Scottsdale Blog - Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona » What’s Happening

The Capitol Christmas Tree is Coming from Arizona

Josh Kenzer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:29:36 +0000

Arizona has been given a grand opportunity to showcase the “Grand Canyon State” with a tree to provide that magic splendor you see each year on television of the beautiful Christmas tree illuminating the foreground of the Nation’s Capitol.

There will be a tree cutting ceremony this Saturday, November 7th in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Alpine, Arizona. From there, the tree will make several stops in Arizona before heading across the country to be presented to the President on Monday, November 30th.

You are invited to attend the tree cutting ceremony or stop in and see the tree as it travels through Arizona. For all the details, check out the official website at http://capitolchristmastree2009.org/

The Bigger and Better Scottsdale Fashion Square

Mitchell Tay — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:03:23 +0000

For those who love shopping Scottsdale Fashion Square is the mall just for that. The mall recently added a new 100,000 square foot extension to the already ginormous mall, now totalling 1.9 million square feet of retail space. If you’re not aware, Fashion Square is the the largest mall in the southwest so make sure to wear your comfortable shoes handy if shopping for awhile. In the newly expanded wing you’ll find the widely-known Barney’s New York anchored at the end of the mall, with other popular stores such as, Forever 21, H&M, Banana Republic, and J. Crew adjacent to it. While the majority of the major stores have already opened there are still a handful of stores waiting to make their debut. And if you love to eat be sure to check out the two restaurants that opened up in the expansion: Modern Ssteak and Marcella’s Italian Kitchen.

Modern Steak is not your typical steakhouse ambiance. It’s light and youthful with very elegant decor, yet still intimate. My colleague, Melissa, raved about the short rib sandwich and peanut butter cup dessert which she said tasted like “deliciousness.” Modern Steak also has a convenient walk-up window for a quick bite on the run called Modern Burger. It has a fairly simple menu with very reasonable prices. Marcella’s Italian Kitchen is also a moderately priced restaurant that’s not too casual or too fancy. My other colleague, Sara, really enjoyed the restaurant’s lunch specials.

A couple other items to make note of is the new underground parking and valet parking options for convenient access to the mall.

Regardless if you’re just visiting Scottsdale or a local, make sure you have enough hours set aside if you love to shop.

Get your Insight Bowl Tickets Now

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:31:54 +0000

Buy your tickets today to the Insight Bowl, featuring hard-hitting college football action between teams from the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences.

The 21st annual Insight Bowl is set for 4 p.m. (MST), Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium.

An electric atmosphere featuring exciting game action, collegiate marching bands and cheerleaders are staples of the Insight Bowl.

For tickets, contact the Fiesta Bowl’s ticket office at (480) 350-0911 or visit insightbowl.com.

Picture of the Travelocity Gnome at the Grand Canyon

Josh Kenzer — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:13:52 +0000

Travelocity Gnome hanging out at the Grand Canyon

Meet the Travelocity Roaming Gnome Monday July 20

Mitchell Tay — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:30:05 +0000

After much voting on http://votetravelocity.com Arizona won the contest for the Travelocity Roaming Gnome’s next visit. The Roaming Gnome arrived to Arizona yesterday and will be traveling all around the state until Tuesday.

The Roaming Gnome will be making an appearance at Trader Vic’s at the Hotel Valley Ho on Monday, July 20, from 5:00 – 7:00pm to meet all of you before he goes off to Boston, Philly, or Washington D.C.

Trader Vic’s will be having drink and appetizer specials for this unique event.

So come on out and meet the Travelocity Roaming Gnome! Take a picture and have a drink with him!

Meet the Man Behind the Megafish

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:09:06 +0000

Who: Zeb Hogan – Aquatic Ecologist, National Geographic Explorer

Hogan is third in a series of eight National Geographic Explorers who will be visiting the Valley of the Sun this summer at the new National Geographic Explorers Camp at the Fairmont Scottsdale.

What: National Geographic Explorers Camp is an adventure-based resort kids camp, where children ages 5-12 navigate a GPS to discover desert creatures, go on a photo safari, play on gigantic continent maps and meet real-life explorers. The camp runs Tuesdays-Sundays for overnight guests through Labor Day. The world-renowned speakers are an added feature, approximately ever other Saturday.

More on Hogan: Big fish? Make that megafish. Dr. Zeb Hogan is an aquatic ecologist who travels the world searching for giant, fresh water fish weighing over 200 pounds. As the Director of National Geographic Megafishes Project based in Reno, Nev., Hogan is leading a team of investigators to study freshwater ecosystems on six continents. Hogan’s project is racing against the extinction of bear-size catfish, half-ton stingrays, giant trout and other monster fish. He believes these fish provide insight into the health of ecosystems and that it is just as important to save Mekong catfish and river dolphins, as it is to save tigers and whales. To do this, he involves local anglers in his research, hoping to engender pride in the bounty of their lakes and rivers and encourage sustainable fishing practices.

A native of Tempe, Ariz. and U of A graduate, Hogan is returning to the state to interact and educate youngsters during two Saturday National Geographic Explorers Camp sessions at the Fairmont Scottsdale. Hogan will then keynote a special family dinner event, sharing his expertise, conservation efforts and adventures to save these freshwater giants. The kids’ camp and family dinner event are available for overnight resort guests for a nominal fee.

Where: At the Fairmont Scottsdale, located at 7575 E. Princess Drive in Scottsdale.

Interviews: Available for in-studio interviews, Friday morning, June 26

Photo Ops: On Saturday, June 27, Hogan will “edu-tain” young explorers during morning and afternoon camp sessions. During an informal dinner event for the whole family, Hogan will give a lecture presentation, sharing his adventures:

Best on-site photo opportunity: First Camp Session: 9 am – 10 am *
* Hogan will be fishing with the campers at the resort’s lagoon

Price: Daytime sessions for kid campers start at $59 for a half-day and $89 for a full-day with lunch on a speaker Saturday. Other days, the camp starts at $49 per session. The dinner event is $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12 and kids 5 and under dine free. The camp and dinner are exclusively for overnight guests of the resort.

Summer room rate specials feature the “Summer Splash Package” at $199 per room, per night, which includes a $100 daily food and beverage credit. The camp is a la carte. Room only rates start at $145 per night.

A NEW LOCAL FAVORITE AND TWO OPENINGS THIS FALL

Mitchell Tay — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:40:05 +0000

Daily Dose – Opened in October 2008, Daily Dose has quickly become a local hotspot with its stylish yet down-to-earth atmosphere and accessible American comfort food. The restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and is owned by Matt and JenLyn Long of nearby Fusion Restaurant & Lounge. The Hangover sandwich is one of the menu highlights with applewood-smoked bacon, turkey sausage and caramelized jalapeño and onion between thick slices of sourdough toast. Or, you can pay homage to the good ol’ south with traditional biscuits and gravy. In the mornings visitors can sit back with a cup of coffee and newspaper on the restaurant’s cozy outdoor patio or toss back a few cold ones with friends later in the day before a night out on the town.

Petite Maison – Headed by local favorite, Chef James Porter, formerly of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar, the French-themed country bistro will bring comfort to travelers with quality food at a lower price point. A compact menu – matching the size of the quaint restaurant that will only seat about 80 people – focuses on classic Gallic for lunch, dinner and brunch with highlights like beignets and chicory coffee. Scheduled to open in summer 2009.

The Chef’s Loft – Set for the SouthBridge district, this state-of-the-art chef’s studio will play host to a culinary school with classes headed by renowned chefs from across the country. With a fully stocked kitchen from Viking Range Corporation, The Chef’s Loft will include space for private events in addition to public demonstrations for guests. The space also will be used as a set for lifestyle television shows, documentaries, commercials and more. Opening fall 2009.

Printable July Calendar of Events for Scottsdale, AZ

Josh Kenzer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:15:36 +0000

Here’s a high quality printable PDF of upcoming July events in Scottsdale Arizona. Related posts:Downloadable and Printable Calendar of Events for August 2009Upcoming Scottsdale Holiday EventsUpcoming Scottsdale Holiday Events 2009 Related posts:

Two Entries for the Where the Locals Go Contest

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:53:02 +0000

The Most Interesting Chihuahua in Scottsdale, Uno

Where the Locals Go Scottsdale, AZ

Enter by June 11 to win big in Scottsdale

Rachel Pearson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:13:03 +0000

Arizona residents: Don’t miss your chance to win a $1,400 luxury Scottsdale staycation package for two, including a two-night stay at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Joya Spa treatments, dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, golf at Eagle Mountain Golf Club, and a tour with Across Arizona Tours.

Plus, test your tourism IQ and you could win one of nearly two dozen signature Scottsdale prizes - from restaurant gift cards and a round of golf for four to museum passes and outdoor adventure experiences in Scottsdale.

Find these chances to win and more at www.ScottsdaleTravelMatters.com. Don’t miss your chance to win – enter by June 11.