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Browsing Scottsdale
Alvadora Spa
Mirroring the Old World Mediterranean-inspired feel of the hotel, Royal Palms' Alvadora Spa uses natural stone, aged timbers, rich colors and textures, residential furnishings, handmade tiles, large wooden doors, gardens, fountains, and fireplaces in its 10 luxurious treatment rooms, plus a variety of outdoor treatment areas in lush garden settings. Spa amenities include a Watsu massage pool, three Villa rooms, water therapy, an outdoor rain shower, men's and women's locker rooms with Jacuzzi and sauna, a complete fitness center with classes and personal trainers, a full-service salon, and more.
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ArtOne Gallery
Art One is a democratic, even "grass-roots," organization of dedicated professional artists working to make art more affordable and accessible to the other-than-super-rich. Art One supports many charitable programs, and through its foundation (the Newlon-Foote Foundation) collects donations to buy art supplies for disadvantaged public schools and provide scholarships for promising artists. Art One displays art (in many different media) by promising artists trying to establish themselves professionally, with an emphasis on promoting Arizonan artists, while working hard to keep its gallery prices within the range of average-income art buyers. Come on down to the gallery and catch the art-for-all fever. They've also got a location in downtown Phoenix as well; so if you can't make it to the Scottsdale gallery, swing by the alternate!
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Arts Alive
This fine art publisher, distributor and custom framer is the number one choice of area designers, galleries and art consultants looking for quality pieces. For those wishing for the designer touch to adorn walls this is the ideal place to find works by today's popular artists. You will find an extensive collection of artists and styles. Artists include works by Mary Hudgins, Sharon Whitehurst and Eric Waugh. More than 30 artists' work is featured.
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Borgata of Scottsdale
Replicated from a 14th-century Italian hill village, the cobbled walks, bubbling fountains and stone turrets of this open-air mall combine to achieve a gracious shopping experience. Visit on Fridays from October through April, and immerse yourself in the wonderful scents and flavor of the Casino Arizona
This new casino offers exciting options for entertainment, dining and gambling. Find 100,000 square feet of fun in this facility, owned and operated by Pima-Maricopa Indians. Multiple dining and drinking spots include a sport and piano bar as well as five on-site restaurants. Native American jewelry and artwork are showcased alongside other gift items in the boutiques and specialty stores. On-site ATMs as well as a global check cashing facility are on the premises.
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Cattle Track Arts Compound
The Cattle Track Arts Compound is a one-of-a-kind artist colony located on the historic Cattle Track property. Headed up by owner and arts maven Janie Ellis, the colony offers art exhibitions, artists' studios and work spaces, a colonial antique gallery, Women's Theater performances, as well as limited-edition fine art books beautifully crafted on an old-fashioned letter press.
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Cave Creek and Carefree
Just north of Scottsdale, these two sleepy towns are known as artists' enclaves that still revel in their rustic Wild West past. With funny street names like "Ho Hum" and "Easy Street," this favorite day destination for motorcyclists and families alike is anything but ho hum. The towns offer a wide range of eclectic eateries, shopping, artist studios, lodging, restaurants, and more.
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Cave Creek Museum
Cave Creek was founded in the 1870s as a gold-mining camp. Today, the camp (and the gold) is long-gone, but the museum, now housed in Cave Creek's historic (and original) "Wild West" church, offers the opportunity to relive the experience. By paying a visit to the Cave Creek Museum, you will have the opportunity to examine old-time Western artifacts, view historical artwork, and even take a tour of old mining cabins (which, in the '20s, housed tuberculosis patients). It may not be the Old West today, but you will certainly get a feel for how it used to be.
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Cellular One Ice Den
Featuring two NHL-sized ice rinks open to public skating, this place hosts adult and youth hockey leagues as well as instruction and classes on skating for fun, sport and even figure skating. The Coyotes Ice Sports pro shop sells gear of all kinds, including helmet, hockey sticks, and safety equipment. Stanley's Grille serves hamburgers and hot-dogs, and the kids can spend the change in the video arcade. With programs, classes, leagues and more, this skating rink is a cool place to chill out and have some fun!
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Continental Golf Course
This Par 60 18-hole course offers a fine Scottsdale address and dual tee sets. The front tees run 3,374 yards and the back offer 3,766 yards total. This course also features a long 18th hole with a dogleg right; water play is available on two holes. Enjoy lunch at the cafe and shop for your gear in the on-site pro shop. After your game, nearby shopping is available at Crackerjax Family Fun & Sports Park
This fun filled park is perfect for families with children of all ages. There are two go-cart tracks, one for the older and one for the younger set. A choice of two miniature golf courses and an award winning golf range has earned this fun spot a "best of" vote by Phoenix New Times three years running. Large groups looking for something special will enjoy the sand volleyball court, and a full video arcade will entertain everyone.
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el Pedregal Festival Marketplace
Fashioned as an Old Morocco marketplace, this upscale enclave is set amongst the famed boulders that loom 250 feet above. An eclectic combination of apparel shops, restaurants, galleries and the Heard Museum North make a full day excursion a delightful possibility here. Enjoy free outdoor Eldorado Park
This 60-acre park located within the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt is home to the "Wedge," Scottsdale's first skating park. The park is every skater's dream complete with ramps and awesome places to learn new tips and tricks from fellow skaters. The park offers an outdoor amphitheater, swimming pool, two lakes, two children's playgrounds, five-mile course and softball, soccer, basketball and a sand volleyball court. Pack up the family, make some lunch, and head on over to the picnic area to top off a great family outing.
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West
Built in the late 1930s, this cluster of buildings is now a National Historic Landmark. Patterned after the flow and feeling of the desert surrounding it, this school was the architect's favorite building. Learning by doing was the theme of Wright's teaching style, and this philosophy remains today. Highlights of the center include Wright's former office, a Cabaret Theater and the Pavilion Theater.
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Gilbert Ortega
Turquoise and silver jewelry, kachinas and sand paintings are among many other items included in this 10,000 square-foot facility in Scottsdale's Fifth Avenue Shops.
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Golden Door Spa
This Asian and Native American-influenced spa is a wonderful Sonoran adaptation of the legendary Golden Door in Escondido, California. Naturally lit rooms, viga ceilings, and meandering streams are just a few of the reasons that you'll leave the Golden Door refreshed and relaxed. Oh yeah, their treatments are great too!
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Golf at the Boulders
Choose from two 18-hole championship courses at Grayhawk Golf Club--Talon
This first-class championship public course offers a challenging array of holes where even the "best" can be satisfied. Reportedly the "Swing Bridge" and "Heaven or Hell" are particularly good, but watch out for the 12th hole, it's said to be the toughest. Rates vary by season please call to confirm. Collared shirts are required. Amenities: clubhouse, pro-shop, driving range, putting and chipping greens and golf school. Call for tee times.
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Greasewood Flats
In its earlier days, Greasewood Flats was known only to the lucky few who discovered the tiny place hidden off of a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, including Glen Campbell, John Denver, and Tennessee Ernie Ford, who would do impromptu performances. Today, the circa-1883 former stagecoach bunkhouse is widely known and wildly popular, with its rustic bar and dozens of picnic tables under a rolling canopy of trees. Folks flock to Greasewood for a cold beer, a grilled-to-order hamburger, live music, and stunning sunset views over the mountaintops to the west.
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Hoo-hoogam Ki Museum
Hoo-Hoogam Ki means "house of those who were here and are now gone." Intimate and informal, the Hoo-Hoogam Ki Museum was founded in 1987 to honor veterans from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Its artifacts, neither numerous nor dramatic, tell the story of the Piipaash (Maricopa) and O'odham (Pima) tribes.
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House of Broadcasting
View memorabilia from some of Arizona's best-loved radio and TV personalities, including Wallace & Ladmo, Buck Owens, W. Steven Martin, and many more. Of special note are a letter from Steven Spielberg and Buck Owens' legendary red, white, and blue guitar.
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Kierland Golf Club
This 27-hole, links-style course is surrounded on all sides by the views of the mountains. Impeccably maintained fairways and incredible rolling hills create a challenging and rewarding golf experience. Designer Scott Miller created a winning course featuring 300 bunkers, beautiful lakes and decidedly desert washes and landscaping. The best shot for a birdie is on hole #1. Collared shirts are required and there is a no denim rule. Spikes are not prohibited, however a "spikeless course" is preferred. Call for tee times.
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King Galleries of Scottsdale
Since its opening in 1996, King Galleries has become a one of the leading galleries of Pueblo pottery in the country. They feature both contemporary and traditional clay vessels. Each piece is handmade and a reflection of Native American Indian culture, history and tradition. The gallery has a website that features new works and gallery events. Take time to browse and cultivate your taste for this unique and historic art. Year-round on Thursday nights you may browse the Art Walk where many galleries remain open until 9pm.
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Legend Trail Golf Club
Enjoy the relaxing mountainous panorama of the high Sonoran desert in north Scottsdale on this premium desert course. Utilized as a Golf Academy by Resort Golf as well as a public facility, it features immaculate greens and fairways. Four boxes are available for players of all skill levels. From the longest tees, the yardage is 6,800, and from the shortest, a mere 5,000. Special deals through the on-site school are available also. Please call for current information and tee times.
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McCormick Ranch Golf Club
This club offers two 18-hole par 72 courses. The Pine course, with it's challenging narrow fairways and mature pine trees, and the Palm, with water play and arresting views. Built in 1971, designer Desmond Muirhead utilized the lake and surrounding views to create challenging courses with four sets of tee boxes to satisfy guests of all skill levels. Yardage on the Pine course ranges from 5,333-7,187; the Palm's 5,057-7,044. This facility is a feature of the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Located on 30 acres of land, this newly renovated park has recently undergone massive changes. A favorite for railroad enthusiasts and the little ones in the group, this is a perfect setting for a quiet family day. New additions include an antique carousel and clock tower, and the park headquarters is a two-story model of an actual Clifton, Arizona railroad station. Try something from the snack bar served out of a Southern Pacific caboose.
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Mountain View Park
Set on 20 acres, this park is the hub of the community. Unique features include two activity rooms, and a kitchen and stage that may be rented for private functions. The park can accommodate 200 guests outside and 400 inside and is a perfect spot for your family reunion or a team building exercise. Amenities include a full size basketball court, two picnic areas, three soccer fields, a lighted softball field and a volleyball area. Additional programs accommodate the needs of children between the ages of 12-17.
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Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Experience wild animals in an environment best suited to them. This park is not a zoo, circus or drive-thru, but a habitat that allows human participants to interact with wild animals. Family-oriented learning takes place in the favored "Tiger Splash" show featured daily. Watch facilitators as they swim with the tigers while training them to hunt. Prices include all shows.
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Phoenician's Centre for Well-Being
The Phoenician's Centre for Well-Being has soothing massage therapies and skin and body treatments that draw from European and Eastern principles combined with the use of indigenous Southwest plants and minerals. The Centre also has a peaceful sanctuary, the Meditation Atrium, which invites introspection with chaise lounges, lush greenery, and guided meditation sessions for the ultimate in mind-body relaxation and rejuvenation. For details and spa menu, see the website.
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Pinnacle at Troon North
Masterpiece companion to Pinnacle Peak Park
The 150-acre Pinnacle Peak Park's star attraction is its moderate 1.75-mile hike and, more importantly, the spectacular views that the hike affords. The area is accessible to hikers and horseback riders alike, so watch your step! For the more adventurous visitors, there are also three areas of the park designated for experienced rock climbers (with appropriate gear). For the inquisitive visitor, there are many trail signs describing the plants, wildlife, geology, and cultural history of the area. And, if that's not sufficient, the park also offers interpretive programs covering the same aspects, but in much greater depth. Free guided tours are held at 10am, Tues-Sun.
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Riva Yares Gallery
Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the Riva Yares Gallery (and its namesake owner) are celebrated veterans of the Scottsdale arts scene, showcasing modern and contemporary work by both established masters and emerging talent. You'll find an impressive array of artwork at the pinnacle of museum-worthy quality, housed in a striking edifice festooned with unmistakable works of modern sculpture. A member of the Art Dealers Association of America, The Riva Yares Gallery has contributed to a number of noteworthy traveling exhibitions as well, including a retrospective of the works of Milton Avery. Come down to the gallery if you're looking for very serious works of art or if you just want the opportunity to browse in quiet amazement.
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River of Time Museum
The River of Time Museum showcases exhibits covering the entire sweep of both geological and human history in the Scottsdale region, from its geological history through the various peoples who have made the area their home over the past millennia. It contains exhibits on the archaology of the region's prehistoric inhabitants, the culture and life of its indigenous Yavapai people, displays on the early pioneer settlement of the region, and exhibits on the role and importance of the area's natural water sources in driving and uniting these disparate histories. Sharing a home with the Fountain Hills Library in a gleaming Pueblo-style building, this is an educational experience sure to reward its visitors with a much better understanding of the great River of Time flowing through the region.
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Sanctuary Golf Course at WestWorld
At the foot of the McDowell Mountains lies Scottsdale's newest daily fee Par 71. Rated by Audubon International Institute, this is the first golf course in Arizona to achieve this rare certification, due to it's eco-sensitive design by Randy Heckenkemper. Total yardage on the long tees is roughly 6,600. Golf cart fees are included.
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Scottsdale Center for the Arts
This organization transformed a small western town into a well-respected cultural community. Throughout the year, the arts are explored through music, dance, acting and other artistic venues. Programs promoting the importance of the arts to children of all ages are conducted regularly. Tours, lectures, workshops and classes are held on a variety of thought provoking subjects. As events frequently change, visiting often will provide the best experience and efforts put forth by this center. Contact the Center for dates, times and pricing for individual events.
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Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall is 21.25-acre lush park that runs from Brown Ave. to 75th St. and 1st Ave. to 2nd St. Adjacent to the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, JAMES Hotel, Chamber of Commerce, and the Civic Center Library, the Mall is host to various art, music and culinary festivals, plus restaurants, clubs, shops, galleries, a water-spray pad for kids, fountains, a lagoon with swans, and an outdoor amphitheater.
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Scottsdale Historical Museum
Originally built as Scottsdale's first "Little Red School House," this facility was used most recently by the Chamber of Commerce during its restoration and conservation. Collections include an exhibit featuring Winfield Scott, the founding father of Scottsdale. Photographs and memorabilia representing the history and culture of "The West's Most Western Town" are featured. There is an on-site gift shop with interesting specialty books for children and adults.
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Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
This Scottsdale museum displays a large variety of frequently changing contemporary art exhibits and special events for adults and families. Photographs, paintings and sculpture are just some of the highlighted talents. Opening Dec. 17th, 'southwestNET: techno', an exhibition featuring artists from the southwest using groundbreaking new technologies in their work. Devoted to the art, architecture and design of our time, SMoCA offers free art lectures, symposiums, workshops and poetry readings, providing a forum where visitors can interact with contemporary artists.
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Scottsdale Ranch Park
This park, located in Scottsdale Ranch, offers amenities to satiate fitness fanatics completely. To satisfy the need for exercise and work your competitive spirit, there are volleyball, basketball, racquetball, tennis and squash courts. The "wee" ones will really enjoy the children's playground. For something a bit different, a twelve station exercise will get your heart racing. Tennis, racquetball and volleyball leagues are offered year round. Park facilities may be used for groups with a maximum of 1,000.
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Scottsdale Seville
This shopping bastion offers a little of everything. Enjoy fine dining at Scottsdale Stadium
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, this facility is the Spring Training Center for the San Francisco Giants and is home-base of the new minor league Valley Vipers. Bricks shaped like home plate, turn-of-the-century lamps and antique gloves entice you with their baseball allure. An inexpensive choice for baseball fans and a stone's throw from many fine restaurants, shop and events in the downtown Scottsdale area. After the game, why not stop in for a little bite of ice cream heaven at the Spa at Camelback Inn
Relax and enjoy the wealth of amenities offered by this world-class spa at Spa at Gainey Village
It's technically not a resort spa (it's located across the street from the Hyatt Regency), but it feels like one. The Spa at Gainey Village offers a luxurious getaway with plenty of tempting spa treats. Located within a 60,000-square-foot health club, the spa has an extensive menu of rejuvenating and relaxing massage and body therapies, personalized facials and peels, Vichy treatment, hydrotherapy, microdermabrasion, the Diva Salon, and much more.
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Spa Avania
Opened in July 2005, this 21,000-square-foot spa features natural light, timely treatments, aromatic teas, and 14 zones of atmospheric music (the first of its kind) that synchronize with the body's daily clock. Treatments were developed in response to the body's changing needs throughout the day, with energizing morning "sunrise" treatments; "midday" balancing and rejuvenation; and slumber-inducing, reparative "sunset" treatments for evening.
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Stagebrush Theatre
Founded in 1952, this is the oldest Community Theater in Scottsdale. Its first home was an old coach house which paved the way to the present day facility constructed in 1968. With 200 seats, the theater is intimate and comfortable. Performances on the agenda include Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods, The Diary of Anne Frank and many others. Contact the box office for performance dates and general information.
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Stonecreek Golf Club
This golf facility was designed by Arthur Hills and Associates and offers a fair challenge. This Par 71 course offers an enjoyable 6,871 yards for players of all skill levels. This club specializes in world-class facilities and service. It hosts tournaments such as the LPGA Mitsubishi Pro Am each year. Nearby hotel accommodations include the Sylvia Plotkin Judaica Museum
This monument to the Jewish heritage has received national and international recognition for its permanent collection. Interesting and reflective exhibits include The Life Cycle Artifacts, Holiday Judaica and the Tunisian Synagogue. Throughout the year traveling exhibits in photography, original art and ceremonial items offer a glimpse into a culture rich in history and tradition. For those eager to enrich the minds of the young this is a cultural experience.
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TPC of Scottsdale
This club ranks in the top 10 golf courses of the United States. It is home to the FBR Open, and attracts over 500,000 spectators for this PGA event. It offers two styles of courses, the Stadium course and the Desert course. The Stadium course, surrounded by the picturesque McDowell Mountains, offers 18 holes designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. This is one of the few clubs that offers Day-Fee facilities. The club follows a formal dress code, and jeans are strictly not allowed! You can hire clubs, shoes, practice balls, and even a caddy. So head out to the TPC at Scottsdale for a tee off with nature.
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Troon North Golf Club - Monument
This par 72 course was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the best new courses just a year after it opened. One of only eight facilities to earn the magazine's "Five-Star Facility Award" in North America and ranked number one in Arizona by Golfweek Magazine. Thought to be the best desert course ever designed by the team of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, it offers spectacular views from elevated tees. Included in fees is a motorized cart. Reservation for tee-times requires 5-day advance notice. Collared shirt required for play.
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Vista Del Camino Park
This 70-acre park in South Scottsdale has recreation facilities as well as meeting sites that will accommodate up to 1,000 guests. Free facilities include five ramadas, one spray pool, two fishing lakes, two playgrounds and one basketball court. If taking a walk with your pooch is on the agenda this park has the only dog run in Scottsdale. An 18-hole disc golf course is a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
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WestWorld Equestrian Center of Scottsdale
WestWorld, a premier, nationally-recognized equestrian and special event facility, provides recreational opportunities and family entertainment. The open-air arena is home to many horse shows, car exhibitions and other activities throughout the year. WestWorld has hosted such world-renowned events as the Barrett Jackson Classic Car Auction, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and McDowell Mountain Music Festival. Visit website for a list of current events. Credit cards accepted will vary by event.
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Willow Stream Spa
Highly regarded as one of the best spas in Arizona, Willow Stream, located at the beautiful Fairmont Princess, gets its inspiration from a hidden oasis in the Grand Canyon called "Havasupai," a spiritual place that is supposed to unite and restore energy currents. From a cascading, therapeutic waterfall to the stunning McDowell Mountain Range landscape, a treatment at Willow Stream is an unforgettable experience.
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