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Things to Do in Scottsdale

Reviews and photos of Scottsdale attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Scottsdale sightseeing.
Local Time 6:00 pm Friday, July 25, 2008
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Popular Things To Do | Miscellaneous Things To Do Tips | All Tips (40)
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Taliesin west
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  • I do and I don't recommend this place. I would have loved to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's desert camp but I was satisfied to see the outside and check out the gift shop and the book store. For my husband, myself, and my 16 year old son to go through on a one hour tour would have been $54 which is not even recommended, they really push the 90 minute tour which would have been $65. It certainly did not stop alot of other people from doing it but that is a bit out of my price range. We went through the Frank Lloyd Wright museum in Oak Park IL some years ago and it did not cost much at all. Anyway, I have seen tours of this place on TV and it is great so if you can afford it I recommend it.
    2007 update, on a recent trip to Arizona we decided this time we would take the tour. My husband, myself, and my student son took a 90 minute tour for $59. It was incredible, very informative, and entertaining. The tour takes you through parts of the house, around the grounds, through the auditorium, and into the caberet. You are not allowed into the studios.

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  • Address: 12621 Frank Lloyd Wright blvd. Scottsdale AZ
  • Phone: 480-860-2700 x494
  • Website: www.franklloydwright.org

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    Frank LLoyd Wright's Taliesin West
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  • Check out some interesting architecture at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West . Set within the dramatic setting of the Sonoran Desert, the former winter residence of Wright's, still houses a school for architects that he started in 1932. The tour takes you though part of the house and the grounds, and ends in the theater with a movie giving some history on Wright and his work.
    We had a really wonderful time touring this cool building. The only downside is that you don't get to see more rooms in the house as it is still used for a school so there are some "off limits" sections. If you take the longer tour, you can actually go a bit into the desert to see where the students stay.

    COST: $12.50-$45. Sept.-June, daily 8:30-5:30; July-Aug., Thurs.-Mon. 8:30-5:30

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  • Address: 12621 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
  • Website: http://www.franklloydwright.org/

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    Sculptures everywhere!
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  • I have to say I was so impressed of all the wonderful and beautiful sculptures on display every where you go. Especially in the old downtown area. So much talent here and I loved every piece of art. So take some time to just stroll along and enjoy what talent the artist of Scottsdale has to offer.

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  • Directions: The downtown area is borded by these streets: Chaparral Road on the north, Osborn Road to the south, Miller Road to the east and 68thStreet to the west.
  • Website: http://www.downtownscottsdale.com/GettingAround.aspx

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    Galleries Galore!
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  • There are so many wonderful and beautiful galleries to stroll along and see in the old downtown area. Parking along here is not bad at all and not far from the galleries are places to eat at. Hours vary from gallery to gallery, but many are open at night too.

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  • Address: Main St and Scottsdale Rd
  • Website: http://www.downtownscottsdale.com/Listings.aspx?CatId=6&SubCatId=2&BannerName=Galleries

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    Old Town Scottsdale
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  • I really enjoyed staying near this area and we frequented the day and night time by strolling around and looking at everything. Everyone was friendly helpful and not frightened by having children wonder in and looking too, so that was nice. There are loads of shops and galleries to explore to take your time. Lots of different restaurants and plenty of nightlife along the trendy blvd. I actually felt safe exploring the streets, which was a nice change. If you like the southwest feel, you'll love this place for sure!

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  • Address: Scottsdale Road
  • Directions: East side of Scottsdale Rd., from 2nd St. to Indian School Rd
  • Website: http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/GettingAround.aspx

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    Carriage Rides in Old Scottsdale
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  • KC's Classic Carriage Company offers carriage rides throughout Old Downtown Scottsdale, the Arts District, and several other areas for those interesting in seeing this part of town in a more leisurely way. Narration by the driver gives facts and history of what you're seeing. In Summer, I probably would pick a time other than in the mid-afternoon due to the heat and out of consideration for the horses and driver. Pricing depends on the number of passengers.

    Nice carriages and well-taken care of horses make it a pleasurable way to see some of the town. Carriages stop & pick up at Brown & Main Streets and are generally available on a walk-up basis. If you desire a specific time & date, however, reservations are suggested. Call 480-855-3810 to make sure you aren't disappointed. Carriages are also available for special occasions and events (weddings, parties, etc.) so call the same number for pricing and pick of carriages.

    Ask about the Scottsdale Livery and Antique Carriage Museum which displays a variety of vintage carriages, etc. This small museum is open only part of the year.

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  • Phone: 480-855-3810
  • Website: %crwww.horsencarriage.com

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    Say Orangedale! Scottsdale's Old Town..
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  • ..provides an awesome southwestern flair in the valley of the sun and at the same time "art galleries, specialty retail, upscale dining, active nightlife and museums.

    Scottsdale's Old Town is at the heart of the city's art scene, with Contemporary and Western Art, Theatre 4301 and a wide variety of outdoor sculptures set amid the lush green lawns and sparkling fountains of Civic Center Mall.

    Scottsdale's Arts District is home to a high concentration of galleries showcasing some of the best Western and Southwestern art in the country. Shopkeepers sell quality Native American crafts, offering everything from hand-woven Navajo rugs to Zuni silver jewelry."

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  • Website: http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/GettingAround.aspx

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    Plan to go north on Scottsdale...
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  • Plan to go north on Scottsdale Road all the way to Carefree. Find the 'Black Mountain Cafe' near the Spanish Village at the corner of Ho & Hum Streets. Try to eat breakfast there on their little patio. The food is very good and reasonably priced and you just might happen to sit near a movie celebrity! Afterwards visit the 'El Pedregal' where you can shop and eat.
    To get to Carefree you'll be driving through some desert country, passing 'Rawhide' on the way. It's a nice drive, especially early in the morning on Sundays. From Scottsdale it is a 45 minute trip to Carefree. At the 'Black Mountain Cafe' you can sit inside but I suggest you try the patio with it's Spanish surroundings, then visit the Spanish Village across the street (take a picture of the entrance!) and later stop at the 'El Pedegral' where you can sit down, shop and have lunch. Many prominent persons live or have a home in Carefree and you just might come across someone who looks familiar. I talked to Chris Christofferson the other day while having breakfast at the 'Black Mountain Cafe' and he was very pleasant and friendly.

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  • Directions: The 'Black Mountain Cafe' is located in Carefree at the corner of Ho & Hum Street, across the street from the Spanish Village. They have peculiar street names up there like 'Easy Street', 'Bloody Basi

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    Scottsdale Historical Society and Museum
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  • This was a neat little find while walking along discovering all the wonderful scultpures and stores. I really enjoy exploring along the trendy downtown mall area. The building houses some really historical information of Scottsdale and it worth visiting.
    Closed Mon/Tues (in summer) Wednesday 12 p.m-5 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m-5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. .

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  • Address: 7333 Scottsdale Mall Scottsdale, AZ 85251
  • Phone: (480) 874 4666
  • Website: http://www.smoca.org

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    Hike Camelback
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  • At least 3 good hikes in the greater Phoenix area, my favorite happens to be Camelback Mountain. It is definitely for all levels of hikers, a tiny tiny bit of climbing involved depending on which trail you choose. I have seen both young, under 10 and old make it to the top. I would guess about a 3/4 to mile hike up depending on route. As you can see I made it to the top with my 75 year old father, he was great. From the top, on a clear day, the view is spectacular. In fact, I like hiking it when it is a little cloudy and drizzly. The average time up and down is probably about and hour to an hour and a half. The real fitness buffs can make it up and down in under 40 minutes. Impressive. My best up is slightly under 30 minutes, but not anymore.

  • Address: Camelback Road and Invergorden
  • Directions: NearScottsdale Fashion Square and the Phoenecian

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    More Scottsdale Tips
    Overview
     
    General Tips
    Tips: 9 - Photos: 6
    Restaurants
    Tips: 51 - Photos: 20
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 39 - Photos: 33
    Things To Do
    Tips: 40 - Photos: 34
    Nightlife
    Tips: 11 - Photos: 7
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 11 - Photos: 10
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 1
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 5 - Photos: 2
    Transportation
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 2
    Local Customs
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 3
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 2
    Shopping
    Tips: 11 - Photos: 10
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 3
    Flights
    Tips: 10 - Photos: 8

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