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Authentic Arizona: Some Native American Culture For Your Scottsdale Trip

If you’re planning a Scottsdale trip this may, you probably already know that more than 20 Native American tribes call Arizona home and that their ancient dwellings and artifacts are still visible all across the state. But Indian culture is very much alive here as well. This month, it’s easy to find Scottsdale attractions that will open your eyes to Native American traditions, cuisine and art. Here are three family-friendly events to add to the calendar:

• Yellow Bird Production – This professional dance company brings Native American culture to life at Talking Stick Resort every Friday and Saturday evening. The show is free, so if you’re interested in traditional Native American dances, it’s the perfect night out. A word of warning: the resort’s casino, spa and world-class golf course may inspire you to book a vacation within a vacation.
• Namingha Family Paintings and Sculpture – The Hopi artist Dan Namingha and his two sons pay homage to their homeland and culture in a new exhibit at the Heard Museum. The Heard, well-known for preserving and presenting Native American culture, is a must-see during your Scottsdale trip in any case, but the Namingha exhibit is unique. In addition to paintings and sculptures, the exhibit incorporates work with wood, metals and stone. Dan Namingha has exhibited around the world and has received many honors for his art.
• Native American Bolo Ties – Also at the Heard this May is something special: a bolo tie display. It’s Arizona’s state neckwear, the skinny tie that never goes out of fashion (at least, not out west). The bolo tie started here in Arizona, and has since spread far and wide. The modern Indian artists of this state have created some unique and even ingenious designs, and it’s all on display this month at this landmark Phoenix museum.

There’s an art to any vacation. It takes the right mix of pre-planned sightseeing, relaxation, and plain old wandering around if you’re shooting for something special. On your Scottsdale trip, you’ll find that art and Native American culture are everywhere, whether you buy an advance ticket to a performance or just wander aimlessly through the many outdoor venues like a laconic drifter. This month, there’s no shortage of culture-rich Scottsdale attractions to enjoy along with the whole family. Your adventure will be different every day, and that’s the beauty of Scottsdale.

Think You’ve Done Everything? Don’t Forget These Scottsdale Attractions

You think you’ve seen all the Scottsdale attractions? Think again. Maybe you’ve taken in all the amazing art the city of Scottsdale has on display. Maybe you’ve checked out the museums, the annual events and the Native American culture. Maybe. But in just case you haven’t actually done every single thing there is to do in Scottsdale, check out this daily guide full of events, restaurants and sites that you probably haven’t yet enjoyed.

Tuesdays at T. Cook’s Lounge – Start out simply but deliciously with $2 tacos here at Phoenix’s Royal Palms Resort and Spa. These aren’t just any tacos – they’re the gourmet variety. We’re talkin’ Waldorf cole slaw on honey-baked ham, and lamb with goat feta.

Wednesdays at Don & Charlie’s – On May 9 and May 16, meet baseball great Willie Mays at an event benefiting the Say Hey Foundation, which supports improved academics for underprivileged kids. Mays never played for the Diamondbacks, but who wouldn’t want to meet this Hall of Famer?

Wednesday Wines at LON’s in the Hermosa Inn – For a bonus Wednesday event, stop by the Hermosa Inn for distinctive tapas and other Southwestern treats.

Thursdays at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art – Every Thursday, you can check out five galleries full of design, architecture and art from across the world, and for free. The building itself is a work of art, with a “skyspace” for viewing the desert both day and night. As Scottsdale attractions go, this one can’t be topped.

Friday Night Franks at Fort McDowell Adventures – Spend your next Friday night at this Sonora Desert wiener roast and enjoy horseshoes, wagon rides, s’mores, beer and more. While you’re visiting Fort McDowell, you can also ride the Tequila Bus or explore the heritage of the local Yavapai Indians.

Saturdays Are for The Downtown Art & Cultural Trolley Tour – If you want to see all the Scottsdale attractions at once, try this tour on the second Saturday of any month. Starting at the historic Old Adobe Mission, it travels through the Arts District, SouthBridge, Hotel Valley Ho and the Waterfront districts.

Free Sunday Night Concerts at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – Enjoy the music, kiddie rides and food – plus the arboretum, the model railroad building and the historical railroad exhibit that gave the place its name. It’s a great way to end your Scottsdale trip.

Wait – What About Mondays? Still here? Of course you are – it’s no easy thing to leave Scottsdale. You’ve worked and played hard, so take a day off with a free movie courtesy of 960 AM The Patriot, one of Phoenix’s talk radio stations. Free Movie Mondays rotate among three theaters, so check your calendar.

When you’re looking for Scottsdale attractions, you quickly learn just how much there is to do and see here. Some people come for the weather and cultural attractions, others delight in the food and the golf. Yep, you’ll be busy. If it gets overwhelming, just remember that no matter what brings you to the city of Scottsdale this May, a touch of routine can help you feel right at home.

The Art of Arizona: Scottsdale Art Galleries and Fine Art Shows

The beauty of vacations is that they give us time for the finer things in life, and when you visit Scottsdale in May, that includes more than just sleeping in. Scottsdale art galleries are plentiful – there are about 100 in all, and they’re a big part of what makes Scottsdale a top draw for art collectors. Even if you’re more of a serious browser than a serious collector, you’ll appreciate the many galleries and exhibits during your stay here.

ArtBridge – Every Thursday in May, the Marshall Way Pedestrian Bridge turns into ArtBridge. Stop by and stroll among the outdoor displays by local artists and craftspeople. ArtBridge is where Scottsdale art galleries really shine – as does the bridge itself, thanks to all the lovely lights.

ArtWalk – Also every Thursday, “America’s Original ArtWalk” takes place in downtown Scottsdale along Marshall Way and Main Street. During the ArtWalk, Scottsdale art galleries put their best locally produced art on display. You’ll casually stroll the streets and maybe enjoy a bite to eat – and you’ll get a good shot of Southwestern culture to boot. If you’re looking for Scottsdale attractions focused on art, the ArtWalk is a joy.

Spring Butterfly Exhibit – Proving again that there is wonderful art in nature itself, this exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden in nearby Phoenix introduces you to giant swallowtails, great southern whites, painted ladies and more. Walk among them – and if you’re lucky, one might even stop by to say hello. The display is full of butterfly-friendly plants, and a Discovery Zone lets kids get close and really examine the colorful insects.

The Sea – The Phoenix Art Museum’s latest fashion exhibit shows how the ocean has influenced clothing design throughout history. The city of Scottsdale may not be near a large body of water, but you won’t really care when you’ve got the works of Prada or Karl Lagerfeld right there in front of you.

Scottsdale Street Fair – While Scottsdale art galleries specialize in sculptures or paintings, at the Scottsdale Street Fair you’ll find the sort of art that goes great with funnel cakes and cheese fries. But who’s complaining? On Sundays at the Pavilions at Talking Stick, vendors offer flowers, arts and crafts and other desirable home items and gifts. Plus, there’s always entertainment.

Believe it or not, Scottsdale once feuded with another Arizona town over which one really deserved the slogan “The West’s Most Western Town.” Nowadays, Scottsdale is more like a “desert version of Miami’s South Beach,” as the New York Times recently said. Scottsdale art galleries are renowned across the Southwest, and when you visit Scottsdale in May, you’ll experience the best of street art and fine art alike. You’ll find it all in one month – heck, in one weekend – of your visit here.

Tasty Scottsdale Attractions: BBQ, Bites, Brews and More

Authentic Arizona food and drink means flavors from the state’s Indian, Spanish and Mexican past, and when you visit Scottsdale this May, that’s just what you’ll get. How about a prickly-pear margarita, or some saguaro barbecue sauce? Mesquite is famous for its smokiness, but mesquite pod flour is an unexpectedly sweet addition to bread and muffins. Or how about habaneros and green chili peppers, added to almost anything? This month, there’s no shortage of tasty Scottsdale attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s what’s going on in the realm of food and drink:

Arizona Barbecue Festival – Nearly 100 barbecue teams from across the region are headed for Scottsdale on the weekend of May 19th  for a huge BBQ event. There are only three numbers to remember: $2 (the cost of samples), $12 (the price of admission) and $40,000 – the top prize for the best smoked meat around. The festival features a kids’ zone, cooking demonstrations and vendors to help you get started barbecuing and smoking on your own, plus whiskey and local specialty cocktails to make sure you linger a little longer. The Arizona Barbeque Festival is surely the king of Scottsdale attractions in May.

AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival – The AmeriCAN festival is back for a second year this May 19th at the Scottsdale Civic Center. There are bites and bands, of course, but the brews are the main attraction. More than 150 breweries will participate. Some of the local stars include Mogollon Brewing from Flagstaff, Mudshark from Lake Havasu City, Prescott from Prescott (of course) and SanTan Brewing from Chandler. Check out the nano beer garden and the beer Olympics before sloshing away.

Schnepf Farms’ Annual Peach Festival – There’s no reason to wait until August in Georgia if fresh peaches make your mouth water – simply visit Scottsdale for this free event on the weekend of May 12th or the weekend of May 19th. Just half an hour from Scottsdale in Queen Creek, the festival features a peach-sampling tent, a pancake breakfast, cooking demos by celebrity chefs and orchard train rides for the kids.

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Heard Museum – If you happen to be enjoying one of the Westbrook vacation rentals this Mother’s Day, take Mom and the rest of the crew to this delicious event. The Heard Museum, one of Phoenix’s finest cultural attractions, is all about American Indian arts and culture. The brunch, in the museum’s Courtyard Café, includes music, exhibits for Mom to enjoy and even a gift shop for her to pick out her own present – if you’ve waited that long.

Special events are great, of course, but don’t forget that the city of Scottsdale is overflowing with top restaurant and club destinations that offer their own special culinary creations. Whether you’re on the prowl for hot peppers or a dose of smoky mesquite, visit Scottsdale for a taste of the best the Southwest has to offer.

Scottsdale Attractions to Check Out This May

For desert wanderers, this May is looking like the perfect time to visit Scottsdale, a month chock full of eclectic entertainment, music and even a bit of culture. This spring, Scottsdale plays host to several one-time events that can’t be missed, and people who love both new and old Scottsdale attractions will find plenty to keep them occupied. Here’s a sample of what’s going on:

• Jazz Legend Dianne Reeves. For jazz lovers, this one-night-only performance at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on May 5th should be a smash. Dianne is a Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist known for her range, pitch and overall vocal prowess. Get your tickets now, because it’s happening soon. If you’re too late, don’t worry. Those one-time events we mentioned are happening all month long.

• Rock and Roll Classic Car and Bike Show. Whether you’ve got a classic car of your own or you just want to see what all the buzz is about, the Rock and Roll Car and Bike Show should be at the top of every car lover’s list of Scottsdale attractions. This rockin’ show is absolutely free and hosts anywhere from 400 to 650 classic cars and bikes. Stop by the Scottsdale Pavilions any Saturday evening from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. to check it out.

• Arizona Restaurant Week.  If you appreciate fine dining, Arizona Restaurant Week is a fantastic time to visit Scottsdale. From May 19th through the 27th, you can sample signature dishes at any of 150 fine area restaurants. You’ll pay no more than $40 per person (minus beverages, tips and tax) for the experience, and that gives you a great excuse to finally try out that restaurant all the local guidebooks are raving about.

This May is shaping up to be an exciting time to visit Scottsdale. From great concerts to fine dining and car shows, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events happening around town this spring. So head on out and drink (and eat) your fill. These Scottsdale attractions won’t hang around forever, but you just might!

National Parks to Visit When You Vacation in AZ

When you vacation in AZ this year, don’t forget to bring your appreciation for nature – and then drink your fill at one of our great national parks. The practice of setting aside land for national parks began in 1871, and it was such a popular move that American presidents just kept on doing it. Jackson started it, Lincoln ran with it and Roosevelt was a champion of the cause. Wallace Stegner, the famous environmentalist and writer, called the act of preserving America’s natural beauty for future generations one of the best ideas that we, as a nation, ever had. Been to one lately? Or ever? Here are four parks that you can visit while you vacation in AZ.

• Grand Canyon National Park. One of the most breathtaking sights you’ll see in your entire life, the Grand Canyon is truly worth the trip. Hiking, backpacking and rafting excursions are available, so you can travel down the Colorado River or stretch your spirit at Tuweep Overlook. There’s way more than one way to enjoy America’s most impressive natural attraction.

• Saguaro National Park. The saguaro cactus is the symbol of the American Southwest, yet these cacti can only be found in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Don’t be discouraged, though, because you’ll find over one million of them at Saguaro National Park. You can visit the Tucson Mountain District or the Rincon Mountain District, but either way, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty.

• Tumacácori National Historical Park. This park was founded in 1990 to protect the ruins of three 17th century Jesuit missions – Tumacácori, Calabazas and Guevavi. A self-guided walking tour of these missions, which were established by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, is both educational and fun.

• Petrified Forest National Park. The petrified trees in this park lived, grew and died 225 million years ago during the Triassic period. Over time, the fallen trees absorbed silica, which crystallized into quartz and turned them to stone. Much later, they were at last uncovered – forced to the surface by natural processes along with the fossilized remains of other ancient organisms, including dinosaurs.

When you visit one of these amazing national parks, you’ll truly appreciate the work of those who fought to preserve these natural spaces so that we could celebrate their wild beauty even today. A day away from your luxury vacation rental while on your vacation in AZ is all it takes. So head out to see the many breathtaking wonders that nature has wrought for you, and catch up on your history while you’re at it. It’s what Arizona is all about.

5 Packing Tips for Your Trip to the City of Scottsdale

Some people love packing and some people hate it, but when you travel to the city of Scottsdale this year, your packing skills can make or break your trip. Were you in a rush? Did you pack the right clothes? Did you forget something really important? Hey, even the most experienced traveler can slip up sometimes, but there’s just no reason for chaos and unmet needs to be a part of your Arizona vacation. Here are five tips to make preparing for your visit to the city of Scottsdale a whole lot easier.

1. Pack for the weather - In Phoenix and Scottsdale, the average temperature in April is about 73, though your average lows will hover around 60, and you’ll see highs in the 80s. With temperatures like that, you don’t want to be stuck with nothing but jeans and sweatshirts for your entire trip. Bring ‘em, but also remember your shorts when you visit Scottsdale! It’s springtime in the desert, after all.

2. Remember the sunscreen - April in the city of Scottsdale is a sunny time – about 89% sunny, actually. If you use a particular kind of sunscreen, bring it – or buy some when you arrive. You’ll appreciate the protection during outdoor activities, and you certainly won’t miss those raw, painful sunburns. You’re not as dumb as these guys, are you?

3. Don’t overpack – or underpack. If you’re visiting the city of Scottsdale for a weekend trip, you don’t want to bring a gigantic suitcase filled with clothes. Likewise, if you’re visiting for an extended time, don’t cram everything into a carry-on bag. Packing for trip length is crucial. Bringing too much “stuff” is needlessly expensive, and it can actually cause stress. Pack too little, on the other hand, and you’ll find yourself shopping for things you already own back home.

4. Leave some space - For some reason, your belongings always seem to take up more room on the way home than on the way there. Leave some extra space if you’re planning to buy souvenirs, or if you don’t fancy cramming everything back in as neatly as you did for the trip out.

5. Create a checklist - It sounds silly now, but you don’t want to arrive at your destination lacking something you need, and you don’t want to arrive home without something you brought. Make a checklist on both ends of your trip. Checklists account for jewelry, prescription medicines, cell phone chargers and anything else that’s important to you. What they give you, more than anything else, is peace of mind.

Above it all, you should listen to your common sense when you’re packing. Don’t ignore that little part of your brain that’s telling you something is unnecessary. You want to enjoy yourself as much as you possibly can when you visit Scottsdale, so bring what you need, leave behind what you don’t, and most importantly, think ahead!

Easter Egg Hunts In The City of Scottsdale

Whether you vacation in AZ during the Easter holiday for business or for pleasure, you’ve gotta make sure the kiddies have a good time. And what do kids like best this time of year? Easter egg hunts, of course. For your family, the egg hunt might be an annual tradition back home, but who knew you could enjoy one while on the road? Here are a few egg hunts happening around Phoenix and the city of Scottsdale this April.

• Egg-cellent Spring/Easter Event. This egg hunt takes place at the Deer Valley Community Center on April 5th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and it’s for kids 18 months to five years old only. Admission is free. This event also includes snacks and crafts, and the Easter Bunny will be there for pictures.

• Dino Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza. Come to the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa on April 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. for the 4th Annual Dino Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza, an experience that will be both educational and fun for the kids. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for kids age 3 to 17, but it’s free with a museum membership. If you love natural history – and if you want to learn about the cultural history of the Southwest – your vacation in AZ isn’t complete until you check out the exhibits.

• Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter Egg Hunt. Featuring food and fun activities, this egg hunt happens on April 6th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Peoria Sports Complex. Admission and parking are free with a donation of canned food for St. Mary’s Food Bank.

• Apache Junction Easter Egg Hunt. This April 7th, the search is on for the 6,000 eggs hidden here at Apache Junction. The hunt starts at 9 a.m., but there’s also a pancake breakfast at 7:30. The egg hunt is free, and the breakfast is free with a donation. Prizes are awarded for eggs with tokens inside.

• Spring Eggstravaganza. Search for over 50,000 eggs filled with candy and toys at this incredible egg hunt. The hunt is divided into age groups, the first beginning at 10 a.m on April 7th. The Eggstravaganza will be held at the Surprise Recreation Campus Kansas City Practice Fields. Activities will be provided, but children should bring their own baskets.

While on your vacation in AZ this Easter, don’t forget the yearly egg hunt ritual – because if you mess this one up, the kids will get cranky, and no one wants that. More information on all egg hunts can be found at this website. Egg hunts are fun for the whole family, and they’re sure to put smiles on the kids’ faces.

Scottsdale Attractions in April

When you visit Scottsdale in April, you better be prepared to have a great trip filled with excitement, because April is packed with fun activities for practically everyone. Here are a few Scottsdale attractions that are offered over the course of the month:

Dash of Salt. For the truly daring, Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours offers this rafting trip on April 1st and 8th. Dash of Salt packs a two-day trip into one fun-filled day while covering over 20 miles of rapids in the beautiful Salt River Canyon. Meet with your guide at 8:30 AM and arrive back at your car at around 6:30 PM.

Sunday A’Fair. This popular event is held in Civic Center Park April 1st, 8th and 15th and is presented by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The festivities at Sunday A’Fair include outdoor concerts, a craft market and fun activities for the kids. The best part? Admission is free for everyone!

McDowell Mountain Music Festival. Originally started in 2004, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival takes place April 13th through 15th. On the 13th, gates open at 4PM with music starting at 5PM. The 14th and 15th, gates open at 11AM with music starting at 12PM. The festival includes concerts, a silent auction, a marketplace, a Kid’s Zone and much more. All proceeds from this event benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Ear Candy.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival. If you’re a big foodie and reality TV fan, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is the place for you. It takes place April 17th through 22nd and features events for the entire family. Kids will have a blast in the Family Zone that features child-friendly snacks, while adults put on their best formal attire to out-style their friends at the Eat, Drink & Be Pretty wine and food tasting. The event features guest appearances by Adam Richman of Man v. Food and Andrew Zimmerman of Bizarre Foods, two of the most popular shows on The Travel Channel.

There are lots of great Scottsdale attractions this April, all of which are great for visitors or locals. If you go to the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and take a photo with any celebrities, be sure to share them with us via our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Top 5 Places for Easter Brunch When You Visit Scottsdale

Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, Easter Sunday provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious brunch at one of your favorite restaurants – and in the city of Scottsdale, you’ve got plenty of options. Here are a few of the best places around town to find special menus created exclusively for Easter Sunday.

1. El Chorro. El Chorro is famous for its fantastic Sunday brunch, but on Easter Sunday this year, they’re shaking things up. How about some new tastes for the new season? Start off with a hearty Yukon potato salad and end with decadent lavender chocolate-dipped strawberries. Prices are $49 for adults, $16 for kids 12 and under. Children under three eat for free, and brunch is offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2. Heard Museum. Can you imagine a more unique place for an Easter brunch than a Native American museum? Enjoy a scrumptious meal, lively music and spirited performances at Phoenix’s famous Heard Museum. Brunch is offered from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults gain entry for $30 ($25 with museum membership), and kids 12 and under get in for $15. When you visit Scottsdale this year, many great attractions will be competing for your attention, but if you’re into Southwest history and American Indian culture, the Heard is truly something to be seen.

3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. On Easter Sunday, Fleming’s opens early at 11:30 a.m., and brunch ends at 3 p.m. Adults can enjoy a fantastic meal for $34.95, and kids 12 and under can eat for $16.95. Brunch consists of three delicious courses (and they all look great). You’ll have your choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. There are two locations in the city of Scottsdale.

4. Carefree Resort & Conference Center. Hosted by the Lariat Restaurant and Lounge, this Easter brunch will be one you never forget, and that’s because carved leg of lamb and Dr. Pepper-basted ham are clearly a step up from traditional Easter fare. The cost is $45 for adults and $20 for kids 10 and under. Brunch will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5. Montelucia Resort & Spa. Executive Chef Michael Cairns of Montelucia Resort & Spa has a wonderful brunch menu prepared for Easter Sunday. Bone-in ham with jalapeño honey? That sounds more magical than a bipedal bunny. Brunch is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Prado. The cost is $79 for adults and $25 for kids 10 and under.

When you visit Scottsdale this Easter, make sure you come with an empty stomach, because … well, just check out those menus. When it comes to holiday brunch, Grandma’s got nothin’ on the city of Scottsdale. Make your reservation today, because openings are filling quickly.