Scottsdale is great. All you need is money.
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Scottsdale is an incredible city with an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle, dining, shopping, museums and of course golf galore! Thank you #NewYorkTimes for sharing our city! Amy Murphy ~ 2nd Generation Arizona Native Realtor
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You want the real Sonoran experience, go to Tucson.
A UNESCO City of Gastronomy. A true sense of place: European, Native American and Mexican.
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The Desert Botanical Garden is resplendent in spring when the cacti are blooming.
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Would have been better if done on a regional basis - Scottsdale , East Phoenix, Fountain Hills. For example, the Botanical Gardens is actually in Phoenix. And if you're going to include it, Musical Instrument Museum should also be included (regularly listed as one of the top attractions in the state).
And while Tom Thumb is great, I'm surprised to see Pinnacle Peak park excluded. Very popular, offering great views and park tours. Readers might appreciate knowing about the moonlight hikes with astronomers.
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The rooms at Adeline started at $250 throughout the 6 week window I looked at.
Could the $119 price be only in mid-summer?
Grace
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The Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum of Indian Art are the two world class museums we have in the Valley. Although they are in Phoenix they are only a few minute drive from Scottsdale.
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Skip the old town Scottsdale destinations - too touristy - and instead head for the Musical Instrument Museum. The MIM has to be the most fascinating destination in the city. Not simply a stodgy collection, but rather a raft of audio-visual-interactive displays that can keep you enthralled for hours.
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I didn't get Scottsdale ….
My memory is strip malls and no side walks in places …
Try Sedona, especially if you like hiking.
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If I were in Scottsdale for even one day one of my meals would have to be Mexican. There are almost two hundred Mexican restaurants in and around Scottsdale for a reason. Mexican food and culture are part of the regions heritage going back hundreds of years.
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What? No Mexican food? I grew up in that area during the ‘50s-‘70s and one of my fondest memories of childhood is going with my Mom to a tiny Mexican food joint that operated out of a former house which, I swear, had a room or two with dirt floors. The food was divine! I’m sure there’s still some divine Mexican food in Scottsdale—without the dirt floors.
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@Deborah Sein Yes, we still have an incredible selection of Mexican food restaurants. The oldest being Los Olivos in South Scottsdale. Some of the other favorites are Jalepeno Infernos, Ajo Als and of course Carolos O'brien's. Let me know if you plan a visit to the Valley. I am a second generation native and would be delighted to assist you!
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And there is also the wonderful Andreoli Italian Grocer. A restaurant and grocer you would find in NYC's old Little Italy AND Italy. Italian Family owned with homemade everything. Go!
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By all means, come to Scottsdale and have a bagel for breakfast. And cocktails in Paradise Valley. NYT, I am disappointed. I know this is a sprawling metro area, but I'd hoped for better.
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Why calll New York Times weekend travel destination series "36 Hours", when it actually is close to 48 Hours? Just asking.
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Thank you for writing about our wonderful city!
I personally think that there's something here for everyone, and encourage them to come and see it for themselves.
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@AZ Scholar So agree with you! Especially today at 75 degrees, what a beautiful day in Scottsdale!
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Love the photos! John Burcham is gifted; can capture the spirit of a place.
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I miss you Scottsdale
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How could you forget the musical instrument museum (MIM)?
A unique and terrific experience.
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The MIM is in Phoenix. It is wonderful though and they have many diverse concerts in their small theater.
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Last November, I had the best coffee ever at Regroup Coffee + Bicycles in Scottsdale. Highly recommend.
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Tom's Thumb is a great hike, one of my favorites. You definitely want to be finished with the hike before dark. The preserve closes at sunset and also the trail could be pretty dangerous in the dark unless you have some really good lighting.
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Very cool and outdoor focused, but misses all of the great arts going on. Much of that is in Phoenix proper - esp. downtown - only an 8 min drive away. The creative music scene - The Nash, Valley Bar, The Lost Leaf - would benefit from some national attention!
Looking forward to the "Arts In Phoenix" travel guide!
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Arcosanti bells is a must see.
Cave creek also had a bar with an aquarium filled with a rattle snake or 3. The deal was if you could hold your hand flat on it while the rattlesnake struck you got a free beer.
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@dk You are getting this 2nd generation Arizona Native to find the bar you are referring to! Never hear about it, but I will find it! Gorgeous 75 degrees here today, let us know if you plan a visit to the Valley!
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