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Things To Do in Scottsdale, Arizona

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Scottsdale Places of Interest

Heard Museum North Scottsdale

Heard Museum North Scottsdale
A community location of the world-famous Heard Museum in Phoenix, the Heard Museum North Scottsdale features two exhibit galleries of American Indian artwork from the Heard's renowned collection, educational programs and special events such as the annual Navajo Folk Festival. The museum recently partnered with the Desert Botanical Garden to open an Interpretive Garden of native plants. Visitors can also stop by the Arcadia Farms Café and the gardens to enjoy delicious Southwest-inspired fare.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 55 and older and $2 for students. Admission for children under 6 and American Indians is free. On the second Sunday of every month, admission is free for all visitors. For more information: 480-488-9817

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
The fascinating Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park showcases ancient ruins from the Hohokam, a civilization that thrived in the Salt River Valley from 1 A.D to 1500 A.D. Visitors tour a ceremonial mound, an excavated ball court, full-scale reproductions of Hohokam homes and an in-tact Hohokam irrigation canal. The indoor exhibits showcase Hohokam archaeology and artifacts, highlighting the areas of agricultural, canal building, crafts and astronomy. Guests can also stop at the DIG IT Exhibit to learn how archeologists excavate and explore historic sites through hands-on activities.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday, October to April, from 9 AM to 4:45 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 4:45 PM. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, May to September, from 9 AM to 4:45 PM. Admission is $3 for children ages 6-17, $5 for adults and $4 for seniors ages 55 and older. Admission for children under 6 is free. For more information: 877-706-4408

Scottsdale Golf
With nearly 200 golf courses and 330-plus days of sunshine, Scottsdale is a true golfer's paradise that was recently ranked as one of the top 10 golf destinations in the United States by The Golfer magazine. From the championship desert courses at the luxurious Boulders Resort to the five-star Thomas Fazio-designed course at the Estancia Club, Scottsdale's golf selections are certain to challenge and thrill the most confident golfers.

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Club
Scottsdale's Troon North Golf Club is a hallmark of the desert golf experience. Its immaculately groomed courses stretch through the natural ravines and foothills of the high Sonoran desert in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak. The challenge, visual sensation and special ambiance of Troon North set high standards for the industry. In 2007 Veteran architect Tom Weiskopf completed a major renovation of the 36-hole course by blending the Pinnacle and Monument courses together and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Golfers now enjoy an entirely new playing experience. Rates vary based on season and time of day. For more information: 480-585-7700

The Phoenician
Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, the luxurious Phoenician has been named one of the top 50 golf resorts in America. The resort's 27-hole USGA championship facility has three challenging nines: Canyon, Desert and Oasis. The Phoenician's pristine desert views, lush tropical scenery, water features and exclusive amenities add up to the quintessential golf experience. Golf package specials are available. For more information: 866-716-8136

Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Just minutes from Scottsdale in the McDowell Mountains of Fountain Hills, Eagle Mountain Golf Club's spacious grounds weave through shaded box canyons and around majestic mountains in this spectacular corner of the Sonoran desert. The vision of designer Scott Miller, Eagle Mountain blends amazing views of the valley below with a challenging golf experience that has earned many awards including "#1 Public Golf Course" of 2007 by Ranking Arizona Magazine. Golf rates range from $195 during high season of January 21to April 6 to $60 from June 2 to September 7. For more information: 866-863-1234

Scottsdale Restaurants

Cowboy Ciao
Boldly flavored modern American cuisine is paired with an award-winning 2,200-plus wine selection at Cowboy Ciao in downtown Scottsdale. With a playful motif that combines the Old West with a cosmopolitan touch of Italy, Cowboy Ciao features lively space decorated in "Border Baroque." Mouth-watering appetizers such as Buffalo Carpaccio and Crispy Masa Shrimp are great starters to inventive entrées such as espresso-rubbed filet mignon and Elk Strip Loin. Guests also enjoy unique desserts such as the sweet corn ice cream and blackberry tart. Cowboy Ciao's private dining areas accommodate groups from 12 to 120 people.

Cowboy Ciao serves lunch daily from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner daily from 5 to 10 PM. Dinner is served Friday and Saturday to 11 PM. Lunch entrees average $9 to $12 and dinner entrees average $22 to $32. For more information: 480-946-3111

Deseo
Located at the luxurious Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in North Scottsdale, Deseo's floor-to-ceiling windows open to panoramic views of the golf course and the mountains beyond. The centerpiece of this brightly colored restaurant is its eye-catching open kitchen where inventive selections of Nuevo Latino cuisine are prepared. Surrounding the open kitchen, the Rail offers diners front-row seats to the chefs' nightly performances. Distinctive ingredients from the Central and South Americas, Mexico and the Caribbean come together in a boldly flavored, contemporary context. Seafood and meat selections such as Alaskan salmon in a honey rum glaze and muscovy duck breast with Asian pear and mango dominate the menu. Creative appetizers such as goat cheese empanadas and dessert options such as trio citrus cheesecake make any visit to Deseo a delicious experience from start to finish. Deseo is open daily from 6 to 10 PM. Entrees range from $13 to $30. For more information: 480-624-1030

Don & Charlie's
Located in the heart of Scottsdale, Don & Charlie's has been recognized for its delicious prime rib, barbecue baby back ribs and fish selections. Visitors can also enjoy chicken and salad dishes, though menu items such as Don's Famous Pork Chops, available in 10 ounces or 20 ounces, and Mumsie's Chopped Steak stuffed with onions and peppers, a full pound, are more commonly ordered. Since 1981, the landmark restaurant has also amassed one of the largest sports memorabilia collections west of the Mississippi. Displayed throughout the restaurant, the collection features celebrity caricatures, signed magazine covers, autographed baseballs and more than 100 jerseys signed by the athletes that wore them. Don & Charlie's offers group accommodations for 20 to 100 guests. Don & Charlie's is open Monday through Saturday from 5 to 9:30 PM and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. Entrees range from $14 to $45 For more information: 480-990-0900

Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse
Rich, dark woods, recessed lighting and crisp, white tablecloths create a mood of old-fashioned elegance at this downtown Scottsdale restaurant and piano bar. Portions range from eight ounces to sixteen ounces all the way to the 33-ounce Ribeye Chop Chef's Cut. Even though thick prime steaks and chops take center stage, salmon, Chilean sea bass and other seafood entrées are great performers too. Main courses are complemented with lobster cocktail, chilled crab legs and other seafood appetizers. Mastro's sophisticated piano bar offers live music and dancing seven nights a week. Mastro's is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 PM. For more information: 480-941-4700

Medizona
Robust flavors collide in this intimate eatery in downtown Scottsdale. Decorated in warm blue and yellow tones, multiple award-winner Medizona offers a highly inventive menu that food critics call "deliciously off the wall" and Zagat named "extraordinary" on its survey of America's top restaurants. Innovative chef and owner Konstantin M.'s dishes reflect a combination of Mediterranean ingredients and Southwestern recipes such as an eggplant tacos with lamb, achiote-rubbed salmon and Moroccan spiced chicken breast with black bean couscous. Prickly Pear Tiramisu or a glass from the extensive wine selection are great ways to round out a meal. Medizona is open Monday through Saturday from 6 to 10 PM. For more information: 480-947-9500

Other Scottsdale Attractions and Activities

e4 Nightclub
This hip wonderland celebrates earth, air, water and fire with four rooms themed around each element. Earth Lounge, with its curving walls and glass art décor, is the perfect place to have drinks and unwind before you step into the sensory blast of water, water everywhere in the Liquid Room. Walls are formed by waterfalls and blue liquid flows under the shimmering dance floor. The Fire Room pulses with red, dark Gothic-themed décor along with the rhythms of hip-hop and rock, while the Air Patio is upbeat but relaxed, a great place for happy hour. Its space-age décor features a sky blue backlit bar and cloud panels and floating plasma screens. Beautiful and visually stimulating, e4 is a sought-after backdrop for photo shoots, music videos and films and it is available for private events. e4 is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 PM to 2 AM and Friday and Saturday from 8 PM to 2 AM. For more information: 480-734-9181

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Railway
Passengers on the vintage Grand Canyon Railway enjoy a 145-mile historic journey along the same rail line that first brought American and international tourists to the Grand Canyon over 100 years ago. Heading north from Williams, Arizona, the beautifully restored train allows guests to enjoy the changing scenery of the Sonoran desert, prairie fields and pine forests before arriving at the ultimate destination, Grand Canyon National Park. Along the way, passengers are entertained by an old fashioned shoot-out and train robbery, canyon folklore and Wild West music.

The train departs daily. Times vary depending on season. Tickets for children ages 2-12 range from $35 for Budd seating to $100 for Luxury Parlor seating. Tickets for adults range from $65 for Budd class seating to $170 for Luxury Parlor seating. Prices increase Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information: 800-843-87246

MacDonald's Ranch
Located on 1,300 acres of pristine Sonoran desert, MacDonald's Ranch is a premier horseback riding and western adventure facility that offers Wild West excitement for small or large corporate gatherings. Nonstop entertainment thrills include trick riding stunts, horses that are smarter than the cowboys that ride them, gun spinning and trick roping. City slickers can enjoy desert tours on horseback, cattle drives, cowboy cookouts and hay rides. Hours and prices vary based on activity. For more information: 480-585-0239

Red Bar and Skybar at Mondrian Scottsdale
Located in the Old Town area of Scottsdale, this swanky resort celebrates sybaritic pleasures with its Garden of Eden theme and two of the city's hottest nightclubs: the whimsical Red Bar and the ultra-dark outdoor club Skybar. Red Bar evokes images of love and lust with its striking all-red décor and oversized apple in the center of the bar, while Skybar's black furniture, luxurious bed and open-air living room with fireplace are situated among veiled cabanas. Both bars are popular celebrity hangouts where you may see former 'Nsync band member Joey Fatone dancing or former 98 Degrees band member Nick Lachey and friends lounging at a corner table. Skybar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 PM to 2 AM. Red Bar is open daily from 4 PM to 2 AM. For more information: 480-444-0549

Scottsdale Fashion Square

Scottsdale Fashion Square
With 225 shops, eateries and department stores, Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest shopping mall in Arizona and the Southwest. Rivaling Hollywood's Rodeo Drive, the square features high-end retailers such as Tiffany & Co., Kate Spade, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Max Mara. The shopping mecca also offers 40 exclusive stores including Barney's New York, Crate and Barrel, Nordstrom's, Dillard's, Macy's and Neiman Marcus. The square is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. For more information: 480-990-7800

The Spa at Camelback Inn

Scottsdale Spas
One of the finest resort and spa communities in the country, Scottsdale has many world-class spas that transform pampering into an art form. The two-level, open-air Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort and Spa pampers guests with revitalizing, globally-inspired treatments with herbs, flowers, oils and minerals from the Mediterranean, including the popular Orange Blossom Body Buff. The Phoenician's Centre for Well-Being incorporates European and Eastern principles into its massages and skin and body treatments, many of which also incorporate ingredients native to the Southwest. Its Vanilla Rose Sugar Glow blends vanilla, cane sugar crystals and oils to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. The Spa at Camelback Inn offers the Sonoran Rose facial, a blend of its two most popular facials. With several spa options in the city, Scottsdale easily makes every guest a pampered guest. For more information: 602-840-3610

Taliesin West

Taliesin West
Often acclaimed as the greatest architect of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright established Taliesin West in 1937 as his home, studio and architectural campus. Today, the property encompasses 600 acres of magnificent, rugged desert in the McDowell Mountains. Operated by Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, it is more than just a museum, but a community of students and architects who live, work and study at the facility. Visitors can take tours of various rooms and buildings on the property, including the Garden Room, Wright's private gathering room and the Music Pavilion. Some tours involve desert walks. Taliesin West is available for private events. Tour hours and prices vary based on type. For more information: 480-860-2700