US Travel Guide - Scottsdale

Scottsdale Entertainment

Poll any group of residents or Valley visitors about the top reason to come to Scottsdale and the majority will probably answer with just two words, "great golf." Among the challenging, championship places to play (many designed by top names in the game) are several that rank in the countrys top hundred. Legend Trail is one fine example. Two other highly-recommended courses are North Scottsdales Grayhawk Golf Club and the new Kierland Golf Club. And, should you prefer to watch the pros putt, there are plenty of opportunities. The Phoenix Open, a major event on the PGA tour, is actually played at the Tournament Players Club in Scottsdale. PGA Seniors face off annual at The Tradition at Desert Mountain Cochise Course. As unlikely as it sounds, a local Rock'n'roll legend holds his own tournament here, too, the MTX Alice Cooper Celebrity AM.

But, as popular a pastime as it may be, golf is but a blip on the radar screen of Scottsdale recreational and entertainment opportunities.

The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, which bisects the city north to south from Shea Boulevard to McKellips Road and runs between Hayden Road on the east and Miller Road on the west, is a lush, green, tree-lined park area within the central city--an oasis in the surrounding desert landscape. Strap on your in-line skates or hop on your bicycle. Jog or take a leisurely stroll along the paths. Bring a picnic and your pole--fishing is permitted at some of the small lakes along the Greenbelt.

Into the clickety-clack of railroad tracks? Then theres another Scottsdale spot you'll want to be sure to visit. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is dedicated to this time-honored transportation and even has its own rideable railroad, a recreation center and expansive playground areas.

Each July, Chaparral Park is the site for one of the most popular--and messiest--of Scottsdale childrens events. Mighty Mud Mania features a full day of slippery, sloppy contests and challenges. Its a great way for youngsters to cool off on a hot summer day and for mom and dad to snap some memorable photos. Remember to bring a change of clothes!

And, speaking of kids, yours won't be able to contain their excitement at these fun-for-the-family destinations . . .

Wild West adventure awaits the young and young-of-heart at Rawhide with shoot-outs, pony rides, panning for "gold" and a Native American village, all in a real-life replica of an Old West town. But mind yer manners, pardner--the Sheriff won't tolerate trouble-makers and he'd jest as soon lock yuh up as look at yuh.

CrackerJax Family Fun & Sport Park is a whirlwind of games, rides and sports activities. The tikes will scream in delight as they bop around on the bumper boats, sink that mini golf putt or take a sharp turn turn on the go kart track. And you'll grin from ear-to-ear when you hit that homer in the batting cage or tee off a terrific shot at the two-tiered driving range.

Imagine the look on your little ones face when they get to pet a tiny tiger cub, or hold a live iguana at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Much more than a zoo, this preserve teaches visitors all about animals, from the exotic to the more ordinary. Several great shows both entertain and educate.

In fact, combining learning and leisure activities often go hand-in-hand here in Scottsdale . . .

Enthusiastic about architecture? Visit the Western home and studios of one of Americas design icons at Frank Lloyd Wrights Taliesin West. The complex itself is an excellent example of Wrights style of blending architecture into the environment, and still serves as headquarters to the school that trains disciples in his innovative design principles.

For those with an interest in Scottsdales rich and colorful past, the Scottsdale Historical Museum at Scottsdale Mall is a must-visit. You'll learn about how the city became the "Wests Most Western Town" and the important role it played in the development of Arizona.

While you're at Scottsdale Mall (which, incidentally isn't a "mall" in the shopping sense, but a public promenade in the style of the one in Washington, D.C.), its the perfect time to visit the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Two buildings, the original Center and the newer Center of Contemporary Art, house permanent and changing collections by both local and internationally-known artists. The Center also presents an exceptional schedule of theater, cultural and musical events throughout the year, including free Sunday A'Fair concerts in the outdoor amphitheater area each Sunday from Fall through Spring.

Theater and concert patrons also won't want to miss the many exciting events held at the Kerr Cultural Center and the Music by Moonlight Series at El Pedregal. For a taste of local talent, plan to attend a performance at Scottsdales oldest community theater, the Stagebrush.

Sometimes all you want to do is have some fun, and Scottsdale is happy to oblige . . .

When you're dying to see that new flick, or just have an inexplicable craving for a big box of Milk Duds, count on the United Artists Theaters at Scottsdale Pavilions and Sonora Village for first-run movies in comfortable, climate-controlled surroundings. Or snuggle with your sweetie or spouse at one of the Valleys only remaining outdoor theaters, the Scottsdale Six Drive-In.

Feeling lucky? You can bet on local casinos including the brand new Casino Arizona or the popular Fort McDowell Casino for complete gaming action. Try your luck at slots, bingo or poker, plus enjoy live musical entertainment and casual cuisine.

They may be known as the "Boys of Summer" but in Scottsdale, Springs the season for fast-paced baseball action. Scottsdale Stadium is the Spring Training home to the San Francisco Giants and the new, minor league Valley Vipers. With its Downtown location, the Stadium is also conveniently close to restaurants, galleries and . . .

Shops! Yes, browsing and buying are more than a pastime here--in this city, we purchase with passion. Pick out the perfect souvenir at one of Old Town Scottsdales quaint shops. Or acquire art, from fine to funky, at one of the Fifth Avenue galleries. Among them, you'll find some of the Wests best representations of Native American art at Grey Wolf Gallery, Pueblo pottery at King Galleries and bronze sculpture at Legacy Gallery--and thats just a start.

Feel that mysterious magnetic attraction? Don't fight the urge to splurge at the citys main shopping mecca, Scottsdale Fashion Square. This mega-mall is almost a city unto itself, with nearly every major department and specialty store under one huge roof. Remember your comfortable shoes on this trip!

Still under your credit limit? Maybe the best is yet to come. The Borgata, with its 14th century Italian village ambiance is the "Rodeo Drive" of Scottsdale retail. The crème de la crème of U.S. and international boutiques and custom clothiers stand ready to pamper you. Even if your budget only permits window-shopping, its well worth a visit. The Friday Farmers Market at the Borgata is also a popular place to pick up your weeks produce and some spectacular baked goods and specialty food items.

Now that you found the perfect outfit and are suitably dressed to impress, so lets go club hopping . . .

Do you look young enough to still get "carded"? Then the high-energy dance clubs, Axis and Radius are just the hip 'n happenin', see-and-be-seen hotspots you're looking for. Would something more mellow match your mood? The Famous Door is a 40s-style supper club featuring live big band and jazz, retro food and cocktails. Or "let the good times roll" at the Cajun House, a combination restaurant, club and concert venue. Depending on the night of the week, you may find Disco, Xydeco or a top national act. Rather kick up your heels to a Country Western beat? Slip off your Bruno Maglis, slide into your Tony Lamas and head on over to the Handlebar J, a long-time favorite boot scootin' bar, with live music nightly.

From October through April, the city becomes festival central. Here are a few of the highlights . . .

Whats that up in the sky? No, its not a bird or plane -- but it could very well be a Nike athletic shoe or even the Energizer Bunny! Each November, Scottsdales skies are dotted with hot air balloons from around the world at the Thunderbird Balloon Classic. Early morning "Hare and Hound" chases and nighttime glows take place at Westworld, which is also the site of the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in January and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show in February. Don't be surprised if you see your favorite celebrity at one of these high-profile events.

No festival says "Scottsdale" more than the Parada del Sol, held each January. This celebration of the citys western heritage features the worlds longest horse-drawn parade, professional rodeo competitions, Saturday night rodeo dances and an 8K road race. And, speaking of southwestern spirit, Marchs Festival of the West at Rawhide is four jam-packed days of live entertainment and fun for the whole family.

Also in March, the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, attracts top-seeded players from around the world.

With all these exciting things to do, a person can sure build up an appetite. No problem! The mid-April, week-long Scottsdale Culinary Festival will appease every appetite. More than a hundred restaurants serve up their best at the "Great Arizona Picnic" and various dinners, brunches and juried events round out this adventure in eating.

So whether you're content to kick back and see a show, prefer to meander through museums, shops and galleries, or are looking for adrenaline-pumping escapades, you're guaranteed to find an entertaining option here in Scottsdale.

Barbara Rothschild