Located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona is bordered by Phoenix to the west and the McDowell Mountains on the east. Mesmerizing views of the scenic desert terrain is reason enough to visit, but there’s much more to the area then just its breathtaking landscape.
ACTIVITIES
In April, North America’s largest butterfly will be unveiled. Butterfly Wonderland ( www.butterflywonderland.com) will feature butterflies from rainforests around the world. Phase two, slated for 2015 will feature a 12-acre freshwater and saltwater aquarium called Odysea.
Saddle up for a horseback adventure! Ride down pristine trails where you’ll encounter wildlife, plants and cacti. Various companies offer everything from hayrides to cookouts.
MacDonald’s Ranch and Windwalker Expeditions Inc.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Sonoran Desert from the basket of a hot-air balloon! Some companies offer sunrise and sunset launches as well as hotel transfers. Unicorn Balloon Co., Rainbow Ryders, Inc.
Follow the historic Apache Trail to Goldfield Ghost Town! This former mining town is a popular attraction featuring staged gunfights, gold panning, tours of the Mammoth Gold Mine and Lu Lu’s Bordello, and rides on the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals, including 200 endangered species. Daily activities include the Safari Trains and Carts, Monkey Village, Wild About Animals Show and a petting zoo. Cruising bikes and paddleboats are available for rent and offer fun ways to explore the zoo’s exhibits and lake.
Tubing on the Lower Salt River is a great way to soak up the sun and enjoy Scottsdale’s scenery, including wildlife like hawks and wild horses. Rent a tube from Salt River Tubing & Recreation, then hop on the shuttle bus for a ride to the river.
ROAD TRIPS
Meteor Crater
www.meteorcrater.com
This home of the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site is located near Winslow, about 3 hours from Scottsdale. The area includes outdoor observation trails, air conditioned indoor viewing, a wide screen movie theater, interactive discovery center, unique gift and rock shop, and Astronaut Memorial Park.
Montezuma Castle
www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
Ninety miles north of Phoenix resides a five-story, 20-room limestone cliff dwelling that served as a “high-rise apartment building” for prehistoric Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago. Today it is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
WHERE TO STAY
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch’s
This luxury resort recently completed a $3.7 million renovation of its 2.5-acre “water playground.” Zip down the three-story waterslide or swim through a Grecian-style temple to play a game of water volleyball. It also offers the largest white sand beach in the area. The Hyatt has a Native American and Environmental Learning Center where cultural interpreters will guide you through hands-on activities and exhibits.
Worth noting: shop online through Babies Travel Lite and choose from over 1,000 name-brand baby products, including diapers, formula, bath products and more. Your order will be waiting in your room the day you arrive.
El Dorado
This vintage boutique resort is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The property underwent a renovation in 2012 with the goal of creating a “home away from home” atmosphere. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot spa, barbecue grills, cabanas, cafe, and beach cruiser bicycles.
The Phoenician
The Phoenician is a desert oasis nestled in the dramatic Sonoran Desert. Located on 250 breathtaking acres, this magnificent luxury resort features a championship 27-hole golf course, world-class tennis complex, spa, two children’s pools and a 165-foot twisting waterslide.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Located just a few miles from Old Town Scottsdale in neighboring Phoenix, The Royal Palms Spa is a AAA Four Diamond Resort that is home to the award-winning T. Cook’s restaurant, Mobil Four Star Alvadora Spa, and a mother-of-pearl-tiled swimming pool with private cabanas and a croquet lawn. Enchanting stone walkways curve throughout the property, inviting hotel guests to indulge in a leisurely stroll amongst the fragrant citrus groves and exotic foliage.
WHERE TO EAT 
Searsucker Scottsdale
This past November, award winning celebrity chef and Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey brought the nationally recognized Searsucker to Scottsdale. With a mouth-watering wine list and a selection of foods featured under categories such as “ocean,” “ranch,” and “farm,” you may want to get a sitter and make this a romantic night.
Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse
Mosey on over to this Western charmer that’s been serving up cowboy-style vittles for more than 50 years. Mesquite-broiled steaks, ribs and chicken top the menu, which also features hot dogs, hamburgers and genuine sarsaparilla.
Warning: Dads wearing ugly ties may very well fall prey to a huge pair of scissors.
Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician Resort
Overlooking the meticulously-manicured greens at The Phoenician’s 18-hole golf course, this upscale burger joint offers everything from chili-cheese tots and Southern-style fried pickles, to the Big Bertha, a full pound of decadent Kobe beef topped with American cheese and a chopped salad.
GET PAMPERED
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Indulge in a truly decadent treatment while your little one gets a high-class service of her own such as the Bubble Yummy mani-pedi.
Waldorf Astoria Spa at the Boulders Resort 
The 33,000-square-foot spa offers treatments infused with ingredients from the desert. Recline alongside the heated swimming pool nestled against ancient boulders, de-stress in a yoga class, or walk along a tranquil path known as The Labyrinth.
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
In addition to a world-class spa and salon, the Fairmont offers a personalized wellness program, cutting edge fitness and training, mind-body classes, healthy meals, and cooking seminars.
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Elise Edwards began her career as an award-winning writer, producer and news anchor where her expertise was in celebrity, fashion and beauty. She has two children and lives with her family in Los Angeles.
Published: March 2013
