Source: Wikipeidia. Camelback Mountain
With over 325 days of sunshine a year, Scottsdale is a sun lover’s paradise. This means plenty of opportunity to enjoy the out of doors. If you are moving to Scottsdale, or already live there, here are five fun ways to spend some downtime.
A Golfer’s Dream
If you love golf, Scottsdale will be a little like paradise for you. With over 170 public and private golf courses and nearly year-round sunshine, you can golf nearly six months and not play the same course twice. An article in World Golf noted that “not only are the courses well designed, but Scottsdale courses are in excellent condition. Playing golf in the desert is also a very scenic experience, with stunning boulder, barrel cactus, sandy washes and towering saguaro.”
Art Museums and Galleries
Scottsdale has a bustling art scene. From several museums to galleries, you can get an art fix just about any time in Scottsdale. The Heard Museum in North Scottsdale collects American Indian fine art. There are indoor and outdoor gallery spaces at the museum as well as a performance space. In addition to their permanent collection, they also have rotating exhibits. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is dedicated to contemporary art, architecture and design. They also have a very cool live performance space called The Lounge, which is described as an active laboratory. In addition to several museums there are over 100 art galleries.
Plenty of Hikes
If you love putting on your boots and getting outdoors, Scottsdale is a great place to live. The greater Scottsdale/Phoenix area boasts plenty of hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. Camelback Mountain has over 180 miles of trails, sweeping vistas and incredible landscapes. Tom’s Thumb is a prominent granite bump that provides some great hiking opportunities, also with stunning views of the Phoenix area. Always remember to take plenty of sunscreen, water and an extra layer because conditions in the desert can change quickly.
Shopping Opportunities Galore
Some people say that shopping is like a sport unto itself in Scottsdale. If you enjoy shopping, looking for unique items and having access to a variety of great brands, you’ll love Scottsdale. The area boasts unique upscale boutiques as well as large malls where you can have access to plenty of stores in one trip. Biltmore Fashion Park has over 50 national and local retail brands. Fashion Square focuses on upscale brands for the discerning shopper. Kierland Commons has a great mix of shops, dining and entertainment.
Great Community Festivals
There is never a dull moment in Scottsdale. Throughout the year that are a variety of community fairs and festivals as well as running races. Some popular events include the Spring Restaurants Week, Scottsdale ArtWalk, and the Fiesta Bowl and the Rock and Roll Marathon. The Parada del Sol has a 60-year tradition in the community and holds the title of being the largest horse-drawn parade in the world. This is a popular parade with locals and visitors alike.
