Scottsdale Arizona has long been considered a top destination for those looking to escape the harsh and long winters associated with many regions around the country. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, and an average temperature of 68 degrees in our coldest winter months, it's easy to see why. But before you pack your bermuda shorts and sunglasses, take the time to review some of our favorite Scottsdale activities.
1. Arizona is home to over 300 golf courses, and many of the premiere courses are located in Scottsdale. Although the list is long, our favorite public courses would have to be the Kierland Golf Club (Mesquite, Ironwood and Acacia courses), TPC of Scottsdale, and the Grayhawk Golf Club (Talon and Raptor courses). Kierland Golf Club (480) 922-9283, TPC Scottsdale (888) 400-4001, Grayhawk Golf Club (480) 502-1800
2. For something a little different be sure to check out the Scottsdale Gun Club. The range is air conditioned and you don't need to be a member to use the facilities. The "machine gun adventures" program is very popular allowing for you to experience some of today's most highly advanced fully automatic military and law enforcement firearms. Scottsdale Gun Club (480) 348-1111
3. Casino Arizona has two convenient locations in Scottsdale. Both are located just off the 101 freeway for easy access and boast a wide variety of slot machines, black jack tables, poker rooms, restaurants, bars, spas, and entertainment venues. Don't miss the prime rib special at the Wandering Horse Cafe, served up daily. Casino Arizona (480) 850-7777
4. Greasewood Flat located in North Scottsdale is much more than just a restaurant and bar, it's an experience that should not be missed. During the Arizona Territory days, Reatta Pass was an old stage coach stop where travelers stopped for a hearty meal after a tough day of traveling. Portions of the adobe walls and old stone foundation still exist making Greasewood Flat the most authentic "cowboy" restaurant in the valley. Prepare to enjoy a tasty burger as well as some live entertainment at "America's most beautiful natural outdoor desert dining room." Greasewood Flat (480) 585-7277
5. For those with the shopping bug, may we suggest Kierland Commons. This trendy shopping destination is located near the Scottsdale Air Park and includes stores such as Juicy Couture, Cache, BCBG Max AZRIA and Coach. The variety of restaurants is equally impressive and distinctive with eateries such as Zinc Bistro, North, Mastro's Ocean Club Fish House and Morton's Steakhouse. Kierland Commons (480) 348-1577
6. Although not located in the city limits, we would highly recommend taking a trip out to see the good people at Desert Skydiving Center in Buckeye, Arizona. It's well worth the trip for this once in a lifetime experience. What could be better than jumping out of a perfectly good airplane at 11,000 feet? A tandem skydive runs about $180.00, but the memories will last a lifetime. Desert Skydiving Center (800) 441-JUMP
7. Crackerjax is located in North Scottsdale and offers fun for the whole family. Attractions include a miniature golf course, batting cages, driving range, bumper boat lagoon, volleyball courts, video and game center as well as a Can-AM style go-kart track. Crackerjax typically closes at 10:00 pm, although closing hours have been extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Crackerjax (480) 998-2800
Someone considering the purchase of a Scottsdale condo is someone considering making the area home on a long-term basis. If that someone is you, you’ll be glad to know that there is no shortage of recreational opportunities in the area. Golf, shopping, gourmet dining, golf, horseback riding, hiking and golf are just a few of the fun things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona. Incidentally, did we mention the golf?
Any golfer who comes to Scottsdale will think he has died and gone to heaven, because – aside from more than 300 days of sunshine each and every year – there are around fifty world-class golf courses in Scottsdale alone. The Scottsdale FBR Open is played every January at the Tournament Players Club, and is usually the first PGA tournament of the year.
Railfans and children of all ages will enjoy the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which, in addition to several exhibits of railroad memorabilia, features an operating half/scale railroad and a vintage carousel. Located right in the middle of Scottsdale, the Railroad Park is open every day except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Concerts free to the public are presented every Sunday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 PM between mid-May and mid-July every year.
Scottsdale bills itself as “The West’s Most Western Town." Nowhere is this more apparent than in Old Town Scottsdale, with its winding streets full of unique Western art galleries and boutique shops. Every week, the galleries in this area features a Thursday Evening ArtWalk with artists’ receptions and demonstrations.
Aside from equestrian parks, horse-lovers will want to catch the Parada del Sol Rodeo, an event that attracts rodeo riders from all over the U.S. as well as Canada and Mexico.
Those with fond (or not-so-fond) memories of Catholic school as a child will appreciate Late Nite Catechism, an “interactive" comedy that started its run at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts back in 2000, and has been performed weekly ever since. In 2004, the sequel, Late Nite Catcechism II: Sometimes We Feel Guilty Because We Are Guilty started its own run on the Stage 2 Theatre, and promises just as many laughs for the Catholic School survivor – and anyone else.
After a day in Old Town’s Art Galleries and an evening at the theatre, there are numerous four- and five-star restaurants in the area, offering cuisines ranging from locally-based Mexican and Native American cuisine to Mediterranean and Japanese. These restaurants are well-loved by local residents, and feature menus with a wide range of prices from cheap to extravagant.
These are just a few of the fun things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona. Keep these in mind when shopping for a Scottsdale property for your desert dream home or a Scottsdale condo.
Both Gen Wright & Wayne Hemrick are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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