Interested in traveling more sustainably, but unsure where to start? Sustainable tourism impacts not only the environment and culture but also the local economy. During your next trip, you can travel more sustainably just by shopping or dining at Scottsdale’s local businesses.
According to the nonprofit Local First Arizona, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $43 remains in the local economy — compared to $13 at a non-locally owned business. With plenty of options to choose from, shopping and dining local in Scottsdale is easy.
But no matter where you spend your dollars, you’ll be making a positive impact on the community. Tourism is the backbone of Scottsdale’s economy, with hundreds of businesses serving visitors like you. In 2022, Scottsdale’s 11 million visitors supported the livelihoods of over 24,000 people through their spending. Plus, the tax dollars generated by visitors were invested into important public services like police, fire and transportation, as well as community events and capital projects — benefiting all who live, work and play in Scottsdale.
You’re also likely to support businesses that are giving back to the community in other meaningful ways, from restaurants providing meals to local food banks to resorts donating their profits to charitable organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Here are some ways to ensure your dollars go further in Scottsdale:
Visit the Farmer's Market
It doesn’t get more local than the weekly farmer’s market. At the Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market, which takes place Saturday mornings October through June, you’ll find fresh produce, free-range eggs, artisan breads and local honey from Arizona growers and makers.
Shop in Old Town
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, look no further than Old Town Scottsdale, an area chockfull of local art galleries and boutiques. Discover vintage dresses and accessories at Fashion by Robert Black, take home a desert-scented candle from Light + Bark Candle Co., or find your next artwork during the weekly Scottsdale Art Walk.
Quench Your Thirst
Feeling parched after all that shopping? Scottsdale’s locally owned coffee shops, breweries and wine tasting rooms have you covered. Sip on lattes at Yellow Spruce Roasters, grab a pint or two at Craft 64, or sample a flight of Arizona-grown wine on the Scottsdale Wine Trail.
Dine at Locally Owned Restaurants
Many of Scottsdale’s chefs source local, seasonal ingredients, and James Beard award-winning Chef Charleen Badman, dubbed “the veggie whisperer,” is no exception. Her rotating menu at FnB incorporates local veggies, grains and meat — and offers an extensive Arizona wine list to boot.
Stay at a Boutique Hotel
Where you rest your head makes an impact as well. Live out your mid-century-modern fantasy at Hotel Valley Ho, an independently owned hotel that originally opened in 1956. Hotel Valley Ho partners with Waste Not, delivering surplus food to nonprofits serving those with food insecurity, and hotel staff volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central & Northern Arizona.
Shop Minority-Owned Businesses
Scottsdale is a diverse community, and during your visit, you can support restaurants, bars, shops, spas and art galleries owned and operated by people who identify as women, people of color and LGBTQ+. Get a makeover at The Sparkle Bar, support Native artisans at Native Art Market, savor different varietals at The Wine Collective, and tuck into the award-winning cuisine of Nobuo Fukuda at Hai Noon.
