Browse Changing Hands Bookstore
You’re reading this, so you like to read. Why not spend some time browsing the stacks at this venerable independent bookstore this summer. The stores also provide a steady slate of author talks and signings for adults and teens. At the Phoenix location’s First Draft Book Bar, you can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while checking out the books.
Details: Tempe: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 6428 S. McClintock Drive, 480-730-0205. Phoenix: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 300 W. Camelback Road, 602-274-0067. Most talks are free signings usually require book purchase. changinghands.com.
Sun Devil Liquors & Cellar Pub
Sun Devil Liquors in downtown Mesa has a cool cellar hidden downstairs with cozy seating and an inviting vibe. Owned by the Eccles family, the cellar is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays 9 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays noon-9 p.m. Sundays. Drop in for wine tastings and live music Thursdays, and beer tastings on Fridays. Upstairs, open daily, is where thousands of bottles of wine can be found.
Details: 235 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa. 480-834-5050.
Best Things To Do In Scottsdale
When The New York Times once described Scottsdale as being a desert version of Miamis South Beach it forgot to mention that the town is best known for being The Wests Most Western Town, too. Scottsdale is only 31 miles long and 11 miles wide, but it has certainly managed to fill that space with some amazing attractions in the form of parks, museums, shopping areas and concert halls, to name but a few. Its population of 230,500, as of 2014, has been keeping busy with all of them, so lets find out whats going on!
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Top Budget Hotel: Graduate Tempe
Those looking for an enjoyable stay at a more modest price point will enjoy the Graduate Tempe. This hotel is in a great location, located next to Arizona State University with close proximity to activities like the Phoenix Zoo!
Amenities found here include dry cleaning/laundy services, multilingual staff, 24 hour front desk service, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and much more!
Out Of Africa Wildlife Park Camp Verde
Experience Africa via Safari Tour vehicles right in the heart of Arizona. At Out of Africa, the Tiger Splash gives you the chance to see Bengal and Siberian tigers interact in a predator-and-play relationship, romping and splashing in a large pool. The Giant Snake Show teaches kids about various giant snakes and guests can even touch and hold some of the largest species. While this attraction isn’t entirely in your own vehicle, the scenic hour-and-a-half drive from downtown Phoenix is. And we highly recommend hitching a ride on the African Bush Safari for a look at the animals inside their habitat.
Hours: Open 8 a.m.3:30 p.m. daily.
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Dads Modern Cocktails & Eatery Introduces Dads Weekly Date Night Kids Menu
Dads Modern Cocktails & Eatery was founded by three local dads who wanted to create legacies for their own families and a welcoming environment where kids and their parents can hang out and enjoy a great meal . With that in mind, the owners have created a special Dads Date Night Kids Menu that encourages parents to take their kids out on a date or to let the kids join their parents on
Improve Your Spanish At The Movies
Sonora Cinemas shows mainstream films either dubbed in Spanish or with English subtitles, along with Spanish-language features. It’s a great way to work on your Spanish and discover some films that otherwise don’t get much exposure in the Phoenix market.
Details: 7611 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix. $7-$10.75. 888-588-2463, cinemark.com.
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Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Take a journey back in time, and experience an evening of chivalry, revelry, sport and pageantry inside a magnificent 11th century-style castle. Queen Maria Isabella welcomes you to dine with her and her royal court. Always a generous host, she has commanded her royal chefs to cook her favorite meal just for you. Feast on a sumptuous four-course banquet, while medieval Spain comes to life before your eyes. Cheer on your brave knight in a spectacular tournament performance including majestic horses, authentic jousting and a live sword fight and may the best knight win.
Hours: Most shows take place at 4 or 7 p.m. on selects dates .
Historic Old Town Walking Tour
If you want to learn more about the history of the Old Town, then a walking tour is a great way to do it! There are Historic Old Town Walking Tours happening in Old Town, which can either be self-guided, or guided by a local expert. Best of all, both of these options are completely free!
During a Historic Old Town Walking Tour, you can see sights like Frank Lloyd Wrights private living quarters and then explore the citys newest restaurants to discover all the flavors of Scottsdale.
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Hilton Scottsdale Resort + Villas
This hotel really does have everything visitors could possibly need. There is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner . There is also a full-service bar at both pools with food and drinks while laying in the sun. Speaking of pools, there are two pools, and the one located in the main hotel area is great for relaxing especially under a rentable cabana. There is also a steakhouse onsite for a fancier meal. Rooms range from a standard room with two double beds to a villa with two bedrooms. This hotel is located less than 10 minutes away by car from Old Town Scottsdale.
Play At The Monastery
Have a beer, grill your own grub if you want, listen to live music and play ping-pong, sand volleyball and horseshoes at the Monastery in east Mesa. The comfy duds you’re wearing to keep cool are just fine here.
Details: 2 p.m.-11 Wednesday, 2 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, Noon-8 p.m., Sunday. 4810 E. McKellips Road. 480-474-4477, themonasterybar.com.
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Great Arizona Puppet Theater
This Phoenix company has been introducing young children to the magic of theater and puppetry since 1983. Here are this summer’s shows: Rumpelstiltskin , Goldilocks , My Pet Dinosaur” and The Princess, The Unicorn and The Smelly Foot Troll” .
Details: 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $8 for kids, $12 for adults. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org.
Things To Do In Scottsdale With Kids
Scottsdale is a superb place for a family break. Bring the little ones along and enjoy these family friendly experiences together:
OdySea Aquarium
Make time to visit the sea animals who live at OdySea Aquarium and learn why this is a favorite attraction in Scottsdale. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you’re in the area.
Scottsdale Quarter
Set against a desert backdrop, Arizonas open-air center has shopping, dining and a splash area for the kids.
Taliesin West
Step inside the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of Americas most famous architects. Learn how he bridged the gap between architecture and environment.
Butterfly Wonderland
Discover the intricate processes involved in the transformations and ecosystems of tropical butterflies, frogs and bees in this rainforest in a glasshouse.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum brings modern art, architecture and design to Arizona as well as displays that encourage visitors to express themselves.
Old Town
You can search for that perfect souvenir when you visit Old Town, a favorite shopping spot in Scottsdale. Savor the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.
Camelback Mountain
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Attend A Baseball Game At Salt River Fields At Talking Stick
For you sports buffs out there, if youre looking for fun things to do in Scottsdale, Salt River Fields is where its at. Watching MLB players practice during spring training is a terrific way to spend an afternoon.
Located in the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community, Salt River Fields is a sports complex that seats up to 11,000 people.
You can purchase tickets to see the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies train as they get ready to compete during the season.
Salt River Fields features 12 different practice fields. It offers spectacular views of Camelback Mountain in the distance, creating a beautiful backdrop.
Each year, over 300,000 fans watch some of the top baseball players practice in an intimate setting.
The sports complex was built on Native American land and involved collaborating with a Native American community to build the structure.
This has made it possible for the cultural diversity of the local area to be on display while celebrating the rich history of the community.
Visit The Penske Racing Museum
If youre a fan of Nascar or Formula 1, the Penske Racing Museum is a great place for children and adults. You can view more than a dozen professional race cars in pristine condition.
Trophies and racing memorabilia are on display. You can also learn about Penskes 50 years of history, with 500 major races hosted throughout its history.
Theres even a 1963 Pontiac Catalina replica in the museum, driven by Roger Penske in 1963.
Multiple exhibits are displayed on two separate floors, making it easy to take your time and learn more about each vehicle.
The museum is also connected to a luxury car dealership, with Porches, Ferraris, Bentleys, and other recognizable sports cars on display.
The museum features an extensive collection of historic and contemporary cars. It helps visitors discover Mark Donohues significant influence on the racing industry.
All types of racers are celebrated and recognized at the museum, making it appeal to different car enthusiasts and fans.
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Sweet Republic Artisan Ice Cream
Sweet Republic
Sweet Republic Artisan Ice Cream isnt one of the typical Scottsdale, Arizona tourist attractions.
Its a creamery that sells unique and one-of-a-kind flavors of ice cream that will have you realizing just how much youre ready to leave plain chocolate and vanilla behind.
Sweet Republic Artisan Ice Cream is known not just in Arizona, but across the country for their delicious, inventive, and fascinating flavors that tantalize the tastebuds.
Some favorites include chocolate orange, honey blue cheese, Sichuan peppercorn, Peaches n Cream, sweet corn, and Arizona Date.
All ice cream at Sweet Republic Artisan Ice Cream is made fresh with natural, locally sourced ingredients.
The shop has been featured in numerous publications and sells, in addition to ice cream, almond toffee, Banoffee Sundaes, waffle baskets, and more!
So if you need a sweet tooth craving filled tonight, this creamery is sure to surprise and delight.
Address: 9160 E Shea Blvd #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States
Things To Do In Scottsdale
Summer months mean fewer events and things to do, but here are fun things to do in August in Scottsdale and around the Valley.
Here are some ideas for things to do in and around Scottsdale for the month of August.
As always, if you have other events going on that you would like to highlight, please feel free to add them to the comment section.
Disclaimer: Please check with the event venue to make sure the event is happening as scheduled. Some of these events require a paid ticket and may have safety restrictions in place.
========================================Heather Tawes Nelson is an Associate Broker with Realty ONE Group in Scottsdale, AZ. For more information on Scottsdale AZ real estate and the surrounding areas, please visit www.LiveBetterInScottsdale.com.
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Invest In A Car Sun Shade
The flimsy fold-up windshield shades don’t cut it we need heavy-duty heat shields here. The best ones are fairly thick, accordion-style and highly reflective on one side. Such brands as Covercraft, Dash Designs and Intro-Tech start at $35 to $60. While you’re at it, get a cover for the steering wheel and you’re ready to go.
Free Things To Do In Scottsdale
Leave your purse in the hotel. It’s a cinch to have fun in Scottsdale without spending a cent.
Fiesta Bowl Museum – Approach the friendly staff and learn more about the interesting collections exhibited here.
Old Town – If you’re curious about history and heritage, this is one stop you can’t miss.
Arizona Canal – Just being beside the water will leave you feeling peaceful and calm.
Greenbaum Surgery Center – Pull out your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your must-see list.
Chaparral Dog Park – Find your green thumb and marvel at the wide range of plants on show.
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Embassy Suites By Hilton Scottsdale Resort
For my first two nights in Scottsdale, I stayed at the Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort. The conservative exterior hides a delightful Spanish-style courtyard inside, as well as two pools and a hot tub.
The rooms at the Embassy Suites are massively spacious: I took full advantage of having a separate living room for work and bedroom for resting up between adventures.
Rooms at the Embassy Suites from $84 per night for Hilton Honors members . Book on Booking.com or Hotels.com
Spend The Day At The Lake
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the lake. And although this may come as a surprise to some, the Phoenix metro actually is home to a number of large lakes which are perfect for cooling down on a hot summers day. While many may see Phoenix as a dry ugly desert with endless strip malls, there are still many beautiful areas to escape the man made clutter for some natural recreation.
Saguaro Lake, named for the many tall cacti surrounding the shores, is one of the best picks as the scenery is simply stunning. Saguaro offers endless opportunities for cool summer fun. This lake is perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing, and water skiing. Or go the more relaxing route and take a narrated cruise aboard Desert Belle where you can soak in the views & learn more about the lakes history.
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Hit The Trails In The Morning
If staying on the ground is more your speed, an early morning hike might be the perfect way to start off a day in Scottsdale. Hiking is a popular pastime for both locals and visitors, and the area has ample trail options.
My pick is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, about 20 minutes from downtown Scottsdale. The 30,500-acre preserve is home to 8 major trailheads that connect to more than 200 miles of desert trails. Most of the trails here are less than 5 miles long, making for the perfect morning hike spot.
Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center
This recreation center in Glendale offers two giant slides, a zero-depth leisure pool with spray features, an aquatic playground and a lazy river. A diving well and two diving boards are also on site. Water aerobics, lap swimming, pool rentals, private and group swim lessons and special events can be found online.
Details: 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays. $3-$6 for residents, $4-$8 for non-residents. 5600 W. Union Hills Drive. 623-930-4600, www.glendaleaz.com.
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Relax In A Local Coffee House
Its hard not to be a coffee drinker today with all the fantastic specialty shops seemingly popping up everywhere. Cartel Coffee Lab, with 6 Phoenix area locations, offers the best espresso drinks in the city. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon break sipping your coffee in a cool, air conditioned setting. Cartel is one of those places where you can linger around for a while, whether working, playing an old-fashioned board game, reading, or just chatting the hours away with friends. Visiting one of the areas independent shops over a Starbucks is one of your best bets to beat the heat while still having a great time.
Hit The Water At Tempe Town Lake
If you want to cool off and learn a new skill this summer, sign up for one of the many classes offered at Tempe Town Lake. Kids and adults can learn rowing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Nighttime Glow Paddle events are offered, too.
Details: Class schedules are at tempe.gov.
Donut boats in Tempe: Here’s how to rent them and other boats at Tempe Town Lake
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The Arizona Boardwalk & The Talking Stick Entertainment District
The Talking Stick Entertainment District and the Arizona Boardwalk combine to form Scottsdales biggest family entertainment center so if you are traveling with children, there is a pretty strong chance that you will be spending at least a few hours here. The Boardwalk is home to the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Ripleys Believe It or Not, a Laser & Mirror Maze, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, Surprise Your Eyes, VR Extreme, and Polar Play Ice Bar. You can also try your hand at medieval jousting, pretend to soar through the air at Indoor Skydiving, or cruise around the racetrack in Go-Karts at the . There are also free events held in the outdoor courtyard which combined with or two of the attractions can create a very exciting day out!
The Talking Stick Entertainment District provides hours of family-friendly fun and has an incredible range of activities located under one roof. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to see everything there, especially if you want to do more than one of the attractions.
Butterfly Wonderland
The Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly pavilion in the United States and is located in its own rainforest environment. Thousands of butterflies from around the world swirl around you like a mini-United Nations as you walk through the glass atrium. When you are done, you can check out real ant and bee colonies, watch a show at the 3D theater, or buy a cute souvenir at the gift shop.
Odysea Aquarium
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
