City Cheat Sheet: Travel Guide to Old Town & South Scottsdale
From the picturesque landscapes of the Sonoran Desert to the award-winning restaurants of Old Town, the poolsides of five-star resorts to wonderfully curated boutiques, the secret is out. Scottsdale is a must-visit domestic destination, whether it’s for a relaxing getaway or a more raucous girls’ weekend. And whether you come for the golf-courses, the great weather, or an exciting event, you’ll be delighted by Scottsdale’s local offerings.
WHERE TO STAY // Read our complete Lodging Guide…
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows (@andazscottsdale | 6114 North Scottsdale Road) An enclave of opulence awaits at Andaz Scottsdale. Located on 23 acres in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Andaz Scottsdale invites guests to experience the natural splendor of the path less traveled and find inspiration in the contrast of sprawling lawns against desert landscapes. Design aficionados, we recommend reserving the Saarinen Cabana Studio Suites. And for those who love live music, grab a table at the lobby restaurant, Weft and Warp, and keep an ear out for local musician Lee Perreira, who plays there often.
Bespoke Inn (@bespokeinnscottsdale | 3701 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale) Discover Old Town Scottsdale from a hip boutique hotel. Offering casual luxury, spacious accommodations, a welcoming atmosphere, and authentic design details, the Bespoke Inn is the perfect alternative to Scottsdale’s resort-style stays. Enjoy the 43-foot infinity pool and explore Old Town Scottsdale via their handcrafted Pashley bicycles.
The Scott Resort & Spa @thescottresort | 4925 North Scottsdale Road | A sanctuary set against Scottsdale’s historic downtown, The Scott offers gorgeous interiors that give a cheeky nod to its desert inspiration. Kick off the weekend in style at the Havana style Canal Club or enjoy a wellness treatment at La Vidorra Spa.
The Phoenician (@thephoenicianscottsdale | 6000 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale) 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 + pickleball courts to dining. Located at the base of Camelback Mountain in the heart of Scottsdale, The Phoenician is a world unto itself for ultimate relaxation. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a blowout with Volume 2 Member, Drybar.
Mountain Shadows (@mountainshadowsaz | 5445 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale) Originally built below Camelback Mountain in 1959, the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale reemerged as an icon of luxury and design after it was reimagined in 2017. Today, the resort features striking architecture against stunning desert surroundings, cultivating a distinctly renewed energy. If you’re a golfer, the Short Course is a must!
WHERE TO SHOP // Read our complete Shopping Guide…
Amy Atelier (Women’s Fashion | @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. Read the Member Spotlight…
MAN Atelier (Men’s Fashion | @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. Read the Member Spotlight…
Garage Boutique & Concept Store (Children’s Fashion & Toys | @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 design houses (think Fendi, Stella McCartney, Dior, etc.) and domestic designers.
Stephanie’s (Women’s Fashion | @shopstephanies | 4821 North Scottsdale Road, #106, Scottsdale) From coveted brands to skincare and wellness products, Stephanie’s is a destination for curating the fashionable in every aspect of life – no matter your personal style. Stop in to shop on-trend pieces you’ll treasure for years to come.
Vintage By Misty (Vintage | @Vintagebymisty | 7046 East 5th Avenue, Scottsdale) Named one of the top 5 vintage stores in the world by British Vogue, Vintage by Misty is a luxury consignment boutique offering Azzedine to Yves Saint Laurent beloved by celebrity stylists for A-list clients. You’ll find a vast inventory of vintage fashion, accessories, and hard-t0-find pieces…
Fashion By Robert Black (Vintage |@Fashionbyrobertblack | 7144 East 1st Avenue, Scottsdale) Fashion by Robert Black is a vintage women’s boutique open by appointment only Wednesdays through Saturdays (10:00am to 2:00pm). During your appointments, you’ll find fabulous vintage options from daywear to evening gowns, jewelry and more!
Valerianne Of Scottsdale (Home & Gifts | @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.
David Adler Fine Rugs (Home & Gifts | @davidadlerfinerugs | 7000 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale) Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, David Adler Fine Rugs offers an extensive collection of handmade rugs and textiles. From antique to Contemporary, Nepalese to Navajo, David Adler Fine Rugs serves the serious rug collector, providing exceptional service, repairs, cleaning, and sourcing.
Space Bazaar (Home & Gifts | @space_bazaar | 4147 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251) Space Bazaar is a world-class resource. Located in the heart of Downtown Scottsdale’s Arts District, the distinctive design and lifestyle showroom has a wealth of inspiration for elevating every space in your home, right down to your closet. Visit the showroom…
The Paper Place (Home & Gifts | @thepaperplaceaz | 4130 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251) The Paper Plaece is the perfect place for stationary, thoughtful gifts, and personalized notecards.
Main Dish (Home & Gifts | @Maindishaz | 4120 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale) Main Dish is a charming boutique specializing in everything you can imagine for the table top, from dishes to linens, to stemware and the perfect flatware to bring it all together.
WHERE TO BRUNCH & LUNCH //
Arcadia Farms Cafe (@arcadiafarmscafe | 7014 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ) Arcadia Farms Café is a Scottsdale institution favored by ladies who lunch. Over thirty years, the local favorite has evolved into a boutique café, a gourmet marketplace (known as “The Marketplace”), a private dining venue, and a full-service catering company. Enjoy a long lunch complemented by their fabulous list of wines by the glass and bottle.
Francine (@francinerestaurant | 4710 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale) Inspired by the hospitality and simple elegance of Southern France, Francine is an elevated, new take on French Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy a light lunch in a gorgeous spot, then hit the shops.
DINNER & DATE NIGHT //
Sel (@selrestaurant | 7044 E Main Street, Scottsdale) Sel is a quaint, chic eatery owned and operated by the former executive chef at Café Monarch, Chef Branden Levine. Enjoy their seasonal four-course tasting and vegetarian menus of contemporary American cuisine or order à la carte to enjoy their innovative, modern haute cuisine.
FnB (@fnbrestaurant | 7125 E 5th Ave #31, Scottsdale) After Executive Chef Charleen Badman won the James Beard Best Chef of The Southwest in 2019, reservations at FnB have been understandably hard to come by. That and its the darling of every notable culinary + wine magazine around. Once you’ve secured a reservation, enjoy their fabulous globally-inspired menu and Arizona-only wine program.
Café Monarch (@cafe_monarch | 6939 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale) Consistently ranking among the best restaurants in the country, Café Monarch has an illustrious reputation for first-rate service, elegant ambiance, and five-star cuisine. Expect a meticulously designed seasonal, four-course prix fixe menu paired with Sommelier-selected wines or craft cocktails. It’s perfect for celebrating, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or the everyday.
Reserve (@reserveoldtown | 6934 E 1st Ave #102, Scottsdale) Reserve is an intimate garden restaurant brought to Old Town by the owners of nationally-renowned Café Monarch. The 25-seat restaurant invites diners for a multi-course tasting menu featuring world-class cuisine enhanced by wine paired by one of their talented, advanced sommeliers.
Shinbay Omakase Room (@shinbay_az | 6952 E Main St, Scottsdale) ShinBay is a jewel-box omakase restaurant that’s transporting. Executive Chef Shinji Kurita is meticulously detail-oriented, serving up beautifully crafted dishes that rival West Coast favorites. The restaurant offers two seatings every night (5:45 and 8:00pm) and requires reservations for the omakase tasting menu. Allow two hours for your meal.
Pizzeria Virtú (@pizzeriavirtu | 6952 E Main St, Scottsdale) For fan-favorite Neapolitan-style pizza, Pizzeria Virtú is a must. The patio is gorgeous, as is the wine list, sides, and – if pizza doesn’t suit you – mains.
GRAB A DRINK OR FINAL FINAL //
AZ88 – (@az88_thebar | 7353 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale) AZ88 is another Scottsdale institution best known for their fabulous – and generously poured – martinis. Open till 1:30 am, it’s a go-to for final rounds.
Coach House Tavern Scottsdale – (@coachhousescottsdale | 7011 E Indian School Rd Scottsdale) Since 1959, Scottsdale’s oldest tavern and famously well-lit dive bar has welcomed locals and visitors alike to Old Town Scottsdale. Open 365 days a year at 6 am.
Porter’s Western Saloon (@porterswesternsaloon | 3944 North Brown Avenue, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251) – A western bar in Old Town where you are guaranteed to find unique conversation, good drinks, and great local folks. The minute you walk in, you feel like a Rodeo is about to start.
WHAT TO DO //
Bonner David Galleries (@bonnerdavidgalleries | 7040 E Main St, Scottsdale) 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.
ArtWalk – (@scottsdale_artwalk) Old Town Scottsdale galleries open their doors from 7-9pm every Thursday night (besides Thanksgiving). It’s one of the best free things to do in the Valley of the Sun. It’s located in Scottsdale’s Art District, along Gallery Row on Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north on Marshall Way, across Indian School Road to the Horse Fountain on 5th Avenue.
Old Town Scottsdale’s Farmer’s Market – (3806 N. Brown Ave. Scottsdale, AZ) The market is open every Saturday from 8:00am – 1:00pm. It’s in its 14th year and features more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers. Be ready to find a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, and seasonal specialties such as cider and apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish and free-range eggs. You’ll also find cheese, freshly baked breads, jams, tamales and much more!
The Poisoned Pen – (@poisonedpenbookstore | 4014 N Goldwater Blvd #101 Scottsdale, AZ 85251) – Their tagline is “Your local bookstore, no matter where you live.” and it couldn’t be more true. This is a comfy independent bookshop spotlighting fiction titles & hosting frequent author signings & events.
SMoCA (@_smoca | 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale) Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (or 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 showcasing contemporary art, architecture, and design.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West – Scottsdale’s only Smithsonian Affiliate museum celebrates the rich history, cultural heritage, and indomitable spirit of the American West.
JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY //
Desert Botanical Gardens (@dbgphx | 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix) 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.
Cosanti (@cosanti_originals | 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley) Former gallery and studio of Italian-architect Paolo Soleri, Cosanti is a striking destination comprised of otherworldly structures and dwellings. Soleri’s structures were constructed as early experiments in green architecture. Today, the foundation is dedicated to the preservation of Soleri’s work and environmentally friendly community design. Schedule a guided tour to explore this cultural treasure and view a live bronze pour of the iconic Soleri wind-bells.
Taliesin West (@wrighttaliesin | 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale) While Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West lies outside Scottsdale, it’s an Arizonan staple and must-visit. Deeply connected to the desert from which it was forged, 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.
WITH THE KIDS //
Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Shop – (4005 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251) Wander Old Town Scottsdale’s art galleries and shops in search of Southwestern jewelry and interesting souvenirs. Highlights for kids in downtown Scottsdale include horse-drawn carriage rides and the pretty and pink Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Shop with its attached video game arcade.
Cricket + Ruby (Children’s Fashion & Toys | @cricketandruby | 7150 East 5th Avenue, Suite 105, Scottsdale | 1215 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix) Cricket + Ruby is a modern baby and children’s boutique delivering designs from the world’s most loved brands. With two locations, it’s a go-to shop for outfitting stylish littles or last-minute baby shower gifts.
24 Hours In old Town Scottsdale Itinerary
While we’re of the opinion that 24 hours is simply insufficient to explore and experience the best of Scottsdale, we’ve outlined some of our favorite ways to spend the day – like a local – in and around Old Town.
7:00am – Start the day with a cup of honey lavender latte & breakfast “cookie” at Berdena’s, a petite coffee shop located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Their sweet and healthy treats provide the energy to tackle a favorite Valley activity, a morning hike!
8:00am – Get some movement and views in courtesy of a hike along Camelback Mountain. If elevated trails aren’t your thing, the
10:00am – Get yourself cleaned up & fresh faced for a full day ahead. Don’t feel like handling glam on your own? Book a blowout at Dry Bar at Lincoln Plaza and make up at The Sparkle Bar. Their beauty pros are experts who are helping you feel your best with looks that take you from day to night.
11:00am – Enjoy a delicious brunch and lovely service on the shaded patio at Scottsdale’s beloved dining spot for “ladies who lunch” – Arcadia Farms Cafe. The boutique cafe offers signature omelets (for breakfast), gourmet sandwiches, fresh organic salads, and divine desserts. Our perennial order is the Strawberry Chicken Salad, and if you’re celebrating something special or feeling slightly indulgent, don’t miss the coconut crème cake for a memorable dessert.
12:30pm – You don’t have to go far to start hitting some of Scottsdale’s most treasured shops. Spot the charming adobe building on the other side of 1st Avenue… it’s home to none other than Valerianne’s of Scottsdale, the luxury home boutique where locals and designer turn for the finest accouterments. Scouted tip – if you’re visiting, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a hostess gift or special souvenir.
1:30pm – Stop in Bonner David Galleries
2:30 Explore Old Town and continue some retail therapy. If you’re looking for on-trend styles to enhance your wardrobe, check out AMY Atelier and Man Atelier. And right next door is Garage Boutique & Concept Store for a fun shopping experience for the kids. Say hi to Barkley, the store pup for us!
3:30pm Head to The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as SMoCa You find a beautiful collection of contemporary art and a curated gift shop that will leave you feeling inspired.
5:30pm – After SMoCa, head up the street to grab a martini at AZ88 for happy hour. Drinker beware: they fill those martini glasses to the tippy top. Do like the locals and bend to sip.
7:00pm – Dinner depends on your mood: for a seasonal menu showcasing creative Arizona cuisine to FnB Restaurant, or if the evening calls for something more romantic, Café Monarch. With the family? Opt for Pizza Virtu.
8:30pm – End the night with live music from Lee Perreira, who frequently serenades The Andaz at sunset.
We hope our Scouted tips encourage you to discover some of Scottsdale’s finest and helps you enjoy your time here in the Valley. Grab a print copy of Volume 3 and if you do visit any of our favorites, be sure to tell them Scout sent you! And don’t forget to come back for another, longer visit!
