Fall 2024

RESORT ROUNDUP

• The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is currently wrapping up an exciting $110 million renovation that will fully transform and rebrand the property into Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt—the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. Renovations and upgrades are touching all guest rooms and suites, as well as the 10-acre pool complex, dining outlets, meeting and event space, and more to create a vibrant and elevated experience for leisure and business travelers.
• Located within walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort is in the midst of renovations that will enhance the guests’ stays, including a significant upgrade to the pool area, featuring a new outdoor bar where guests can order freshly blended drinks and smoothies. For meeting-goers and event planners, the Silverman Terrace Project will revamp the hotel’s largest outdoor event space with a lush lawn and welcoming lighting.

DOWNTIME DIVERSIONS

• Fit City Adventures is a premier corporate wellness and lifestyle concierge keeps teams connected and healthy by providing more than 100 wellness, fitness and active team-building experiences. Groups can amp up their energy with runs and bootcamps, explore the local terrain with hiking and e-biking excursions, chill with yoga and sound meditation, compete at Fit City field day games, and more.
• You’re just minutes from some of the Southwest’s most scenic natural wonders when you fly with H5 Helicopters. H5 provides premier, full-service aerial adventures that offer rare glimpses of these unique treasures near Scottsdale, including the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert and the snow-kissed plateaus of Hopi mesas.
• Pavilion Fine Arts Gallery founder Jon Wendell, a talented fine art photographer, is dedicated to capturing the essence of his subjects and exploring the intricate relationship between light, form and emotion. His distinct style is characterized by a blend of technical mastery, artistic vision, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Pavilion Fine Art’s portfolio showcases a diverse range of artistic explorations, from breathtaking fine art photography landscapes to works by contemporary artists specializing in glass, metal and compilation pieces incorporating natural elements in their raw form. Whether you are an art collector, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the power of visual storytelling, the Pavilion Fine Arts Gallery is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey.

VENUES

• COURSE is the culinary brainchild of acclaimed Chef Cory Oppold. Located in central Scottsdale, COURSE takes you on a food exploration 5-course or 10-course prix fixe dinners, as well as the cheekily named "Morning Would" 7-course Sunday brunch. The intimate dining room has capacity for up to 30 guests and is ideal for celebrations, business dinners or any special occasion that deserves a touch of elevation.
• Located across the street from the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, home of the WM Phoenix Open, DraftKings Sportsbook debuted in fall 2023 and has fast become a premier destination for entertainment. DraftKings boasts an expansive patio, large indoor space, full-service restaurant, and 2,700 square feet of video walls and screens. Outside, the patio features multiple video screens, VIP cabanas and fire pits. DraftKings can accommodate up to 430 guests banquet-style and 800 guests for receptions.

SIP & SAVOR

• Founded by award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchi, meaning "house" in Japanese, holds a compelling vision – to extend the intimacy of the sushi bar throughout the entire restaurant. Chef Cole, a pioneer in recreating traditional Japanese cuisine with modern flair, has mastered the art of creating what he fondly refers to as "the perfect bite" in every dish. His menu at Uchi Scottsdale includes hot and cool tastings, sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono, and tempura, complemented by a dynamic omakase featuring seasonal delights.
• Luna by Giada has landed at the luxe Caesars Republic Scottsdale, and it's as chic as you'd expect from celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis. The elegant restaurant offers coastal Italian fare, pizzas and pastas in a sophisticated setting with Giada’s personal touches like the LED pattern in the ceiling representing the constellations seen the night her daughter was born. The hotel itself, located adjacent to Scottsdale Fashion Square, offers 265 guest rooms and a 6,700-square-foot column-free ballroom.
• Adjacent to Native Art Market, The Frybread Lounge is the first and only Indigenous-owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. With Chef Darryl Montana, an O'odham Community member, at the helm, the restaurant provides an elevated menu of appetizers and entrees inspired by local Indigenous communities, including fry bread flights, bison ribeye, and the popular Rez Charcuterie Board. 

EVENTS

• Barrett-Jackson is synonymous with premier collector automobile auctions, and this year debuts the first Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 10-13, 2024. Guests can witness the bidding excitement in the arena, capture the car of their dreams, mingle with celebrities, ride in the latest vehicles from top automakers, shop in the vast Exhibitor Marketplace and enjoy a festival of food including the Southwest Chef Showdown.
• Scottsdale Dia de Los Muertos: Danza de Muertos returns to Old Town this year, featuring Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company’s performance of dance, music, art and ancestral ritual at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 26, 2024. In addition, several free events in association with Dia de Los Muertos include the Altares Y Ofrendas Experience at the Old Adobe Mission (Oct. 24 – Nov. 2), Art Installation Experience at Scottsdale Civic Center (Oct. 24-27), and Fiesta de Muertos Festival at Scottsdale Civic Center (Oct. 26).
• The Dreamy Draw Music Festival will be held at the Scottsdale Civic Center in Old Town Scottsdale, Nov. 1-2, 2024. Sing along and connect with fellow music enthusiasts as you enjoy performances by more than 25 bands, including headliners Mt. Joy and Flatland Cavalry. A collection of diverse food vendors, bars, concessions and art activations add to the excitement of this two-day, three-stage outdoor music festival.
• Canal Convergence will once again illuminate the night sky when it returns to the Scottsdale Waterfront Nov. 8-17, 2024. This year's theme, "Reflections" showcases captivating light-based public art and programming that harness the power of reflection and foster meaningful experiences that encourage self-examination and deeper connections with others. In addition to eight large-scale art installations, guests will enjoy interactive art displays, augmented reality, music, dance and fire shows on the historic Arizona Canal.
• Over the course of two days, Nov. 22-23, 2024, the Arizona Indigenous Food Symposium and Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience will present a unique opportunity to gather with and learn from Indigenous peoples while celebrating and revitalizing their food traditions. The Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience takes place in celebration of Native American Heritage Month and showcases Native Arizona cuisine, arts and live performances.
• The city’s annual Scottsdazzle holiday extravaganza takes place Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, 2024 at various locations in Old Town Scottsdale. Highlights include a sing-along and tree-lighting ceremony, outdoor holiday market, living nativity, Scottsdazzle ArtWalk and more.

NEW TO EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE

• Brianna Macfarlane brings nearly eight years of hotel experience in various roles at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa to her new position as Experience Scottsdale National Sales Manager for the Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada markets. Brianna began her career at the Royal Palms’ front desk and transitioned to the sales department, where she served as sales coordinator, lead manager, and group sales manager. Brianna graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in International Hospitality Management. In her free time, Brianna enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and two rescue dogs.