Winter 2023

RESORT ROUNDUP

• Spanish-inspired architecture and the old-world charm of arched entryways, splashing fountains and meandering walkways were the inspiration behind a multi-million dollar transformation of Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia that was completed in fall 2023. The natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert inspired the textures and color palettes for the newly reimagined spaces, which included guest rooms and meeting spaces. Updates featured new carpet, furnishings, artwork, wall coverings and soft goods. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is an inspired setting for corporate meetings, weddings and group events.
• At The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, a renovation of the on-property spa, a new restaurant and new function space debuted in late 2023. Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon received a $6 million update that included refurbishments to all treatment rooms, retail and fitness areas that impart a new, contemporary feel. Faro & Brag (formerly Nellie Cashman’s) will debut in early 2024 and will feature modern cuisine by Executive Chef Chris Masco. The previous Deseo space has been transformed into flexible function space and renamed Mariposa. This space will provide an additional option for social functions, resort programming and hospitality events.
• Also in late 2023, The Phoenician completed phase one of an extensive meeting and event space renovation. The re-fresh brings a blend of contemporary and indigenous aesthetics to the Camelback Ballroom and foyer, The Phoenician Grand Ballroom south and east foyers, along with first-floor breakout rooms and hallways. Through the use of authentic color palettes, original materials, patterns, and textures inspired by the Native American peoples of the Southwest, as well as the region’s flora, fauna, wildlife and topography, the new interior pays tribute to Sonoran Desert culture and history.

VENUES

• The Scottsdale Civic Center reopened in summer 2023 following a $33.5 million revitalization. Upgrades to this Old Town pedestrian park and gathering spot include a centrally located 360‐degree performance structure, a kid’s splash pad and play area, and shaded social and picnic areas. The Civic Center, which is surrounded by City Hall, the Scottsdale Public Library and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, will host numerous events and festivals in 2024, including the Arizona Concours d’Elegance car show on Jan. 21.

DOWNTIME DIVERSIONS

• PopStroke is an experiential golf and casual dining concept providing a technologically advanced competitive environment for guests of all ages and skill levels. In partnership with Tiger Woods and TaylorMade, PopStroke features two 18-hole putting courses built entirely with synthetic turf, incorporating fairways, bunkers and rough. Unique amenities include multiple bars with various craft beers, cocktails and wine; on-course mobile app drink delivery; an ice cream parlor; a playground; and a full-service restaurant. Pop Stroke offers various event packages for groups of all sizes and hosts competitive putting tournaments throughout the year, including weekly putting leagues.
• Wandering Heart Adventures is an Arizona-based tour company specializing in full-day sightseeing trips around Arizona. Offerings include pre-arranged tours as well as customizable options that introduce guests to the best historical and natural wonders the state has to offer. Day trip tours include Sedona and the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Tombstone and Bisbee, and the Apache Trail. Wandering Heart Adventures caters to individual travelers as well as conventions, wedding parties and large groups.

SIP & SAVOR

• Former Food Network “Chopped” Champion, Chef Cory Oppold has opened his own Modern American restaurant in Scottsdale, Course. Viewing food as an artform, Cory and his culinary team take guests on a culinary adventure that tantalizes both the taste and visual senses with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a progression of flavor. Course offers 5- and 10-course prix fixe dinners, as well as the cheekily named Morning Would, a 6-course prix fixe Sunday brunch that boasts artfully reimagined classic menu items paired with inspired cocktails and jams from the 80s and 90s.
• As mentioned briefly above, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa will welcome a new era of dining with the post-Christmas opening of Faro & Brag. Inspired by two historically popular games in Western saloons – Faro, a 17th-century French gambling game, and Brag, an 18th-century British card game – the restaurant will offer guests an unforgettable dining experience with a focus on modern, seasonal cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef Chris Masco. Complementing Masco’s innovative dining menu will be a selection of signature cocktails, wines and bourbon flights. Faro & Brag also will offer a monthly dinner series partnering with local wineries, elaborate weekend brunches including buffets, mimosa and Bloody Mary carts and live music, creating a dining destination with a vibrant atmosphere.

GETTING HERE & AROUND

• Airlines serving Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are stepping up to meet increased demand from international travelers, with Canadian ultra-low-cost carriers Lynx Air and Flair Airlines recently introducing new Canadian routes and American Airlines planning to launch service to Tijuana in February 2024. Airlines are also upgrading planes on existing routes. Condor Airlines, which expanded its Phoenix flights to Frankfurt, Germany, from twice weekly to thrice weekly for the 2023 season, will operate new planes in 2024 that can carry 51 more passengers than the planes it flew in previous seasons. Sky Harbor International Airport also is working to attract a carrier that will link Phoenix with Asia with nonstop service to meet increasing demand.

KUDOS

• Scottsdale ranked #10 in WalletHub’s 2023 report of the Safest Cities in America. With the U.S. experiencing more than 500 mass shootings and over 25,000 motor vehicle deaths so far in 2023, the personal-finance website’s report is a key resource for determining where Americans can feel most protected against life’s hazards, including nonphysical forms of danger. WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 41 key metrics. The data set ranges from traffic fatalities per capita and assaults per capita to the unemployment rate and the percentage of the population that is uninsured.

EVENTS

• The Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Auction rolls into town Jan. 20-28, 2024, with thousands of the world’s most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles slated to cross the auction block. Guests at the auction can mingle with celebrities, experience adrenaline-pumping thrill rides in the latest vehicles from America’s top automakers and shop in the vast Exhibitor Marketplace.
• Scottsdale Western Week, Jan. 27 through Feb. 4, 2024, celebrates the city’s heritage through a variety of exiting events including the arrival of Hashknife Pony Express, Gold Palette ArtWalk, Parada del Sol Parade & Trail’s End Festival and the Arizona Indian Festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with Old Town’s Western history and view cultural exhibitions at Western Spirt: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and the Old Town Scottsdale Rodeo Museum.
• Every year, the WM Phoenix Open attracts the top names on the PGA Tour to the TPC Scottsdale for “The Greatest Show on Grass.” Taking place Feb. 5-11, 2024, the Open will see 2023 champ Scottie Scheffler defending his title against the top-ranked players on the Tour. The fun continues off the course Wednesday through Friday evenings at the Coors Light Birds Nest, a series of live concerts featuring headliners Hardy, Dierks Bentley, Duran Duran and KYGO.
• Since 1955, the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world. From Feb. 15-25, 2024, nearly 2,400 horses representing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world will compete at WestWorld of Scottsdale in events including Western Pleasure, Reining, Ranch Riding and English Dressage. The event marketplace offers an outstanding selection of equestrian-inspired clothing, jewelry, leather goods and accessories.
• It’s never too early to start making plans for Cactus League Spring Training, Feb. 22 through March 26, 2024. Scottsdale is proud to host the San Francisco Giants at Old Town’s Scottsdale Stadium and the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Grab a brat and a brew and soak up the Scottsdale sun as you enjoy MLB action at its finest!

Click here to view Scottsdale’s complete calendar of events!