Turquoise Wrap, is one of the Global Shaman Experiences. It’s based on the American Indian belief that turquoise is a protective stone that creates a sense of peace and well- being. The treatment begins with a bath in the hydrotherapy tub using turquoise bath oils. A dry brush massage with blue cornmeal follows the bath and then a rinse in the Vichy shower and a wrap with ionized turquoise clay. The therapist performs a smudging ceremony, a traditional American Indian practice in which sage, sweet grass and cedar are burned to purify the body, space and spirit. The treatment finishes with a warm honey mask to rehydrate skin before an application of rosehip lotion.

WELL & BEING AT FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS (http://ift.tt/1disZIM)
The two-hour Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation is named after an American Indian tribe located in Northwestern Arizona. It begins with a body exfoliation of ultra-fine desert salts infused with indigenous essential oils and continues with a warm herbal bath. An application of rich jojoba body butter prepares the skin for a warm massage with smooth riverbed stones to wake up tired muscles. While the body is cocooned in a warm wrap, infused oil is streamed over the forehead, melting away stress. To finish the total-body experience, a soothing scalp massage is performed for the ultimate stress reliever.

THE SPA AT TALKING STICK (http://ift.tt/1disXAO
Talking Stick Resort’s 14th floor open-air spa uses traditional American Indian ingredients harvested from its Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community gardens. The Peaceful Healing massage— traditionally used to heal farmers, hunters and weary travelers— applies raw Pima cotton poultices filled with steaming desert herbs in a rhythmic pressure to renew vitality and balance.

The Sweet Mesquite & Honey body therapy begins with a gentle polish of mesquite, salts and grains designed to open pores. To protect and purify, a mask of jojoba butter and mesquite honey is applied. Then your body is wrapped in soft muslin to help absorb the botanicals. Relaxation continues with desert dew, a toning and lifting facial massage, followed by the spa’s signature sweet mesquite body lotion for vibrant and bright skin.

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



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

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

[Football] SCC Football Opens Up Their Season On The Road At #2 Arizona Western College This ...

The Scottsdale Community College Football team will begin their 2015 season this year against the #2 nationally ranked Arizona Western Matadors.



from Scottsdale Community College Athletics - News http://ift.tt/1KForLK
via IFTTT