Pet Paradise

Scottsdale has ranked as one of the best cities for pet lovers and we can’t say we’re surprised. No matter where you venture, this pet paradise is welcoming furry friends with open arms. From pet fashion shows to parks, dog shows and luxury hotels, every pet is sure to leave Scottsdale feeling pampered. Oh, and pet lovers- we know you’ll get your fix too.

BEST IN SHOW

The stylish dogs of Scottsdale are hitting the runway with the latest fashion frenzy. As a part of The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Applewood Pet Resort is holding their Canine Couture runway show on Oct. 24, at 2:45 p.m. Pet lovers can spend the afternoon watching their favorite breeds strut their best looks down the runway. These pooches will be judged on their appearance and their owner’s creativity by Million Dollar Listing‘s Chad Rogers, New York Times bestselling author Kelly E. Carter, and two-time winner of Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s “Best In Show” Gabriel Rangel.

Have you ever wanted to attend a prestigious dog show without traveling to New York? Then look no further than the 15th Annual Fiesta Cluster Dog Show & Agility Trial. More than 10,000 top dogs from all over the country will flock to WestWorld Feb. 26 – March 2. This free, weekend-long event allows pet admirers to get up-close and personal with different breeds, while canine experts answer all your questions. 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.

TO THE PARK!

Quality dog parks can be difficult to come by, but not in Scottsdale. Chaparral Park and Community Center is well-known for its popular, off-leash area. Although we live in a desert, your dog may be fooled thanks to the 3 acres of grassy field throughout the park. If you are concerned about dog interaction, have no fear. One area of the park is designated for active dogs and the other for passive dogs. Water fountains around the park are sure to keep you and your pooch hydrated.

DOGGIE DINING

We know your heart breaks when you see those big, puppy dog eyes staring at you before you leave them behind to go out to dinner. It breaks our hearts too. That’s why Scottsdale restaurants are opening their patios to you AND your pooch. In Old Town, AZ 88 allows dogs on their expansive patio that overlooks Civic Center courtyards. The patio opens up to the courtyard, allowing owners to take their dogs on a stroll after their meal. Sprinkles in Scottsdale even offers a menu item devoted specifically to your dog! Treat them to a Doggie Cupcake. These delicious cupcakes are made of eggs, honey, and vanilla and topped with a yogurt frosting. It is sure to delight any doggie.

A PUPPY’S PALACE

Traveling for pets can be exhausting and stressful, but Scottsdale hotels are rolling out the red carpet to make your furry friend feel right at home. Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch provides pets with the best of luxury during their stay. The resort’s 4PAWS Pet Friendly Program presents each pet with a toy, all natural gourmet treats, a “Labor of Love” bed and food and water dishes. The 4PAWS Beastro menu is available for your pet to indulge in Canine Veggie Bruschetta or Seafood Parfait. For exercise, owners are given suggested walking routes of the property. And each dog receives an identification card to wear with the resort name and phone number in case they wander off!

Over at W Scottsdale, pets are treated like royalty. The P.A.W. Program (Pets are Welcome) offers in-room dining for your pet with a specialty chef-prepared menu from Sushi Roku. If you and your dog love exercise, consider the hotel’s unique offering of Doga. Doga is a yoga class for you and your dog! A brief socialization period before the class allows participating dogs to become familiar with each other. In the mood to celebrate? W Scottsdale loves a great birthday celebration, so if your dog has a birthday during your stay, it can enjoy a party with a special birthday cake and treats!

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[Football] The Fighting Artichokes have moved up to #6 in the National Poll

Come out and support our nationally ranked team for Homecoming on Saturday October 11th at 7PM.

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Barrett-Jackson Sneak Peek

It’s never too early to scout out some beautiful cars that are going to be here in Scottsdale at the 2015 Barrett-Jackson Car Auction. Last years auction saw a new sales record at over $113 million dollars and this years total could come close to that! Check out some of the early cars scheduled for January:

1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Competition Convertible : Originally prepared for the 1968 Daytona 24 Hours race, this ‘vette won the pole, but did not have the endurance in the race and ended up finishing 26th. Still, this one of a kind Corvette was one of the first 200 models built in ’68 and is a highly sought after vehicle.

1932 Ford Custom Show Roadster: A contender for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, this ’32 Ford was an award winner for best paint, best engine, best undercarriage and outstanding detail. Roadster fans will not want to miss this gem.

1949 MG TC Roadster Race Car: This historic car was the first car Carroll Shelby drove in a road race. His life changed after winning two races in this car and he went on to become the legend that he is today. This will be one of the most historically significant cars at the 2015 auction.

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Fall Brings Fine Art Festivals to Scottsdale

The onset of fall and winter brings idyllic weather along with a series of fine art festivals by Thunderbird Artists, producers of Arizona’s largest wine-tasting events. Stop by for plenty of beautiful art, fresh air and sunny skies. You’ll find the following festivals in Carefree and downtown Scottsdale — two unique locations with the beautiful Sonoran Desert serving as the backdrop.

The season kicks off with the 21^st Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival on Oct. 31. Carefree closes its streets to make room for over 165 artists and more than 5,000 original pieces of fine art. Browse bronze sculptures, metal, clay, wood, stone, and glassworks. You’ll also find pottery, photography, hand crafted jewelry, oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, and more. With such an assortment of art, you’re sure to find something that fits your style!

The next festival in the series is the 3^rd Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival, Dec. 5 -7. The Scottsdale Waterfront is one of the city’s best spots to take a stroll and spend a day enjoying the fresh air. Walk along the canal while sipping a glass of wine and find a new piece of art to add to your home décor. Live music creates the perfect ambiance and complements Scottsdale’s impeccable weather and sunshine. Don’t miss musical performances throughout the weekend and glass sculptor extraordinaire Gustavo Santana’s hand-blown pieces.

The Waterfront also offers a mouthwatering restaurant scene. Work up an appetite scoping out the beautiful array of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and crafts, then sit down to a tasty meal to top off the day. Olive & Ivy, Culinary Dropout, and Wildfish Seafood Grille are all great spots. Other favorites among Scottsdale’s culinary scene, like Cowboy Ciao and Barrio Queen, are just a short walk away.

Can’t attend on these dates? Events take place from fall through early March, so mark your calendar for future festivals:

22^nd Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival (Jan. 16 – 18, 2015)

4^th Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival (Feb. 13 – 15, 2015)

20^th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival (Feb. 27 – March 1, 2015)

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Get in the Cycling Spirit for Tour De Scottsdale

The Tour de Scottsdale is back this October, beckoning cyclists and spectators alike to join the pedaling party! If you’ve never participated, this is your chance to get in on the action at one of Scottsdale’s most popular cycling events. Plus, the event comes just as great fall weather begins in Scottsdale. Riders and spectators share the enthusiasm with the beautiful Sonoran Desert serving as a scene-setting backdrop.

This event is for all levels of expertise, whether you’re a hardcore cyclist or you’re riding for the scenery. Choose from the 70-mile or 30-mile course, and make sure to access the live athlete-tracking feature. Friends and family can track riders to find out when they’ve crossed the finish line.

Every mile of both courses offers spectacular views of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve and brings awareness to the important mission of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, the organization committed to protecting the Preserve. All Tour de Scottsdale festivities support the Conservancy in its mission.

The Tour de Scottsdale not only benefits a great cause, but also has lots of fun in store for you after the race. Whether you’re braving the ride or cheering from the sidelines, head to Market Street at DC Ranch afterwards to celebrate! Check out Herb Box for a hearty Sunday brunch, served until 3 p.m. Try their bourbon-ginger peach brioche French toast, red velvet pancakes or butternut squash and corn enchiladas. That’s a meal to satisfy any competitor’s appetite!

Don’t miss the Tour de Scottsdale on Sunday, October 12. Click here to learn more.

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Why We Love Scottsdale for the Holidays

The holidays are a unique time in Scottsdale. Whether you’re searching for family fun or looking to cozy up with that special someone, there are a plethora of possibilities for enjoying an exclusive experience in the Sonoran Desert this holiday season. We’ve rounded up our picks for what makes Scottsdale stand out during this wonderful time of year!

Night-Time Lights & Sights

Scottsdale comes aglow during the holiday with places like the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden decked out in lights. Don’t miss out on any Christmas light sightings this season, with superb shows around the Valley. We invite you to sip on a comforting cup of hot cocoa as the night comes alive with these illuminating and elaborate light displays!

Spirited Shows

Looking for a place to swank up your holiday season? Look no further than spirited shows like these at world-class venues all around the Valley of the Sun. Take in a traditional performance of the Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona or catch Sister’s Christmas Catechism at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Just be sure to pull out your classiest holiday attire!

Holiday Cheer at Scottsdale Resorts & Hotels

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

Patio Dining

Part of what makes Scottsdale special for the holidays is that you can enjoy warm weather and clear blue skies filled with sunshine just about every day. As the evening takes shape, the great outdoors is still just as delightful! Some of Scottsdale’s best dining spots offer picturesque patios perfect for whiling away a winter morning brunch or an evening on the town. With patios along the Scottsdale Waterfront, area golf courses, and even some with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert, you’ll have no problem finding one to suit your mood.

Leave the cooking up to Scottsdale’s seasoned chefs and enjoy a savory meal with friends and loved ones this season. Feast your eyes on the festive menus some of the best chefs have crafted! Whether you’re looking for a buffet full of options or an exclusive plated dinner menu, Scottsdale restaurants are prepared to satisfy you with a tasty and comforting holiday meal.

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[Football] Henderson and Summers Pick Up Player of the Week Honors

Ryan Henderson and Za'Quan Summers pick up multiple offensive and defensive player of the week awards.

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