SCOTTSDALE'S ONLY BED AND BREAKFAST OPENS
Experience the laid-back ambiance of Scottsdale's newest and quaintest downtown property, BeSpoke Inn, Café and Bicycles (www.bespokeinn.com), which opened in January 2013. As Scottsdale's only bed and breakfast, the four-room inn offers a tailored experience for visitors seeking elegance and privacy while staying in Scottsdale's buzzing epicenter. Each downstairs room is dressed to the nines with handmade décor and furniture, plus a private patio and lounge chairs perfect for enjoying a cup o' joe in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. Or, stay in the upstairs suite and rent out the neighboring expansive living and dining room, offering impressive views of the 43-foot infinity edge pool that overlooks the lush courtyard below.  When hunger encroaches, stop by the in-house restaurant The Café, where an espresso bar, house-made pastries, gourmet breakfasts, salads, soups and sandwiches await. Exploring downtown's art galleries and myriad independent restaurants and shops is easy with Bespoke Bicycles, an onsite boutique bike shop that provides guests with complimentary transportation.

AERIAL TOURS TAKE VISITORS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert as you've never done before – from the air. Island Air Express, “Desert Splash” Seaplane Adventures (www.desertsplashadventures.com) take you to new heights during aerial tours showcasing Arizona's stunning landscapes.

During the fall, winter and spring, climb aboard a Cessna Caravan Jet-Prop Amphibious Seaplane for an excursion that begins at Scottsdale Airport and snakes its way through the Salt River canyons and lakes for a bird's eye view of the rugged, breathtaking terrain that lies 20 miles east of Scottsdale. In just over an hour, you'll have soared through Salt River Canyon and over Roosevelt Dam and “The Spires,” a rugged sand castle-like rock formation that's tucked deep inside the Superstition Mountains. You'll even experience a water landing when the seaplane touches down on the surface of Roosevelt Lake, one of Arizona's largest bodies of water. And during the second Sunday of each month, pair incredible views with savory Arizona flavors during an excursion that incorporates both a seaplane flight and brunch. Presented by local favorites such as FnB (www.fnbrestaurant.com), your crew will deplane on Splash Island where an Arizona wine maker and farmer await. Enjoy a locally sourced meal that's as divine as the one-of-a-kind setting with tour rates at $350 per person.

QUELL YOUR THIRST FOR LOCAL FIRST
If you hold the shop 'til you drop mantra close to your heart and also are a fan of all things local, pick up your wallet and head to UNION, Biltmore Fashion Park's (www.shopbiltmore.com) innovative hub of small, independent retail stores. Having opened in November 2012, the 7,200-square-foot UNION offers shoppers 18 one-of-a-kind intimate boutiques ranging in size from 200 to 500 square feet and a casual eatery. Local favorites include: Paris Envy, offering handcrafted vintage home furnishings; Whoopie Baking Company, home of the mouth-watering whoopie pie; Frances, featuring an eclectic mix of clothing, shoes, accessories, books and art; Citrine Natural Beauty Bar, known for its wide array of organic skin and beauty products; and Trattoria del Piero, a casual dining spot from The Queen Creek Olive Mill. Central to the UNION experience is an outdoor patio activated with live music, chef demonstrations, tastings and even a bi-monthly farmers market. And a day of shopping all things local, make a pit stop at the mall's anchor stores such as Sak's Fifth Avenue and Macy's or spend an evening wining and dining at one of Biltmore Fashion Park's tantalizing restaurants, including Christopher's & Crush Lounge, Seasons 52 and True Food Kitchen.

Looking for the perfect one-of-a-kind gift? Stop by JAM (www.jamminlifestyle.com), the 1913 historic home of Scottsdale visionary Charles Miller, which was recently transformed into an artisans' boutique. In this artist co-op, you'll find goodies such as purses, wallets, headbands, bow ties, jewelry, aprons and munchies from local favorites such as Jewels Just for YOU, Modern Nostalgic, Urban Table and Hot Chick Aprons. Plus, on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. during the fall, winter and spring, experience Miller Market on 1st Street (www.millermarketon1st.com). This weekly food truck round-up features produce from local favorites such as Singh Farms and tantalizing prepared items from restaurants and vendors like Super Chunk Sweets and Treats, and Winifred Street Message Art. While you're chowing down, peruse the store or “jam” out to live music hosted on the bungalow style home's porch.

MAYA DAY AND NIGHTCLUB TO MAKE A SPLASH IN DOWNTOWN'S NIGHTLIFE DISTRICT
Described as a "desert version of Miami's South Beach” by The New York Times, downtown Scottsdale is the place for chef-driven restaurants, fine art galleries, unparalleled shopping and of course, sizzling nightlife. Downtown will get even hotter in April when the nightlife and entertainment district welcomes Maya Day and Nightclub, the first high-end beach club bringing together entertainment, music, and food for day and nighttime fun. Beach-club goers will enjoy a resort-style pool with daybeds and lounges, private and VIP cabanas with private plunge pools, a restaurant, a poolside taco bar, Arizona's largest LED video screen, and a clubhouse area with video games, billiards, shuffleboard, and flat screen TVs. A floating stage overlooking the pool will play host to deejays and live music. And the best part is that the beach club will be open to the public – no membership and no hotel affiliation. Maya Day and Nightclub is being developed by Triyar Entertainment, developers of the W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences (www.whotels.com/scottsdale), which opened in downtown Scottsdale in September 2008.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN SOARS THIS SPRING
In May, North America's largest butterfly pavilion will be unveiled on the Salt Pima Maricopa-Indian Community nation. Populated with butterflies from the rainforests of the world, including Costa Rica, Brazil, Africa and the Philippines, the 10,000-square-foot Butterfly Wonderland (www.butterflywonderland.com) is the first of a four phase, $170 million entertainment complex that will debut on the reservation in the coming years. In addition to the pavilion, Butterfly Wonderland will showcase labs where caterpillars build chrysalises and emerge as butterflies, a koi pond and an interactive water and play area for children.

Odysea Aquarium, a 12-acre freshwater and saltwater and saltwater aquarium, will open during the second phase slated for 2015. It will include shark tanks, a kind-penguin exhibit, an underwater theater and a display of the Great Barrier Reef. Phase three and four will feature the addition of a Ripley's Believe It or Not museum and the so-called Arizona Experience, a combination of film and interactive elements that tell of the story of Arizona's history from the Spanish Conquistadors to the advent of the Wild West.

HEAR THE SIRENS SONG IN THE DESERT
If you find yourself longing for the ocean in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, head to one of Scottsdale's signature resorts or beach clubs to quench your thirst for salt water. Ride the waves at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (www.kierlandresort.com) with the August 2012 debut of the $2.4 million Adventure Water Park, featuring the Kierland FlowRider. The boardsport simulator combines the thrills of surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding into one technique called flowboarding. With energy absorbing technology that softens wipeouts, the FlowRider is the perfect activity for those of all ages and skill levels.

Feel the sand in between your toes at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch (www.scottsdale.hyatt.com), which recently debuted a 30-foot, three-story tall waterslide, the focal point of its 2.5-acre water world. Spend the afternoon barreling down the slide at one of the resort's 10 pools, 20 fountains or 45 waterfalls. The pool area features poolside cabanas and a sand beach with the Grotto Bar. Plus, stroll across an aqueduct over six pools, play a game of water volleyball or basketball, or relax in the so-called Grecian-style Water Temple, a Jacuzzi-style spa surrounded by four cold plunge pools. Other highlights include pools for two and the 4,400-square-foot "adults-only" pool where you'll be thrilled by a rushing waterfall. For those who prefer a slower pace, get misted at "Cascade" waterfall, which softly drops water over a three-level fall. The new water world was part of a $3.7 million renovation that was completed in January 2013.           

GLOBAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM THRIVES
Take a melodic journey through the world at Musical Instrument Museum (www.mim.org, MIM), the first global museum of instruments. Having opened only two years ago, it's left its mark on Scottsdale with 5,000 instruments and artifacts from more than 200 countries on display and over 15,000 in its collection. Transport to another land with wireless headsets and LCD video displays depicting the sounds and sights of the instruments and the people who use them. See the recreation of a gong workshop, listen to the sounds of the traditional Beijing Opera or experience a contemporary Ukrainian wedding procession. Stop by MIM's Artist Gallery, which houses instruments from famous musicians throughout time including John Lennon, Paul Simon, Black Eyed Peas and the Jonas Brothers. After enjoying a worldly concert, try out your own musical abilities in MIM's Experience Gallery, where you can play instruments such as guitars, gongs and drums.

Artistic RENAISSANCE IN FULL BLOOM
Downtown Scottsdale is like an outdoor, walking museum with more than 50 eye-catching public art pieces thanks to the Scottsdale Public Art Program (www.scottsdalepublicart.org). Check out the 10 most celebrated pieces during a self-guided 60-minute walking tour that includes significant sites such as the Soleri Bridge and Plaza (www.soleribridge.com),which debuted in December 2010 and serves as a landmark of downtown's Scottsdale Waterfront. The bridge's 64-foot-long steel clad pylons jut into the air and cast shadows on both the bridge and Arizona Canal, an ancient Indian Hohokam canal, tracking solar events such as the winter solstice and solar noon. Or, stand inside a kaleidoscope created by three 28-foot-tall mirrored panels at Donald Lipski's “The Doors.” A variety of Western statues, dramatic equestrian fountains and interactive installations will keep you moving through downtown.

Get a glimpse of downtown Scottsdale with one of the area's local experts on the Localmotion Cultural Tour offered by Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours (www.ultimatearttours.com). The free two-hour tour starts at 10:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month and take you through the area's notable spots. Along the way, you'll learn tidbits about downtown's history. Featured locations include the historic Old Adobe Mission church built in 1933, arts district, Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, and Hotel Valley Ho (www.hotelvalleyho.com). Reservations for the tour are required.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (www.smoca.org, SMoCA) features compelling modern art, architecture and design from around the globe. Conceived by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA's minimalist building (an ingenious renovation of a former movie theater) includes a public "skyspace" by the acclaimed artist James Turrell (one of only a handful in the world), where visitors can experience the ever-changing light of the desert sky. End your visit in the museum's SMoCA Lounge, a flexible mixed-use space that opened in fall 2011. The Lounge, intrepidly re-imagined by artist and designer Janis Leonard, serves as a place for educational activities by day and a swank, unique gathering spot by night.

NEW & RENOVATED PROPERTIES

MID CENTURY HOTEL OPENS DOWNTOWN
El Dorado Scottsdale (www.eldoradoscottsdale.com) opened for business in September 2012 as a hotel with a fresh, timeless look to its 33 apartment-style rooms. Built in 1960, El Dorado Scottsdale is located in a decorative downtown neighborhood on a palm tree-lined block characterized by 1950s and '60s design with native stone walls, balconies and courtyards with swimming pools, and lush grass lawns. The furnished apartments are larger than typical hotel suites and are equipped with kitchens, which makes them ideal for leisure, business and extended-stay travelers. El Dorado Scottsdale's owners have kept much of its original design, including soft turquoise kitchen tiles and retro appliances, but have added eclectic furniture and other modern day touches. Most of the suites are two-bedroom with some one-bedrooms available as well. The three-bedroom Day Tripper suite offers more privacy with its own courtyard and parking area. Hotel amenities include a pool and hot tub, barbecue area, fire pit, and bikes for exploring downtown.

PRINCESS UNDERGOES ROYAL RENOVATION
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2013, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (www.scottsdaleprincess.com) further elevates its status as one of Scottsdale's premier properties with $25 million of renovations to its meeting spaces, dining concepts, retail venues, spa and exteriors. The Princess' latest round of refurbishments wraps up a five-year $60 million capital investment project of the resort. In October 2012, the property debuted the new Palomino Conference Center, adding 52,331 square feet of meeting space to the resort and making it the largest meetings resort in the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio worldwide.

On Jan. 1, 2013, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess rolled out Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa. Drawing on the Southwest's indigenous roots and time-tested Asian influences, the new spa by Trilogy Spa Holdings is the first of its kind in the United States, allowing visitors to choose from a bevy of a la carte spa services or develop a health and wellness program that factors in mental and physical wellbeing. Those who choose the latter are assisted by a renowned medical doctor specializing in health
assessments, spa and beauty services, and fitness and nutrition consultation. New and innovative health classes include aerial yoga, where yoga poses are done with the support of a suspended cloth sling to allow for greater stretch and more inversion.

Enhancements to the resort's dining venues include a revamped patio at Michael Mina's BOURBON STEAK and the unveiling of the all-new Ironwood American Kitchen offering wood-fired cuisine. The Princess Shop, the resort's primary retail and sundries location, now doubles as a coffee shop, featuring grab-and-go beverages, sandwiches, snacks, gelato and iPad work stations. Other enhancements to the property include the addition of a living wall, a unique system of plants and flowers that drape the main resort building in greenery; and a new coat of paint, which changes the resort's signature color from pink to an off-white hue.

MEDITTERANEAN MAKEOVER IN THE DESERT
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa (www.royalpalmshotel.com), a longtime favorite of Scottsdale visitors for its Mediterranean style architecture and picture-perfect views of Camelback Mountain, further elevated its status with a $1.2 million renovation of the property's Valencia Casitas in September 2012. The 30 casitas, nestled in the resort's Valencia Gardens, were updated with a new color palette, custom-made furniture, and a complete revitalization of the bathrooms. Prepare to be soothed with the rustic comfort of the new color palette, featuring hues of eggplant, crimson, kiwi lime, mustard, and butter throughout the walls, custom designed fabrics, and local artisan painted finishes. Slip into a state of ultra-relaxation in the newly expanded bathrooms, which include luxurious vanities, dressing areas, built-in coffee bars and privatized water closets. And enjoy the longstanding room features, including the wrought-iron four-poster beds, French doors that open to patios, and in some cases, in-room fireplaces.

CONDÉNAST SAYS SAGUARO SIZZLES
Scottsdale continues to climb the chic-ladder with The Saguaro (www.thesaguaro.com) featured on the May 2012 cover of Condé Nast Traveler after earning a spot in the magazine's 2012 Hot List. One of only 121 properties worldwide to receive the accolade, editors distinguished The Saguaro as a hot spot because of its vibrant façade and interiors, which feature indigenous wildflower hues; its “urban cool” setting in the heart of downtown Scottsdale; and its food and beverage lineup, anchored by Iron Chef Jose Garces' modern Mexican restaurant, Distrito (www.distritorestaurant.com). The Saguaro, Joie de Vivre Hotels' first property outside of California, opened its doors to the public in November 2011 after undergoing a $10 million renovation that showcases the colorful, vibrant spirit of the Southwest. The new hotel has already left its mark on downtown with the debut of 194 rooms, three new dining destinations, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, two heated outdoor swimming pools and cabanas, and a full-service spa.

CULINARY SCENE

FLY FULL WITH GOURMET GRUB
Going to the airport doesn't have to be about dashing for a flight while your stomach rumbles. Slow down and grab a savory meal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's (www.phxskyharbor.com) Terminal Four, which is adding more than 40 gourmet dining options from Scottsdale and Phoenix favorites through 2013. Already, some staples such as Sauce (www.foxrc.com/sauce), Olive & Ivy Marketplace (www.foxrc.com/olive_ivy), Modern Burger, Cowboy Ciao (www.cowboyciao.com) and Cartel Coffee Lab (www.cartelcoffeelab.com) have opened their doors in the airport's busiest terminal. The flood of local restaurants continues with Nocawich (www.restaurantnoca.com), Four Peaks Brewing Company (www.fourpeaks.com) and Zinc Bistro (www.zincbistroaz.com) soon joining the ranks of new airport dining options.

A GASTRONOMICAL TOUR OF ARIZONA
Embark on a cross-country road trip at Proof, a new American canteen that opened in November 2012 at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale). Featuring home-style comfort fare sourced entirely from the 50 states, this relaxed restaurant draws upon Arizona's frontier history and local ingredients such as Maya Farms veggies, Sunizona tomatoes and Gila Bend shrimp. Servers are outfitted in denim and gingham, and there's even a soda jerk serving up milkshakes and spiced ice cream concoctions. Classic American favorites populate the menu, including fried green tomatoes and chicken and waffles, and drinks include wine, microbrews, and small batch and craft distilled American spirits. Proof is nostalgia at its best – we're talking handmade candies, “TV dinner” menus for kids, and music and TV programming that ranges from American sitcom theme songs to light jazz.

After finding success with its daytime tours, Destination Food Tours (www.destinationfoodtours.com) recently added a 3-hour Old Town Dinner Tour that introduces you to Scottsdale favorites like Malee's Thai Bistro (www.maleesthaibistro.com). You'll learn about Scottsdale's establishment and how it has developed over the years then sit down to tempting noshes and drinks. On the menu are unique flavors from Outrageous Olive Oils and Vinegars (www.oliveoilarizona.com), and a sampling of delicious appetizers at AZ88 (www.az88.com). a choice of wine paired with cheese and meats at Su Vino Winery (www.suvinowineryaz.com), a slice of pizza from Grimaldi's (www.grimaldispizzeria.com) , among other tasty bites.

TAKE A BITE OUT OF SCOTTSDALE'S NEW EATERIES
Let your intrepid taste buds explore the varied flavors of Scottsdale at one of the destination's newest restaurants. If hunger encroaches during a visit to Desert Botanical Garden (www.dbg.org), grab a bite at Gertrude's (www.gertrudesrestaurant.net), a new culinary addition to the world-class desert museum. Having opened in January 2013, the new restaurant features local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and Gertrude's onsite plot. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Chef Stephen Eldridge are the masterminds behind the culinary concept, creating savory sandwiches such as “3 Napkin Smoked Swine,” chockfull of marinated smoked pork, jack cheese from Arizona Cheese Co., cilantro, pickled apple, pickled onion and red chile drown on ciabatta. For dinner, indulge in the unforgettable flavors of “Lambcetta” featuring house-cured belly wrapped loin, braised greens, farrotto, natural jus and cumin oil.

Take in Arizona's brazen flavors and picturesque views of Camelback Mountain at the all-new CENTRO Lounge at Montelucia Resort & Spa (www.montelucia.com). Featuring 1,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space with couches and fire pits, the restaurant is a perfect spot for lounging with friends or coworkers while enjoying an innovative menu of shareable plates, sides and flatbreads. Try favorites such as the Sonoran spiced shrimp, Dos Equis braised beef flautas and grilled vegetable flatbread as imaged by Executive Chef Michael Cairns. CENTRO also offers a wide range of specialty drinks that guests can enjoy poolside or after dinner. Plus, with a nine-panel media wall of televisions broadcasting sporting events and music, CENTRO is an ideal post-up location on game day.                            

NOTHING BEATS DOWNTOWN EATS
Savor the flavor of downtown Scottsdale with the debut of two new restaurants by locally acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs. The Brat Haus (www.brathausaz.com), an artisan sausage and craft beer concept created by renowned restaurateur Dave Andrea and colorful local chef Payton Curry debuted in July 2012. The Brat Haus menu offers customers a variety of grilled sausages, all of which are made either in-house or locally by Schrieners Sausage Co., plus over two-dozen craft beers from Germany, Belgium, and North America. Foodies are enamored by traditional gourmet sausage options and those that are a bit more exotic, including habanero chicken, wild boar and rattlesnake.

Also new to downtown's restaurant scene is The House Brasserie (www.thehousebrasserie.com), which opened in September 2012. The brainchild of successful restaurateur Brian Raab and Chef Matt Carter of The Mission (www.themissionaz.com), the comfortable home-turned-restaurant offers an international menu of shareable dishes, including paella, poutine, and macaroni and cheese, plus plenty of patio space and an outdoor fireplace. While you're there learn a little bit about Scottsdale's past. As the second oldest once-residence in Scottsdale, the restaurant is steeped in history. Sit in the shade of the large pine tree on the patio, a reminder of the little girls who lived there more than three quarters of a century ago and planted it as their Christmas tree.

SCOTTSDALE MAKES WINE EXPLORATION EASY
Let Detours of Arizona (www.detoursaz.com) guide you on a day-long exploration of Arizona's newest wine community in the scenic Verde Valley just south of Sedona. This fully guided tour features stops at four wineries and highlights some of Sedona's most picturesque landmarks including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa Overlook. Beyond the views, you'll likely meet one or more of the winery owners who will relay their passion for Arizona wines. Taste full bodied red and crisp white varieties during this full-day tour, which costs $170 per guest and includes luxury ground transportation, guide services, wine tasting and lunch.

Continue the Arizona wine experience with Pavle Milic, part-owner of FnB Restaurant (www.fnbrestaurant.com), a trendy gastropub in the heart of downtown, just one of many Scottsdale restaurants serving Arizona wines during lunch and dinner. Be on the lookout for braised leeks with mozzarella and a fried egg, named one of the 10 best restaurant dishes of 2010 by Food & Wine. Of equal appeal is owner Pavle Milic's other venture, Bodega/AZ Wine Merchants, an oenophile paradise with varietals grown and bottled in the Grand Canyon state as well as local produce and artisanal products from MJ Breads, Queen Creek Olive Oil and Maya's Farm. 

UNIQUELY SCOTTSDALE COCKTAILS REIGN
If you crave classic cocktails with a twist, simply stop by Citizen Public House's (www.citizenpublichouse.com) sister venture Citizen R+D for a Shipwrecked Cocktail from master mixologist Richie Moe. A longtime fan of obscure spirits and alcoholic concoctions, Moe's latest venture was inspired by his favorite cognac, a variety that's shipped across the world and arrives with a routing map documenting its exotic journey. Motivated by the complexities imparted on the cognac by the elements it encounters on its voyage, Moe is exposing his innovative barrel aged cocktails to similar elements. He coats the barrels in salt, agitates them multiple times a day to simulate the movement of the ocean and moves them outside for sunshine and then into the walk-in cooler to replicate night air. Moe even goes so far as to douse the barrels with Pacific Ocean water from the California Coast, resulting in soft, complex and briny versions of classics such as Beefeater 24 Negronis and Martell VSOP Cognac Sazeracs, available for $13.

Truly adventurous cocktail aficionados also will want to stop by the Hermosa Inn (www.hermosainn.com) to see new Spirit Guide Travis Nass, one of the area's acclaimed barmeisters, crafting specialty drinks at Last Drop Bar. Following in the spirit of Hermosa Inn founder and artist Lon Megargee, Nass is known for inventing his own liqueurs, beverages and garnishes. During “Monday Mixology,” he transforms Last Drop Bar into a personal laboratory as he concocts original drinks such as Morning Rose, Bitter Pig and Duck L'Orange Tequila Old Fashioned. Or, stop by on Thursday or Friday nights when Nass whips up an ever-changing “Weekender Punch” full of botanicals, liqueurs and traditional spirits. Whatever the occasion, expect an extensive menu of creative cocktails ranging from a selection of champagne drinks during Sunday brunch to an esoteric menu of Arizona-themed sips after work and on the weekends.      

 WORLD-CLASS GOLF

DITCH YOUR STICKS
With baggage fees, TSA checks and other travel obstacles, schlepping golf clubs along on a trip can be exceptionally cumbersome. Thankfully, Kierland Golf Club (www.kierlandgolf.com) recognizes that and has recently teamed with Nike to offer the “No-Hassle” Rental Package. The twilight tee time package includes the latest Nike Golf technology such as rental golf clubs, golf shoe rental, a sleeve of golf balls and a golf glove for $45.

Or, if you want to ditch your sticks because they're older than your college bound kiddo, head to Cool Clubs (www.coolclubs.com) and pick up a whole new set. Cool Clubs, one of the world's leading custom club fitters, carries the best technology from top manufacturers, allowing you to precisely match the latest golf club offerings with a player's unique swing. For the ultimate experience, Cool Clubs offers travelers a unique Day in the Life Package that includes a premium outdoor tour fitting, lunch and a massage at Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (www.scottsdaleprincess.com). Packages start at $1,000.

STARFIRE GOLF CLUB: THE BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER OF CHAMPIONS
The culinary lineup at Starfire Golf Club (www.starfiregolfclub.com) is getting a fresh new look under the creative direction of consulting chef Payton Curry, one of Scottsdale's local celebrity chefs. In January 2013, Starfire Golf Club unveiled its new clubhouse restaurant The Scottsdale Grille, featuring an ever-changing seasonal menu of fresh ingredients from local farmers and producers for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and Sunday brunch. In addition to the debut of The Grille, the 60-year-old public course's clubhouse is in the midst of a renovation that incorporates warm design elements, the debut of a new pro shop with a farmer's style market, and an expanded special events space capable of hosting gatherings, weddings and corporate functions of all sizes. Construction will be finalized this summer.

BOOM TOWN: NEW GOLF DEVELOPMENT
From new restaurants to expanded schools, construction is abuzz in Scottsdale's golf scene, especially at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club (www.sunridgegolf.com), which has upgraded its practice facility with a new 1,600-square-foot performance center, home to the Jim McLean Golf School. Featuring indoor and outdoor hitting bays outfitted with the latest Trackman launch monitors, the new performance center also offers a club-fitting suite and fitness studio for flexibility, stability and strength training programs. 

In January 2013, McDowell Mountain Golf Club (www.mcdowellmountaingc.com) completed a new clubhouse. The new facility feature a large covered, outdoor dining terrace, an indoor and outdoor bar, new locker rooms, and an enhanced event space.

And all golf foodies will be pleased to know that Grayhawk Golf Club (www.grayhawkgolf.com)recently unveiled Isabella's Kitchen. Located just off Grayhawk's Talon Course, the American Italian restaurant offers scrumptious bites such as pizzas, pastas, salads and sandwiches and optimal views of the golf course and city lights. It's the latest edition to Grayhawk's superstar culinary lineup including “Chuck the Food Truck,” a gourmet kitchen on wheels that cruises the streets of Scottsdale serving up a variety of American favorites, including soups, salads, wraps, and sandwiches. In the driver's seat is Chef Jeff Storcz, who oversees all of Chuck's one-of-a-kind culinary offerings. Track down Chuck in between rounds by following him on Twitter @GHChuck.

SCOTCH, MUSIC AND CADDIES – NOT YOUR FATHER'S GOLF GAME
Scottsdale courses are putting a hip, young spin on the traditional game with cool offerings such as the Scottish Golf Experience at Kierland Golf Club (www.kierlandgolf.com).To honor Scottish immigrants who helped develop Arizona and make the game truly authentic, don rented kilts and enjoy Johnnie Walker beverages while perfecting your swing. Finish your round as bagpipes signal the end of the day and the start of the Scottish Pipes at Sunset Series, where Bagpiper Michael McClanathan creates the melodic tunes of Old World Scotland at the Dreamweaver Canyon fire pit.

Wanna play like the pros at the Waste Management Phoenix Open? Hit from the same tees as Phil and Tiger on TPC Scottsdale's (www.tpc.com/scottsdale) Stadium Course with the Forecaddie Experience. Caddies carry your bags, offer shot selection advice, rake bunkers, read greens and much more. Plus, get the insider's perspective of the history and heritage of golf and the TOUR. And don't miss the plaques inside the clubhouse commemorating the top moments of the Open's history – JB Holmes' monster drive on the 18th hole years ago, Tiger's “loose impediment” that took help from the fans to move, and Andrew Magee's hole-in-one on a par four, just to name a few.

SCOTTSDALE CVB NEWS

FEEL THE RUSH OF THE SONORAN DESERT
Are you an adrenaline junkie who dreams of powerchuting and Tomcar tours or a sunbather who appreciates a leisurely hike and lackadaisical tubing experience? Scottsdale's Sonoran Desert offers all of the above, plus more than 300 days of sunshine each year. And now, with the launch of a website (www.adventureinscottsdale.com), you can plan your adventure-filled vacation with just a few clicks. Peruse through lists of outfitters, such as 360 Adventures (www.360-adventures.com), a tour company that offers guided rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and canyoneering, and Green Zebra Adventures (www.gogreenzebra.com), where you're navigating the desert's rugged terrain in a Tomcar. In addition to researching adventure opportunities, search outdoor packages and get information on the more than 2,000 native species of plants and nearly 700 species of critters found in the desert. Upon arriving in Scottsdale, stop by one of two visitors' centers at the bureau's downtown office or Scottsdale Fashion Square (www.fashionsquare.com) and pick up the Desert Discovery Guide. Chockfull of hiking, biking, climbing, and riding suggestions, the guide serves as a one-stop shop for all things related to outdoor adventure. Peruse through information on the desert's seasons, flora and fauna, and a trail index that includes difficulty ratings.

COWBOY UP!
Giddy up cowboy, the “West's Most Western Town” just got a bit more country with the release of a downloadable PDF guide from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.experiencescottsdale.com) pinpointing more than 40 attractions that will ensure you have a rootin', tootin' good time during your next visit. Learn the ins and outs of becoming a cowboy during a course at Arizona Cowboy College (www.cowboycollege.com), where you'll hit the trail alongside real ranch-working cowboys for roping, riding, and gallivanting by day and sleeping under the Sonoran Desert skies by night. Grab the entire family's cowboy hats for a fun-filled day at MacDonald's Ranch (www.macdonaldsranch.com), a family owned and operated stable offering trail rides for all skill levels. And when you're not on the saddle, explore the ranch's petting zoo and Western games, or take a pony, hay-wagon or stagecoach ride. End the day by demonstrating your two step at the Rusty Spur Saloon (www.rustyspursaloon.com), where live music, food, and drinks are served up every night of the week. As if that's not enough reason to visit, this local haunt serves as a historic landmark, having housed Scottsdale's first bank in 1921. Today, the bank's vault has been transformed into a back-of-the-house liquor cache that guarantees cowboys a night full of hoopin', hollerin' fun.

FREE PLANNING GUIDE TO FAMILY FUN
In a kid's world of Wii and homework, and a parent's busy life of family antics and work, vacations are an opportunity for the whole family to spend time together without everyday distractions. Blessed with sunshine, ample outdoor activities and spirited Western-flavored culture and history, Scottsdale is an oasis of relaxation and inspiration that invites families to play together. In 2011, Travel + Leisure recognized the city as a top warm-weather destination for families while Sunset magazine named Scottsdale one of the “Best Places to Raise a Kid.” This family-friendly destination was honored for having one of the lowest crime rates and offering plenty of recreational offerings such as Pinnacle Peak Park's horseback rides and the downtown trolley. And to help make planning a family vacation to Scottsdale even easier, the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering a free kids' activity book, available for download from the bureau's website. Parents can get information on kids' camps and special events and a list of 40 activities and attractions for kids while vacationing in Scottsdale. And the guide's word games, fun facts and coloring page help young travelers learn about Scottsdale's unique Sonoran Desert setting. Visit www.ExperienceScottsdale.com to download this free guide.

Editor's Note: If you would like your readers to be able to call for Scottsdale information or receive a complimentary Experience Scottsdale destination guide, please include our toll-free phone number, 800-782-1117, and website, www.ExperienceScottsdale.com.

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