Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Hi Everyone,
My wife and I will be visiting Scottsdale, AZ next week (after the superbowl). We're staying at the JW Marriot with no real plans (company reward trip). We are both in our late 30s and will have a rental car. Any suggestions on what to do while we're there?
Thanks,
TRC
My wife and I will be visiting Scottsdale, AZ next week (after the superbowl). We're staying at the JW Marriot with no real plans (company reward trip). We are both in our late 30s and will have a rental car. Any suggestions on what to do while we're there?
Thanks,
TRC
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
If you like art, there are a few nice art galleries along main street that would kill a morning. But if you have a whole day, I'd recommend the
Desert Botanic Garden in Phoenix http://www.dbg.org
or the amazing Musical Instrument Museum, also in Phoenix. http://mim.org They have a cafe for lunch.
If your wife likes to shop for clothes bargains, there is a Nordstrom "Last Chance" store in Phoenix. http://shop.nordstrom.com/st/last-chanc ... ance-store
Desert Botanic Garden in Phoenix http://www.dbg.org
or the amazing Musical Instrument Museum, also in Phoenix. http://mim.org They have a cafe for lunch.
If your wife likes to shop for clothes bargains, there is a Nordstrom "Last Chance" store in Phoenix. http://shop.nordstrom.com/st/last-chanc ... ance-store
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Grand canyon, Sedona, Jerome (ghost town), Barrett-jackson?
Bogle: Smart Beta is stupid
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Old Town Scottsdale has great touristy stuff and souvenirs and whatnot.
Fashion Square is probably the best shopping center in the state.
Highly recommend both the MIM and the botanical gardens as mentioned above.
If you're into hiking, I like the McDowell Mountain Preserve. Trails range from 1/2 mile to 10+ miles. Whatever you're into.
If you want to go to Sedona it's an hour and a half north, but definitely worth it if you're into hiking a bit.
While in town, find Carolina's Mexican restaurant and order a Red Machaca burrito. Honestly anything you get at Carolinas is unbelievable. But the Red Machaca is my spirit animal.
Fashion Square is probably the best shopping center in the state.
Highly recommend both the MIM and the botanical gardens as mentioned above.
If you're into hiking, I like the McDowell Mountain Preserve. Trails range from 1/2 mile to 10+ miles. Whatever you're into.
If you want to go to Sedona it's an hour and a half north, but definitely worth it if you're into hiking a bit.
While in town, find Carolina's Mexican restaurant and order a Red Machaca burrito. Honestly anything you get at Carolinas is unbelievable. But the Red Machaca is my spirit animal.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Native American Culture: Heard Museum http://heard.org
Best Wishes, |
Joe
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
I enjoyed driving up to Sedona and taking the Pink Jeep tour. Great scenery.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Your hotel is located in the Northeast part of Phoenix known as Desert Ridge. It is a very nice area. Your hotel has outstanding golf, and a wonderful pool area. It's truly a fabulous property. You are very close to some great hiking in North Scottsdale. Check out the McDowell Mountain area, Pinnacle Peak, Tom's Thumb, Sunrise Peak, etc. If you want to head into central Phoenix, you can hike Camelback or Squaw Peak.TRC wrote:Hi Everyone,
My wife and I will be visiting Scottsdale, AZ next week (after the superbowl). We're staying at the JW Marriot with no real plans (company reward trip). We are both in our late 30s and will have a rental car. Any suggestions on what to do while we're there?
Thanks,
TRC
If you want a great taste of local food, head to central Phoenix. Try: Joyride, Postino's, The Vig, Blanco, Pizzeria Bianco, The Parlor, Beckett's Table, Zinburger, Pizza People Pub, Le Grande Orange, and so many more.
If you guys enjoy hiking and want to see a really interesting place, check out Sedona. From your hotel you are probably only 100 or 110 miles from Sedona. There are also a couple of lakes within a short drive (hour or less) if you want to check out some water sports.
Another poster mentioned the Musical Instrument Museum. Your hotel is about 2 miles away.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
If you enjoy outdoor shopping, definitely check out Kierland. And when you go, you have to eat at North. It'll be a wonderful experience.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Hiking right in Phoenix up Camelback is a fun excursion.
Many great restaraunts, one my favorite experiences was Lon's at the Hermosa
Heard Museum as posted above is really cool
Many great restaraunts, one my favorite experiences was Lon's at the Hermosa
Heard Museum as posted above is really cool
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Wow sounds like lots of other PHX people on the boards. Glad to see we are representing.
+1 on the Carolina's Mexican Food. It's about a 10 minute drive via the 101 and 51 freeways from the JW. It's a hole in the wall type place but has the best food.
Lots of hiking. Camelback, Squaw Peak, McDowell MTN. Enjoy a day at the spa. Drive north to the Grand Canyon. (About 4 hours each way so its a full day, but would be worth seeing if you have not.)
Play Golf. Do a desert Jeep tour. Welcome to 75 degrees.
+1 on the Carolina's Mexican Food. It's about a 10 minute drive via the 101 and 51 freeways from the JW. It's a hole in the wall type place but has the best food.
Lots of hiking. Camelback, Squaw Peak, McDowell MTN. Enjoy a day at the spa. Drive north to the Grand Canyon. (About 4 hours each way so its a full day, but would be worth seeing if you have not.)
Play Golf. Do a desert Jeep tour. Welcome to 75 degrees.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
If you're a foodie, and like food trucks, try the Food Truck Caravan. Google it and you'll find the info.
It's about a dozen different food trucks that come to the same parking lot every Saturday night. It's always changing which trucks come. Some really unbelievable food if you have nothing going on that Saturday night. There's usually live music too.
It's about a dozen different food trucks that come to the same parking lot every Saturday night. It's always changing which trucks come. Some really unbelievable food if you have nothing going on that Saturday night. There's usually live music too.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
The first three of those are nowhere close to Scottsdale...Jack FFR1846 wrote:Grand canyon, Sedona, Jerome (ghost town), Barrett-jackson?
Attempted new signature...
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
no mention of the Taliesen West (Frank Lloyd Wright site)
or the Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park in Tucson.
There is a lot to do with Phoenix as a base, it's a question of your interests.
If you go toward Sedona and/ or the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff has several brewpubs.
or the Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park in Tucson.
There is a lot to do with Phoenix as a base, it's a question of your interests.
If you go toward Sedona and/ or the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff has several brewpubs.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
> Jerome (ghost town)
Jerome is not a ghost town, it is an old mining town presently full of arty shops and restaurants.
Jerome is not a ghost town, it is an old mining town presently full of arty shops and restaurants.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Nothing to add. Just jealous; sick of shoveling snow. Have a great time! Maybe post some photos for members in frozen,snowy, north.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Whatever you decide to do, leave your heavy coats at home. Check out yesterday's weather report on Channel 10 in Phoenix:
http://www.fox10phoenix.com/story/27975 ... -broadcast
Seriously, if you like good restaurants here are a few of my favorites in Scottsdale:
The Roaring Fork - Open for dinner only. Reservations usually required. The date salad, pork loin, duck breast, pork chop and anything you order will be great. Great dessert selections as well. My favorite is the root beer float.
http://www.roaringfork.com
Malee's Thai on Main - Located in Old Town Scottsdale. Open for lunch and dinner. The spicy crispy fish is outstanding. They will spice to your taste if you like things mild.
http://www.maleesonmain.com
Houston's - Open for lunch and dinner. Best ribs and chicken tenders I've ever tasted. They do everything well.
http://hillstone.com/#/restaurants/houstons/
The White Chocolate Grill - Open for lunch and dinner. Great food and fantastic desserts. The tomato gin soup is unique and excellent as are the white chocolate bacon and bleu cheese salad, chicken, steaks, ribs, fish, etc. The white chocolate bread pudding is outstanding, as are their other desserts.
http://whitechocolategrill.com
Fogo de Chao - Open for lunch and dinner. This a Brazilian steak house and a meat lovers paradise. One price for all you can eat. You begin with a great salad bar. Then when you are ready, servers come around with about 16 different cuts of meat on skewers and you eat the ones you want. The papaya cream is a great dessert. Come hungry.
http://www.fogodechao.com/?id=168
If you plan on going to any of the above for dinner, I suggest calling ahead and making reservations. At this time of the year, we have lots of visitors. Have fun!
http://www.fox10phoenix.com/story/27975 ... -broadcast
Seriously, if you like good restaurants here are a few of my favorites in Scottsdale:
The Roaring Fork - Open for dinner only. Reservations usually required. The date salad, pork loin, duck breast, pork chop and anything you order will be great. Great dessert selections as well. My favorite is the root beer float.
http://www.roaringfork.com
Malee's Thai on Main - Located in Old Town Scottsdale. Open for lunch and dinner. The spicy crispy fish is outstanding. They will spice to your taste if you like things mild.
http://www.maleesonmain.com
Houston's - Open for lunch and dinner. Best ribs and chicken tenders I've ever tasted. They do everything well.
http://hillstone.com/#/restaurants/houstons/
The White Chocolate Grill - Open for lunch and dinner. Great food and fantastic desserts. The tomato gin soup is unique and excellent as are the white chocolate bacon and bleu cheese salad, chicken, steaks, ribs, fish, etc. The white chocolate bread pudding is outstanding, as are their other desserts.
http://whitechocolategrill.com
Fogo de Chao - Open for lunch and dinner. This a Brazilian steak house and a meat lovers paradise. One price for all you can eat. You begin with a great salad bar. Then when you are ready, servers come around with about 16 different cuts of meat on skewers and you eat the ones you want. The papaya cream is a great dessert. Come hungry.
http://www.fogodechao.com/?id=168
If you plan on going to any of the above for dinner, I suggest calling ahead and making reservations. At this time of the year, we have lots of visitors. Have fun!
Best wishes, |
Michael |
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Invest your time actively and your money passively.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Thank you all for the suggestions! Very helpful.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Are you walker sight seers? Great walking city. Walk length of Indian School Park. Nice public tennis courts in the park if you play. Walk west starting at N Scottsdale and Jackrabbit. Sweet residential area to see on Sage Dr and Cholla Ln if you can walk that far. Frank LLoyd Wright's is pricey, but worth it if the cost isn't a factor.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
There's a Vanguard facility in Scottsdale, but there's probably no easy way to visit it and maybe nothing interesting to see there...
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
I've found the most useful and knowledgeable reps I've spoken to have all been from Scottsdale. So maybe you'll see them around, they seem like friendly peoples.nisiprius wrote:There's a Vanguard facility in Scottsdale, but there's probably no easy way to visit it and maybe nothing interesting to see there...
Isn't there a golf thing happening in and around Scottsdale right now? If that's what you're into.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Don't go to Sedona, you will fall in love and dream about retiring there.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
I like the Tucson recommendations ... BUT ... remember that a drive to Tucson from Scottsdale is a good THREE hours.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Another vote for hiking!
You will find Camelback pretty busy. Here's where I like to hike:
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/
It's about 10 miles north of where you're staying. A lot less crowded and Cave Creek is a fun place to hang out.
The video is very informative and worth spending some time watching. I don't remember the schedule off the top of my head but if you have chance to do the moonlight hike it's a lot of fun.
I'm headed to Carefree tomorrow and leading a hike to the Indian Ruins on Elephant Butte on the 8th. My husband and I lived in the area for 6 years and I love coming back to visit.
You will find Camelback pretty busy. Here's where I like to hike:
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/
It's about 10 miles north of where you're staying. A lot less crowded and Cave Creek is a fun place to hang out.
The video is very informative and worth spending some time watching. I don't remember the schedule off the top of my head but if you have chance to do the moonlight hike it's a lot of fun.
I'm headed to Carefree tomorrow and leading a hike to the Indian Ruins on Elephant Butte on the 8th. My husband and I lived in the area for 6 years and I love coming back to visit.
Every day I can hike is a good day.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Maybe if you drive really slow...I routinely make the drive. I have made it in as little as 1 hour 15 minutes, but most of the time it takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.jlawrence01 wrote:I like the Tucson recommendations ... BUT ... remember that a drive to Tucson from Scottsdale is a good THREE hours.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
If you have never been to the Grand Canyon you should go there. It is really one of the Great Wonders of the world!
It is a long drive, but worth the time.
It is a long drive, but worth the time.
Contrary to the belief of many, profit is not a four letter word!
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Lon's is great. Also, steak 44kingsnake wrote:Hiking right in Phoenix up Camelback is a fun excursion.
Many great restaraunts, one my favorite experiences was Lon's at the Hermosa
Heard Museum as posted above is really cool
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
If you want a tour I'd do a loop: Arcosanti https://arcosanti.org/ , Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, Wickenberg and back via Lake Pleasant. You could add Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon but doing all that in one day would be a probably not be much fun.
Around town the Desert Botanical Museum, Heard Museum, Taliesin West, Pueblo Grande Ruins and, if you've never been in one, Ikea.
More: Heading east, the Apache Trail is an interesting drive along the Salt River on one side and the Superstition Mountains on the other arriving at Roosevelt Lake. (Yes, there are lakes in Aridzona!)
Around town the Desert Botanical Museum, Heard Museum, Taliesin West, Pueblo Grande Ruins and, if you've never been in one, Ikea.
More: Heading east, the Apache Trail is an interesting drive along the Salt River on one side and the Superstition Mountains on the other arriving at Roosevelt Lake. (Yes, there are lakes in Aridzona!)
Last edited by BigFoot48 on Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Lon's is indeed great. Steak 44 is one of the best places I have ever been. Highly recommended.SQRT wrote:Lon's is great. Also, steak 44kingsnake wrote:Hiking right in Phoenix up Camelback is a fun excursion.
Many great restaraunts, one my favorite experiences was Lon's at the Hermosa
Heard Museum as posted above is really cool
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
I agree with previous poster about Sedona. You will want to retire there. Expensive, 11% sales tax…you've been warned!
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Actually I will be doing just that. At present Sedona is more affordable than before the crash, although more pricey than most of Arizona.PaddyMac wrote:I agree with previous poster about Sedona. You will want to retire there. Expensive, 11% sales tax…you've been warned!
Sales taxes tend to be high in AZ- it is apparently easier to get sales tax increased for specific purposes than it is to do income tax or whatever. However- just south of Sedona in Village of Oak Creek or Cottonwood- sales tax is a bit less.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Yep. The foundation of our new home there got poured last Wednesday.PaddyMac wrote:I agree with previous poster about Sedona. You will want to retire there. Expensive, 11% sales tax…you've been warned!
Chris
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
OP, what did you and your significant other do during your trip to Scottsdale?
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Not during the Gem Show!camper wrote:Maybe if you drive really slow...I routinely make the drive. I have made it in as little as 1 hour 15 minutes, but most of the time it takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.jlawrence01 wrote:I like the Tucson recommendations ... BUT ... remember that a drive to Tucson from Scottsdale is a good THREE hours.
Every day I can hike is a good day.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Play/learn to play GOLF.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
Actually on a flight right now back to snowy boston! Our trip got extended an extra days due to the snow storm (on my company's dime!).AZAttorney11 wrote:OP, what did you and your significant other do during your trip to Scottsdale?
We ended up eating at 3 really good restaurants for dinner:
Cafe Monarch in Scottsdale - loved it. Great atmosphere.
Quiessence Farm - true farm to table dining experience.
And last night, we went to Elements at Sanctuary Resort in Camelback Mt. By far the best dining experience of the whole trip. What really topped the charts was who was sitting next to us during dinner at our neighboring table: Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester and Cody Ross (all Major League Baseball Players). Being from Boston, I was star struck! I didn't work up the nerve to talk to them though.
We took a day trip up to Sedona and did a Pink Jeep Tour which was amazing. I have never seen such blue sky in my life and the rock formations were something we've never seen before. The terrain those jeeps took us through was unreal. Loved that town and enjoyed a delicious outdoor lunch at Taos Cantina.
We did lots of walking around our resort property each morning. I couldn't' get over how CLEAN the place was (even off the resort). Even medians between the roads were beautifully landscaped.
The weather was awesome. Cool at night but a scorcher during the day. I had to get myself out of the sun several times while near the pool.
All in all it was a very relaxing trip and I'd love to go back!
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
This quote really made me laugh; don't vist in the summer!!!TRC wrote:The weather was awesome. Cool at night but a scorcher during the day. I had to get myself out of the sun several times while near the pool.
Glad you enjoyed your trip!
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
LOL my girlfriend and I hiked Brown's Ranch today. After the hike my girlfriend asked "How hot do you think it is?" I said 80. She laughed and said it was 73. Guess I'm out of practice!AZAttorney11 wrote:This quote really made me laugh; don't vist in the summer!!!TRC wrote:The weather was awesome. Cool at night but a scorcher during the day. I had to get myself out of the sun several times while near the pool.
Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Every day I can hike is a good day.
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
I've been meaning to do that hike. Did you see the snow on Mt. Humphrey's?Carefreeap wrote:LOL my girlfriend and I hiked Brown's Ranch today. After the hike my girlfriend asked "How hot do you think it is?" I said 80. She laughed and said it was 73. Guess I'm out of practice!AZAttorney11 wrote:This quote really made me laugh; don't vist in the summer!!!TRC wrote:The weather was awesome. Cool at night but a scorcher during the day. I had to get myself out of the sun several times while near the pool.
Glad you enjoyed your trip!
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
No. The furthest north we could see is the Golf Ball near 7 Springs. I didn't realize you could see Mt. Humphreys from Scottsdale. Wow!
My stomping grounds are in the Spur Cross and Tonto National Forest area around 7 Springs. I used to be a docent there. I have a um "reputation" for some memorable hikes.
Where do you like to hike?
My stomping grounds are in the Spur Cross and Tonto National Forest area around 7 Springs. I used to be a docent there. I have a um "reputation" for some memorable hikes.
Where do you like to hike?
Every day I can hike is a good day.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
I bet! The sun is different out there for sure. I'm used to hot days here in New England, with LOTS of Humidity. But the sun out there is WAY more intense!AZAttorney11 wrote:This quote really made me laugh; don't vist in the summer!!!TRC wrote:The weather was awesome. Cool at night but a scorcher during the day. I had to get myself out of the sun several times while near the pool.
Glad you enjoyed your trip!
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Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
^^^
You learn very quickly the importance of a sun hat starting at the end of winter (usually January 15th or so).
When I moved to Arizona, I was always surprised at how parents dressed their kids to walk to school - jeans, t-shirt (or uniform), hat and gloves. Often no jacket or sweatshirt. It makes sense when the high will be 80 in the PM.
For those in a colder climate, a lot of Arizonans dress very heavily for a cold day - 50F with a 5 mph wind brings out heavy jackets.
You learn very quickly the importance of a sun hat starting at the end of winter (usually January 15th or so).
When I moved to Arizona, I was always surprised at how parents dressed their kids to walk to school - jeans, t-shirt (or uniform), hat and gloves. Often no jacket or sweatshirt. It makes sense when the high will be 80 in the PM.
For those in a colder climate, a lot of Arizonans dress very heavily for a cold day - 50F with a 5 mph wind brings out heavy jackets.
Re: Scottsdale, AZ - what to do?
You are very correct. Sunglasses out here are a must. Also, straw hats and sunblock come in handy when spending time in the sun. Arizona leads the nation in skin cancer rates. The bright sunshine is fine with me. I've never had to shovel an ounce of it.TRC wrote:The sun is different out there for sure. I'm used to hot days here in New England, with LOTS of Humidity. But the sun out there is WAY more intense!
Best wishes, |
Michael |
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