Eclectic Array of Offerings in Downtown Scottsdale

Take one look at downtown Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/17XZY2D) and it’s easy to see what makes it so original. Composed of a unique collection of shops, restaurants, galleries and nightclubs, downtown is rich with history and filled with the spirit of both the new and Old West. In addition to being pedestrian friendly, the area is home to a free trolley service that makes getting around even easier. Constantly evolving, downtown is perfect for those who desire an authentic taste of Arizona’s history and culture or for travelers who seek a chic, urban escape with the finest in dining and entertainment.

Fashion Square District
In addition to entertainment and dining, Scottsdale Fashion Square (http://ift.tt/IthxM7), the largest shopping destination in the Southwest, offers a collection of more than 250 high-end retailers including favorite luxury shops like Barneys New York, Prada, lululemon and kate spade. Recognized as one of the top visitor destinations in Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a retail powerhouse, unequalled in its ability to deliver premier brands to exclusive shoppers.

Scottsdale Waterfront
The Waterfront district makes its home along the north side of the historic Arizona Canal. The $250 million Scottsdale Waterfront (http://ift.tt/1dBsYzZ) development sprawls 1.1 million square feet. The area features two luxury residences Broadstrone Waterfront Residences and Scottsdale Waterfront Residences, several restaurants like Olive & Ivy Restaurant + Marketplace (http://ift.tt/1NEHTtP) and Culinary Dropout (http://ift.tt/1ijFXsd), and local and national retail shops. Scottsdale Waterfront also features ample public open space, an outdoor amphitheater, recreation paths along the canal, and eye-catching public art. The district’s must-see art pieces are The Doors, a three-story, walk-in kaleidoscope structure, and Soleri Bridge and Plaza, which connects Scottsdale Waterfront to the rest of downtown and evokes the late designer Paolo Soleri’s fascination with solar movement.

SouthBridge district
Along the south side of the canal is SouthBridge District (http://ift.tt/1NEHQyh), a three-acre retail, dining and cultural center that defies strip mall culture with its no-chains-allowed mentality. The $41 million development boasts more than 30,000 square feet of retail space and restaurants such as Marcellino Ristorante (http://ift.tt/1NEHTtR), the herb box (www.theherbbox.com) and Barrio Queen (www.barrioqueen.com), along with boutiques like J. Gilbert Footwear and Amy, Inc. Every spot at SouthBridge is unique in design and concept. Both the SouthBridge and Waterfront districts host events throughout the year as well.

Fifth Avenue District
The Fifth Avenue District (http://ift.tt/1F3S4QL) combines the ambiance of old Scottsdale with some of Arizona’s best restaurants, unique shops, salons, contemporary art and Native American galleries, upscale jewelers, and nightlife. Nearly 30 eateries and more than 80 specialty shops are within a five-minute walk of Bob Parks’ Horse Fountain, one of Arizona’s most photographed spots. Visit Fifth Avenue for a daytime shopping and dining experience, an afternoon of being pampered in a salon, or an exciting evening at several nightspots along the storybook street.

Entertainment District
This area of Scottsdale is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of shopping and sight-seeing. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening of chatter and drinks over a great meal or a night on the dance floor, Scottsdale’s entertainment district is sure to satisfy. The pedestrian-friendly area is filled with packed dance floors at Maya Day + Nightclub and INTL Scottsdale, along with chic lounges like The Mint Ultra Lounge (www.themintaz.com) and Red Revolver Lounge. New to the scene is Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row (http://ift.tt/17XZVUy), a 1920s-style saloon with a new country vibe, and Bottled Blonde Pizzeria & Beer Garden (http://ift.tt/1lW48hS), a retro-inspired spot with an expansive beer selection. Then there’s the granddaddy of them all – W Scottsdale (http://ift.tt/IthzU9) – and its three see-and-be-seen bars, including the lobby lounge, Living Room, and two open-air, rooftop bars, Shade and Sunset Lawn.

Brown & Stetson Business Corridor
This corridor is home to an enclave of established companies, but that doesn’t mean the area is all work and no play. Wasted Grain is the newest addition to the corridor. Stop by for happy hour, where prices mirror the stock exchange and vary based on demand. Spend an evening in the comfy, intimate taproom of local beer-maker Badwater Brewing to sample its IPA, Saison or Western Lager while munching on a cheese and charcuterie board.

Scottsdale Arts District
The Scottsdale Arts District holds the majority of downtown’s more than 60 art galleries and comes to life every Thursday night from 7 to 9 p.m. with the country’s original event of its kind, Scottsdale ArtWalk (http://ift.tt/IthAau), along Main Street and Marshall Way. Featuring one of the largest concentrations of galleries in the United States, the district showcases artwork that ranges from the traditional to the most cutting-edge of contemporary. The Arts District is not only a great draw for well-versed collectors, but also for travelers looking for the perfect addition to their home. Enjoy super-sized ArtWalks throughout the year, including the Summer Spectacular ArtWalk (July), Anniversary ArtWalk (October), Fall for the Arts ArtWalk (November) and Holiday ArtWalk (December).

Just down the street is Bespoke Inn, Café & Bicycles (www.bespokeinn.com), Scottsdale’s first and only bed and breakfast. With its four bespoke guestrooms, on-site restaurant Virtù Honest Craft (http://ift.tt/1ehTQPe), infinity-edge pool and a bicycle shop, Bespoke Inn is full of charm. While perusing the galleries, stop by Scottsdale’s newest world class attraction, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (http://ift.tt/1F3bx4I). The 43,000-square-foot museum showcases the history of the entire American West through innovative, rotating exhibits. 

Old Town Scottsdale
Want to experience a taste of the Old West? A stroll through Old Town takes you back to the original Scottsdale, the heart of the “West’s Most Western Town” that began more than 100 years ago. Amidst eight designated historic buildings lie treasures that range from Western wear and Southwest jewelry to home décor and dining. For a taste of Scottsdale history, stop by Cavalliere Blacksmith Shop, which although established in the early 1900s continues to serve as a working blacksmith shop, or Rusty Spur Saloon (http://ift.tt/17VeYMF), a cowboy bar hangout that housed the Farmer’s State Bank of Scottsdale from 1921 to 1933. Enjoy live music on the weekends, including Scottsdale’s own singing cowboy, Gary Sprague, on top of trusty stead Dusty. Stop by the Old Adobe Mission (http://ift.tt/1NEHQyj), one of three remaining adobe structures in downtown Scottsdale. It was originally built by Mexican immigrant families in the 1930s. Today, the church hosts special events and weddings, and it is currently undergoing renovations to add a historical gallery. The district also is home to the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market, which runs every Saturday, and features the best local growers and restaurants in the area.

Civic Center Park
The pedestrian-friendly Civic Center Park houses the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (http://ift.tt/1gITnxe), Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (www.smoca.org) and Scottsdale Stadium, which plays host to the San Francisco Giants each year for spring training. The Civic Center Park is sprinkled with several public art installations, including Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculpture, and it hosts Native Trails (http://ift.tt/17Msq7K), a series of free festivals that showcase the culture and traditions of Arizona’s American Indians, January through April each year. The Saguaro (www.thesaguaro.com) is a hip boutique hotel situated on the edge of the Park and boasts the colorful, vibrant spirit of the Southwest in design and décor

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Tel: 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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Storied Sonoran Desert

Scottsdale’s growth spurt in the ‘70s and ‘80s prompted a citizen-initiated preservation effort that resulted in a plan to protect nearly one-third of the city as the natural Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve (http://ift.tt/1bRTNfM). Today, this Preserve plays host to hikers, horseback riders and outdoor enthusiasts who delight in the region’s ancient Indian artifacts and wildlife, such as coyotes, Gila monsters, desert tortoises, chuckwallas, javelinas, deer, and mountain lions. The rise in citizen activism, led by the non-profit McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, has helped build support for the preservation effort.

Currently, 30,200 acres of the planned 34,000-acre Preserve are protected. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is working with Scottsdale city officials to facilitate the purchase of the remaining 3,800 acres of state trust land, making it the largest city-owned preserve in the United States. The Preserve is home to more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. It’s an area that embodies the region’s Western heritage with a wide range of plants and animals only seen in Arizona.

Making the Preserve more accessible for outdoor explorers is the $4 million Gateway Trailhead, which opened in May 2009. Designed as more of a destination than a trailhead, the Gateway is home to a state- of-the-art amphitheater, breathtaking vistas of pristine desert, and unbeatable views of every peak in the McDowell Mountain Range. The facility boasts restrooms, shade ramadas, a dog comfort station, hitching rails and more. Of particular interest is the award-winning Bajada Nature Trail, the only barrier-free trail in Scottsdale allowing anyone, from the visually impaired to those in motorized wheelchairs, to enjoy the Preserve. Situated on the Preserve’s northern slope, Tom’s Thumb Trailhead gives a firsthand look at the indigenous flora and fauna. It is joined by Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, offering hikers, bikers and horseback riders a look into the history of the area through exhibits that feature local ranchers.

Outdoor enthusiasts can join one of the Conservancy’s stewards on private guided interpretive hikes throughout the year. Try the three-hour Geology Story hike to examine the area’s geological history, from the mountains’ bedrock to the scenic skyline. Or embark on the three-hour, four mile Nature’s Pharmacy hike to gain insight into how American Indians used plants for food, shelter, rituals and medicines. During these guided hikes, the stewards give visitors a new perspective of the Sonoran Desert environment.

In addition to connecting visitors more easily with Scottsdale’s environment, the Gateway Trailhead also is architecturally significant because its on-site administrative building has been certified as meeting the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum standards. Not only were rock and soil excavated from the area used to build the walls of the administrative building, but workers on the construction project also recycled about 90 percent of the waste from the development. Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve also is expected to house the future Desert Discovery Center, which is envisioned to provide opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the story of the Sonoran Desert through interactive exhibits and environmental experiences.

The Scottsdale Resident-initiated preservation program is only one chapter in the City’s efforts to preserve the spectacular Sonoran Desert scenery and engage in eco-friendly practices. The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and local tourism businesses are taking the necessary steps to ensure that Scottsdale is engaging in sustainable tourism. A number of Scottsdale hotels and resorts are involved with sustainable practices by using energy efficient lights, purchasing organic fruits and vegetables, providing optional laundry services for guest linens and towels, using reclaimed water for golf courses and landscaping, and more. Other efforts by the Scottsdale tourism community include conserving natural resources through solid waste management, water conservation and energy management.

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: mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com 
http://ift.tt/1disXR3

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Celebrities Spotted In Scottsdale

Scottsdale has been the desert playground of choice for celebrities since the 1950s when classic Hollywood stars like Zsa Zsa Gabor and Bing Crosby graced the corridors of Hotel Valley Ho (http://ift.tt/Qz4FCs) with their elegant style and charm. By 1957, most of Hollywood had found its second home at the resort – and in Scottsdale – when Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood said their “I dos” at the now historic property. Hotel Valley Ho’s tennis courts also were stomping grounds for several stars and the lobby lounge was a favorite of Jimmy Durante, who would fight fits of insomnia with spontaneous concerts on the hotel piano.

Today’s celebrities are following in the footsteps of these timeless Hollywood stars, making Scottsdale their Sonoran Desert haven for rest and relaxation – far from the prying lenses of the paparazzi and congested streets of Los Angeles and New York City. Scottsdale’s amenities have grown exponentially since the days of Bing, and current VIPs are taking full advantage of the city’s stylish resorts, world-class shopping and dynamic nightlife.

Everyone’s favorite hip-hop power couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, ditched the beaches of Saint-Tropez to celebrate their honeymoon at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (www.sanctuaryaz.com). And who could forget that star-studded week of Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015 when downtown Scottsdale hosted the likes of George Clooney, Usher and John Legend. But Scottsdale’s list of celebrity visitors certainly doesn’t end there. The following is just a sample of celebrity favorites that have stayed and played at some of Scottsdale’s finest.

 Hotel Valley Ho
311, band
Amare Stoudemire, basketball player for Miami Heat
Diane Keaton, actress, “Annie Hall,”
Hugh Jackman, actor, “Les Misérables,” “X-Men”
Ice Cube, rapper, actor
Jamie Foxx, singer and actor, “Django Unchained,” “Ray,” “The Kingdom”
Katy Perry, singer
Luke Wilson, actor, “Old School,” “Royal Tenenbaums”
Rainn Wilson, actor, “The Office”
Vampire Weekend, band
Vince Neil, singer for Mötley Crüe
Yo- Yo Ma, cellist

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Arnold Palmer, golf legend
Cindy Crawford, supermodel
Diana Ross, singing legend
Gerald Ford, former president of the United States
Jack Nicklaus, golf legend
Kevin Costner, actor, “Dances with Wolves,” “Tin Cup”
Liza Minelli, musical legend
Michael Douglas, actor, “Basic Instinct,” “A Perfect Murder”
Michael Jordan, basketball hall-of-famer
Mike Myers, actor, “Austin Powers,” “Shrek,” “Saturday Night Live”
Naomi Campbell, model
Olivia Newton-John, singer and actress, “Grease”
Ray Charles, musical legend
Robin Williams, actor, “Patch Adams,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Good Will Hunting”
Serena Williams, professional tennis player

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Bill Clinton, former President of the United States
Craig Ferguson, comedian, former “Late Late Show” host
Ice T and Coco, rapper, actor/actress, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Ice Loves Coco”
John McCain, Arizona State Senator
Karina Smirnoff, dancer, “Dancing with the Stars”
President Barack Obama
Taylor Swift, singer and songwriter
Toby Keith, country singer

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Bobby Flay, celebrity chef
Britney Spears, singer
Drea De Matteo, actress, “Swordfish,” “The Sopranos”
Fleetwood Mac
Gene Hackman, actor “Behind Enemy Lines,” “Superman”
Jay-Z and Beyoncé, rapper and singer
Lisa Loeb, singer
Mikhail Baryshnikov, ballet legend
Muhammad Ali, boxing legend
Stevie Nicks, singer for Fleetwood Mac
Usher, singer
Vince Vaughn, actor, “The Break Up,” “Wedding Crashers,” “The Internship”

Scottsdale Fashion Square
Angelina Jolie, actress, “Wanted,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
Christie Brinkley, model
Jennifer Aniston, actress, “Friends,” “The Break Up,” “Horrible Bosses”
Kate Spade, fashion designer
Kelly Rowland, singer
Mario Lopez, actor, “Saved by the Bell,” “Access Hollywood’
Sarah Jessica Parker, actress, “Sex and the City”
Selena Gomez, singer and actress, “Hotel Transylvania,” “Spring Breakers”
Tim Gunn, TV personality, “Project Runway,” “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style”

Southbridge District
Al Pacino, actor, “Scarface,” “The Godfather,” “The Devil’s Advocate”
Jenny McCarthy, actress and author
Joey Fatone, TV personality and singer, N*sync
Lacey Chabert, actress, “Mean Girls,” “Party of Five”
Tamara Feldman, actress, “Dirty, Sexy, Money”
Wyclef Jean, musician

The Hermosa Inn
Clark Gable, legendary actor
David Koechner, comedian and actor, “The Office”
David Spade, comedian and actor, “Tommy Boy,” “Saturday Night Live”
Diane Ladd, actress, “Rambling Rose,” “Touched by an Angel”
Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State
Hugh Downs, broadcast legend
Jane Seymour, actress, “Live and Let Die,” “Wedding Crashers”
Jeffrey Siegel, pianist
John Wayne, legendary actor
Kate Spade, fashion designer
Kenny Loggins, singer
Olivia Newton John, singer and actress
Tyrese Gibson, model, actor and singer
Whitney Houston, legendary actress and singer

TPC Scottsdale
Alice Cooper, musician
Bill Clinton, former president of the United States
Bill Murray, actor, “Ghostbusters,” “Groundhog Day”
George Lopez, comedian
George W. Bush, former president of the United States
Josh Duhamel, actor, “Las Vegas,” “Transformers”
Justin Timberlake, singer and actor

W Scottsdale
Bai Ling, actress, “A Beautiful Life,” “Lords of Dogtown”
Brittany Snow, actress, “Pitch Perfect,” “Hairspray”
Fall Out Boy, band
Giovanni Ribisi, actor, “Public Enemies,” “Call of Duty”
James Caan, actor, “The Godfather,” “Get Smart”
Jamie Foxx, musician and actor
Jordin Sparks, singer and American Idol winner
Luke Wilson, actor, “Old School,”  “The Royal Tenenbaums”
Usher, singer

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications
Tel: 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 Coordinator
Tel: 480-889-2719
E-mail: spressler@scottsdalecvb.com 
Visit us at http://ift.tt/1disXR3

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Scottsdale tees up outstanding values on fall golf

The dog days of summer are nearly done, and the holidays are just around the corner. But that doesn’t mean your golf clubs need to go into hibernation. If you’re dreaming of green fairways and bright sunshine, there’s no place quite like Scottsdale. Between Labor Day and New Year’s Eve, Scottsdale offers warm days, cool nights and outstanding golf packages from which to choose.

“From early fall through the first of the year is generally my favorite time to be in Scottsdale,” said Brandel Chamblee, former PGA TOUR player, current Golf Channel analyst and Scottsdale golf ambassador. “The weather is beautiful, and the golf courses are pristine. Yet the throngs of visitors have yet to arrive, so tee times and great prices are easy to come by.”

Among the seasonal highlights is Boulders Resort & Spa’s Stay-and-Play package. You’ll stay in one of the celebrated resorts’ private casitas, while enjoying one round of golf per person per night on either of the Boulders two acclaimed golf courses, and a $25 per person lunch voucher. In between rounds of golf, head over to the Spa at the Boulders for unlimited fitness classes. Rates start at $427 per night, double occupancy until Oct. 10, and $589 per night, double occupancy Oct. 11 to Dec. 31.  

Likewise, the renowned JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is offering its Unlimited Golf Package. Unwind in a luxurious casita guest room, chow down on complimentary breakfast each morning, and head out to the course for a day of unlimited golf on either of the resort’s two courses, including the new Ambiente Course. Spend that extra cash you saved at the resort’s golf, spa and tennis retail shops, where you’ll receive a 20 percent discount. Seasonal rates start at $279 per room, per night, double occupancy. The package is available until April 30.

For those with PGA TOUR dreams, the AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess gives you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of your heroes with its Championship Golf Package. Enjoy nightly accommodations at the resort and one round of golf each day at TPC Scottsdale, home of the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, and Grayhawk Golf Club, former host site of the PGA TOUR’s Fry’s.com Open. Take advantage of the package’s other offerings, including complimentary ground transportation to and from the golf courses, complimentary use of the practice facilities prior to play, and dedicated golf concierge to book your tee times. Rates vary by season with prices starting at $219 per room, per night based upon double occupancy.

Not to be outdone, Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North has teamed with Troon Golf to create the Four Seasons Getaway.  Your stay will include two nights’ accommodations at the Sonoran Desert hideaway, plus one round of golf per person on either of Troon North’s acclaimed Monument and Pinnacle golf courses, two of the highest rated golf courses in the nation. Fall pricing starts at $400 per person, per night, double occupancy.

For a unique luxury experience in the heart of Scottsdale, book Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch golf package, which combines overnight accommodations at the resort, complimentary breakfast, and golf for you and a friend at the private Gainey Ranch Golf Club. And you won’t want to miss out on the swag. You’ll receive a welcome gift that includes tees, ball marker, repair tool, yardage guide and bag tag. The package is available until Dec. 31, and ^.rates vary.

Talking Stick Resort, on the neighboring Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, is amping up its allure with its new Fairway to Heaven package. You’ll be in absolute heaven after playing some exceptional Coore/Crenshaw golf at Talking Stick Golf Club. You’ll unwind during either a 60-minute athletic massage or 60-minute repair and prevent facial at the resort’s acclaimed 14^th floor spa. Rates start at $359 per night, and the package is valid through Dec. 31.

Stay, play and soak up the serene Sonoran Desert beauty on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation when you book We-Ko-Pa Resort and Conference Center a Stay-and-Play package. You’ll stay overnight at the newly remodeled resort and head straight onto the course to play one round of golf on either of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s two stellar courses – both of which are consistently ranked among the tops in the state. The package is available until April 30, and rates start at $129 per night, double occupancy.

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

Media Contact:
Jerry Rose, Communication Links
480-348-7540
jrose@commlinks.com

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9 Labor Day Ideas

Labor Day weekend signals the end of the summer (well, at least for the rest of the country), so don’t mess it up! Scottsdale boasts attractions to fill any weekend itinerary and makes for a great starting point for day trips showcasing the Grand Canyon state’s scenery. Plan out your weekend with us before you hibernate* for the winter!

*Hibernating for the winter in Scottsdale mostly involves awesome outdoor activities, since the season’s average high is 70°.

Labor Day Dreamcation at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Say ‘bon voyage’ to the last days of summer in sea-style with our 5th annual Labor Day Dreamcation weekend September 4 – 7, 2015 and features South Seas cruise ship themed activities the whole family will enjoy throughout the day and into the night.

Play a round of Golf

You already know by now that Scottsdale is a premier golf destination, right? If not, you need to get up to speed!  From well-known courses on the PGA tour like the TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk, to the hidden gems in Raven Golf Club (home of the Bubba Watson hover craft) and SunRidge Canyon, Scottsdale is a golfers dream.

Trek around with 360 Adventures

There’s a difference between hiking and canyoneering…a big difference. 360 Adventures offers two types of canyoneering, wet and dry. If you choose the wet tour, get ready swim, other than that, the tours are relatively similar. If you’re a fan of climbing over rocks and then repelling down them, instead of just walking up a hill, then this tour is for you.

Photo Credit: CEBImagery

Go Get in the Water

That’s right, we’re not all desert out here! Several lakes and rivers surround Scottsdale and are perfect for enjoying a long weekend on. Go boating, fishing or even stand up paddle boarding while you enjoy the unique mix of water and desert!

Go Wine Tasting

Head south of Tucson to discover some of Arizona’s wine country. With premier wineries like Dos Cabezas and Kief-Joshua Vineyards, you’ll soon discover why Arizona is one of the most underrated wine producers in the country. Don’t be surprised if you find your new favorite wine at one of the local vineyards! Can’t make it out of town?  Check out the Arizona wine selection at Lawrence Dunham Vineyards Wine Gallery in downtown Scottsdale.

Photo Credit: Sean Dustman

Take a day trip to Prescott

Known as “Everybody’s hometown”, Prescott was once the capitol of the Arizona territory and that thriving history still shines through today. With events at the town square, countless outdoor activities and Whiskey Row to keep the fun rolling at night, Prescott (a quick 90 minute drive from Scottsdale) is one of Arizona’s great finds.

Rock out at the MIM

The Music Instrument Museum houses over 15,000 instruments from around the world and makes a great place to see, hear and explore. Artist exhibits include the likes of John Lennon, Toby Keith, Taylor Swift, and Elvis Presley.

Or Maybe at AZ Reggae Fest

AZ Reggae Fest is considered the largest reggae event in Arizona. Viewed as a prominent annual event, this music festival fosters synergy between the community and builds a bridge that connects various cultures in one place, at one time. This highly anticipated festival features live performances from local, national, and international recording artists. So bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy the music, food and culture this Labor Day weekend at WestWorld in Scottsdale.

Climb a Wall at AZ on the Rocks

If you want both true adventure and the chill of air conditioning, AZ on the Rocks is your place. With 14,000square feet of climbing space,onsite training and routes for beginner to advanced climbers, anyone can go and scale the walls! Test your climbing skills in the bouldering (free climbing) area of the gym and perfect your balance on the slack line.

Labor Day is the unofficial “end of summer” for destinations where freezing temperatures are just around the corner. It leaves residents and visitors of those places scrambling to get last minute activities in the schedule. It doesn’t quite work like that in Scottsdale. Labor Day weekend here is the unofficial, So don’t rush, just relax and take in all of Scottsdale in this Labor Day weekend.

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Scottsdale’s Extreme Makeovers

There’s always something exciting happening in Scottsdale and this year is no different! The next twelve months will see the completion of exciting renovations at several of Scottsdale’s most popular meeting-centric resorts.

Come summer 2016, the AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will boast an additional 102 guest rooms, including three luxury suites, for a total of 750 guest rooms. This expansion complements the resort’s Princess and Palomino conference centers which offer a combined total of 156,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Other property upgrades include the new 6,900-square-foot Sunset Beach pool, Great Lawn function space, and expansions and upgrades to the existing Western Town event venue.

The Boulders Resort & Spa, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is set to complete a multimillion dollar makeover in December 2015. Renovations include new architectural elements and color schemes that embrace the resort’s indigenous inspirations and Old West charm. The property’s 160 casitas will have new furnishings, upgraded fixtures and a fresh palette of earthy desert tones. The Boulders’ inspired desert setting and 50,000+ total square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and function space make it ideal for groups looking for a spacious, secluded setting.

In fall 2015, the former Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center will debut as The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel following a $9 million transformation. With a Mexican hacienda-inspired theme, the renovation introduces a new color palette and furnishings, and amplifies the hotel’s group offerings by transforming four tennis courts into a 10,000-square-foot outdoor lawn showcasing views of Camelback Mountain and accommodating up to 1,200 people. With nearly 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and a prime central Scottsdale location, the property offers the perfect spot for a conference or corporate retreat.

Another long-time favorite, Chaparral Suites Scottsdale, will debut this fall under the Embassy Suites flag. As part of the transformation to Embassy Suites Scottsdale, the property is undergoing a $20 million, top-to-bottom interior and exterior renovation. All guest rooms and public spaces, as well as the property’s 50,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, will be renovated and refreshed. A wine bar will grace the expanded lobby and a new restaurant concept, under the direction of Executive Chef John du Toit, will debut in place of the 4th Floor Grill. Renovations are anticipated to be complete in fall 2015.

To start planning your next Scottsdale program, contact the destination experts at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau today!

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Transportation at its Finest

It goes without saying that travel can be a hassle. Rest assured that transportation in and out of Scottsdale has never been easier. With two convenient airports servicing the area, meeting goers and leisure travelers can anticipate a smooth landing in greater Scottsdale. Once your clients are on the ground, the options for getting around town range from rental cars, luxury limousines and executive sedans to man-powered pedicabs, horse-drawn carriages and free downtown trolleys.

Smooth Landing

Getting to Scottsdale is a breeze with major airports such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International and Scottsdale Airport located just minutes from downtown Scottsdale. Recently named “America’s Friendliest Airport” by passenger vote, Phoenix Sky Harbor welcomes more than 100,000 passengers each day on arriving and departing domestic and international flights. Upon arrival, meeting attendees and leisure guests are just a short 10-mile jaunt from downtown Scottsdale

Conveniently located nine miles north of downtown and just minutes from world-class resorts, award-winning restaurants and championship golf courses, Scottsdale Airport is the ideal choice for corporate jet travel. This premier airport is one of the nation’s busiest single-runway facilities, recording more than 133,000 takeoffs and landings each year. International clients who have made an appointment can further streamline the process by having U.S. Customs greet them on the tarmac upon arrival.

Exploring the City

After touching down, rent a car from the airport, take a taxi or work with one of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s ground transportation partners to arrange a coach to your hotel or resort. From there, getting around Scottsdale is easy with several free year-round and seasonal trolleys. Take advantage of the Downtown Trolley, with stops throughout the myriad districts, including Old Town, the Arts district, Fifth Avenue Shopping district, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Waterfront and SouthBridge. This free trolley runs year-round.

Both the Paradise Valley Resort and Scottsdale Day Tripper trolleys traverse the northern and eastern flanks of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, connecting major resorts and attractions, including Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and Scottsdale Quarter. These free seasonal trolleys provide visitors easy access to downtown attractions from late-December through early April.

The Talking Stick Trolley is an option for those staying or playing at Talking Stick: A Cultural and Entertainment Destination. Spend an afternoon at attractions such as Octane Raceway, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Top Golf Scottsdale or Talking Stick Resort before heading downtown. The free Talking Stick trolley has select hours from October through April.

To find out more about transportation in and around Scottsdale, visit http://ift.tt/1K2HRpd.

from Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona | http://ift.tt/1K2HRFH
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