Scouted Destination: Phoenix & Scottsdale
Originally published in The Scout Guide Newport Beach, Volume 2 in partnership with The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale.
Nestled in the picturesque Sonoran Desert, the Valley of the Sun warmly invites you to relax and immerse in the serene indulgence of selfceare, outdoor exploration, exceptional cuisine, and vibrant arts and culture.
A short trip from the coast, the sister cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale collectively provide the ideal destination for embracing authentic local experiences in the Grand Canyon State.
Here, Editor + Owner of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Sasha Clements shares her recommendations for making the most of your time in the Valley…
STAY
ARIZONA BILTMORE | @arizonabiltmore | 2400 East Missouri Avenue | An Arizona classic featuring Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style, storied history, and a generous splash of old Hollywood glamor, the Arizona Biltmore is a five-star stay with personalized service and attention to detail. Editor Note: The Biltmore is a personal favorite, not only is it the birthplace of the Tequila Sunrise, it’s renovation was helmed by Volume 2’s Eric Peterson of PHX Architecture!
CIVANA WELLNESS RESORT AND SPA | @civaniresort | 37220 Mule Train Road | Tucked among 20+ acres of succulent-studded Sonoran Desert, CIVANA offers a path to a happier, healthier you through inspiring human connections. Expect daily sweat and meditation, curated personal growth and discovery content, outdoor adventures, access to world renowned wellness guides and healers, a world-class spa, and more.
FOUR SEASONS TROON NORTH | @fsscottsdale | 10600 E Crescent Moon Drive | Nestled in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak amid towering cacti, Four Seasons Troon North is enriched with outstanding design and talent. With the property as your adventure basecamp, explore the nearby area, including two championship golf courses a quick shuttle away. Locally inspired spa treatments, a bi-level pool and authentic Southwest cuisine set the stage for a restorative desert escape.
ROYAL PALMS RESORT & SPA | @theroyalpalmshotel | 5200 East Camelback Road | Combining classic Spanish estate style with a modern imagination, The Royal Palms Resort & Spa boasts luxurious accommodations, villas, and casitas featuring mountain views. In short, it’s a regal, intimate stay to enjoy the best of wellness, dining, and resort-style offerings.
SANCTUARY CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN | @gurneysresorts | 5700 East McDonald Drive | The Sanctuary is one of Scottsdale’s famed luxury resorts nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Camelback Mountain. Boasting 53 acres of lushly manicured grounds, gardens, pools, and facilities, it’s a truly stunning setting at which to your enjoy world-class stay.
THE BOULDER RESORT & SPA | @thebouldersresort | 34631 North Tom Darlington Drive | Set against the epic scenery of the Sonoran Desert, Boulders Resort & Spa offers a tranquil atmosphere for a luxurious hideaway. Enjoy two award-winning golf courses, signature spa experiences, innovative dining experiences, and resort amenities.
THE GLOBAL AMBASSADOR | @theglobalambassadorhotel | 4455 East Camelback Road | A new luxury hotel in east Phoenix with five onsite restaurants and an outdoor pool. The guest rooms and spa are meticulously appointed (think plush Frette robes and Dyson hair dryers). The hotel also offers guided hikes up the neighboring Camelback mountain.
THE PHOENICIAN | @thephoenicianscottsdale | 6000 East Camelback Road | This Valley classic boasts unique offerings for the whole family, from spectacular pools to gorgeous golf courses, kids club activities to an award-winning spa, tennis + pickle ball courts to dining. Located at the base of the Camelback Mountain in the heart of Scottsdale, The Phoenician is a world unto itself for ultimate relaxation.
Read more about these Scouted Stays in The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Lodging Guide…
SHOP
AMY ATELIER | @shopamyatelier | 7144 East Stetson Drive, #100, Scottsdale | From elevated wardrobe essentials to luxury one-of-a-kinds, Amy Atelier curates the season’s top fashions to deliver an ultra personalized shopping experience. And whether you’re shopping for an event or daily-wear items, utilize their fabulous personal styling services.
MAN ATELIER | @shopmanatelier | 7144 East Stetson Drive, #100, Scottsdale | From AMY Atelier comes MAN, a tightly edited collection of men’s clothing and accessories conveniently located next to the fan-favorite women’s boutique. Whether you’re looking for the essential pieces or the finer details, MAN Atelier has everything from dashing polos to unique bow ties and wallets.
CAMELBACK FLOWERSHOP | @camelbackflowershop | 4214 East Indian School Road #101, Phoenix | Founded in 2003, Camelback Flowershop is a locally owned Phoenix flower and home shop that believes in timeless design and elevating the everyday. Camelback Flowershop specializies in flowers by the stem, fresh floral designs, and same day delivery, while also curating a gorgeous home & apothecary shop stocked with local artisans and worldly finds.
CAVE + POST TRADING CO. | @caveandpost | 509 W McDowell Rd., Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85003 | A gentleman’s mercantile and general store for stocking up on timeless thermal crewnecks, vintage leather belts, khakis, fragrances, and more.
CORNELIA PARK | @corneliaparkaz | 2502 East Camelback Road #185, Phoenix | A Phoenix institution, Cornelia Park has served as the design-inclined go-to since 1980. And since the late 1980s, Cornelia Park has also been the premier purveyor of the inimitable work of MacKenzie-Childs. In addition to the extensive inventory of MacKenzie-Childs, you’ll find fragrant candles, high-end vases, blown glass dinnerware items, and more.
FRAMED EWE | @framedewe | 5538 North 7th Street #120, Phoenix | Scouted Features | Framed Ewe is an independently owned, destination eyewear boutique with exceptional expertise and fashion-forward offerings. The globe-trotting owner and eyewear expert, Christy Kimball, sources rare, limited-run, handcrafted eyewear from around the world for discerning customers. Book an appointment for the most personalized service to find the eyewear – and lenses – right for your life and style.
FOUND HOME & DESIGN | @foundhomeanddesign | 7131 W. Ray Road Suite 13, Chandler | The designers of FOUND specialize in curating the special touches of decor that yield a unique style for each client. From furniture to lighting and whimsical holiday decor, you’ll find the best that can’t be found anywhere else.
GARAGE BOUTIQUE & CONCEPT STORE | @garageboutiquearizona | 7144 East Stetson Drive #110, Scottsdale | Garage Boutique & Concept Store combines high fashion with an element of Rock & Roll, pushing the boundaries of a children’s clothing store with collections from prestigious deign houses (think Fendi, Stella McCartney, Dior, etc.) and domestic designers.
MANOR | @manorphx | 100 East Camelback Road, #102, Phoenix | Manor is a Phoenix-based retailer focused on specialty footwear and premium good. As a cross-generational brick & mortar (with an online presence), Manor links youth and classic culture to offer an eclectic, yet fashionable selection of styles fit for the whole family.
METALMARK FINE JEWELRY | @metalmarkfinejewelry | 1215 East Missouri Avenue, #7, Phoenix | Scouted Features | Metalmark is a fine jewelry boutique specializing in emerging and established designers from around the world. From custom engagement rings to daily-wear diamonds, entry-level everyday fine jewelry to re-imagined heirloom jewelry, Metalmark curates memorable experiences and unparalleled designs for every style and price point.
TO BE CONTINUED | @tbcluxuryresale | 6137 N Scottsdale Rd #106, Scottsdale | 4859 N 20th St Phoenix, AZ | To Be Continued… is a luxury consignment and resale boutique brokering luxury fashion for cool girls – at a cool price. First and foremost, it’s a place to develop your personal style through beautiful, luxury fashion. Expect high-fashion finds from Chanel to Bottega and beyond.
THE COLLECTOR’S HOUSE | @thecollectorshouse | 8787 North Scottsdale Road, #208, Scottsdale | The Collector’s House is an intimate, well-curated lifestyle and interiors boutique gallery serving a worldly clientele. Purveyors of beautiful goods – from furniture to art, textiles to fragrances – The Collector’s House is a must-visit for the design-inclined
URBANA | @urbanaphoenix | 5027 North 44th Street #202, Phoenix & 15125 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale | urbAna is Phoenix and Scottsdale’s (Gilbert coming soon!) source for passionately curated local gifts, artisan decor items, party goods, entertaining decorations, and designer furnishings. A local favorite, urbAna is a warm, inviting space that inspires connection and community – in store and in your home.
VALERIANNE | @valerianneofscottsdale | 7033 East 1st Avenue, Scottsdale | Valerianne is a purveyor of the world’s finest luxury bedding, linens, towels, bathroom accessories, tabletop, and gifts. The owner, Greg Harper, travels the world to source the world’s most unique, stylish offerings, often working with artisan’s to create one of a kind pieces for his loyal clientele.
WILLOWS FINE GOODS & DESIGN | @willowsfinegoods | 5625 East Indian School Road, Phoenix | Willows is an elevated rustic home furnishings showroom + lifestyle atelier offering casual, yet classically elegant decor and beautifully crafted objects for your living spaces. The Willows design team offers styling services to bring a life well-lived, classic aesthetic to your home and garden.
Discover more Scouted Shops in The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Shopping Guide…
DINE
ARCADIA FARMS CAFE & THE MARKETPLACE | @arcadiafarmscafe | A French-inspired restaurant and marketplace in the heart of Downtown Scottsdale delivering French wines and spirits, brunch, lunch, and family dinners.
BENEDICT’S CAFE | @benedictscafe | 5555 East Bell Road, Unit 6, Scottsdale | Open Saturdays & Sundays for coffee, pastries, quiche & croissants.
BINKLEY’S RESTAURANT | @chefbinkley | 2320 E Osborn Road, Phoenix | Closing August 2024 after twenty spectacular years, Binkley’s is an incredible culinary adventure inspired by the seasons and perfected by decades of craftsmanship. Enjoy an intimate atmosphere (it’s a 22-seat restaurant) and 12-course dining informed by the best of local and seasonal ingredients.
BACANORA | @bacanoraphx | 1301 Grand Avenue, Phoenix | Dubbed one of the 40 Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine in 2021, Bacanora continues to delight with wood-fired Sonoran comfort food from Chef René Andrade.
LAGRANDE ORANGE GROCERY | @lagrandeorange | 4410 N 40th Street, Phoenix | An Arcadia local favorite for pastries, creative breakfast, gourmet pizza, and inspired retail grocery.
CHRISTOPHER’S AT WRIGLEY MANSION | @christophersatwrigley | 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix | Juxtaposed against its historic setting, Christopher’s is a modern glass-and-steel gem showcasing an ever-changing tasting menu by James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher Gross.
ESSENCE BAKERY CAFÉ | @essencebakery | 830 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix | Artisan pastries, breads, breakfast, lunch from Eugenia Theodosopoulos using the best craftsmanship.
GLAI BAAN | @glaibaanaz | 2333 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix | A “Very Thai” kitchen focusing on street food and snacks that feel incredibly authentic and are incredibly delicious. Enjoy alongside cozy digs, cocktails, wine, and beer.
PIZZERIA BIANCO | @pizzeriabianco | 623 E Adams Street & 4743 N 20th Street | Nationally recognized for its wood-fired pizzas, it’s a can’t-miss for anyone who considers themselves a pizza connoisseur.
SOTTISE | @sottisephx | 1025 N 2nd St, Phoenix | A modern-French restaurant that merges Parisian cafe and brasserie culture with home-style cooking of the French countryside. Expect French classics in Old World techniques.
TARBELL’S | @tarbellsrestaurant | 3213 E Camelback Road, Phoenix | A Phoenix from local celeb chef Mark Tarbell. A New American restaurant, it offers an incredible wine game, creative flavor combinations, and spectacular service.
TARBELL’S WINE STORE | @tarbellswinestore | 3213 E Camelback Road, Phoenix | For the oenophile, Tarbell’s Wine Store is a must-stop. Sample interesting and exotic wines and leave with a case (or two) of rare, delicious finds.
TRATTO | @trattophx | 1505 E Van Buren, Phoenix | Another divine offering from the renowned Chef Chris Bianco, Tratto is well loved for its Southwestern interpretation of classic Italian dishes.
VALENTINE | @valentine_phx | 4130 N 7th Avenue, Phoenix | Delights from 7:00 AM coffee and pasties to 6:00 PM cocktails with brunch and dinner in between.
Discover more Scouted Restaurants in The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Dining Guide…
EXPERIENCE
ARTSTUDIO 1.0.1 | 5103 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix | @artstudio1.0.1 | In 2000, Faye Urlacher capitalized on her background in art and interior design to launch artstudio 101. A full-service art consulting firm with a decidedly personalized, collaborative approach, artstudio 101 has developed relationships with galleries, artists, and dealers both locally and across the country, emerging as a leading consultancy with a loyal following. It should be noted that the artstudio 101 team itself is a loyal group, with an all-woman team boasting decades of work together.
BENTLEY GALLERY | 250 E McKinley St, Phoenix | @BentleyGallery | For over 35 years Bentley Gallery has been synonymous with contemporary painting and sculpture in the Southwestern United States. The Phoenix art gallery represents mid-career and museum-collected artists, exhibiting a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, photography installation, art, and video.
BONNER DAVID GALLERIES | 7040 E. Main Street, Scottsdale | @bonnerdavidgalleries | Owners Christi Bonner Manuelito and Clark David Olson have created one of the largest, most-respected galleries in Scottsdale and New York. With dual exhibition spaces — one representing the finest traditional paintings and sculptures, the other showcasing the best in contemporary art — their fabulously curated collection showcases the work of 50 renowned artists and is certain to broker a deeper appreciation for the beauty of different artistic styles.
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN | 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix | @dbgphx | Desert Botanical Gardens is a stunning 140-acre botanical garden dedicated to the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. With over 50,000 species of desert plants, it’s one of the most beautiful research and conservation centers worldwide. Make sure to check their events calendar before you visit, its seasonal programming is spectacular.
HEARD MUSEUM | 2301 N Central Ave | @heardmuseum | The Heard Museum is one of the world’s preeminent museums for the presentation, interpretation, and advancement of American Indian art. The museum includes 12 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, a contemporary art gallery, trading-post style shopping, and much more.
PHOENIX ART MUSEUM | 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix | @phxart | The largest art museum in the southwestern United States, Phoenix Art Museum showcases a collection of more than 20,000 to ignite imaginations. Enjoy works spanning American and Western American art, Latin American art, Asian art, European art, modern and contemporary art, fashion design, and photography across an equally diverse array of mediums.
SCOTTSDALE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART | 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale | @_smoca | Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCa for short) is a must-visit for art lovers. Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA is an ingenious reimagination of a former movie theater housing four galleries that showcase contemporary art, architecture, and design.
TELIESIN WEST | 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale | @wrighttaliesin | Deeply connected to the desert from which it was forged, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West possesses an almost prehistoric grandeur. Taliesin functioned as the iconic architect’s desert laboratory. Built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, Taliesin West is among the most personal of the architect’s creations. Taliesin is open 7 days a week with a variety of tours and programming, including seasonal specials and recurring events.
WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST | 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale | Western spirit reigns at Scottsdale Museum of the West, a 43,000-square-foot museum featuring the art, culture, and history of 19 states in the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico.
Explore additional Scouted Destination recommendations via The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Insider Guides.