A vacation in Scottsdale is destined to be an exciting one, filled with new sights, exotic tastes, and all the sunshine you could ever need, and for those who like to do things differently, there is so much more to enjoy. Not everyone wants to follow the crowds and that’s ok. We at I Love Scottsdale have created this guide to a journey taken that is off the beaten path, enabling travelers to see a side of our hometown that is generally only known by locals, ensuring a getaway filled with the unique and unusual.
Day 1: First There Is Food
Waking up to another beautiful day in Scottsdale will be the highlight of your experience every morning, and having the choice between creating a simple breakfast in our gourmet kitchens or heading to a local hot spot for your first meal of the day will be yet another high point. This morning, your first in town, offers food for the soul and will be easy to remember, as it is named Soul. Located at 7615 E Pinnacle Peak Road Suite #1, it may be a little further out but it will be worth the drive. Hungry travelers will want to try the Crazy Cowboy, their Southwestern version of Country Fried Steak, topped with pork sausage gravy and green pork chili; just don’t blame us when you can’t finish it all, as this plate is HUGE!
Then Comes the Art and the Artists
The most beautiful places in the world attract the most talented artists and the Valley of the Sun is no exception. Our streets are lined with art galleries, cozy boutiques that also sell art, and then there is Cosanti Originals. Located just outside the borders of Scottsdale in the aptly named town of Paradise Valley, 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Road, Cosanti is the gallery and studio of Italian architect Paolo Soleri and today is an Arizona Historic Site open to the public. The art contained inside this amazing establishment is created by a variety of artists and finding something you want to hang in your own home will be easy, but it is the buildings that house all that art that may leave you speechless with delight. The architect perhaps saved his best work for home and the compound of Cosanti is testament to his talents. Using a method known as earth casting, the spaces are uniquely shaped and just have to be seen to be believed.
Day 2: What Do They Wear Under Those Kilts?
Today, we are starting simple, enjoying donuts from the Original Rainbow Donuts Café, located at 6245 E Bell Road #115, before heading out for a day on the links of Scottsdale. And before you come at us, thinking that golf at the Westin Kierland Golf Club, located at 15636 N Clubgate Drive is a rather common and way overdone activity in Arizona, let us remind you that appearances can be deceiving, and within your first moments on this critically acclaimed course, you will see the difference. The sport originated from Scotland, dating back to the 15th century, Kierland Golf Club celebrates the sport with Johnnie Walker beverage carts and a bagpipe playing musician who “calls in the golfers” at the end of every day. In past years they have even offered kilt rentals, allowing players to learn for themselves what is under those kilts. The Westin Kierland, of course, offers a 19th hole, and the Scottish themed Brittlebush Bar & Grill is famed for its Scotch selections, so if you are planning on spending the day on the greens, your lunch and dinner plans are already made. And although Scotland is a beautiful country and is very well represented at this top 10 ranked public course, the views of the mountains, the landscape, and the wildlife that make their home therein is 100% pure Scottsdale and 110 percent stunning.
Day 3: It’s a Good Day for Beer
One thing you may have noticed is that nearly every town in the nation offers some version of a wine trail, but where does that leave beer drinkers? In Scottsdale, we do offer a wine trail, but beer owns our hearts, and it’s the ale trail that you may make your heart beat faster. There are over 30 craft breweries in the area and the ale trail allows visitors to enjoy eight of the best in Scottsdale alone! Spend your day (or days, as this may be more than a one-day activity) ride sharing from place to place, enjoying snacks and pub grub that is offered in many of the locations, and perhaps ending your journey with a visit to the Sip Coffee & Beer House to help counteract the effects of the ales you have tasted along the way. Tonight might be an early night, but it will definitely be a well-rested one!
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