Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale’s theme of bonding man and nature continues with the Taliesin West. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937, the desert escape served as Wright’s winter home. Make the trip to the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in the Sonoran Desert and discover one of Wright’s masterpieces. Both the Taliesin West’s indoor and outdoor spaces will impress.

Troon North Golf Course is championed as not only one of Scottsdale’s finest courses, but one of Arizona’s best as well. Such an acclaim is understandable as the club is designed by the British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf and also has perfect fairways and bent grass greens.

Geologically, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is unlike any other in the Valley: forests of cacti, unique fauna, and rolling landscapes of mountains and hills all cohabit here. The preserve covers 27,800 acres of Scottsdale grounds. To avoid the heat, visit early in the morning or later in the day.

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park encompasses 40 acres of famous replications and antique carousels. The park features a 15 foot gauge railroad, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive, a railroad museum, three model railroad clubs, and a seven-and-a-half foot gauge live steam railroad.

For car enthusiasts, Penske Racing Museum is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. Come discover cars, trophies, and racing memorabilia from over 40 years of racing history. The esteemed Penske Racing has over 300 major race wins, highlighted by 15 Indianapolis 500-mile race victories.

Take yourself to the beautiful Sonoran Desert on horseback with Cave Creek Outfitters. They are open seven days a week to accommodate all visitors. Call ahead to make reservations for your ride.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater is an award-winning dinner theater. Wonderful for all ages, it offers child-friendly, professional productions. Call to reserve tickets.

IPIC Theaters combines movie and dining experience. Guests pick their own seats (which include recliners) while enjoying blankets and pillows. Food is served if you so choose, and the sound and video quality of the theater is premier. Customize your experience!

The Soleri Bridge and Plaza was designed by the illustrious Paolo Soleri. The artist, architect and philosopher brought his creation to the Scottsdale Waterfront. Soleri crafted it to be a passage for pedestrians, a solar calendar and a gathering place all-in-one. Representing a connection between man and nature, the Soleri Bridge has become a marquee attraction for Scottsdale.

The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates sick, injured, orphaned, displaced, and abandoned wild animals with the intent of reintroducing and releasing them back into the wild. The Conservation Center is the largest sanctuary for animals in the Southwestern United States.

The Civic Center Mall is a verdant pedestrian mall right next to the vibrant Old Town. Some of Scottsdale’s famous public art collections make their home at the Civic Center, including Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture and James Turrell’s “Knight Rise” Skyspace at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. There are over 21 acres of lush landscaping, a lagoon, an amphitheater, and more.