A monthly tourism news update from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
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OLDIES BUT GOODIES
Pop the Dom Pérignon because 2016 is a big year for Scottsdale. Several iconic resorts and attractions are celebrating milestone years, including the iconic Hotel Valley Ho, a national historic landmark. This fun and funky Mad Men-esque hotel is honoring its 60th birthday and 10-year reopening anniversary—an endeavor that restored the property to its former grandeur. Much like the Hollywood stars once did, enjoy your mid-century modern guest room. The property just underwent $4 million refurbishment that included the addition of new décor, brand-new 49-inch HD televisions and custom-built designer furniture. For media information, contact Kristin Heggli at kheggli@hotelvalleyho.com or 480-421-7734.
The Hoover Dam, Robert Redford and Pope Francis are all celebrating the big 8-0 this year and so is Scottsdale’s jewel of a hideaway—The Hermosa Inn. As part of the historic property’s anniversary, The Hermosa Inn unveiled new looks to the valet, lobby, guest rooms and casitas. Additional initiatives to commemorate the monumental year include a photos contest from guests’ experiences, an 80th anniversary package and a new arts program in partnership with the Phoenix Art Museum titled “Conversations in Fashion.” This new series was created as a design-focused, cocktail hour to feature select artists from the museum’s Arizona Costume Institute’s program of events. For media information contact Babs Harrison at bharrison@hermosainn.com or 602-384-3211.
Jump in the Back to the Future DeLorean and head back in time to visit Taliesin West, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2017. Take a peek into the personal home, studio and architectural laboratory of Frank Lloyd Wright’s on the property’s 90-minute Insights Tour or delve even deeper into Wright’s desert inspiration during the Desert Walk. For media information, contact Alison Rose at arose@franklloydwright.org or 602-300-3433.
THE MYTH LIVES ON
The legend of mermaids has existed for almost as long as men have sailed the oceans. While there is no guarantee that mermaids exists, Scottsdale can confirm the opening of its own mythical creature—a seafood restaurant in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. On March 19, Crab & Mermaid Fish Shop will begin to serve casual seafood at its nearly 4,000-square-foot downtown Scottsdale location. This new restaurant’s menu will include popular bi-coastal seafood dishes such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, crab cakes and more. At the helm of the kitchen is culinary maestro Chef Isaac Carter, who is best known for the 12 years he spent with celebrity chef Todd English’s enterprises. Carter’s brag-worthy resume touts his roles at Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Mass., Olives in Charlestown, Mass. and at the Bellagio Las Vegas, Eva Longoria’s BESO in Hollywood, and the restaurant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. For media information, contact Cynthia Dunne at Cynthia@FleurComGroup.com or 623-687-6229.
SUMMER LOVIN’, HAPPENED SO FAST
Make summer vacation the high point of your year like Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in Grease by planning a money saving Scottsdale getaway. That’s right, it’s time to pack your pool floaties and sun dresses for a summer soiree that pairs early morning and evening activities with ample pool time and irresistible summer resort rates that are up to 60 percent lower than peak season.
As the saying goes, early bird gets the worm, or in Scottsdale’s case, the adventure. Conquer one of city’s scenic hiking trails like McDowell Sonoran Preserve or Camelback Mountain in the morning hours for the best views in town. If you are going to accept the challenge of a hike in summer, make sure you keep safety in mind. Saddle up for a peaceful horseback ride with Fort McDowell Adventures and you just might see wild mustangs, bald eagles or other wildlife. Or try the all-new waterfall rappel at Boulders Resort and Spa, where you and a guide will scramble over rocks while being misted by a waterfall.
After your morning adventure, wander over to one of Scottsdale’s museums to learn a thing or two and enjoy some air conditioning. Scottsdale Historical Museum in the Little Red Schoolhouse will take you on a historical voyage of the destination through photographs, artifacts and changing displays. Take a melodic journey at the Musical Instrument Museum to view instruments from all around the world or make a stop at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to experience compelling modern art, architecture and design. Lastly get your cowboy fix with a visit to Scottsdale’s newest museum—Western Spirit Scottsdale Museum of the West, to experience art and artifacts that tell the tale of the region’s early years.
Finish the day with a relaxing treatment at one of Scottsdale’s world-renowned spas. Make a stop at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North for an invigorating Healing Hikers Massage. Soothe dry skin with the Desert Nectar Honey Wrap at The Spa at Camelback Inn, where you are drenched in a mixture of pure Arizona honey, buttermilk and oats. Or enjoy The Spa at The Boulders Resort’s signature Turquoise Wrap, which is based on the American Indian belief that turquoise is a protective stone that creates a sense of peace and wellbeing. For media information, contact Clare Hahne chahne@scottsdalecvb.com or 480-889-2709.
BRING YO KIDS, BRING YO WIFE
Alright, Griswold’s, it’s your moment to shine. Pack up the car (we’d discourage you from strapping grandma to the roof) or skip through airport security as you head to Scottsdale, which is pretty much the Disneyland of the Southwest.
The Sonoran Desert may be known as a haven for coyotes and javelinas, but in July 2016, Scottsdale will welcome more than 5,000 marine animals. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community will bring the sea to Scottsdale with the opening of OdySea Aquarium in July 2016. Guests of all ages will explore approximately 300 different species of marine life that reside in bayous and coral reefs. The aquarium promises guests of all ages a high-tech, high-entertainment, oceanic adventure with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer viewing of aquatic life—even in the restrooms—and underwater acrylic tunnels that lead to each level. For media information, contact Debi Bridges at db@bridgesmediagroup.com or 480-306-4242.
Let the fun begin the moment you check in at the award-winning Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which will debut renovations this summer, including 102 new rooms. However, it is the brand-new Sunset Pool that will really please the family. Kiddos will love the splash pad and white-sand beach with zero-edge entry, and mom and dad will appreciate the swim-up bar. Scottsdale has more resorts jam-packed with family fun activities like The Phoenician, home of Funician Club, and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s Kierland Mining Co., where kids receive a scavenger hunt booklet to launch their stay. For little ones who love the outdoors, explore Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch’s flora, fauna and cultural elements with hand-on activities. Or embark on an adventure with the Kids for All Seasons program at Four Seasons Resort at Troon North, where kiddos receive a passport at check-in and a special prize upon completion. For media information, contact Clare Hahne chahne@scottsdalecvb.com or 480-889-2709.
All aboard! Next stop is family fun at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. Located in the heart of Scottsdale, this park offers train rides on the so-called Paradise and Pacific Railroads and an antique carousel. Visit a variety of shops or the model railroad building and museum. For media information, contact Henry Garcia at hgarcia@scottsdaleaz.gov or 480-312-8501.
What is a visit to the “West’s Most Western Town” without an authentic cowboy experience? Get a taste of the 1880s western frontier at Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse at Wild Horse Pass, where you’ll explore the world-renowned Steakhouse & Saloon and catch live demonstrations that will make you believe you’ve stepped back in time. For media information, contact Laurie McCartney at laurie.mccartney@rawhide.com or 480-705-2907.
DOWNTOWN IS ABLAZE
Scottsdale is a place that is constantly evolving. While it holds its western roots near and dear, the downtown in particular has undergone a renaissance as it welcomes new, innovative businesses while also celebrating the treasures of yesteryear.
Food offerings are an integral part of any city’s identity. With more than 800 restaurants in and around downtown, Scottsdale is no different. But now the destination is taking the farm-to-table concept one step further with three Arizona wine tasting rooms popping up in downtown. These wine tasting rooms tell the story of Arizona’s 100 award-winning vineyards, many of which boast 90 point wines as recognized by Wine Spectator. Take LDV Wine Gallery, for example. The Wine Gallery brings the taste of Southeastern Arizona wine region to the heart of Downtown Scottsdale. Sip a glass of wine beneath the two shaded patios or enjoy bites and sips in the tasting bar and open kitchen. About 45 minutes away from LDV Winery in Southern Arizona is another winery that has been making a name for itself—Aridus Wine Company. This family-owned vineyard may run the largest custom crush facility in Arizona out of Wilcox, but you can sample several grape varietals in its Downtown Scottsdale tasting room. You don’t have to go all the way to Jerome to try Salvatore Vineyards. This small, family vineyard also opened a downtown tasting room in 2015 where you can try their exceptional wines.
Not to worry if wine is not your taste. You won’t have to wander too far to find Arizona breweries and restaurants that are perfecting the art of beer making and serving. Start the day at Sip Coffee & Beer House, a restaurant and bar that feels like your best friend’s backyard. This unassuming joint offers small bites, live music on select days, and a beer list that includes local brews from Dragoon Brewing in Tucson and Papago Brewing in Scottsdale. Right next door is Goldwater Brewing, which opened its doors in May 2015. This family-owned brewery’s signature beers include West Coast style IPAs, ales, lagers, and specialty and seasonal beers. Grab a souvenir growler-to-go before popping over to Two Brothers, a family-run brewery that’s based out of Naperville, Ill. Two Brother’s Scottsdale location offers up year-round, seasonal beers and artisan beers, as well as barrel-aged sours. Then, it’s off to Bad Water Brewing’s comfy taproom, which only seats 30. Try one of the brewery’s trifecta of beers, the Saison, IPA or Western Lager, while enjoying a cheese board.
Scottsdale pays homage to its western roots at its newest attraction, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Since its 2015 opening, this non-profit, story-telling institution has created quite the name for itself, recently becoming a certified Smithsonian Affiliate museum. As an Affiliate, Western Spirit will receive loans of iconic artifacts, as well as educational programming, expert speakers and career development for museum professionals. You can explore Smithsonian treasures in the museum’s galleries of paintings, sculptures, cultural artifacts and interactive exhibits, which illustrate the ever-evolving history and culture of the American West. For media information, contact Clare Hahne chahne@scottsdalecvb.com or 480-889-2709.
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/19xKcMX
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
Clare Hahne, Communications Coordinator
Direct: 480-889-2709
chahne@scottsdalecvb.com
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