THE DELIGHTFUL DOZEN: SCOTTSDALE’S 12 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
Sassi
Nestled at the base of north Scottsdale’s Pinnacle Peak, Sassi is renowned for artisan cuisine inspired by the traditions of Southern Italy. The menu of fresh fish, meats, pasta and rustic bread is complemented by old-world architecture and stunning desert views.
JAM
This eclectic boutique, located in the historic Charles Miller home, is chockfull of treasures that are handmade, homemade and repurposed by local and national artists. Goodies range from paintings and jewelry to home décor.
Rusty Spur
Get your Western on at Scottsdale’s oldest cowboy saloon! Housed in the former Farmers Bank of Scottsdale building, where the old vault now holds liquor instead of money, the Spur features live music seven days and nights a week.
Arizona Wine List at FnB
Wine made in Arizona? You bet your Cabernet! Our state is home to a premier roster of talented vintners. Sample the fruits of their labor with a selection from restaurant FnB’s exclusive Arizona wine list – it’s the perfect complement to Chef Charleen Badman’s sophisticated comfort food.
Magical History Tour at Hotel Valley Ho
Join the experts from Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours for an intimate look into the architecture and Hollywood past of Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho, one of the best-preserved mid-century modern hotels in the country. The cost per person is $19.56 (the year the hotel opened).
Proof
A casual ambiance and home-style comfort food sourced from the 50 states are the hallmarks of this new restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Fried green tomatoes, beer can chicken and chicken and waffles with bacon brittle, bourbon syrup and maple butter are just a few of the tasty treats you’ll find at Proof.
Super Chunk Sweets & Treats
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss this tasty downtown gem, which specializes in small-batch, handcrafted confections. Some of our favorites include the Mesquite Chocolate Chip Cookies, Honeycomb Ice Cream and Ancho Chocolate Caramels. Yummm!
Scottish Golf at Kierland Golf Club
Give a nod to the game’s origins with this unique experience that includes kilt rental, Johnnie Walker beverage carts and a bagpiper who “calls in” golfers at the end of the day. After your round, stop by the Scotch Library at the Westin Kierland Resort and savor two-ounce pours of contemporary blends and rare 40-year-old single-malt whiskies (open 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly).
Aerial Hammock Yoga
Take your yoga practice to new heights with aerial yoga at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Well & Being Spa. The class uses soft fabric hammocks suspended from the ceiling to assist with stretching and perfecting your postures – all while floating a few feet above the floor.
Sphinx Date Ranch
As the name implies, juicy Arizona dates take center stage at this 60-year-old Scottsdale landmark. But you’ll also find an enticing variety of other locally sourced gourmet treats, including desert honey, prickly pear jam and syrup, nut butters and artisan crackers.
Via Capello Dinners
Romance goes Mediterranean at the Royal Palms Resort where “lovers’ corners” like the Bell Tower and Garden of Love create the ideal setting for candlelit Via Capello dinners. Custom menus, fresh flowers and live music add to the ambiance.
Spinners on the Green
Located just steps from the Shelly Sharpe Memorial Disc Golf Course, Spinners on the Green can get you outfitted with everything you need for exciting game of disc golf. They also rent bikes if you’d like to take a tour of the lush parks along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt.
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