Blogger Roundup

Hear what others are saying about Scottsdale in this week’s Blogger Roundup!

Aviators and a Camera: Surprising Scottsdale

Style Jaunt: Where to Stay in Scottsdale: Hotel Valley Ho

Style Jaunt: Photo Tour: Roaming Free in Scottsdale

Table for Two: Things to do in Scottsdale

Table for Two: Where to Eat in Scottsdale

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Scottsdale Then and Now

Scottsdale started as a small town and has blossomed into one of the most dynamic destinations in the Southwest. Many landmarks that have been here to see the city grow are still an important part of Scottsdale today. Here’s a look at some of the markers that are still representing the West’s Most Western Town! Taliesin West 1960's Scottsdale Stadium 1950's Pink Pony 1960's Cavalliere Camelback Inn Camelback Mountain Arabian Horse Show



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Megan About Town: What is Megan About Town?

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau shares a lot of content on ExperienceScottsdale.com. It’s our job to make sure that you are getting all the information you need to enjoy your vacation in Scottsdale.

“Megan About Town” was created to tell you more about what the destination has to offer, but in a personal way. Our hope – my hope – is that you read the blogs, get a better understanding of all the incredible things to do in Scottsdale, and hopefully get inspired to experience it for yourself.

Click here to see a list of the blogs in the “Megan About Town” series and learn more about what to experience in Scottsdale.

A little about me:

Name: Megan Doyle
Age: 24
Main Gig: Community Affairs Coordinator at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Scottsdale native? I’m what I like to call a “nearly native.” I was born in Tennessee, but moved to Scottsdale when I was just about 12 months old.
My favorite things to do in Scottsdale: Eat; Go to a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick; shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square; Have dinner and drinks at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch; Grab a chocolate malt at Sugar Bowl; Staycation at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess during the summer to hang by the pool and enjoy a movie with fireworks intermission.

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What to Wear for a Night Out in Scottsdale

Wine bars, cozy lounges, hip dance clubs, and decadent dessert spots. All are great for a late-night soirée, and Scottsdale has plenty to choose from. Once you figure out where to go, the big question is what to wear. Here are a few tips to get you started. For the ladies: Ready to dance the night away? Follow these tips for a memorable night out!

• When hitting the club scene, your favorite party dress is a perfect choice.


• Statement jewelry is very popular right now — dazzle up your little black dress with a pop of color or sparkle to stand out on the dance floor.


• Heels with ankle straps can provide extra support so you can keep on dancing. Nude color platform heels are also a perfect pairing with just about any party dress.


• Bring a clutch or a small handbag rather than carrying around a bigger purse.


• For a classic and trendy hairstyle, try some soft curls or a sophisticated up-do.

Insider’s tip – Fashion Don’t: Unfriendly footwear: If you’re planning on getting down on the dance floor, try a wedge heel for both a stylish and comfortable look. Make sure to leave flip flops and flats in the hotel room. Going for a Western look? Get decked out with a cowgirl hat or an embellished belt — two accessories that go with most any outfit. Check out Saba’s Western Wear and consider adding an exclusive piece to your wardrobe during your stay in Scottsdale. You can also try a patterned or embroidered dress or a chambray top to create that Western feel. For the gents:

• Jeans are a safe bet, but be cautious of too many holes & tears.


• Collared shirts are recommended. Avoid t-shirts and tank tops.


• Sport coats or jackets not required but are a great look for most guys.


• Class up your denim with the right footwear – no flip flops or tennis shoes – a nice-looking, stylish dress shoe or loafer are the way to go.


• No caps or baseball hats. Athletic wear is generally not permissible.

If you’re looking to incorporate some Western wear, worn in jeans, boots, and a plaid shirt will do the trick. If you’re country enough, top it off with a cowboy hat. Insider’s tip – Fashion Don’t: Shmedium Shirts: Shmedium shirts are medium in actual size, but the guy wearing it should be wearing a large. This creates a super tight shirt, and is not a good look. Mostly seen in overly muscular guys, this should be avoided on your night out in Scottsdale. Don’t be that guy. If you didn’t quite pack for the evening scene, Scottsdale Fashion Square is full of popular retailers to choose from. Here are a few ideas on where to get started on your night out and about in downtown.



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Locally Owned Restaurants

When you visit a new place, one of the top questions that come to mind is where to find the down-home, delicious, local restaurants. You want something that is exclusive to that town. Lucky for you we have some of the best dining around. Barrio Queen: In the southwest, we pride ourselves on our Mexican food. Plates so flavorful that everything else you eat back home will taste bland. Barrio Queen has flair, a great ambience, and not to mention the best guacamole you can find. Stop in to this local gem and taste one of these popular dishes: Barrio Queen Churro Barrio Queen California Barrio Queen Chiles en Nogada </ br> </ br> </ br> AZ/88: A burger bar with some spice thrown in. This hot spot dishes up some of the delicious burgers in the day, and turns in to a party at night. If you’re looking for a place that you can lounge at all night, then look no further. Check out some of the favorites from AZ88: AZ/88 Brittany Alexander AZ/88 Four Seasons Salad AZ/88 Burger Au Poivre </ br> </ br> </ br> Don & Charlie’s Restaurant: A combination of a casual atmosphere with delicious steaks and BBQ, Don & Charlies has been a mainstay in Scottsdale since 1981. Stop by for one of their famous burgers, or a juicy steak, and take in all the sports memorabilia. Don & Charlies Bleu Royale Burger Don & Charlies Ribs </ br> </ br> </ br> Virtů: Located in the Bespoke Inn, Virtů serves up contemporary dishes to the delight of every visitor. It was recently names one of Esquire Magazines best new restaurants, and has steadily grown in to a local favorite. Here are some of the more memorable dishes you’ll find at Virtů: Virtu Flat Iron Steak Virtu Grilled Octopus Virtu Burrata



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Economical Hotels in Downtown Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale is the place to be when visiting full of vibrant restaurants, nightclubs, shops and event. It’s a happening place and staying at a hotel in downtown puts you in the middle of all the action! Maximize your vacation budget by staying at one of these budget-friendly hotels.

There are plenty of limited service hotels as well as moderate hotels to choose from. The limited service hotels offer all the basics needed for your trip. Moderate hotels will offer a step up in those basics plus a possible hotel bar/restaurant and in-room Internet. Here are some economical hotels in downtown to check out:

Limited Service: 1. Extended Stay America Scottsdale Old Town 2. Howard Johnson Scottsdale 3. Motel 6 Scottsdale 4. Travelodge Scottsdale 5th Avenue 5. El Dorado Scottsdale

Moderate: 6. Best Western Plus Sundial 7. Comfort Suites Old Town Scottsdale 8. Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town 9. Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town 10. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Old Town 11. Hotel Indigo Scottsdale Old Town 12. Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town 13. Hyatt Place Scottsdale/ Old Town 14. Scottsdale Camelback Resort 15. Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town

Economical Hotels Downtown Scottsdale



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10 Tasty Ways to Turn up the Heat

Looking for a new way to sweat this summer? Scottsdale’s renowned chefs have found deliciously creative ways to turn up the heat. Here’s our tasty, and toasty, list of local favorites:

1. Duck Confit Egg Rolls at Cowboy Ciao:These delicious, innocent-sounding apps feature the bad boy of the pepper world in their Ghost Chile Ginger Plum Sauce. How hot is it? Consider that the ghost pepper weighs in at a whopping 1.4 million units on the Scoville heat scale compared to a modest 8,000 for the average jalapeño.

2. Shrimp Chicharron at deseo:Aji Amarillo chiles and pickled jalapeños give this dish a powerful punch of heat and a subtly sweet finish. The lemon-colored Aji Amarillo peppers have a distinctive smoky flavor and are a staple in traditional Peruvian cuisine.

3. Hot & Raw Tropical Ceviche at SOL Cocina:This zesty combination of tropical fruit, avocado, cucumber and raw fish “cooked” in citrus juices is served chilled, but don’t let that fool you –habanero chiles provide all the heat you need. Scoop up the fiery goodness with sweet potato and red beet chips.

4. Mezcal Mango Madness at The Hermosa Inn’s Last Drop:In another pepper-mango tango, this spicy delight boasts Illegal Mezcal Reposado, chipotle syrup, mago puree, lime juice and Bittermens Hellfire Shrub Bitters. A garnish of red jalapeño pepper slices adds a fiery finishing touch.

5. El Diablo at Zinburger :Roasted jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo put the fire in this devilishly good burger. Feeling decadent? Go for the Kobe beef option, add a side of Spicy Green Chili Fries, then douse the inferno with a cool and creamy Chocolate Mint milkshake.

6. Korean Fried Cauliflower at The Herb Box:This “meaty” veggie dish features crispy fried cauliflower tossed in housemade Korean hot pepper sauce. The sauce is a proprietary recipe by Chef Becky J. Windels that gets its heat from traditional Korean Gochujang hot pepper paste and Sriracha sauce, and its hint of sweetness from brown sugar.

7. Chili Coconut Mussels at Proof, an American Canteen:Sautéed mussels are simmered in a bath of coconut milk, Sambal chile paste, sugar and lime to create this zippy specialty. Sambal is a customary ingredient in Southeast Asian dishes and is made from a combination of chiles, including habanero, cayenne, bird’s eye and Lombok.

8. Spicy Thai Chicken Bowl at Hula’s Modern Tiki:This bowl of Polynesian delights features marinated chicken breast swathed in a spicy sauce and resting on a bed of black beans, rice and Napa cabbage. Want it hotter? Ask for chopped Scotch Bonnet peppers to kick it up a notch.

9. Mango Habanero Margarita at Tommy Bahama:Bittermens Hellfire Habanero Shrub Bitters and two slices of fresh habanero chile give this mighty cocktail its kick. Smooth Milagro Silver tequila, Curacao orange liqueur and mango puree sweeten the deal.

10. Lamb Vindaloo at Jewel of the Crown:A traditional dish from Goa, India, Vindaloo is chockfull of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds and turmeric. Red chiles add the heat, which you can order to taste. Ask for “Indian hot” to bring on the sweat.



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