Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix Valley has a rich history that is open to exploration during your stay. The Scottsdale Historical Society has taken up the mantle of preserving this history and giving you the opportunity to take a look at what makes the area so special. You can visit the Scottsdale Historical Museum to see preserved items from Scottsdale’s past as well as take part in exciting programs and services only the museum can provide. Take a look at what is waiting for you when you visit the Scottsdale Historical Society:
Museum and Exhibits
You can find the Scottsdale Historical Museum now located inside the Little Red School House. This local museum features a two-room building that showcases the rich history behind Scottsdale. Each room is preserved to look the way individuals experienced Scottsdale back during its founding. This starts with the children, as Scottsdale had many youngsters to educate at the time. Take a look into the past with the preserved classroom that shows how students and teachers experienced class back in 1910. Authentic desks and classroom decorations are perfectly preserved, letting you get a look into the past. The second exhibit and room inside the Little Red School House is the Scott Family Residence. This exhibit features artifacts collected from Helen and Winfield Scott, the founders of Scottsdale. The different exhibit items will reflect how they lived while establishing Scottsdale back in the late 1800s. This also includes another area of the exhibits where you can see how individuals in this time set up their kitchen. Classic rustic furniture and wood stove ovens were a staple for individuals during this time period. The Scottsdale Historical Society has collected these items to create entertaining exhibits for your pleasure.
Finding the Little Red School House
You can visit the Scottsdale Historical Museum located at the Little Red School House during your next visit to Scottsdale. The museum is located at 7333 East Scottsdale Mall. The museum is typically open in the month of September from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and October through May from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sundays during these months you can find the museum open noon to 4:00 PM. Please make sure to review any potential museum closures due to COVID-19 restrictions before your visit.
Experience the History of Scottsdale
As you can see, Scottsdale has a rich history that you may not know about. Come experience it for yourself during your stay with Parsons Villas! Contact us! Check out our Airbnb vacation rentals in Scottsdale.
Locals and visitors alike come to Scottsdale for its abundance of fine living, including award-winning restaurants, night clubs, and thematic attractions. Scottsdale, Arizona is also home to some of the best fine art galleries in the state. The Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale is one such attraction which draws in some of the best artwork from across the globe for rotating exhibits. No two visits to The Marshall Gallery are ever the same. Here is what you can find with a stop at The Marshall Gallery:
One of the Largest Galleries in Scottsdale
The Marshall Gallery is known around Scottsdale as being one of the largest galleries in the area. Located off Main Street, this exceptional gallery features an open floor design and relaxed atmosphere which entices visitors to browse the rotating selection of artwork on their own. The Marshall Gallery has several expert art consultants on hand who will answer any questions you may have about the featured work.
Artwork for Sale
The Marshall Gallery features some of the best modern artwork for purchase in all of Scottsdale. The expert art consultants know everything there is to know about each piece of work and can help you find the perfect art to take home with you. Different artists are rotating into the studio throughout the year, so the selection is always changing.
Artwork includes fine paintings, drawings, glass work, sculptures, furniture, and ceramics. Secondary artwork is also available and can be purchased from the studio directly.
There are typically over 70 world-class artists on display at any given time of the year. There is no better showroom for purchasing fine art than The Marshall Gallery. A few artists that you’ll find here include Duffy Sheridan, David Frederick Riley, Kate Starling, Somers Randolph, and Steven DaLuz. Renowned glass artists Alexander Fekete and George Bucquet also call the Marsall home.
Finding The Marshall Gallery
Come experience the incredible displays of fine art at The Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale. This exquisite studio can be found at 7106 East Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85252, in the heart of the Main Street Galleries area, an internationally recognized fine art destination. Located along a two-block area, conveniently in the heart of downtown, there are more than 40 world-class galleries for you to explore.
The studio is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and is closed on Sundays. The Marshall Gallery is open for extended hours during the Scottsdale ArtWalk from 7:00 PM to 9:00PM. The ArtWalk is one of the oldest art walks in the country and is the start of the weekend here in Scottsdale. Every Thursday night during the year, you can browse through galleries enjoying a glass of wine and the amazing art. Call with any questions about hours or the available art work by contacting 480-970-3111.
Enjoy a Luxury Stay in Scottsdale
Experience all the finer things in life with a vacation getaway to Scottsdale. Our luxury vacation villas feature everything you expect from a five-star resort without the crowds. From your luxury rental’s typical amenities which include always include luxurious linens and fully equipped gourmet kitchens, to our outstanding convenience services. These extra services include arranging for a car and driver during your stay, personal chefs who come to your rental to prepare amazing gourmet meals, and housecleaning services. Stay in one of our luxury rentals and you can enjoy your privacy while enjoying those extra special amenities you love. Many of our luxury rentals feature heated pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, TV and game rooms, private putting greens and more!
Stay close to the incredible attractions in the area, including The Marshall Gallery, with our exclusive properties. We have rentals located right in the heart of Old Town or on the edge of this western-styled town center. Be just steps away from its world-renowned art galleries, quaint boutiques, 5-star restaurants, and lively bars. Or, rent one of our luxury rentals on the edge of the desert and enjoy the quiet, low key desert life like the locals. If you love the Sonoran Desert and the surrounding mountains, we have the perfect luxury rental for you. You can literally be steps away from towering cacti and desert trails and minutes away from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Desert Botanical Gardens.
There are several area golf courses, museums and casinos nearby for your enjoyment. The Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West features exhibits on Native American culture and the American West and is a must see when you’re in Scottsdale. Their collection of iconic Western art includes authentic cowboy gear (think spurs, saddles, and sheriff badges), Navajo chief’s blankets, contemporary and historic bronzes, and paintings, and a truly an amazing Hopi pottery collection.
Take time to pamper yourself at one of the local resort’s spas before you head out on the town in Old Town. Feel the need for retail therapy? Besides Old Town, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons offer a wide range of shopping experiences. Click here to browse our Airbnb rentals in Phoenix.
Contact our rental experts today and discover our amazing Scottsdale vacation rentals.
All kinds of natural beauty will surround you when visiting Scottsdale. Arizona is home to the majestic Sonoran Desert and its abundance of flora and wildlife. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is located in Scottsdale, making it easy to spend countless hours exploring this untamed wilderness.
Protecting and Promoting the Preserve
Together with the city of Scottsdale, McDowell Sonoran Preserve maintains the incredible beauty of this area and allows passionate hikers and bikers to enjoy it. The conservancy uses science and research to continue to teach and discover how we can keep this wilderness in its pristine condition.
Useful Links for McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Camelback Mountain | McDowell Sonoran Conservancy | Montana Ranch
What to Find
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve features over 225 miles of trails that can be enjoyed on foot or on your favorite mountain bike. In total, the preserve sits on over 30,000 acres and is the largest urban preserve in North America. Get ready to immerse yourself in the desert as the trails wander through cacti and boulders, while you watch for rattlers, lizards, and other desert wildlife.
Split in to two regions, Northern and Southern, the Preserve has trails for a wide variety of activities and abilities. Three trails are fully accessible – The Baja Nature Trail, Jane Rau Trail and the Kovach Family Trails. And these trails aren’t boring paved walkways running along the perimeter of a parking lot either. These trails wind through cacti, rock outcrops and feature scenic views of the surrounding area.
And there are so many ways to enjoy the Preserve’s trails too. Love to hike? Join one of the many free, guided hikes offered, or book a private hike for just your group. Or download a Preserve Trail Map and hike through the cacti over rocky desert terrain on your own.
There are plenty of mountain bike trails in the Preserve too! There are guided tours, or you can ride the trails on your own. Select from beginner’s trails to advance trails for bikers with great cardio and bike handling skills for those exciting steep descents. If you love riding and want to give back, consider becoming a member of the Conservancy’s Mountain Bike Patrol!
Really get into the western spirit and hit the trails on horseback! Or do some serious rock and mountain climbing. Designated rock climbing plans will make things easy for you to get started on this exciting sport.
Start your Preserve experience with some of the more popular trails. Tom’s Thumb Trail is a short out-and-back trail allowing leashed dogs. Rated as ‘difficult’, this trail features amazing views of Phoenix and the McDowell Mountains. Keep an eye out for desert wildlife – those rattlers love to sun on rocks near the trail.
The popular Gateway Loop Trail runs about 4 miles, is rated moderate and is also dog friendly (must be leashed). Like the Tom’s Thumb Trail, wildflowers abound on the Loop Trail. Other popular trails include the Sunrise Trail (Sunrise Peak at the top is the place to view the sunrise!), Inspiration Point and the Lost Dog Wash Trail.
Over 600 stewards work tirelessly to make sure the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy continues supporting the Sonoran Desert. After experiencing the amazing trail system that is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, consider donating to the Conservancy or becoming a volunteer yourself.
Education Classes
If you wish to learn more about the Sonoran Desert and how the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy helps maintain this area, make sure you drop in to one of their education programming sessions. Adult education classes are held several times throughout the year by volunteers who share their expertise about the surrounding flora, geology, and wildlife in the Sonoran Desert. A list of available of classes can be obtained by calling the conservancy public education program.
Adults aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the educational classes; on select Sundays throughout the year you can bring your kids to the Family Sonoran Sunday sessions. Local organizations will be on hand to help educate your children on native animals to the region. The Family Sunday Sessions are held select Sundays from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM and are great for children ages 6 and up.
Learn more while you hike when you take one of the Conservancy’s Sonoran Desert Educational Hike. The desert is your classroom as you learn more about the Sonoran Desert’s history, flora and fauna and geology!
Finding the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
You can get more information from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, including education class schedules, by calling 480-998-7971. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy office can be found at 7729 East Greenway Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
More to Do in Scottsdale
Get out during your Scottsdale excursion by visiting the Sonoran Desert with the help of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. After your fun hike or bike ride through the desert, our luxury vacation villas will be waiting for you; they are the perfect spot to unwind after a day outdoors. Be sure to also explore our Flipkey vacation rentals in Phoenix.
Simply call our vacation experts today and find the perfect luxury villa for your stay in Scottsdale!
Owned and operated by the city of Scottsdale, Westworld of Scottsdale is a world-renowned equestrian center and special event facility. If you ever need to host a large event or are planning a convention, try this venue. And if you’re in the area for business or pleasure, there is sure to be something going on at Westworld that you’ll want to see. It’s the ultimate year-round performance and event venue, and it’s in beautiful Scottsdale!
Event Spaces
There are over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space in Westworld, all located on 386 acres of desert land at the base of the beautiful McDowell Mountains. With both indoor and outdoor venue spaces, this facility can handle anything.
Helpful Links for Westworld Scottsdale
Barrett Jackson | Westworld of Scottsdale | Casa Palacio
The Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center (TNEC) is a conditioned equestrian focused space with a 120,000 square foot Equidome. The Equidome has over 3,400 permanent seats surrounding the sunken arena. TNEC North and South Halls are attached to the sides of the Equidome, adding another 150,000 square feet of event space for flexible, multiple events. The Monterra, the onsite banquet facility, accommodates up to 1,000 people for those big convention dinners or a large celebration.
Several outdoor arenas are perfect for barrel racing, rodeos, show jumping, dressage shows, and driving competitions. And The Fields, (two arenas covering over 20 acres) is used for festivals, sporting events, car shows, dog shows and more.
Westworld of Scottsdale Events
National Westworld of Scottsdale events include the RV Show USA, Ponies of the Americas Horse Show and the Arizona Fall Championships Horse Show.
Popular local events include the Scottsdale BeachFest, Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration – complete with fireworks, the AAU Southwestern Regional Basketball Championships, the Shrine Circus (who doesn’t love those Shriners!), the Children’s Learning and Play Festival and the Arizona Taco Festival – now in its 10th year, with competitors from around the country vying for best taco bragging rights – it’s a great foodie event!
Several internationally known annual Westworld of Scottsdale events including the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction held every January (if you’re a car enthusiast, you can’t miss this one), the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show each February nearly 2400 Arabian horses from around the world competing, and the Arabian Breeders Finals in September showcasing the very best of Arabian horses.
Details
Westworld of Scottsdale is located at 16601 N. Pima Road in the heart of Scottsdale and has three entrances and plenty of parking for your convenience. Keep on top of upcoming events on their Facebook page, or call 480-312-6802 for more information. Also, learn more about our VRBO rentals in Phoenix!
Parsons Villas is here to handle all your Phoenix vacation rental needs. Contact us today to book our Scottsdale vacation rentals!
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Although the Talking Stick Resort opened in 2010, there has been casino gaming in this Scottsdale location since 1999. Expanding on that earlier casino, Talking Stick Resort offers a wide range of experiences, including world-class golf and spa treatments. So, if some of your group isn’t all that interested in gaming, don’t worry, there is something here for everyone.
Casino
With over 24,000 square feet of casino space, this is casino gaming at its best! There are more than 50 table games and 900 multi-dimensional slot machines at the Talking Stick Resort Casino! Play new games (try Plants vs Zombies 3D), or video poker and penny slots, all available 24/7 for your gaming pleasure. Try your hand at Keno on weeknights until 11pm, and all day/night on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Table games include Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker, and there are poker tournaments almost every day! The Casino’s Arena Poker Room is home to the Arizona State Poker Championship, with a prize pool of over one million dollars.
Entertainment
In between all that casino activity, you can take in one of the resort’s many entertainment events. Some past events include headliners Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy, and Dave Mason. Or, for a little variety, the Arizona State Arm Wrestling Tournament or one of their pool parties. The resort has six entertainment areas, so there is sure to be something for you and your group.
Golf at the Talking Stick Resort
The Talking Stick Golf Club, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, is nestled among the beautiful mountains, and there are two courses to choose from: the O’odam Course with a “links style” design using the natural desert terrain, and the more traditional American style Piipaash Course.
Relaxing Spa
The open-air spa is on the14th floor of the resort. Indulge in message therapy, facials and skin treatments, manicures and pedicures, body treatments, and other specialty treatments while admiring the panoramic view of the surrounding desert and mountains. The spa is open Monday through Saturday from 9am – 6pm and Sunday from 9am – 5pm.
Food & Drink
Take a break from gaming or golf and head to one of the resort’s five restaurants. The Orange Sky Lounge & Restaurant – the Casino’s signature fine dining restaurant – has an amazing sunset view and special holiday menus throughout the year too. Book private dining in the wine room for that special night!
Details
Talking Stick Resort is located at 9800 E. Indian Bend Road. Get your poker fix, try some Keno or hit the slots! Head down memory lane with Pac Man! There is something for everyone here at the Talking Stick Resort Casino, not just an amazing casino! Also, learn more about our VRBO rentals in Phoenix!
Don’t gamble with your Phoenix vacation rental. Let Parsons Villas help you find the perfect rental for your gaming vacation. Give us a call today at 888-600-7231!
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If you came to Scottsdale for the desert and you love to hike and climb, head to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Sunrise Peak Trail– also known as Sunrise Trail – is part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a sustainable desert habitat in Scottsdale. Sunrise Peak is a great way to get that panoramic view of the surrounding area you’ve been looking for!
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The largest nature reserve/urban park in the country, McDowell Sonoran Preserve has over 30,500 acres and 180 miles of trails. The Preserve is a system of interconnected, multi-use trails that are accessed from multiple trailheads. You can bike, jog, hike or ride horseback along any of these scenic trails. The trails in the Sunrise Peak Trail in Scottsdale vary in length, difficulty and terrain and there are accessible trails and designated rock climbing areas too.
Trails wind through towering saguaro cacti, teddy bear cacti and other desert plants. Be on the lookout for desert wildlife too: desert tortoises, spikey horntoads, woodpeckers, roadrunners, snakes and various iguanas and lizards (including the skittish but colorful chuckwalla).
Sunrise Peak Trail
Sunrise Trailhead starts in a residential area, but you’ll soon forgot about that as you are quickly surrounded by the desert and head upward toward the peak. This trail is rated as moderate and is great exercise. Sunrise Peak Trail is an out-and-back hike with several steep sections and is one of the Preserve’s few trails that reaches to the top of a peak.
Amazing 360° views of the surrounding peaks of the McDowell Mountain range and surrounding area is worth the effort to get to the top! Time your stop at the peak for the top of the hour and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Fountain Hills Fountain. There is a marked viewpoint at 1.2 miles into the hike – great for those Instagram posts – then the climbing really starts as you head for the top.
Details
You’ll find the trailhead at 12101 N. 145th Way. The Preserve where you find Sunrise Peak Trail in Scottsdale is open from sunrise to sunset, but you can check the Preserve’s website for the exact times. Access gates are opened and closed (locked) based on the time of year. And don’t forget, it’s the desert, so bring lots of sunscreen and water, no matter the time of year. Dogs are welcome as long as they stay leashed. And wear good hiking shoes, as the dirt and gravel paths can get slippery. There is a water fountain at the base of the trail but no restrooms, so plan accordingly.
Parsons Villas is here to help you experience the best of Scottsdale. Contact us today to book your stay in one of our Phoenix vacation rentals and unbeatable villa rentals!
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Part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve – a sustainable desert habitat in Scottsdale – Brown’s Ranch Trailhead leads to two trails, Brown Ranch Trail and the Jane Rau Trail. If you came to Scottsdale for the desert, the Preserve is the best way to experience it!
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest nature reserve/urban park in the United States, with over 30,500 acres and 180 miles of trails. The Preserve is a system of connected, multi-use trails and is accessed from multiple trailheads. Trails are for non-motorized use only, so leave that electric bike behind. You can bike, jog, hike or ride horseback along these scenic trails. The trails vary in length, difficulty and terrain so there is a trail to fit everyone. There are accessible trails and designated rock climbing areas too.
Useful Links for Brown’s RanchTrailhead
Lost Dog Wash Trail | Browns Ranch Trailhead | Troon Cabin Casita
The trailhead has interpretive exhibits about the history of the Preserve; you can learn and enjoy the desert at the same time. These two trails offer amazing views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains. Get close to those towering saguaro cacti and other desert plants. Be on the lookout for desert wildlife too: desert tortoises, spikey horntoads, woodpeckers, roadrunners, snakes (including those usual desert dwellers, western diamondbacks), various lizards, mule deer and javelina.
Jane Rau Trail
The Jane Rau Trail is one of the Preserve’s accessible trails, with a roundtrip length of 0.4 miles and no appreciable elevation gain. This loop trail was named for Jane Rau, a local community activist known for her work in establishing the Preserve. Most of this trail is stabilized granite, with several sections made of metal grating and an average grade ranging from 4.8% to 11%.
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is a moderate trail loop of 3.1 miles, with an elevation gain of +/-100 feet. This trail winds through the old ranch area and is especially beautiful in the spring when the desert wildflowers are in bloom. Stop and enjoy the spectacular desert views from the trail’s many look-out spots – great for picture taking!
Details
You will find the Brown Ranch trailhead entry at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway. Both trails are great for kids and dogs (leashed), and there are maps, restrooms and water available at the trailhead. The Preserve is basically open sunrise to sunset, but you may want to check the Preserve’s website for the exact times; access gates are opened and closed (locked) based on the time of year. Parking at trailheads is free. And don’t forget, it’s the desert, so bring lots of sunscreen and water, no matter the time of year.
Whether you’re here to enjoy time in hiking through the desert or for one of the many other exciting activities throughout Scottsdale, Parsons Villas has the perfect vacation rental for your stay. Be sure to explore our wonderful VRBO rentals in Scottsdale, AZ!
Contact us today to learn more and book your personal Phoenix vacation rental!
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This upscale outdoor lifestyle center manages to blend retail shopping, dining, and entertainment venues together for an intimate outdoor experience. If you find yourself needing a shopping fix while in Scottsdale, head to Kierland Commons – it’s more than just another mall or shopping venue!
History of Kierland Commons
Kierland Commons Resort opened in 2000 and was the first ‘lifestyle’ center in Arizona. Lifestyle centers (or boutique malls) are mixed-use commercial developments combining facets of the retail experience of a traditional shopping mall with leisure luxuries and amenities focused on upscale consumers. Lifestyle centers aim to be more than just another shopping center and more of a destination point for the surrounding area.
Helpful Links for Kierland Commons
Scottsdale Civic Center | Kierland Commons | Aster Villa
Kierland Commons has over 600,000 square feet of “main street” style development including mostly national chains with some local shops, fine dining establishments and fast food spots, bars, office space, and upscale loft condominiums. This outdoor mall was designed as a community gathering space for Kierland (an upscale planned community in North Scottsdale) but has turned into a gathering space for all of Scottsdale.
Selection
Kierland Commons has a distinctive selection of retail shops including Ann Taylor, Arhause, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Chico’s, Coach, Crate&Barrel, Ecco, Eileen Fisher, J.Jill, Loft, Isaac Jewelers, Lorna Jane, Everything but Water, Michael Kors, DaVinci Luxe, Sundance, Talbots, Tommy Bahama, Vera Bradley, Athletica, Papyrus, and that mainstay of all malls, Victoria’s Secret. And you’ll have to visit the Tesla store!
Bars and restaurants run the gamut from gelato to wine bars. There really will be something at Kierland for every taste. Some of the choices include North Italia, P.F. Chang’s, Postino Wine Café, The Cheesecake Factory, Tocaya Organica, The Greene House, The Mission, Frost A Gelato Shoppe, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Shake Shack, and yet another mall mainstay, Starbucks.
Enjoy
Kierland Commons has turned out to be just what it was designed to be. It isn’t just a great place to shop, but also a great place to gather with your friends, enjoy the desert weather and people watch. There are benches and tables just right for sipping that cappuccino, reading your newspaper (or tablet), and watching the world go by. Fountains provide nice background noise as you sit back and relax. Enjoy the added bonus of a place to stay near Kierland Commons like Paradise at Pinnacle Peak.
Details
Kierland Commons Resort is located at 15205 N. Kierland Boulevard in North Scottsdale and is open from 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays and from 10 am to 9 pm on Mondays through Saturdays. Keep up to date on special events, offers and giveaways on their Facebook page.
Ready for your Scottsdale getaway? Give Parsons Villas a call and let us set you up with fantastic Scottsdale vacation rentals or Phoenix vacation rentals! Contact us today and start your journey to Arizona.
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The Cosanti Foundation in Scottsdale is a non-profit educational institution focusing on experimental urban design ideas based on Paolo Soleri’s theories. Its main focus is Arcosanti, but it all started with Cosanti.
While most people may not be familiar with the name Paolo Soleri, they are familiar with the Soleri windbells and his many sculptures. Windbells and sculptures are available for sale at both sites, and on the Soleri website and Facebook page. Their Facebook page is a great way to get an overview of the Foundation and Arcosanti.
While you’re in Scottsdale, make sure to visit the Soleri Bridge and Plaza. It’s a pedestrian bridge, solar calendar and gathering spot all in one. Soleri’s design of the bridge and plaza is meant to remind us of our connections to the sun and nature.
History of the Cosanti Foundation
Paolo Soleri was a colorful, internationally known Italian architect who was also an apprentice for Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1955 he began constructing experimental buildings at Cosanti in Paradise Valley. With his team of students and followers, they built structures that reflected Soleri’s innovative construction techniques and ideas, and they continue on today as Arcosanti.
Cosanti
Now an Arizona Historic Site, Cosanti was Soleri’s residence, gallery, and studio. You can take a guided tour of Paolo Soleri’s Studios, and if weather permits watch a foundry pour and see the process of handcrafting the bells. You can wander through Cosanti, listen to the bronze wind bells chiming through the trees and see the start of Soleri’s desert architectural style.
Tours of the studio are available Monday through Friday at 11am. Visit Cosanti at 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road in Paradise Valley. Hours are 9am – 5pm Monday through Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sundays. For more information, contact them at 480-948-6145, or visit their website.
Arcosanti
Arcosanti, begun in 1970, physically tests Soleri’s urban planning theories, and today is a world-famous experimental learning center with students coming from around the world to live and work onsite. The Foundation runs workshops here teaching Soleri’s theories, glassblowing, yoga, and ceramics. Arcosanti is living breathing experimental workshop, exploring the concept of “arcology” – a combination of architecture and ecology.
And Arcosanti is also a multi-use performing arts venue. This concrete open-air pavilion stages movies, Shakespeare, jazz and bluegrass, dance and other performances in its unique desert setting.
Arcosanti is open daily from 9am to 5pm for visitors (except on major holidays), and is located at 13555 S. Cross L Road in Mayer, Arizona, just north of the Cosanti Foundation site. Tours are offered hourly from 10am to 4pm daily (except at noon). Visit the Arcosanti website for more information.
Once you’ve planned out your vacation activities, be sure to book a rental home with Parsons Villas! Be sure to explore our wonderful VRBO rentals in Scottsdale, AZ!
Our top of the line Phoenix vacation rentals will put you in the heart of Scottsdale, nearby all the best activities and attractions in the area. Contact us today to get started!
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Scottsdale Stadium is a fan-friendly, intimate baseball stadium right on the edge of Old Town Scottsdale. One of the more urban ballparks, the original stadium was designed by the same architects as Baltimore’s Camden Yards (HOK) and has that same feeling of stepping back in time. It just adds another level of enjoyment as you experience America’s favorite pastime while watching the San Francisco Giants play ball in the spring.
The Scottsdale Stadium
While the Scottdale baseball stadium has an old-timey feel, luckily the concessions have kept up with the times. Fan favorites are the garlic fries! The food court (along the outfield lines) includes a wide variety of choices including hot dogs, tacos, Island Noodles, cotton candy, and peanuts. You owe it to yourself to try the brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. You can find a bountiful selection of beer on tap, with big breweries and microbreweries being equally represented. Grab one of the 22-ounce bombers from Anchor Steam Brewing Co. and you’ll be set.
The San Francisco Giants
Beginning in 1984, Scottsdale has hosted the San Francisco Giants for Spring Training. Members of the National League, the Giants were the first major-league team based in New York City and started playing ball there in 1933. First known as the New York Gothams, they became the Giants three years later. Willie Mays and “Big Six” Christy Mathewson both played for the Giants during their New York days. And don’t forget Bobby Thomson of “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” home run fame. The team won five World Series while in New York, and with their move to San Francisco in 1958, the Giants became one of the first two teams to play on the West Coast, their archrivals the Los Angeles Dodgers being the other.
Just a few of the more famous Giants over the years include: Robb Nen (one of the top savers of all time), “Matt the Bat” Williams (a 3-time Golden Globe winner), “Will the Thrill” Clark and Tim “The Freak” Lincecum. Hall of Famers who played for the Giants include Gaylord Perry (famous for his greasy hard-to-hit spit ball), 11-time all-star player Orlando Cepeda, 6-time all-star Willie McCovey, and the “Say Hey Kid” himself, Willie Mays – an amazing 24-time all-star player. And of course, 14-time all-star player Barry Bonds, one of the greatest to ever play the game, even with those pesky steroid issues.
The Scottsdale Scorpions
Playing in the East Division of the Arizona Fall League, the Scottsdale Scorpions play their home games in the Scottsdale Stadium. They won their first championship in 1996, with championships in 2010 and 2015 to follow after a long drought. Famous Scorpion alumni include Dusty Baker, Tim Tebow, Derek Jeter, and Michael Jordan. The Scorpions host the Fall League’s championship game, played at the end of November.
The Charros Lodge
If you are in the mood for some VIP service, shade & socializing, try the Charros Lodge. The Scottsdale Charros are a nonprofit group made up of local business and civic leaders, and since forming in 1961 the Charros have been hosting Spring Training in Scottsdale. The Spring Training baseball games are the Charros Foundation’s major fundraising event. The Foundation provides grants to Scottsdale-based nonprofits working “in the areas of youth, youth sports, education, Scottsdale western heritage or cultural and community enrichment.” There are three different seating sections, including some shaded seating areas, and servers (no waiting in line). Every day the Charros Lodge has a different local restaurant partner, so you’ll have a variety of options.
Ticket costs range from $150 – $160/person and include six complementary beverages (they have 14 beers on tap) as well as food. If you’re willing to dole out the big bucks – remember, it’s all for a good cause – give them a call at 480-990-2977.
The Stadium Details
Check the stadium’s website for updated rules and regulations, including what items are not allowed in the Scottsdale baseball stadium. The stadium is located at 7408 East Osborn Road. Just remember, Spring Training is a popular pastime here in Scottsdale, so get your tickets early!
The stadium is just a short walk from Old Town Scottsdale too, so it’s close to all the restaurants, bars and establishments that make Scottsdale a fun place to be.
The Stadium Extras
Scottsdale Stadium isn’t just for baseball either. Many area high school graduations take place out on the field, with plenty of room for family and friends in the stands. You can also rent the stadium for your next corporate dinner or company picnic. Imagine the delight on your kid’s face when you rent out the stadium for their baseball birthday extravaganza! And a wedding at the park (with the altar set right on home base) is just the ticket for baseball loving couples!
Let our knowledgeable staff here at Parsons Villas help you find the perfect Scottsdale vacation rentals close to all your Spring Training baseball needs. Give us a call today!
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