Free for Fall

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make the most of your Scottsdale fall getaway! Here are 10 fabulous freebies ripe for the picking this season.

• Beginning in October, the Old Town Farmers’ Market returns to downtown with fresh produce, homemade jams and sauces, artisan meats and cheeses, and much more.


• Explore dozens of outstanding galleries in downtown at the weekly Thursday night ArtWalk (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.). If you’re in town on October 23, don’t miss the special 40th Anniversary ArtWalk, which will include live entertainment, artist receptions and other activities.


• Stretch your legs with a hike on Pinnacle Peak Park’s summit trail or in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers more than 100 miles of trails in more than 30,200 acres.


• Take advantage of free-admission Thursdays to explore cutting-edge exhibits at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also browse for free every Friday and Saturday after 5 p.m.


• Take a trip through the city’s past with the downloadable Historic Scottsdale Walking Tour.


• Enjoy free Native American dance performances every Friday at 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.


• Download the Public Art Walking Tour and discover 10 fabulous works of art in downtown.


• The Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on First Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.


• Browse local arts and crafts at ArtBridge Thursdays (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and SouthBridge Sundays (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) every October through May.


• Check out the classic and collector cars at the McDonald’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show at the Pavilions shopping center (Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.).

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Accommodations You’ll Love

As any traveler knows, not all hotel rooms are created equal. From rooms with a view to rooms with, well, everything, these spacious flats, sweet suites and retro digs are sure to please.

Presidential Loft Suite at Hotel Valley Ho

Located on the fifth and sixth floors of the Hotel Valley Ho’s seven-story tower, the Presidential Loft Suite boasts 1,500 square feet of bright indoor space and 550 square feet of outdoor space, featuring stunning views of Camelback Mountain. The design of the suite is based on the idea of a modern desert loft with mid-century-modern influences. Neutral colors reflect the desert palette, with pops of color through accessories and locally made art. Signature furnishings include the Wing Chair and Footrest (Hans J. Wegner, 1960), B&B Italia Arne Sofa (Antonio Citterio), coffee table (Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller), and Hope pendant lights above the Luceplan dining table.

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Signature Flat at Bespoke Inn

Scottsdale’s first and only luxury B&B, Bespoke Inn, has earned rave reviews since its opening in 2013. One visit to the Signature Flat and it’s easy to see why. The Flat’s contemporary design offers over-the-top luxury, spacious rooms and plenty of privacy. It includes a gourmet chef’s kitchen, luxuriously furnished great room, a king-size platform bed and a deep-soaking tub. And that’s just for starters. As with all the rooms at Bespoke Inn, the Flat’s daily rate includes access to the second-story infinity edge pool, a daily gourmet brunch and British Pashley touring bikes for exploring downtown.

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Presidential Suite at Canyon Suites

Equipped with a private outdoor Jacuzzi and fire pit, complimentary monogrammed bathrobes, and a full bar and kitchen, the Presidential Suite at The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician is ideal for couples looking for a luxurious escape from the everyday norm. And with the rose petal turndown service, the suite transforms into a romantic haven with dozens of crystal votive candles and a trail of colorful rose petals leading to the bedroom, where chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Prosecco await. Guests can also benefit from a reserved poolside cabana and limousine transportation during their stay at the suite.

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Villa Retreat at The Boulders

If you’re looking for space, privacy and exclusivity, the 5,000-square-foot Villa Retreat at The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort may be exactly what you need. This “Estate-Away-From-Home” consists of two homes connected by a private infinity-edge pool, a grand terrace that hosts a Jacuzzi hot tub, and a natural rock lagoon pond with a cascading waterfall. Cuddle up with your love and enjoy marvelous views of the Sonoran Desert and the 12-million-year-old boulders for which the resort is named.

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Andalusian Presidential Suite at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

True to its name, the Andalusian Presidential Suite has served POTUS himself, President Barack Obama, as well as celebrity couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé. With two palatial bedrooms, expansive living areas, and a massage room, the 2,800-square-foot suite, is also the only suite on property with a private pool. You’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of Arizona’s unparalleled sunsets against neighboring Camelback Mountain.

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The Delightful Dozen: Scottsdale’s 12 Best-Kept Secrets

They’re the perfect addition to any itinerary – those off-the-beaten-path gems that take your vacation from great to extraordinary. In celebration of fall’s sunny skies and cooler days, we’ve opened our secret files and pulled out a dozen local favorites you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Scottsdale.

Sassi

Nestled at the base of north Scottsdale’s Pinnacle Peak, Sassi is renowned for artisan cuisine inspired by the traditions of Southern Italy. The menu of fresh fish, meats, pasta and rustic bread is complemented by old-world architecture and stunning desert views.

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JAM

This eclectic boutique, located in the historic Charles Miller home, is chockfull of treasures that are handmade, homemade and repurposed by local and national artists. Goodies range from paintings and jewelry to home décor.

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Rusty Spur

Get your Western on at Scottsdale’s oldest cowboy saloon! Housed in the former Farmers Bank of Scottsdale building, where the old vault now holds liquor instead of money, the Spur features live music seven days and nights a week.

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Arizona Wine List at FnB

Wine made in Arizona? You bet your Cabernet! Our state is home to a premier roster of talented vintners. Sample the fruits of their labor with a selection from restaurant FnB’s exclusive Arizona wine list – it’s the perfect complement to Chef Charleen Badman’s sophisticated comfort food.

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Magical History Tour at Hotel Valley Ho

Join the experts from Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours for an intimate look into the architecture and Hollywood past of Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho, one of the best-preserved mid-century modern hotels in the country. The cost per person is $19.56 (the year the hotel opened).

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Proof

A casual ambiance and home-style comfort food sourced from the 50 states are the hallmarks of this new restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Fried green tomatoes, beer can chicken and chicken and waffles with bacon brittle, bourbon syrup and maple butter are just a few of the tasty treats you’ll find at Proof.

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Super Chunk Sweets & Treats

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss this tasty downtown gem, which specializes in small-batch, handcrafted confections. Some of our favorites include the Mesquite Chocolate Chip Cookies, Honeycomb Ice Cream and Ancho Chocolate Caramels. Yummm!

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Scottish Golf at Kierland Golf Club

Give a nod to the game’s origins with this unique experience that includes kilt rental, Johnnie Walker beverage carts and a bagpiper who “calls in” golfers at the end of the day. After your round, stop by the Scotch Library at the Westin Kierland Resort and savor two-ounce pours of contemporary blends and rare 40-year-old single-malt whiskies (open 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly).

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Aerial Hammock Yoga

Take your yoga practice to new heights with aerial yoga at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Well & Being Spa. The class uses soft fabric hammocks suspended from the ceiling to assist with stretching and perfecting your postures – all while floating a few feet above the floor.

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Sphinx Date Ranch

As the name implies, juicy Arizona dates take center stage at this 60-year-old Scottsdale landmark. But you’ll also find an enticing variety of other locally sourced gourmet treats, including desert honey, prickly pear jam and syrup, nut butters and artisan crackers.

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Via Capello Dinners

Romance goes Mediterranean at the Royal Palms Resort where “lovers’ corners” like the Bell Tower and Garden of Love create the ideal setting for candlelit Via Capello dinners. Custom menus, fresh flowers and live music add to the ambiance.

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Spinners on the Green

Located just steps from the Shelly Sharpe Memorial Disc Golf Course, Spinners on the Green can get you outfitted with everything you need for exciting game of disc golf. They also rent bikes if you’d like to take a tour of the lush parks along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt.

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Summer Night at Kierland Commons

It’s mid-July. You’re on a staycation in Scottsdale and looking for something to do on a Saturday night. Kierland Commons fills that void with upscale shopping, outstanding dining and a summer concert series that runs from June through July. Still left wondering how you might spend a night at Kierland? Let us paint you a picture.

Start off the night browsing some of your favorite stores like Ann Taylor, J-Crew, Banana Republic, and Francesca’s. Maybe score some new headphones from Bose or a pair of the most comfortable golf shoes out there from Ecco. You’ll even find all-natural, deliciously scented bath and body treats at Lather.

After all that walking around, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Luckily for you, Kierland boasts a roster of fabulous restaurants. We recommend you sneak in to Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar for “Island Time” happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and grab a cold tropical drink and some appetizers. After that, take a few steps over to NoRTH for farm fresh entrees inspired by seasonal ingredients. (P.S There’s a Cold Stone right across from NoRTH…just saying). Other Kierland dining options include Morton’s Steakhouse, Mastro’s Ocean Club Fish House, Zinc Bistro.

By now, you’ll have heard the music filling the air. The summer concert series starts at 7 p.m. and go until 9 p.m. Find a table, groove to some summer tunes, and have a good time under the stars!

Now that you have an idea of the relaxing night you’ll have at Kierland, what are you waiting for? Come experience one of the hottest spots to spend a summer night in Scottsdale.

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August Calendar of Events

Summer is winding down,but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do in Scottsdale this August. Be sure to check out Wynonna & The Big Noise at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on August 26! Print out the calendar so you’re never too far away from the hottest events in Scottsdale.

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SCOTTSDALE MEETING TRAVEL NEWS: Summer 2014

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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