Spring 2025

RESORT ROUNDUP

• The Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas recently underwent a $24 million resort-wide renovation. Included in the refresh was a private front entrance from the main resort to the property’s 25 signature Villas, enhanced in-villa living areas with queen-sized sleeper sofas, fully equipped kitchen and dining areas, washers and dryers, outdoor patios, king-sized beds in all primary bedrooms and queen-sized beds in all second bedrooms. The Villas at Hilton Scottsdale Resort are the ideal accommodations for long-term stays, weekend escapes, golf getaways, multi-generational travel and weddings. The Hilton Scottsdale boasts the largest number of resort villas in the city. This unveiling marks the latest enhancement to the property following recent upgrades to the resort guest rooms, Oasis Bar & Grille, outdoor spaces, fitness center and landscaping as part of a multi-phase, multi-year renovation.
• The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, has topped off a $40 million upgrade by unveiling the Stillman Villas, a secluded enclave of 12 two-story villas that range from 1,250 to 2,500 square feet. The villas can accommodate groups of varying sizes, including up to 12 in the 5-bedroom layout and up to 14 in the 6-bedroom floorplan. There also is a 6-bedroom ADA villa available. The villas feature a private entrance and lobby, exclusive swimming pool, and access to all main resort dining assets including La Fogata and The Madam.   
• Located in Old Town Scottsdale’s vibrant Entertainment District, The REMI Scottsdale, Autograph Collection, blends boutique sophistication with energy and modern elegance. Featuring 161 curated guest rooms and suites, including two-story lofts with private patios, every detail is designed to captivate. Guests can savor bold flavors at multiple distinct dining venues like Kauboi and F-Sixteen, unwind at the elegant Allegra Rooftop Pool and Bar, or host unforgettable events with stunning Camelback Mountain views. Opening in late summer 2025, The REMI invites you to awaken your senses and experience Scottsdale’s most exciting new destination. 

DOWNTIME DIVERSIONS

• Electric Pickle is where the thrill of pickleball, outdoor entertainment and bold flavors come together in an elevated, social atmosphere. Located just minutes south of Scottsdale in nearby Tempe, Electric Pickle features a two-story, 12,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor restaurant, where globally inspired dishes and inventive cocktails take center stage, catering to both casual diners and culinary adventurers. Guests can book a Full Swing Golf Simulator or state-of-the-art pickleball court, and even reserve a courtside cabana. Electric Pickle also features bocce ball, cozy fire pits and a stage for live music.

OFF-SITE VENUES

• 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

• Los Angeles-based Alliance Hospitality Group, which is led by Jason Franey, a James Beard nominated chef, will be expanding its presence in the Phoenix market with an all-new concept called Sexy Roman set to open in the spring at Old Town’s W Scottsdale. Located in the former Sushi Roku space, Sexy Roman will showcase recipes from Italy and the Mediterranean, as well as family-style entrées  and prime steaks.
• Inspired by the spirit of the late Anthony Bourdain’s food travels, The Ends restaurant will soon celebrate it’s one-year anniversary in Old Town Scottsdale. The menu is a culinary journey through global flavors and features specialties such as Crispy Egg Yolk Nigiri, the Big Meatball with cheese fonduta, Brisket Burnt Ends and a variety of  exquisite handmade pastas.
• Phoenix Art Museum is soon opening a new restaurant called Alden, named after Alden B. Dow, the architect of the museum’s original 1959 building. Monica X. Castillo, the dynamo behind concepts for La Grande Orange and Chelsea’s Kitchen, is working on the food and beverage program for Alden. The restaurant will offer global flavors with a creative modern twist. 
• The owners of the Valley’s Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44 and Ocean 44 have acquired Durant’s, one of the longest-running restaurants in the state. Durant’s, which has been a staple of the Valley’s fine dining scene since it opened its doors in 1950, has been operated by the same family ownership for its entirety. But Jack M. McElroy, whose father founded the restaurant with Jack Durant, said there weren't any family members prepared to take it over, so he sought experienced outside ownership who were aware of the restaurant's legacy.
• James Beard-recognized chef Samantha Sanz has partnered with Grass Clippings Rolling Hills golf course on a Sonoran-themed restaurant named Glenrosa. Set to open in spring 2025, Glenrosa will focus on Sonoran live-fire cooking, including specialties like whole grilled snapper, wood-fired quesadillas, tomahawk steaks and family-style platters with combinations of grilled meats, salsas and tortillas. Sanz’ secret weapon? A wood and charcoal grill she had custom-made for Glenrosa.
• Queen Creek Olive Mill is celebrating 20 years of tradition, flavor and Extra Virgin Olive Oil! This family-owned and -operated operation includes an olive tree grove and mill, on-site restaurant and store. In April, the Mill is offering Pizza Date Night with a hands-on, 3-course pizza making experience. And although Queen Creek Olive Mill’s store at Scottsdale’s Kierland Commons has closed, you can still visit the Mill, take a tour and shop for olive oils, balsamic vinegars, local honey and olive oil-based skincare products.

EVENTS

• Arizona Restaurant Week, which takes place every spring and fall, is the perfect time to find your new favorite Scottsdale restaurant! Taking place May 16-25, 2025, the spring event will feature special prix fixe menus at more than 160 participating Arizona restaurants in Scottsdale and beyond.
• On select Fridays from late March through May 30, 2025, the Music in the Garden concert series fills the Desert Botanical Garden with live tunes by local and national musicians. Offerings range from flamenco guitar and bluegrass to soft rock and tribute bands. This 21-and-older event also features cocktails and food available for purchase.
• Spend a relaxing Saturday morning at the Old Town Farmers Market. Open weekly through June 7, 2025, the market features more than 100 local growers and specialty food purveyors offering a bounty of organic local produce and artisan items like freshly baked breads, jams, salsas, cheeses, tamales and much more.
• Every Thursday evening year-round, the galleries of the Old Town Arts District stay open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for ArtWalk. This go-at-your-own-pace event is ideal for browsers and serious art collectors alike and gives everyone the opportunity to visit galleries and chat with gallery owners (and, in some cases, the artists themselves!). Live music, light bites and artist demonstrations are often among the evening’s offerings.