Scottsdale

In Scottsdale, auto shows are hundred-million-dollar collector auctions, equestrian events feature the world’s finest Arabian stallions and polo ponies, and the shopping centers offer up exclusive goods from top designers. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, simply browsing can still be exhilarating. Where would you prefer to start?

Take artistic license

Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries — nearly half of which are clustered in the Scottsdale Arts District, where art aficionados stroll the streets to gaze at the latest exhibits during free weekly ArtWalks. A few miles to the northeast, architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and desert laboratory, Taliesin West, hosts walking tours and workshops, providing visitors insider access to the public and private rooms and grounds of this National Historic Landmark.

Indulge your senses

Five-star service is standard at Scottsdale's luxury resorts. Stroll from your suite to the spa for a body scrub and massage inspired by local ingredients, or order afternoon refreshments from the comfort of a poolside cabana. The concierge will make some calls to get you the best available table for dinner, whether your preferred restaurant is on- or off-site.

Play the ace of clubs

Scottsdale is known for being a fantastic golf destination, with greens and galleries that are popular with players and spectators alike. Every winter, TPC Scottsdale plays host to the Waste Management Phoenix Open tournament, where the 16th hole of the Stadium Course is dwarfed by the 20,000-seat grandstand constructed for fans. If you’re looking for a more quietly challenging round, schedule a tee time at your choice of more than 200 other golf courses in Scottsdale.

Get back to nature

The Valley of the Sun is flanked by spectacular mountain parks, national forests and other wilderness areas, all with trails for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers and other recreationists. There's something for every skill and exertion level: family-friendly loop trails that wend through Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, challenging ascents up peaks with huge scenic payoffs, and even backpacking wilderness excursions for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Events not to be missed

You don’t have to be a player to enjoy many of Scottsdale's special yearly events. In fact, most of the excitement and enthusiasm at Rodeo Scottsdale and the Parada del Sol, Major League Baseball Spring Training games, and the Barrett-Jackson automotive auction come from the audiences watching the action unfold. Turns out, sometimes you can earn greater rewards by sticking to the sidelines at such spectacles. (Yes, even in Scottsdale.)

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