Scottsdale, named after Major Winfield Scott, was founded on February 26, 1910. The city since then has preserved its Western roots while becoming one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona. Visitors come from around the world for a glimpse of Western memorabilia combined with elegant dining, hotels and shopping. The city is now divided into three distinct parts.
Old Town Scottsdale Old Town includes the older Scottsdale area that extends from Thomas to Camelback on Scottsdale Road. Western stores like Saba's Western Wear, have become staples here, along with upscale restaurants and Fifth Avenue's art district, which boasts artists from around the world who come to display their art in some of the most popular galleries in the West.
Old Town is also the home of the annual Parada del Sol Parade, which features some of the most beautiful livestock in the West, Scottsdale civic group floats and food and fun for the whole family. This parade has become a popular yearly event and takes place in February. This area is also the home of another time-honored tradition, spring training. The Scottsdale Stadium holds thousands of fans each year, as they watch the San Francisco Giants hit the ball around one of the oldest baseball stadiums in Arizona. Other attractions in Old Town include the Scottsdale Civic Center, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival.
Old Town is flanked on the north end by the West's premier fashion shopping mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square, at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads. This mall offers wonderful shopping experiences, with more than 15 restaurants and anchor stores including Robinson's-May, Dillards, Nordstrom's and Neiman Marcus. More than 500 specialty stores are also a part of this desert shopping oasis.
Traveling north from downtown, Scottsdale's richest shopping and restaurants continue for miles from Camelback Road all the way to Lincoln Drive. The Borgata of Scottsdale and the Hilton Village are two specialty malls that offer one-of-a-kind stores in a rich, relaxing environment. Both malls are outdoors and feature opportunities for window shopping and comfortable strolls with high visual appeal. The Borgata is the home to art galleries, fine gifts, home furnishings, jewelry stores and superb restaurants. The Hilton Village also offers unique shops and excellent dining experiences in a more casual environment. Both locations are of 'must see' quality.
McCormick Ranch The McCormick Ranch area, once known as one of the most prestigious
areas in Arizona, started development in the mid-1960s and still produces multi-million dollar homes. Here you'll find the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, the McCormick Ranch Golf Club and the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch. Other attractions are the two beautiful lakes which hold many species of fish, ducks and geese. This area is a treat for anyone who wants to see an area that is rich in history.
North Scottsdale?Troon, Carefree, Cave Creek With the advent of the 101 freeway, the North Scottsdale area is now accessible to almost anyone. This attractive area that includes the cities of Carefree and Cave Creek, has some of the most natural landscapes in Arizona and even the home developments that have come into this land have tried to preserve what is natural. Here you can enjoy the McDowell Mountains at the Marriott, taste real rattlesnake at Rawhide, eat great steaks under the stars at Pinnacle Peak Patio and see history come alive at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.
The area is not without its own shopping attractions, with the Scottsdale Promenade at the corner of Scottsdale and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. No more do you need to travel to California for an In-N-Out Burger or to grab a pair of shoes at Nordstrom Rack. You will also find over 45 other specialty stores and restaurants at this power mall that seems to literally come from out of nowhere.
Traveling north, you will find the five-star Grayhawk Golf Club and community. With homes in the multi-million dollar range and property of like value, the beauty is overwhelming. Del Webb may be most famous for Sun City in the Valley of the Sun, but he also left behind a considerable legacy right here, with Terravita, a master-planned community that has its own grocery, golf and lifestyle, set in the desert. If this beauty isn't enough, keep traveling north and you will find el Pedregal Festival Marketplace. Here, specialty shops line a pueblo-themed outdoor mall. This elegant shopping experience is a celebration of aromas and visual delights. Carefree offers the distinctive Boulders Resort & Spa, one of the world's top destination resorts. Then head over for western fun in the city of Cave Creek. Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog is a must visit for anyone.
