Scottsdale is repeatedly ranked as one of America’s best cities to live in, and when the gorgeous fall weather rolls in, it’s easy to see why. As the rest of the country starts breaking out their sweaters and snuggling in for the winter, Scottsdale is kicking it into high gear. Life in Scottsdale is full of afternoons on the golf course, strolls through art galleries, world class shopping, and lively outdoor festivals.
Scenic Desert Golfing
If you’re tired of the damp and dreary weather, come join us for a round of golf! Scottsdale is home to 30 gorgeous golf courses, and the Phoenix Metro area has a whopping 185 courses. With an average of 330 sunny days a year in the Valley, you’ll never worry about getting rained out.
Experience Scottsdale recommends these courses:
McCormick Ranch Golf Club – 7505 E. McCormick Pkwy.
McCormick Ranch Golf Club sports a 36 hole course. Located in the heart of Scottsdale, this course is convenient, beautiful, and fully equipped. Enjoy a restaurant, lounge, and banquet area after your game.
Boulder’s Club – 34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr.
Boulder’s Club has two separate courses, the North and South Course. Boulder is known for its unparalleled desert scenery. Golfers are likely to see native Arizona wildlife while on the course, such as rabbits, javelina, and bobcat. The South Course is deeply entwined with the desert landscape and will have you swinging inside rock formations.
Arts & Culture in Scottsdale
Art and culture are at the center of Scottsdale’s identity. From the galleries in the Art District (which house art from over 1,000 different artists) to iconic statues and diverse museums, there is always something to appreciate.
For a uniquely Scottsdale experience, be sure to check these out:
Robert Indiana’s “Love” Sculpture – 3806 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Nestled in the middle of Civic Center Plaza, the “Love” sculpture is surrounded by water installations, open grassy spaces, museums, shops, and restaurants. Grab a gelato from the local gelateria and stroll over with a loved one for a picnic and a picture.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West – 3830 N. Marshall Way
Western Spirit is a nonprofit museum owned by the City of Scottsdale that celebrates Western culture through the expression of art. The museum highlights the transition that the Southwest went through when moving from the Old West into the New West of today.
Old Town Art District – Main St. and Marshall Way in Old Town
Every Thursday from 7:00-9:00pm (except Thanksgiving), the local galleries in the Old Town Scottsdale Art District open their doors to the public. The Scottsdale Art Walk is considered “America’s original art walk.” This casual open house-style walk allows visitors to see the best art that the American Southwest has to offer. Sit down to eat at one the many nearby restaurants and stroll through the Art District for the perfect evening out.
Shopping
Scottsdale is home to some of the best retailers in the world. Whether you’re looking for local organic produce or designer fashion, Scottsdale’s got it all. Here are some of the most coveted shopping destinations in town:
Scottsdale Fashion Square – 7014 E. Camelback Rd.
Fashion Square Mall is one of the most sought-out shopping destinations in the Southwest. The mall boasts an impressive array of retail options, housing stores like Anthropologie, Bulgari, Armani Exchange, Coach, and Gucci alongside Forever 21, H&M, Five Guys Burgers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a Harkins Theater. The mall is also home to dozens of fine dining options and is butts up against the Scottsdale Waterfront.
McClendon’s Farmers Market – SW Corner of 1st St. and Brown
Every Saturday from October through May, McClendon Farms hosts a farmer’s market with dozens of local vendors. The Scottsdale farmer’s market offers fresh, organic and local produce, honey, meats, and breads. Local restaurants and coffee shops also participate, so you can snag a breakfast sandwich or a gourmet popsicle while you check out the vendors. Markets are open Saturdays from 8:00am-1:00pm.
Festival Season
With great weather comes great festivals! Scottsdale residents will take any excuse to spend time outside in the fall. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing festivals and fairs happening all season long, so you don’t have to look too far for a reason to get out and walk around. Here are three we’re particularly excited about:
Brat Haus Oktoberfest – September 22nd @ 4:00pm, 3622 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Brat Haus coordinates their Oktoberfest celebration and keg tapping with the official Oktoberfest in Munich. This festival includes a brat eating contest, a dirndl and lederhosen contest (and free admittance to everyone who dresses up), stein holding contest, tapping of the keg by Scottsdale mayor Jim Lane, and is MC’d by Channel 12’s Jimmy Q. Tickets are available here.
Tempe Festival of the Arts, 50th Anniversary Festival – November 30th – December 2nd, Mill Ave District
15 minutes south of Old Town Scottsdale on the Loop 101, The Tempe Festival of the Arts is a twice-yearly festival that closes down several miles of roads in the Mill Avenue District of Tempe. The festival hosts over 350 artists and vendors from all over the country – it is the by far the largest arts and culture festival to take place in the Valley. The official Tempe Festival of the Arts Website states that in addition to the visual artists, the festival also features “section dedicated to Cottage Arts, such as handmade seasonings, soaps, candles, and sauces. There are two stages with live music all three days, a Kids Block including a K-12 Exhibition, a wine tasting event and many other features that make it a festival for the entire family.” The festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall, and surely will be an event you won’t want to miss!
Summer’s End Margarita & Mojito Festival – September 22nd @ 4:00-10:00pm, Sloan Park Cubs Spring Training Stadium, 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy
A celebration of the end of the summer heat, the Margarita & Mojito Festival offers tastings of craft margs and mojitos, microbrew and Mexican beers, as well as craft tequilas and rums. The festival also features live entertainment and artisan vendors and a large food truck expo. Tickets range from $10-100 and can be purchased here.
Interested in relocating to Scottsdale or purchasing a Snowbird home? The Panozzo Team specializes in relocation purchases and would love to show you the best Scottsdale has to offer. Contact us today to find out what Scottsdale holds for you!