Scottsdale

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New Arizona: Enjoying the finer things in life.

A travel journal to Scottsdale by sk27

Your best bet if you are planning a trip to Scottsdale is to stick to what the city does best: R&R, shopping, and a mellow night out on the town. I will develop a comprehensive list of boutiques in the journal.

  • 11 reviews

New Arizona: Enjoying the finer things in life.Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Do: Taliesin West--take a night tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectual gem.

Shop: Kierland Commons has great boutiques; don't miss Estilo, which is on the east side of Scottsdale Road across from the main plaza. Hit Old Town Scottsdale for a night out.

Eat: Cowboy Ciao--this small and personal restaurant serves unique dishes with unexpected combinations of flavors. The Breakfast Club just around the corner serves great... you guessed it, breakfast.

Drink: Furio--ultra-mod lounge; dark and sexy; down-tempo soothing music sets the mood for the night.

Be Seen: Six--be sure to look snappy, or you won't get in.

Stay: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain--The Jade B is perfect for a nightcap, great pool, and great spa--I refer to it as "the vortex" or "the land of yes". Be prepared to extend your stay.

Sweat: Work off some calories on the Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain.

Quick Tips:

Come during the summer for major discounts--so what if it's hot, that's what A/C is for!

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a car or pay for a town car to drive you around at night if you are drinking. Don't drink and drive!

Westin Kierland Resort, Spa and VillasBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Westin at Kierland"

This place is brand spankin' new, and you can tell. They've got a beautiful property, a great lobby, patio, and other spaces to hang out in, and very quiet rooms with comfy beds. The resturants on-site are all very, very good. There's an outstanding breakfast buffet that's actually worth the price. Deseo is highly recommended for dinner, and it's walking distance to prime shopping. The only negative is that it lacks character, being just another luxury resort.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Westin Kierland Resort, Spa and Villas
6902 EAST GREENWAY PARKWAY Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
480-624-1000

The Sanctuary on CamelbackBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Aaahhh... The vortex, land of yes. Just look at the website. Pictures are worth a thousand words. But here are a few highlights: the perfect martini, the infiniti pool, zen escape, the best sunset view, and a way of life I could easily get used to. No, I don't have a financial interest in this place--it's just my favorite!

www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

The Sanctuary on Camelback
5700 East McDonald Drive Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
(480) 948-2100

Hermosa InnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Hermosa Inn"

This is a "boutique hotel." If you are looking for a small place with a local feel and a lot of hisotry, look no further. The rooms are unique--each is different. Stay here for an Arizona experience.

Hand-built by cowboy artist Lon Megargee as his home and studio, The Hermosa Inn's 35 hotel accommodations and acclaimed on-site restaurant Lon's at the hermosa have been restored with careful attention to modern-day comforts, while preserving original charm and authentic touches.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Hermosa Inn
5532 N Palo Cristi Rd Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
(602) 955-8614

Cowboy Ciao Wine Bar & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Cowboy Ciao Wine Bar & Grill"

With great service, unique dishes, and romantic circular booths, this is Arizona at its best. This restaurant has an impressive wine list, and you can order flights to help identify your choice for the evening. They have a knowledgable staff. Check out the wine bar in the cellar/back alley of the restaurant.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Cowboy Ciao Wine Bar & Grill
7133 East Stetson Drive Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 946-3111

Breakfast ClubBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Breakfast Club"

I love breakfast. This place is way better than your standard greasy-spoon eggs and bacon. Specialties include not only traditional dishes like eggs Benedict, but also yummy bananas foster pancakes and south-of-the-border items like huevos con masa and breakfast burritos. It's very bright and modern-looking--go early or be prepared to wait!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Breakfast Club
4400 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 222-2582

Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini BarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar"

This place is fun. The setting is intimate--the sushi bar is small. It draws the late 20s to 40s crowd. This is definitely the sushi hangout for yuppies (and I mean this in the most favorable way).

The menu includes the standard sushi fare, but also sports about 20 signature rolls with off-the-wall names like Kiss My Bass and Shitake Happens. The Badda Bing Roll has roasted peppers, asparagus, goat cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Eating Nemo is made with imitation crab, salmon, cucumber, lemon, and ponzu sauce. Traditional standbys like Spicy Yellowtail are also available, along with munchies like eel bruschetta, lobster and scallop ceviche, and lemongrass chicken salad.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar
20751 North Pima Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
(480) 538-5161

ShimogamoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This place is the real deal. My friend lived in Japan, and he said that when he is sitting in the restaurant, he feels like Toyko might be right outside the door. Some of the traditional dishes are a little strong for my taste, but the sushi is the best in Phoenix. I can't wait to go back.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Shimogamo
2051 West Warner Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85224
(480) 899-7191

Capital GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Everyone has their favorite steakhouse, and this is mine. Others prefer Morton's, Fleming's, or Ruth's Chris. I have not been to Mastro's, Durant's, or the Drinkwater City Hall Steakhouse, but they all get rave reviews.

Capital Grill has a dark, clubby interior with an elegant bar. The steaks are prime-grade, dry-aged on the premises, and there's an impressive wine list to go along with them.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Capital Grill
2502 East Camelback Road Phoenix, Arizona 85016
(602) 952-8900

Postino WinebarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Postino"

Postino is ultra-trendy. Service is slow, but that's because this is one of the only places in Phoenix with true neighborhood atmosphere, good wine, and amazing "light fare" (think salads, paninis, and bowls with assorted olives that accompany slices of bruschetta served on wooden cutting boards). I like this place a lot. Just be prepared to fight the throngs of young professionals during happy hour.

"The bar, carved from a retired post office, is equal parts sophistication and laid-back lounge. Two large, rolling doors open when weather permits, letting diners enjoy a patio-like atmosphere without leaving the restaurant--the doors have the effect of giant windows, but without the glass, they allow sound from busy conversation to dissipate." (from Citysearch)

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Postino Winebar
3939 East Campbell Avenue Scottsdale, Arizona 85018
(602) 852-3939

ShoppingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Shopping: Boutiques"

480/948-7191 (ph)

This is a small boutique, and the owners are super-friendly. Welcome to InStyle/ShopBop/Lucky incarnate. They've got hard-to-find designers. The vibe is classy/elegant/hip (think girly tops and jackets, lux T-shirts, fine fabrics, and designer jeans).

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sk27 on February 15, 2005

Shopping
15425 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 180 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

About the Writer

sk27
sk27
scottsdale, Arizona

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