A Celebration of Aromas and Visual Delights

Arizona may be known for its hot weather - well, that's what most people think if they have never visited, but Arizona is more than warm weather. And the Scottsdale area proves this. Scottsdale was founded in 1910 and its name was taken from Major Scott. The western roots live on strong and proud in the area, never straying too far from the cowboy-hat-donning founder's western style and culture. But at the same time, the area has a spectacularly wonderful blend of all the contemporary luxuries you're looking for in a vacation spot. The Scottsdale area is broken down into four zones, each with its own unique style and cultural blend as well as special sights to see.
    
Old Town incorporates the original Scottsdale area runs and extends all the way to Scottsdale Road. On this main stretch, visitors can find a wide variety of western outfitters. Fine dining restaurants of the highest quality and standard of service are available for a delicious meal out. There is also a booming and very influential art district in Old Town that people come to from across the globe in order to show their works of art. Art galleries such as Faust Gallery as well as the Legacy are some of the most popular in the West. The town is also home to an annual Parade, which headlines great food and all-around good times for everyone in the family. The event is scheduled for February every year.
   
Central Scottsdale, otherwise known as “Paradise Valley”, is the spot for the Scottsdale's richest shopping and dining districts and it goes on for miles, after Camelback Road and intoLincoln Drive. Paradise valley is the home base for two huge shopping malls that give a ton of options to shop in unique outlets and world-recognized designer shops, all while maintaining a relaxing environment for patrons. Both indoor and outdoor malls can be found in the “valley”, as it sometimes called by locals. The Borgata of the valley is filled with art galleries, novelty stores, home décor shops, jewelry shops and excellent restaurants in a casual environment.
   
Another part of the Scottsdale area is McCormick Ranch. This area was at one time the most exclusive place to be in all of Arizona. Development started in the 1960's as a holiday home area, and to this day the area is full of affluent individuals spending their time in expensive homes and luxury resorts. Spend some time in the railroad park, which will give you a wonderful perspective of the unique landscape of the dry lands. There are also two magnificent lakes you can have a gander at or even cast a line in to try to reel in that trophy-size bass - the waters are quite bountiful. Golf courses can be found, too, and of course, there are historical spots to be discovered.
   
North Scottsdale is the area with the most diversified natural lands that really encompass the unique beauty of the Scottsdale region. Even though the area is undergoing development now, there is a strong focus on preserving the natural beauty and making a pure effort to maintain, not obstruct, the flawless vistas. Another thing to do while in North Scottsdale is to visit the small towns that will bring you back in time, such as the romantically beautiful cities like Carefree and Cave Creek. The Scottsdale area continues to bring visitors back year after year, there a high probability that once you visit you too will return as well.