Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned regular, here are 10 uniquely Scottsdale experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This expansive urban preserve, the largest of its kind in the nation, boasts 170 miles of scenic hiking trails in the McDowell Mountain foothills. The Gateway trailhead offers access to numerous paths, ranging from the ADA accessible Bajada Nature Trail to the challenging Windgate Pass Trail.
2. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright was so captivated by the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and sunny climate that he chose Scottsdale as the location for his winter home and architectural school, Taliesin West. Daily tours offer guests an insider’s look into Wright’s ingenious designs and his ability to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces.
3. Musical Instrument Museum
Discover unique instruments and music from around the world at MIM! High-tech headphones and multi-media displays immerse you in global musical traditions, while the hands-on Experience Gallery lets aspiring musicians of all ages try their hand at instruments like guitars, gongs and gamelans.
4. Downtown Scottsdale
Downtown’s nine walkable neighborhoods offer you a variety of experiences by day and night. Discover historic Scottsdale in Old Town, browse the galleries of the arts district, shop along Fifth Avenue or discover the energy of Scottsdale after dark in the Entertainment District.
5. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
This downtown gem celebrates the pioneer spirit of the American West through changing exhibitions of fine art, rare historic artifacts and cultural treasures. Be sure to check out the museum’s event calendar for live music, speakers and Western film screenings.
6. A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale Tours
Arizona Food tours offers both lunch and progressive dinner tours that will give you the inside scoop on downtown Scottsdale’s dining scene. Each tour stops at approximately five restaurants, where you’ll be treated to gourmet samplings and, in many cases, hear directly from the chefs about their cuisine.
7. Desert Botanical Garden
The Garden’s five paved, thematic trails introduce you to thousands of arid-land plants from around the world. Must-see events at the Garden include Las Noches de las Luminarias, the Music in the Garden concert series, and summer Flashlight Tours.
8. Heard Museum
The Heard’s award-winning collections explore the Native American cultures of the Southwest. Frequent art and cultural demonstrations, as well as annual events like the World Hoop Dance Championship (Feb.) and Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market (March), give you the opportunity to meet and talk with Native artists from various tribes.
9. Desert Belle Tour Boat
For a relaxing desert experience, join the Desert Belle for a 90-minute cruise on Saguaro Lake. This 143-passenger, two-level boat gives you a close look at the region’s native flora and fauna while navigating one of the Valley’s most pristine Sonoran Desert canyons.
10. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
SMoCA celebrates the modern art, architecture and design of our time through thought-provoking, changing exhibitions. The museum, an ingenious renovation of an old movie theater by architect Will Bruder, also is home to “Knight Rise,” a James Turrell skyspace that allows you to track the sun’s colorful path across the desert sky.
from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1VdHwcE
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