18 OCTOBER 2016 – LONDON - Scottsdale, a desert oasis located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, is a melting pot of culture and history, which truly embodies where the old Wild West meets the new modern West. It comes as no surprise that the destination was recently listed in the top ten most attractive cities to visit in the United States*, and Instagram-worthy shots can be taken every minute.

Scrolling through Instagram is a great source of wanderlust, so to inspire you the city of Scottsdale have rounded up their top ten picture-perfect moments that are sure to make any follower double tap in no time.

Sud-Soaked Scottsdale

Welcoming a number of budding local brewers in recent years, Scottsdale is now home to a host of authentic craft beers. Visitors can take part in the Scottsdale Ale Trail which features six breweries who have perfected the art of beer making all within a short walking distance of each other. This adventure is a fun way to see how Scottsdale perfectly captures the heart of Arizona's culture of blending old and new. Kick off the trail at  Craft 64, which features 36 Arizona

beers served on a state-shaped wooden cut-out and chefs who are renowned for their artisan wood-fire pizzas.

*According to Travel and Leisure

Capturing Cacti In The Sonoran Desert

With   stunning   watercolour   skies,   winding rivers and sweeping valleys, Scottsdale's backyard   is   the   perfect   place   to   capture nature's beauty. In the heart of Scottsdale looms Camelback Mountain awaiting brave hikers to conquer its 390m high peak via its two well-kept trails. Located in the northern part of the city, Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve boasts more than 200 miles of trails twisting through over 27,800 acres. With trails of  varying  difficulties that can be self or volunteer-guided and from hiking, biking or horseback riding, this preserve is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Head to one of the trailheads as the sun sets to see the dramatic shadows cast by large saguaro cacti and the rich desert colours.

Stay At The Sweet Suite At Hotel Valley Ho Boasting   some   of   the   hippest   and   most luxurious   hotels   in   Arizona   that   entwine modern    luxury    with    natural    splendour, Scottsdale offers accommodation for everyone. Located in the heart of downtown, Hotel Valley Ho,  Scottsdale's  only  historically  designated hotel is a mid-century modern gem fit for the likes of Don Draper. Designed in the 1950s, this iconic hotel perfectly balances classic style with the city's modern luxury. Prepare for a night of fun with friends or relaxation with a partner in

one of the loft suite bedrooms that provide spectacular views of the city or Camelback Mountain. With amazing views and competitive rates suitable for every budget, this retro-classic hotel is sure to provide picturesque moments that will make friends envious.

Snap Your Dish At Virtu

With more than 800 restaurants to choose from, Scottsdale is a true foodie paradise. Why not enjoy a delicious meal that brings the Mediterranean to the Sonoran desert? Named one of the “Best New Restaurants” in the U.S by Esquire Magazine, the beautiful  Virtù Honest Craft  restaurant is a cozy twenty-five seat restaurant created by award winning Chef Gio Osso. With a different weekly menu that features the season's best food, fresh pastas and local produce, this restaurant is sure to make mouthwatering meals that deserve

their own Instagram posts. Begin your dining experience with the award-winning grilled octopus with ceci, Calabrese chile butter, rucola and fennel. This simple but flavourful dish truly brings the Mediterranean flavours to the heart of Arizona. With the majority of main dishes around $30, and located in the charming Bespoke Inn, this intimate dining room experience, complete with al fresco seating, is one no foodie should miss.

Best Cocktail At Counter Intuitive

With beautiful views and unique cocktails and brews, Scottsdale is the perfect hotspot to bring your crew. Signature cocktails bring nature to the bar, such as regional favorite the A Tale Of Two Cultures, an oriental blend of white sesame, Yuzu, Ginger and Olorosso Sherry. Named one of the “Best New Bars in America” by Thrillist and providing one of a kind experience is Counter Intuitive. Located in Old Town, this bar is an antique shop by day and transforms into a craft cocktail

space on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar's current episode is Agula Caliente Racetrack, a trip back to 1929. The cocktails reflect the Gatsby-glitz of the prohibition era and pay homage to the former racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico which attracted underworld dons, celebrities and other wealthy clientele who delighted in ignoring the alcohol ban. Indulge in more than 60 agave-based spirits while you travel back to the time of speakeasies and Al Capone.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Begin the day by taking to the skies and seeing Scottsdale and its desert backyard from a whole new perspective. Soar above the Sonoran Desert and watch as the sand world comes to life. See the giant saguaro cacti speckled across the valley and catch glimpses of local wildlife, such as jackrabbits and coyotes, scurrying across the desert floor.   At the end of your journey enjoy a champagne toast and brunch in the desert. The Sonoran Desert is one of the leading destination for hot air balloon riding in the world, so don't miss out on this opportunity of a life time.

Kayaking On The Salt River (With Wild Horses)

See the wild world of Arizona on it scenic waterways. Enjoy the sunshine by cooling down on a kayak tour with spectacular views of four different mountain ranges and wildlife including grazing wild horses and bald eagles. Only a 40 minute drive from downtown Scottsdale  in  Tonto  National  Forest  the  adventure awaits. With Arizona Outback Adventures guests can take a half-day or full day guided tours for kayakers of any level. Float down the river beginning at the Lower Salt River and immerse yourself in this desert oasis. Don't forget a waterproof case for your phone

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West

Witness the stunning architecture that perfectly marries nature with man at  Taliesin West. Taliesin West was once the winter home and school of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Today, it is considered a National Historic Landmark and is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and Taliesin, The Frank Lloyd Wright School of architecture. Created over dozens of years many of the materials and  design of the property  are  all found in and inspired  by  the Sonoran Desert including local deserts rocks and patterns such as rattlesnakes and chameleons. This unique structure is one not to be missed from your camera roll.

Downtown Scottsdale Shopping Scene

Scottsdale is not only an outdoor enthusiast's oasis but also a shopaholic's paradise. With chic, climate- controlled malls and eclectic open-air centres, there's something for everyone. Head to  Kierland Commons for some of the fashion industry's top upscale retail shops like BCBGMAXAZRIA and Michael Kors. If in need of a break, enjoy lunch in some of the best ranked restaurants in the U.S. like the cozy and award-winning French café Zinc Bistro. Afterwards, head to downtown Scottsdale which is

home to over 150 shops, boutiques and restaurants as well as some of Scottsdale's best art galleries and museums. You'll find a wide variety of traditional, southwestern, vintage and trendy merchandise including beautiful Native American jewelry and art.

Visit The Public Art In Scottsdale

Scottsdale is not only home to some of the most stunning natural beauty, but also public art. The  Scottsdale Public Art Collection has more than 70 pieces of permanent and temporary public art scattered around the city's landscape. Look out for amazing structures such as the Water Mark by Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan that features aluminum equine gargoyle structures that release water during monsoon seasons. Or take an iconic selfie with the “Love” sculpture by Robert Indiana located just outside the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. With so many pieces of art to see, take advantage of the   Scottsdale  Public  Walking  Tour  that  shows  some  of  the  top celebrate pieces of art.

 For more information on Scottsdale visit www.experiencescottsdale.com or www.scottsdalepressroom.com

-ENDS-

For further media information please contact Charlotte Fox / James Gray on: 0207 367 8918 / 1750 or at:  charlottef@hillsbalfour.com /  jamesg@hillsbalfour.com