Old Town Scottsdale - Scottsdale - TravBuddy

Downtown Phoenix, I fear, is not on America's top list of destinations.  However, Scottsdale is an international mecca for those seeking the flavors of the southwest, spas, art galleries, cowboy paraphernelia, and a very exciting night life.

Old town is older than most would think...The Hohokam indians trafficked here until 1400 AD., 400 years later an army general named Scott bought acreage here, and the little hamlet blossomed by the early 1900s.  Many of the original buildings can still be seen in old town, including the blacksmith shop on 2nd and brown which is nearly a century old.  In the 1930s, the magnificent and indefatigable Frank Lloyd Wright came here to build Taliesin West, which is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture.

In the 1950s Scottsdale officially became a town, and you will notice many of  old town's buildings and eateries retaining the style and decor of that era.  One of those places is the Sugar Bowl, located on Scottsdale Road.  It's a mom and pop soda shop and ice cream parlor, where you can get dozens of flavors of malts and sodas, even peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches.

Old towns streets are lined with souvenir shops, Native American jewelry stores, and many enchanting art galleries.  For those particularly intersted in the arts, coming to old town on a Thursday evening is worth it.  The art walk has local galleries opening its doors to pedestrians, some serving canapes and wine, some featuring the music of local artists.  Tucked inbetween the galleries you will find wonderful restaurants, bars, pubs and eateries.  My favorite restaurant, Malees, of which I already wrote an extensive review.

If Thai is not suitable to you, try Ra for sushi, or Bandera's across the street for their amazing rotisserie chicken, or venture over to Buca di Beppo for the traditional family style Italian dining. 

Further north are a plethora of clubs and bars:

Dos Gringos for a taste of Rocky Point during spring spreak, the Upper Deck for sports and live bands, The Comedy Spot for stand up comedy, Next for dancing and swilling, Devil's Martini for southwest meets Martha's Vineyard, Gilligans for the wheel of booze, wheel of fear factor, gold fish racing, or karaoke, Mickey's Hangover for the best happy hour in town, Martini Ranch for more live band entertainment (Sunday nights is Metalhead, the live act in town), Six for the place to see and be seen, with great drinks and a delicious menu with the likes of Grand Marnier chocolate fondue, Drinx for amazing martinis like the angel food cake, Myst for clubbing like there's no tomorrow, Axis/Radius with its two large dance floors, four bars, and plenty of dancers to entertain, Suede for great dancing and relaxing on the chaise lounges near the fire pit, Pussy Cat Lounge for awesome djs, and a packed bar every time, The Blue Note for the wine and cigar lovers, Crown Room  for dim lights and socializing, and finally - the polynesian tiki lounge by the name of Drift, with its awesome salt water tank and exciting drink menu.

Though this is a comprehensive list, these are just some of the fabulous places that make old town a destination for old and young alike, regardless of interests, and personal pursuits.

I love Scottsdale!