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Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 24 Feb 08 7:03 PM
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So tell me, if you don't mind, am I a fool to take a vacation in June to Scottsdale, AZ?
I've been there before when taking my dev training class many years ago - but that was late September. This will be a full on vacation, however, (although I might drop in on Sage at some point) and I'm looking for things to do with my family - We'll be going to the botanical gardens, the wild west town, maybe renting atvs out there at some point, but are there any other great vacation activities within a couple of hours of Scottsdale?
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 12:35 AM
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| When we did this a few years back we did the Zoo as well, we took 3 days out and went to Vegas and we also went SkyDiving in Scottsdale (hence my Avatar). Go into Jerome and take a trip to the Indian foundations. Obviously, there are the shopping Malls - Fifth Avenue etc. which are pretty good. You will also want to head out to Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam as well (important!! - if you 've never been then go - they're fantastic - especially the SkyWalk !) - it's quite a good location for getting to these places - short trips from the airport. It's a very nice, relaxed (but warm!) city. |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 12:36 AM
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| Oh yes - the weather at that time is hot, very very hot - but it's a dry heat as the saying goes !! We went in July & August - even hotter !! |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 6:30 AM
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Sedona and the Grand Caynon are also very good drives. Just do not rent a convertable  Your head will start to burn before you get out of Scottsdale proper. If you have a good day you can drive from the hotel, up through Sedona, to the Grand Caynon all the way down the east ridge (I believe its the east) and back again.
Mark |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 6:52 AM
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I have some friends visiting Scottsdale in the next week or so. What kind of weather can one expect in Feburary? Warmer than Minnesota, I assume!  |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 7:31 AM
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Jason, I would expect the weather to actually be very confortable this time of year. Unfortunately I am in Ontario, Canada, so still pretty cold here. AZ will be much better the Minnesota.
Mark |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 7:31 AM
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Jason, I would expect the weather to actually be very confortable this time of year. Unfortunately I am in Ontario, Canada, so still pretty cold here. AZ will be much better the Minnesota.
Mark |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 8:48 AM
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I was these this past August for training. August is the hottest month of the year, but as others have said.. Its a dry heat. Not like the oppressive heat you get here in the Philadelphia area. Always carry a full bottle of water with you when walking around. Nights aren't that bad as we had gone out several nights.
If you are into in, you can visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Place called Taliesen West http://www.franklloydwright.org/ That was a great tour. I arrived for the first tour on a Sunday morning and was the only one in it. Got to visit some areas not normally toured.
This was before my trip to Sedona. To me Sedona is a day trip since it is about 125 miles from Scottsdale. Probably 2-3 hours drive time Driving to Sedona was enjoyable, but got long. Even before you get to Sedona proper, be prepared to take A LOT of pictures. The views are spectacular. I parked in a lot just off the main strip and walked through all the stores and galleries. There is a coffee shop at the south end that has a patio and a great view of the red rocks and surrounding areas.
Along the way to Sedona I stopped at Montezuma's Castle which is a national monument. That was a nice rest stop. Its not a very large site and takes about 45 minutes total to get through http://www.nps.gov/moca/ Also be sure to stop at the rest stop. It has lookout points and the views are nice.
If you do decide to take the detour to Montezuma's Castle there is a casino just off the exit. I didn't stop but its just another thing that can be done.
The Grand Canyon is even farther (about 260 miles from Scottsdale) so I'm not sure the 4.5-5.5 hours to drive from Scottsdale is worth it. Its definitely more than a day trip I'd say.
John G. |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 9:12 AM
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Thanks for all the input guys, great ideas all. I'll be sure to pack the digital camera and a couple of 2gb cards for it! We might have to take an extra day out there and make a day and a half trip to the Grand Canyon.
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 12:45 PM
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I live in the Phoenix area (opposite side from Scottsdale). This is the time of year (right now) that is ideal for vacations in AZ. Weather is great, sky is blue, etc. June on the other hand is HOT - people start melting in June. Going up north it isn't as bad as Phoenix area. Just get ready for a lot of sweating 
But, if you can't take the heat....(something about a kitchen)
Personally, I love the desert (which is why I live here). However, the Arizona summer is much like a Minnesota winter. Everyone stays inside. |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 12:48 PM
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it's 10 degrees here now.
So Ryan you're saying I shouldn't plan any hiking excursions then eh? I was planning on renting some ATVs and doing some riding out there. |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 25 Feb 08 12:59 PM
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Originally posted by Ryan Farley
However, the Arizona summer is much like a Minnesota winter. Everyone stays inside. |
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Ain't THAT the truth! (I assume you've thawed out by now, Ryan ) |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 26 Feb 08 7:53 AM
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My wife and I usually go every 4th of July for the Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Jack-n-Jill Championships. Since it's usually held at the Camelback, it's actually in Scottsdale.
(Side note... Phoenix reminds me of Houston. If it wasn't for the signs, you wouldn't necessarily know you were no longer in . It's not like you cross a line and go "Oh, we're in XXXXX now.)
It is hot. It is a dry heat. But that only helps a little. I like it myself (but watch out when you get in the car after it's been sitting in the sun for a couple of hours).
We've done the Grand Canyon trip (really cool, lots of great pic opportunities), and a couple of short hikes. But our days are usually spent by the pool and our nights spent in the A/C dancing. |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 27 Feb 08 12:44 AM
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| I'd forgotten about Montezuma - that was a good trip too !! In regard to GC - don't drive, take a plane from the airport (much quicker!). Also, when you get there - don't forget to take the helicopter trip into the bottom of the Canyon and then a speed boat along the Colorado. Don't take the donkey/mule ride down the side, unless you have an extra 2 days ! If you go to the Zoo - go early, we went in the "normal" UK time and found it was shutting about 10 mins after we got there (at 12pm!!) - too hot for the animals apparently. If that happens, nip next door to the botanical gardens but, don't do what we did, and walk it - may seem quite short but the heat gets to you quickly !! I expected to find my significant other totally desiccated by the side of the road on one occassion ! |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 27 Feb 08 11:11 AM
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Sounds like the Grand Canyon trip might actually be a 2 day tack on to the end of my planned vacation :D
I did a walk through at the botanical gardens at the end of September and nearly died then. (That particular year it was still in the high 90's low 100's at the time) This time I plan on keeping bottled water on hand at all times.
So does anyone know, do you actually have to be taking a class at Sage to get the "Sage Discount" at Gainey Suites? |
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Re: Things to do in Scottsdale
Posted: 11 Mar 08 10:14 AM
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So my friends wen't all the way to Scottsdale for a long weekend, and what to they do? They hung out at the hotel pool the whole time. I think there was talk about a roadtrip to Target, but that was about it. 
They're looking awfully tan, though!
I hope you'll come up with somthing a little more creative! |
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