Western wear shops and chic boutiques. Trendy coffee shops and cowboy saloons. High-end art galleries and whimsical public art. Museums of history and western art. Museums of contemporary, interactive art. Ice cream shops and craft breweries. Hip glass-and-chrome restaurants and French bistros. Expansive resorts and pristine desert.
These varying and contrasting elements make up the kaleidoscope that is Scottsdale, Arizona, a city of a quarter-million people that offers something for everyone. Less than a six-hour drive from San Diego County, this jewel-of-the-desert is a popular destination in autumn, winter and spring for seekers of warmth and adventure.
So many choices…
Start with Old Town Scottsdale, a microcosm of the the city’s varied landscape. Walk down the covered sidewalks to find shops, boutiques and galleries reflective of the Old West.
“But (we are) not like Tombstone,” says Scottsdale historian Joan Fudala, referring to the historic Arizona town infamous for outlaws and shootouts. “We were a tame town. The early settlers were religious and teetotalers.”
Much has happened since the mid-1800s. With the arrival of water via canals and the area’s reputation as a healing place, the land that once supported the Akimel O’odham (Pima) tribe has evolved into today’s Scottsdale.
Still, Scottsdale is known as a premier location for the arts that reflect Native American culture. A vast collection of paintings and prints by Navajo artist R.C. Gorman can be found at Old Town’s R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery. We learned that the gallery owner possesses the greater portion of works by Gorman, known as the Picasso of American Indian artists.
Nearby is the Native Art Market, owned and operated by Navajo artist Denise Rosales and family. The shop’s ornately painted floor, created by multiple Native American artists, drew us in. A photo of Rosales’ grandmother selling her jewelry on the rim of the Grand Canyon hangs on the wall. The paintings, exquisite pottery, jewelry, jams and jellies come from relatives and indigenous people nationwide.
Check out the Old Town website for its seven districts, including Fashion Square, where you’ll find an art museum of a totally different sort. The intriguing, mostly highly kinetic, high-tech and musical artworks at Wonderspaces are both fun and immersive for all ages (but not for light- and sound-sensitive persons).
Just steps away: Elephante. Brand new and located in a former Crate & Barrel, the reno has transformed the generous space into a vibrant, contemporary place to meet. The emphasis is on creative small plates and crafted cocktails. Musts: Grilled white shrimp; whipped eggplant dip and puccia (Italian bread); and meatballs.
We spent time at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess situated on a spectacular 65 acres where it has rightfully earned its “Sanctuary in the Sonoran” moniker. Among its amenities: six outdoor heated swimming pools and waterslides; new pickleball court; courtyard bar; and five restaurants, including Ironwood American Kitchen. Offers all-day fare but don’t miss breakfast. Musts: Smoked salmon toast; peanut butter banana smoothie (yes, healthy); a mimosa flight (who knew?); and ridiculous crème brûlée French toast. Bonus: Glass walls bring the outside in.
Other good eats:
Arcadia Farms Café — Designated a Blue Zone Project restaurant, it serves fresh, organic and seasonal dishes in a delightful French bistro setting. During a brief power outage, the servers had candles on the table before we knew it. Madeleines served with coffee. Musts: Smoked and Fresh Salmon Hash (don’t let the word “hash” throw you); and blueberry crepes.
La Zozzona at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale — A busy day of exploring Scottsdale earns you elevated Italian-American cuisine in an elegant setting. Musts: Seafood Aqua Pazza (crazy fish), a delectable conglomeration of finfish, shrimp, scallops and clams in lobster sauce; stuffed clams; roasted beet salad; and lamb ragu lasagna.
The Mission Kierland — A blend of Latin cuisines is complemented by the 12-ingredient guacamole made tableside. It’s not only a show but a meal. Still, save room for the meats grilled on mesquite-and-pecan-wood fire and the arepas.
For more about Scottsdale: thecoastnews.com/take-advantage-of-scottsdales-good-nature/.
For more photos, visit facebook.com/elouise.ondash.
