OUT & ABOUT IN SCOTTSDALE

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG DESERT
British artist Bruce Munro has displayed his large-scale light installations throughout the world, from Cheekwood Botanical Garden to the Victoria and Albert Museum to the Guggenheim Museum. Now, Munro is setting his sights on the Sonoran Desert as he unveils three distinct exhibits in Scottsdale. Ferryman's Crossing, an exhibit that will showcase artwork inspired by Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, will be at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA, www.smoca.org) Oct. 2, 2015 through April 24, 2016. Munro will use waves of compact discs and projected light to evoke sunlight bouncing off the surface of flowing water. Plus, Munro will take over other Scottsdale locales with his artwork during the fall and winter. Partnering with Scottsdale Public Art (www.scottsdalepublicart.org), Munro will bring Blooms to the Arizona Canal in November 2015.  Seven “blooms,” each crafted from 100 fishing poles and fiber optics, will light up the canal at night through March. Starting Nov. 20, head further south to Desert Botanical Garden (www.dbg.org) to see eight of Munro's installations illuminate the Garden at night during Bruce Munro's Sonoran Light. Two new pieces created specifically for Desert Botanical Garden, Saguaro and Temperate Zone, will reflect iconic desert landscaping and the rich culture of the Southwest. Field of Light and Water-Towers, two popular exhibits previously seen in the United Kingdom, will also be on display through May 8, 2016.

BUTTERFLIES, BASEBALL, AQUARIUMS, OH MY!
What does the largest butterfly atrium in North America, the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and one of the Valley of the Sun's top hotels and casinos have in common? They're all part of Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination www.talkingstickarizona.com) on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, located just east of Scottsdale. In October, the cultural and entertainment destination will gain additional clout as US Airways Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, undergoes a name change and becomes Talking Stick Resort Arena. However that's not all that's on the horizon.
         In early 2016, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community will become home to the largest aquarium in the Southwest. The 16-acre OdySea Aquarium (www.odyseainthedesert.com) will be situated in the $170 million OdySea in the Desert complex, a hotbed of family friendly attractions. OdySea Aquarium promises guests a high-tech, high-entertainment, oceanic adventure with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer aquatic life viewing— even in the restrooms—  and underwater acrylic tunnels that lead to each level. Coined “SeaWorld meet Disneyland,” OdySea Aquarium will explore marine life from bayous and coral reefs to deep abysses in exhibits such as “Rivers of the World,” Amazon Rivers,” “Penguins.” And in the “The Bizarre & the Beautiful,” exhibit, you'll find jellyfish, octopuses and seahorses. Plus, the aquarium will feature SeaTREK, an underwater walking program that allows visitors to descend deep into the water and meet marine life face-to-face.
         The best part is that there's plenty more to come. Over the next several years, OdySea in the Desert will break ground on an IMAX theatre, a Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, Flight Shop indoor skydiving, and a “Taste of the World” culinary showcase with 14- to 16-distinct restaurants from across the globe.

DOWNTOWN CLUB HUB PERFECTED
Described as a “desert version of Miami's South Beach” by The New York Times, downtown Scottsdale is the place for chef-driven restaurants, fine art galleries, unparalleled shopping and, of course, sizzling nightlife. With new development coming on the scene, Scottsdale's nightlife district promises to impress clubbing vixens and music fans far and wide.|
         Concert fanatics, listen up. We know there's more to the concert-going experience than your favorite band. The sound, lighting and production can make or break the experience. Turns out the music gods heard your prayers with the opening of Scottsdale's newest premier live music experience, LiveWire (www.livewireaz.com). This 14,000-square-foot sleek, swanky space located in the Entertainment District in downtown Scottsdale far exceeds even the most committed concert attendee's expectations. Hate peeking between heads to catch a glimpse of your beloved musician? Not anymore, compliments of a 25-foot HD screen that serves as the stage backdrop and a sweeping LED screen wrapped around the three-sided mezzanine. Sip cocktails with friends in one of 10 VIP areas while enjoying your favorite artists and comedians.
         For club goers, Scottsdale has myriad options to fit your fancy. In 2013, Scottsdale welcomed Maya Day and Nightclub (www.mayaclubaz.com), the first high-end beach club bringing together entertainment, music and food for day and nighttime fun. Beach-club goers enjoy a resort-style pool with daybeds and lounges, private and VIP cabanas with private plunge pools, a restaurant, a poolside taco bar, and Arizona's largest LED video screen outside of a major sports or concert venue. A floating stage overlooking the pool plays host to deejays and live music. At night, the party heads inside to a 9,700-square-foot nightclub where concentric rings of light flash above the circular dance floor. And the best part is that the day and nightclub are open to the public – no membership and no hotel affiliation. Maya Day and Nightclub was developed by Triyar Entertainment, developers of the W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences (www.whotels.com/scottsdale).
         In summer 2013, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row   (www.dierkswhiskeyrow.com) debuted in Scottsdale as a 1920s-style saloon with a new country vibe. Dishing up gastropub fare with a healthy dose of country music, this 5,200- square-foot live performance club, which hosts local and national acts, comes from country star Bentley and his colleagues from Riot Hospitality Group. Bentley, a Phoenix native turned Grammy nominee, has created a comfort food menu that's chockfull of local ingredients. Chow down at the bar or at a private table, where you'll have access to self-service beer and liquor on tap.
         Scottsdale takes on Europe at Bottled Blonde Pizzeria and Beer Garden (www.bottledblondeaz.com), which opened early in 2014. At this downtown hotspot, you'll dine on contemporary Italian cuisine and a large variety of craft beers in a modern German beer garden setting.  As you are served by waitresses dressed with a retro flair, enjoy the fresh air at one of the picnic-style tables adorning the 9,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor space, complete with a covered patio.

QUELL YOUR THIRST FOR LOCAL FIRST
If you hold the shop 'til you drop mantra close to your heart and you're a fan of all things local, pick up your wallet and head to UNION, Biltmore Fashion Park's (www.shopbiltmore.com) innovative hub of small, independent retail stores. The 7,200-square-foot UNION offers shoppers 13 one-of-a-kind intimate boutiques, ranging in size from 200- to 500-square-feet, and a casual eatery. Local favorites include: For the People, a modern gift and home goods store; Queen Creek Olive Mill Oils & Olives (www.queencreekolivemill.com), which offers signature extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, tapenades and more; and Citrine Natural Beauty Bar, known for its wide array of organic skin and beauty products. Central to the UNION experience is an outdoor patio activated with live music, chef demonstrations, tastings and even a bi-monthly farmers market. After a day of shopping all things local, make a pit stop at the mall's anchor stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's, or spend an evening wining and dining at one of Biltmore Fashion Park's tantalizing restaurants, including Christopher's & Crush Lounge, Zinburger (www.zinburgeraz.com) and True Food Kitchen (www.truefoodkitchen.com).

AERIAL TOUR TAKES VISITORS TO NEW HEIGHTS
         Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert as you've never done before – from the air. Desert Splash Seaplane Adventures (www.desertsplashadventures.com) takes you to new heights during aerial tours showcasing Arizona's stunning landscapes. October through April, climb aboard a Cessna Caravan Jet-Prop Amphibious Seaplane for an excursion that begins at Scottsdale Airport and snakes its way through the Salt River canyons and lakes for a bird's eye view of the rugged, breathtaking terrain that lies 20 miles east of Scottsdale. In just over an hour, you'll have soared through Salt River Canyon and over Roosevelt Dam and “The Spires,” a rugged sand castle-like rock formation that's tucked deep inside the Superstition Mountains. You'll even experience a water landing when the seaplane touches down on the surface of Roosevelt Lake, one of Arizona's largest bodies of water. And during the second Saturday of each month, pair incredible views with savory Arizona flavors during an excursion that incorporates both a seaplane flight and brunch. Presented by local favorites such as FnB (www.fnbrestaurant.com), your crew will deplane on Splash Island, where an Arizona wine maker and farmer await. Enjoy a locally sourced meal that's as divine as the one-of-a-kind setting with tour rates at $435 per person.

SEEK ADVENTURE AND LUXURY IN ONE SPOT
         Get a taste of the cowboy life at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale) with the Cowboy for a Day package. You kick off the experience with a boot and hat fitting in preparation for the “no-frills” Arizona Cowboy College (www.cowboycollege.com), a working cattle ranch. You then spend the day learning the ropes of horse-handling, round-up, doctoring and more.  Afterward, rest and relaxation await at the Four Seasons as you dive in to a campfire dinner catered by the resort and listen to tales of the Old West from a cowboy crooner.
         Set amongst 12 million-year-old boulders that are reminiscent of the dramatic landscapes portrayed in “The Flintstones,” The Boulders Resort & Spa (www.theboulders.com) has always been a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with the Sonoran Desert. Now, the resort has elevated its offerings, allowing adrenaline junkies to test their limits with a bevy of activities that scream extreme adventure. Try your hand at fly fishing in the lakes throughout the golf course; fly high over the desert terrain in a hot air balloon that takes off and lands right on the resort's property or during a daytime helicopter ride to Sedona or Grand Canyon from the resort's private helipad; and traverse the desert's dramatic terrain during a jeep ride led by a Boulders' guide. These new programs add to an already robust lineup of outdoor offerings at The Boulder's including rock climbing, stargazing, hiking and bicycle tours.

ARTISTIC RENAISSANCE IN FULL BLOOM
         Downtown Scottsdale is like an outdoor, walking museum with nearly 50 eye-catching public art pieces thanks to Scottsdale Public Art (www.scottsdalepublicart.org). Check out the 10 most celebrated pieces during a self-guided 60-minute walking tour that includes significant sites such as the Soleri Bridge and Plaza (www.soleribridge.com), which serves as a landmark of downtown's Scottsdale Waterfront. The bridge's 64-foot-long steel clad pylons jut into the air and cast shadows on both the bridge and Arizona Canal, an ancient Indian Hohokam canal, tracking solar events such as the winter solstice and solar noon. Or, stand inside a kaleidoscope created by three 29-foot-tall mirrored panels at Donald Lipski's “The Doors.” A variety of Western statues, dramatic equestrian fountains and interactive installations will keep you moving through downtown.
         Just down the street at WestWorld of Scottsdale (www.westworldaz.com) is Impulsion, a 40-foot-long horse that stands nearly 30-feet-high. This $470,000 sculpture is comprised of 10,000 pounds of stainless steel tubing that light up at night. During the December 2014 unveiling of the statue, its brilliant flashing lights were synced to music.  In the coming months, “Light Echo,” a permanent installation along the Arizona Canal that uses colorful and changing laser projections, is expected to debut.  
         Get a glimpse of downtown Scottsdale with one of the area's local experts on the Downtown Scottsdale Art & Cultural Trolley Tour offered by Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours (www.ultimatearttours.com). The free two-hour tour starts at 10:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month and takes you through the area's notable spots. Along the way, you'll learn tidbits about downtown's history. You'll meet guide Ace Bailey outside the historic Old Adobe Mission (www.olphaz.org/parish/ourparish/old-adobe-mission) church, built in 1933 and one of three remaining adobe buildings in downtown Scottsdale. Other featured locations include the arts district, Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, and Hotel Valley Ho (www.hotelvalleyho.com). Reservations for the free tour are required.

GLOBAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM THRIVES
Take a melodic journey through the world at Musical Instrument Museum (www.mim.org, MIM), the first global museum of instruments. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the museum has left its mark on the Valley of the Sun with 5,000 instruments and artifacts from more than 200 countries on display and more than 15,000 in its collection. Transport to another land with wireless headsets and LCD video displays depicting the sounds and sights of the instruments and the people who use them. See the recreation of a gong workshop, listen to the sounds of the traditional Beijing Opera or experience a contemporary Ukrainian wedding procession. Stop by MIM's Artist Gallery, which houses instruments from famous musicians throughout time, including John Lennon, Paul Simon, Black Eyed Peas and the Jonas Brothers. After enjoying a worldly concert, try out your own musical abilities in MIM's Experience Gallery, where you can play the guitars, gongs and drums. In October 2014, MIM debuted its inaugural outdoor music festival, MIMFest. The musical celebration will return in the fall of 2015, with a variety of global performances and culinary delights from Arizona food trucks, wineries and breweries.

MOUNTAINSIDE RETREAT
         Starting in early 2016, invite seven of your closest gal pals and book a getaway at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa's (www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com) newly unveiled Spa House. As a part of a $10 million room overhaul and renovation, the resort will convert one of its private residences, Casa del Sano, into a spa and wellness compound perfect for groups looking for a relaxing retreat. The Spa House offers you and your girlfriends a private workout studio, pool, sauna and tennis court.  It will also host Sanctuary's Satori Meditation Retreats, coupling yoga, meditation and mindful practices with pampering in Sanctuary Spa.
         Since it opened in 2001, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has offered travelers a secluded hideaway at the foot of Scottsdale's iconic Camelback Mountain. The resort promises an even more luxurious vacation as it debuts the new Camelback Casitas and Camelback Suites in the fall of 2015, marking the property's first major room overhaul since its opening. These mountainside rooms overlooking Paradise Valley will boast contemporary, elegant décor, including tile flooring, wood furnishing and light, neutral color palettes. The décor will weave nature-inspired details into the design, with desert-inspired artwork and photography adorning the walls. Plus, Monarch butterfly area rugs will add a pop of color to the neutral color scheme, highlighting the abundance of Monarch butterflies that migrate to the Scottsdale area each year.

A SPANISH REVIVAL
Knock on the Castilian-style doors and whisper the secret password to access the new bespoke luxury spa experience at Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia (www.montelucia.com). Joya Spa captures the exclusivity and secrecy of a speakeasy with a wellness-inspired and romantic twist with the unveiling of Puerta Privada – meaning 'private door' in Spanish. Puerta Privada gives you exclusive access to the renowned spa's myriad offerings after hours. Once spa-goers have gone home refreshed and massaged, your night begins. A butler guides you and your significant other to a luxurious spa suite situated along the terrace, complete with private pool. Relax in the Moroccan-inspired setting with Camelback Mountain as your backdrop. An acoustic guitarist performs for you and your loved one all evening. Puerta Privada is open Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7:30 p.m., and it hosts three couples per night. Packages include a one hour couples massage, an astrology reading, and a custom dinner for two created by Executive Chef Michael Cairns.
                Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia recently unveiled its Chef's Kitchen & Herb Garden as part of a resort-wide restoration infusing the sights, sounds, and flavors of Southern Spain's Andalusian. Featuring an assortment of authentic culinary experiences such as exclusive cooking demonstrations and wine and tapas tastings, this exceptional al fresco space is poised to play host to an array of private events, breakout sessions, rehearsal dinners and intimate weddings, and opening and closing receptions.

DROP THE LEATHER-BOUND BOOK, GRAB A SCOTCH
While reading is important, Scottsdale resorts are building libraries without books. Instead, they're filling the shelves with rare and exclusive alcohols. Much like everyone's favorite anchorman Ron Burgundy, we love Scotch. The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa (www.kierlandresort.com) loves it too, so much so that the resort is now offering more than 130 labels of the alcohol. The Scotch Library houses 100 single malts and 25 blends imported from the six whisky regions of Scotland, continuing the resort's homage to Scotsmen and women who immigrated to early Arizona. If you're a Scotch novice, asks the librarians— dubbed “Scotch Library Ambassadors”—for their expert advice on how to select your two-ounce pour. The Scotch Library is open from 5 to 7 p.m. nightly in the lobby. Prices range from $10 to $475 per serving.
         You don't need the Dewey Decimal System to navigate the wide selection of tequilas at The Phoenician's (www.thephoenician.com) Relish Burger Bistro. But with more than 250 labels of tequila, you may need a menu. Relish hosts one of the largest tequila collections in Arizona. The Phoenician also has its own private label of tequila available, El Tesoro. If tequila isn't your poison of choice, perhaps the restaurant's 70-plus beers will tempt you instead.
         If you haven't had your fill of tequila, stop by the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess' (www.scottsdaleprincess.com) Tequila Bar at La Hacienda. The bar offers nightly artisan tastings with selections from more than 240 varieties of tequila on the weekends. A “Tequila Goddess” will present the 36 different labels. But if tequila doesn't suit your palate, head over to the newly opened Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar. There, a “Rum Princessa” will bring you a sampling of the restaurant's 111 rums as you chow down on sushi and ceviche.

PRINCESS UNDERGOES ROYAL RENOVATION
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (www.scottsdaleprincess.com) has further elevated its status as one of Scottsdale's premier properties with $25 million in renovations for its meeting spaces, dining concepts, retail venues, spa and exteriors. The Princess' latest round of refurbishments wrapped up a five-year, $60 million capital investment project of the resort.
         In October 2012, the property unveiled the new Palomino Conference Center, adding 52,331- square-feet of meeting space to the resort to make it the largest meetings resort in the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio worldwide. On Jan. 1, 2013, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess rolled out Well & Being Spa. Drawing on the Southwest's indigenous roots and time-tested Asian influences, the new spa by Trilogy Spa Holdings is the first of its kind in the United States, allowing visitors to choose from a bevy of a la carte spa services or develop a health and wellness program that factors in mental and physical wellbeing. Those who choose the latter are assisted by a renowned medical doctor specializing in health assessments, spa and beauty services, and fitness and nutrition consultation. New and innovative health classes include aerial yoga, where poses are done with the support of a suspended cloth sling to allow for greater stretch and inversion.
         Enhancements to the resort's dining venues include a revamped patio at Michael Mina's BOURBON STEAK and the unveiling of the all-new Ironwood American Kitchen, offering wood-fired cuisine. The Princess Shop, the resort's primary retail and sundries location, now doubles as a coffee shop featuring grab-and-go beverages, sandwiches, snacks, gelato and iPad work stations. Other enhancements include the addition of a living wall, a unique system of plants and flowers that drape the main resort building in greenery, and a new coat of paint, which changes the resort's signature color from pink to an off-white hue.

ALL BIKE TRAILS LEAD TO SCOTTSDALE
At Bespoke Inn, Café & Bicycles (www.bespokeinn.com), biking isn't just a hobby. It's a lifestyle. In addition to running Scottsdale's only B&B, proprietors Kate Hennen and Rob Taynton run Scottsdale's only artisan, steel boutique bicycle shop on site, Bespoke Bicycles. With packages like the All Inclusive Cycling Vacation, Hennen and Taynton will map out local rides, lend and service high-end road bikes for daily use, guide you on multi-mile treks to areas like Saguaro Lake, and even pack some snacks for your journeys. Stop by the shop to browse the selection of bikes and the Italian-made cycling clothing and accessories on sale or borrow one of the complimentary Pashley Cycles to meander around downtown Scottsdale.
         And when you're not exploring the town, enjoy the laid-back ambiance of the inn, which opened in January 2013. The four-room inn offers a tailored experience for visitors seeking elegance and privacy while staying in Scottsdale's buzzing epicenter. Each downstairs room is dressed to the nines with handmade décor and furniture, plus its private patio and lounge chairs offer the perfect setting for enjoying a cup o' joe in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. Or, stay in the upstairs Signature Flat, which includes a gourmet chef's kitchen and offers impressive views of the 43-foot infinity edge pool that overlooks the lush courtyard below.
          When hunger encroaches, stop by in-house restaurant Virtù Honest Craft (www.virtuscottsdale.com), which opened in June 2013 and shortly thereafter was named one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. by Esquire. Executive Chef Gio Osso, previously of the defunct Estate House, has created a rotating menu that's described as “wandering Mediterranean” and features items like hand-made pastas, braised oxtails, house-made sausages and crudo. Prices range between $11 and $18. Get a one-on-one experience with Osso when you book the Signature Flat. With the Personal Chef Dinner, Osso will whip up specialized menu and wine paring served at the Flat's massive, handmade walnut farm table for you and up to nine friends.

A TALE OF THREE RESORTS
Turn on the bright lights and tee up the drumroll. Two of Scottsdale's veteran resorts just underwent rebrandings in fall 2014, and one of Scottsdale's oldest properties is getting a facelift in 2015. We're itching to introduce them in their new and improved states.
         Since 1976, Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center (www.thescottsdaleresort.com) has been a premiere destination for corporate retreats and conference goers. But this summer, the resort will embark on a $9 million renovation to transform the 39-year-old independent property into a leisure traveler's paradise. Once completed, the resort will debut as The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel. Don't wait to book your getaway. When the resort unveils all its updates and upgrades, including its hacienda-inspired makeover, you'll feel like you've been whisked away on a Mexican getaway right in the middle of Scottsdale. You'll dig in to a hearty meal at the newly remodeled Sangria's Lounge, which will boast communal dining and an open-air kitchen. You'll kick back and lounge in a poolside cabana with a margarita in hand thanks to the remodel of the main pool, which will offer 16 new cabanas and a new full-service restaurant and bar.
         In October 2014, the Radisson Fort McDowell re-launched as the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center (www.wekoparesort.com), an independent golf resort affiliated with the nearby award-winning We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. We-Ko-Pa means “Four Peaks” in Yavapai and pays tribute to the tribe's rich, diverse heritage while also honoring the spectacular mountain scenery that surrounds the resort.  Even with the property's name change, visitors can expect the same level of service and amenities at the resort, featuring 246 contemporary guestrooms and suites. In addition to the resort's name change, the neighboring Fort McDowell Adventures (www.fortmcdowelladventures.com)is now under the management of the resort. Corporate groups staying at the resort can take advantage of the partnership with teambuilding exercises that include horseback trail rides, desert jeep tours, Verde River kayaking, Segway tours, riverboat cruises, First Friday Night Franks, City Slicker Cattle Drives, and the Yavapai Experience Cultural Tour.
         The McCormick Scottsdale (www.millenniumhotels.com), formerly Millennium Resort and Villas Scottsdale, reopened Oct. 1, following a six-month renovation to its 125 guestrooms, lobby and Diamondbacks Lounge.  Fresh out of a complete transformation, newly renovated guest rooms and suites capture a modern, relaxed feel with natural tones and local influences.  With 13,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, The McCormick offers excellent facilities for conferences, business meetings, social events and weddings.

CULINARY SCENE

GOLDEN AGE OF CULINARY
In Scottsdale, eating is so much more than just basic means of survival. This culinary oasis was named the No. 2 “Foodie City, 2014” by Livability.com. Rankings were determined by exploring U.S. cities that had most established farmer's markets (check), restaurants that use locally grown ingredients (check), and cities with the most critically acclaimed chefs, restaurants, and winners of James Beard Foundation Awards (check, check, and check!). Scottsdale's restaurant scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves, but the city has been home to incredible restaurants for ages with more than 600 options to choose from. There's a place for every taste bud in Scottsdale – old favorites and new spots alike.
          The one-time French foodie hotspot Petite Maison has been a replaced by a brighter, sleeker and more approachable restaurant called The Upton (www.theuptonaz.com) in downtown Scottsdale. The new dining destination opened in November 2014 and features the talents of former Petite Maison sous chef Chris Schlattman. His “urban foodie” menu appeals to just about every palate, including vegetarians and vegans. Try the fired Cajun oysters with low country remoulade and grilled lemon before moving onto slow roasted pibil tacos or a miso vegan ramen with crazy noodles, mushrooms and organic tofu. The little house-turned-restaurant also serves up a mean Sunday brunch that includes offerings such as a buckwheat and quinoa wafflewitch with marscapone and banana.
         Sumo Maya Mexican Asian Kitchen (www.sumomaya.com), which opened in June 2014, offers the unexpected blend of
tapas-style small plates and dim sum. The menu takes restaurant goers on a first-class trip from Latin America to Asia, with fusion recipes like the tasty Korean Beef Taco, Pad Thai Al Pastor, and Arroz Con Pato, a spicy poblano fried rice. After just a few bites, you'll be hooked on this delicious cultural journey.
         For years, foodies have been begging beloved local chef Kevin Binkley to open a restaurant in Scottsdale. In December 2013, Bink's Scottsdale (www.binksscottsdale.com) finally became a reality. It's Binkley's fourth venture to open in the Phoenix area. Bink's Scottsdale incorporates many familiar favorites from his other concepts while still maintaining a distinct identity. Binkley uses local ingredients to whip up exotic, decadent dishes such as 5 Spice Duck Breast with grilled grapes and port vinaigrette and Amy's Bolognese with house-made gemelli pasta, garlic bread and parmesan. And the accolades continue to roll in for Binkley, whom is best known for molecular gastronomy. He's been consistently nominated for James Beard Award Foundation's Best Chef of the Southwest since 2005 and his restaurants top the lists for Phoenix Magazine, The Arizona Republic, and more.

SUNNY, SUD-SOAKED SCOTTSDALE 
Move over Portland. Leave the rain behind and head to sunny Downtown Scottsdale, abuzz with breweries perfecting the art of beer making and bars serving up local suds. Walk, bike or take the trolley during a day of sipping, savoring and inadvertent spilling on downtown Scottsdale's ale trail. Start the day at Sip Coffee & Beer House (www.sipcoffeeandbeerhouse.com), a restaurant and bar that feels like your best friend's backyard. This unassuming joint offers small bites, live music on select days, and a beer list that includes local brews from Dragoon Brewing in Tucson, Papago Brewing in Scottsdale, and Cartel Coffee Lab, a coffee roaster and brewer in Tempe and Scottsdale.  Right next door is the all-new Goldwater Brewing (www.goldwaterbrewing.com), which opened its doors in May 2015. This family-owned brewery's signature beers include West Coast style IPAs, ales, lagers, and specialty and seasonal beers. Walk two-minutes up the street to Union Barrelhouse (www.unionbarrelhouse.com), Scottsdale's first nano-brewery, to continue the festivities. This urban tavern offers five house-made brews. Grab a souvenir growler-to-go before popping over to Two Brothers (www.twobrothersbrewing.com), a family-run brewery that's based out of Naperville, Ill. Two Brother's Scottsdale location offers up eight year-round beers, eight seasonal beers, three artisan beers, and barrel-aged sours. Then, it's off to Bad Water Brewing's (www.badwaterbrewing.com) comfy taproom, seating 30.  Try one of the brewery's trifecta of beers, the Saison, IPA or Western Lager, while enjoying a cheese board.
             Want more of a good thing?  While not downtown, the relatively new Scottsdale Beer Company (www.scottsdalebeercompany.com) and Fate Brewing (www.fatebrewing.com), are also causing a stir. Longtime favorites such as Four Peaks Brewing Company (www.fourpeaks.com), Papago Brewery (www.papagobrewing.com), and OHSO Eatery + Nanobrewery (www.ohsobrewery.com) are also not to be missed during your sud-soaked Scottsdale soiree.

SCOTTSDALE – SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
Counterintuitive is defined as “being contrary to intuition or common-sense expectation.” Now, let's use the word in a sentence. It may seem counterintuitive, but Scottsdale is now home to a cocktail bar that moonlights as an antique shop. And that's exactly why Counter Intuitive is so aptly named. Open exclusively Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Counter Intuitive caters to the late-night denizens looking for a new cocktail haven in downtown Scottsdale. Counter Intuitive offers a concept that's sure to appeal to the Internet age, where short attention spans and instant gratification reign. Throughout the year, the cocktail bar will rotate themes, with the décor and menus shifting every few months to keep even regulars on their toes. First up: New Orleans Estate Sale with a drink menu from mixologists Micah Olsen and Jason Asher that includes the Peas-Sco Sour, a cocktail that uses snap-pea infused pisco, watermelon syrup, yuzu, angostura bitters, and egg whites.
         Step into the intimate, sophisticated Second Story Liquor Bar (www.secondstoryliquorbar.com) and you'll feel like a character from a story, all depending on the drink you order. Tap into your inner Daisy Buchanan as you sip on The Julep or evoke Don Draper with The Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail. Second Story Liquor Bar's name is inspired by its location (the second floor above a gelato shop in downtown Scottsdale), but its drinks are inspired by robust flavors and fresh ingredients used in cocktails throughout history.
         One of Scottsdale's original cowboys, Lon Megargee, founder of the upscale, yet rustic The Hermosa Inn (www.hermosainn.com) would be proud of the recent transformation at Last Drop at the Hermosa. This casual dining bar and grill was expanded to include couch and table seating indoors and outdoors. The daily happy hour features live entertainment and an all-day menu from Executive Chef James Ducas that includes everything from salads and sandwiches to shared bites and pizzas from the new wood- burning oven. All hand-crafted cocktails featuring house-made liquors, tinctures and bitters are whipped up by Last Drop's mustachioed Spirit Guide Travis Nass.
         You love cocktails and you're a fan of all things local. Then it's time to mix it up, literally, at The Mix Up Bar, at Royal Palms Resort and Spa (www.royalpalmshotel.com). This fun cocktail haven, which opened in September 2013, is the brainchild of Kim Haasarud, founder of nationally acclaimed beverage consulting company Liquid Architecture, and Paul McCabe, the new executive chef at T. Cook's whose passion for locally sourced items is as much a part of him as his Arizona roots. Expect the unexpected with garden-to-glass cocktails featuring a lineup of ingredients like AZ Bitters Lab's flavored bitters, La Bella Terre's botanical sprays and vinegars from Outrageous Olive Oil & Vinegars, plus fresh produce and herbs grown in the new T. Cook's garden. Pair a cocktail with a meal that's designed to enhance the flavor of the alcohol.
         Cowboy Ciao (www.cowboyciao.com) is a staple in Scottsdale's food scene, and it has a bar menu to match its equally impressive menu. At the helm of the bar are Mari Howe, Rich Furnari, and Kiefer Gilbert. Despite their different styles and palates, these three know how to whip up a damn good cocktail. Try favorites like the “When in Buffalo, Roam" with Zubrowka, chai and brown sugar syrup, apple juice, and lemon juice. This sweet drink has been likened to a slice of apple pie. Or sip on "Crouching Bulldog, Hidden Ginger" or "How to get away with Mezcal," offering a more spiced flavor.

A GASTRONOMICAL TOUR
With more than 600 restaurants in Scottsdale, it's impossible to experience all of Scottsdale's culinary offerings in one visit. For years Arizona Food Tours has helped hungry visitors by letting them sample downtown's offerings during the three-hour walking food tour, A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale. Always looking to improve and showcase more of Scottsdale's culinary delights, Arizona Food Tours' is switching things up with a new tour. Sip and Sample is the newest tour being offered weekly on Fridays and Saturdays. Stops at The House Brasserie (www.thehousebrasserie.com), Su Vino Winery (www.suvinowineryaz.com), Union Barrelhouse (www.unionbarrelhouse.com) and The Mission (www.themissionaz.com) will leave you more than satisfied. While sampling appetizers and enjoying drinks, you will learn about the rich history of Scottsdale. Ready for the tour? Tickets for the Sip and Sample tour are available for purchase for $62.
         And when you've wrapped up lunch and dinner, it goes without saying that you'll need to satiate your dessert cravings. Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale (www.chocolatetourofscottsdale.com), the destination's newest and most delectable walking tour, promises to be just what the pastry chef ordered. You'll feel like a character in “Charlie in the Chocolate Factory” as you weave through four of Scottsdale's downtown districts – the Arts district, the Fifth Avenue Shopping district, the Southbridge district and the Waterfront district – sampling a variety of goodies at eight stops. Enjoy tasting brownies, ice cream, Belgium chocolates,  and cannolis from local gems like Chocolade van Brugge, Petersen's Old Fashion Ice Cream, Paula Jacqueline Cakes and Pastries, and Caketini. And do so guilt-free, knowing that your guide has equipped you with a doggie bag should you need to take a sweet morsel to-go. The cherry on top of the brownie fudge sundae: your guide will offer up a dose of history and context as you amble through downtown Scottsdale savoring myriad cocoa flavors. Tours take place each Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m. and cost $45 per person.
         Take a self-guided foodie tour with the Food Truck Caravan (www.foodtruckcaravan.com)  in downtown Scottsdale, which takes place each Saturday from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Featuring up to 15 gourmet food trucks each week, the Caravan offers everything from Southern comfort food and organic slides to curries and classic diner cuisine. Also on the menu: live music from local favorites like the Spanish guitarists, the Sahnnas Brothers, and a concierge tent that dishes up coupons from nearby art galleries and shops.

AN OENOPHILE'S OASIS
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards Wine Gallery (www.lawrencedunhamvineyards.com) brings the taste of the Southeastern Arizona wine region to downtown Scottsdale. The Wine Gallery is a tasting room and shop – the only retail spot to buy wine from the 40-acre vineyard based in the Chiricahua Foothills. Sip a glass of wine beneath the two shaded patios or enjoy samples bites and sips in the tasting bar and open kitchen. You'll want to take home a bottle of Petite Sirah or Grenache after a relaxing afternoon at the Wine Gallery. And on Thursday nights, head to Wine Gallery for the new event, Flights & Bites. The Wine Gallery teamed up with Food Truck Caravan Catering for the event, where for $25 you can enjoy four Lawrence Duhnam wine tastings and food parings from local food truck chefs. Menus for the event change weekly. In addition to Flights & Bites, the Wine Gallery recently introduced its Sip & Learn series. You'll feel like a sommelier after educational workshops on various topics, such as the unique characteristics of wine and the perfect chocolate pairings. Enjoy Sip & Learn sessions for $35 or bring a date for $65.
         Continue the Arizona wine experience with Pavle Milic, part-owner of FnB Restaurant   (www.fnbrestaurant.com), a trendy gastropub in the heart of downtown, just one of many Scottsdale restaurants serving Arizona wines during lunch and dinner. Be on the lookout for braised leeks with mozzarella and a fried egg, named one of the 10 best restaurant dishes of 2010 by Food & Wine. Of equal appeal is owner Pavle Milic's other venture, Bodega/AZ Wine Merchants, an oenophile paradise with varietals grown and bottled in the Grand Canyon state.  While there, pick up a bottle (or three) from acclaimed wineries such as Dos Cabezas or Callaghan Vineyards. Or grab a bottle of Milic's personal label that he bottled with Dos Cabezas, Los Milic's. There, you can also find local produce and artisanal products from MJ Breads, Queen Creek Olive Oil and Maya's Farm.
         Staying in Scottsdale but hoping to take a day-trip to the wine region? Let Detours of Arizona (www.detoursaz.com) guide you on a day-long exploration of Arizona's newest wine community in the scenic Verde Valley just south of Sedona. This fully guided tour features stops at four wineries and highlights some of Sedona's most picturesque landmarks including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa Overlook. Beyond the views, you'll likely meet one or more of the winery owners who will relay their passion for Arizona wines. Taste full bodied red and crisp white varieties during this full-day tour, which includes luxury ground transportation, guide services, wine tasting and lunch.

WORLD-CLASS GOLF

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
For the first time since it opened in 1986, TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course, the legendary home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, underwent a complete makeover. The crews at TPC Scottsdale worked diligently through the summer of 2014 to complete the ambitious seven month, $12 million renovation of the Stadium Course and Clubhouse. In November 2014, TPC Scottsdale debuted its new look with resurfaced greens and renovated bunkers and tees that changed the challenge and playability of select holes. In addition, the Stadium Course has new cart paths and enhanced landscaping.  The renovations included a remodel of the Clubhouse, which unveiled the new restaurant concept, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar by Richard Sandoval. The restaurant, which opened in December 2014, combines the distinct flavors of South and Central America with ingredients rooted in the Japanese and Chinese Peruvian cultures.
         Also new to Scottsdale's golf scene: TopGolf Riverwalk (www.topgolf.com/us/riverwalk), which opened in June 2014 at Talking Stick: An Emerging Cultural and Entertainment Destination on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The 65,000-suqare-foot facility hosts a variety of golf games using microchip golf balls, from the “TopScramble” team challenge to the short game “TopChip.” Test your skills by aiming for various targets on a 215-yard field, and celebrate your victory at TopGolf's full service bar with food and drink. You and your friends can also kick back playing pool or shuffleboard after hitting a few golf balls. Whether a golf novice or golf pro, TopGolf offers an exciting day at the green for everyone.            

DITCH YOUR STICKS
With baggage fees, TSA checks and other travel obstacles, schlepping golf clubs along on a trip can be exceptionally cumbersome. Thankfully, Kierland Golf Club (www.kierlandgolf.com) recognizes that and has recently teamed with Nike to offer the “No-Hassle” Rental Package. The twilight tee time package includes the latest Nike Golf technology such as rental golf clubs, golf shoe rental, a sleeve of golf balls and a golf glove for $45.
         Even better yet, ditch your old sticks and head to Cool Clubs (www.coolclubs.com) and pick up a whole new set. Cool Clubs, one of the world's leading custom club fitters, carries the best technology from top manufacturers, allowing you to precisely match the latest golf club offerings with a player's unique swing. For the ultimate experience, Cool Clubs offers travelers a unique Day in the Life Package that includes a premium outdoor tour fitting, lunch and a massage at Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (www.scottsdaleprincess.com). Packages start at $1,000.

NOT YOUR FATHER'S GOLF GAME
Want to play like the pros at the Waste Management Phoenix Open? Hit from the same tees as Phil and Tiger on TPC Scottsdale's (www.tpc.com/scottsdale) Stadium Course with the Forecaddie Experience. Caddies carry your bags, offer shot selection advice, rake bunkers, read greens and much more. Plus, get the insider's perspective of the history and heritage of golf and the TOUR. And don't miss the plaques inside the clubhouse commemorating the top moments of the Open's history – JB Holmes' monster drive on the 18th hole years ago, Tiger's “loose impediment” that took help from the fans to move, and Andrew Magee's hole-in-one on a par four, just to name a few.
             The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (www.kierlandresort.com) is considered one of the most innovative luxury resorts in the Southwest. Nowhere is this creativity more evident than at Kierland Golf Club (www.kierlandgolf.com). In the past, the property has grabbed headlines with the introduction of Segway Golf, the cutting-edge FORE-MAX golf fitness program, and the acclaimed LaBauve Golf Academy. Now, Kierland Golf Club letting golfers traverse the golf course by bicycle. And these aren't just any bicycles. They are specially crafted to have minimal impact on the golf course while maximizing the fun, fitness and speed of play.  The bicycles feature small-diameter wheels, wide rubber tires and have two custom-designed golf bags mounted to the rear, allowing the rider to carry a full set of clubs easily and safely.
             Golf is going digital at The Boulders Resort & Spa  (www.theboulders.com).  The resort's golf club recently added Digital Caddies, a high-resolution, tablet-based and internet-connected multi-functional player assistance device, to all golf carts used on its two world-class golf courses. Digital Caddies provides The Boulders' guests with a host of useful and engaging applications and services, including GPS-based course navigation, news and weather, real-time scoring, on-course messaging and other online content.  Golf guests can even alert The Boulders on-course beverage service when they are ready to order.

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480-429-2253; lmcmurchie@scottsdalecvb.com     

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480-889-2716; mneighbor@scottsdalecvb.com

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480-889-2719; spressler@scottsdalecvb.com 
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