There comes a point each year here in Arizona where the summer temperatures have finally dropped, and the outdoor weather is absolutely beautiful. This typically occurs during the fall season, making Scottsdale one of the best places to visit for a fall getaway. Instead of spending your Thanksgiving holiday back home in the cold, make your way to Scottsdale for a sunny yet comfortable getaway. Scottsdale features a variety of unique events and activities that will make your vacation getaway one to remember. Here are some ways for you and your family to enjoy Thanksgiving this year in Scottsdale:
Pick a Great Vacation Property
One of the best reasons guests have to choose our luxury vacation rentals is the high-end and luxury features found inside. These properties are second to none and feature incredible options such as restaurant quality kitchens. These spacious rooms offer everything you need and then some for an incredible feast. You will find spacious granite or marble countertops that offer plenty of room for you to prepare everything at once. Many of our properties feature dual ovens or commercial size fridges, allowing you to bake or cook each dish at once and also have plenty of room to store leftovers. Each kitchen will come with all of the necessary cookware and utensils so you will not need to purchase any on your own. Luxury dining room tables allow everyone to sit down at once for their meal while kitchen bar counters let the kids have their own area too. These gourmet kitchens need to be seen to be believed. You can also have onsite kitchen staff to make the Thanksgiving feast for you—just set up this service before you arrive!
Want to stay elsewhere in AZ for the fall? Check out our Sedona Fall Rentals Below!
Dine Out for Thanksgiving
Of course, you do not need to always prepare your meal Thanksgiving meal, especially when you are on vacation. Instead, use your time by spending it at a local restaurant that will be open on Thanksgiving and offer a special menu just for the holiday. For a fine dining Thanksgiving meal, look out for The Capital Grille. This local steakhouse offers prime cuts of beef along with fresh seafood. For a romantic Thanksgiving outing you cannot go wrong with Different Pointe View. This Phoenix restaurant offers fine dining on a hilltop. The sommelier on staff will help you choose from over the 1,000 bottles of wine available. For a Thanksgiving meal that is a little different go try out ZuZu. This local Scottsdale restaurant focuses on unique twists for comfort food. You will find everything such as pancakes to hearty burgers on the menu here. Mix things up a bit for your Thanksgiving meal right here in Scottsdale.
Thanksgiving Events
There are also plenty of Thanksgiving events taking place in and around Scottsdale this year. 2021 has been fortunate to allow many events to return to in-person instead of virtual. This year the 37th Thanksgiving Day Parade will be taking place in Fountain Hills, just a short drive away from our Scottsdale properties. This event is known for the extravagant floats that are made just for the occasion. Many local businesses and families band together for some truly impressive floats. The Thanksgiving Day Parade is also the first time Santa will be out in public for Fountain hills. The parade will kick off at 9:30 AM sharp and start at the intersection of Saguaro Blvd and Palisades Blvd.
Another great event that will be taking close by to Scottsdale is the Phoenix Turkey Trot. This event will also be returning to in person for 2021 and has been a staple for the community for years. Many different cities feature their own turkey trot at the Phoenix version is no different. You will be able to choose from a variety of race lengths such as a 5K or 10K race. There are even races for the kids including the Tot Trot for ages 6 and under and the 1 Mile Gobble Dash. Each year the proceeds of the Phoenix Turkey Trot go to local charities to help raise funds for those in need. By participating in this year’s Phoenix Turkey Trot, you can help raise money for charity, enjoy an exciting event, and earn your eventual Thanksgiving feast later that evening.
More Thanksgiving Fun in Scottsdale
As you can see, there are so many different ways you can spend your Thanksgiving holiday right here in Scottsdale. In addition to these special events and activities you can also enjoy everything there is to love about Scottsdale. Head out to the Sonoran Preserve for incredible hiking and beautiful views. Check out Old Town Scottsdale for unique local restaurants and bars. Everything is a close drive when you stay in Scottsdale. Reserve one of our fine homes today, like these lovely Old Town Scottsdale vacation homes, and get ready for Thanksgiving.
When it comes to finding a perfect vacation getaway in the fall that will still remind you of summer, all you need to do is head to Scottsdale. Our Arizona home has everything you need for a warm and perfect fall getaway, especially if you visit around Halloween. Scottsdale is a city that knows how to have fun. Each year Scottsdale features a variety of Halloween events, many of which are all-ages events. You will find something for everyone when you pick Scottsdale for a quick Halloween getaway. Here are some upcoming Halloween events:
Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch
Adventure is waiting for you and your family when you hop on your broomstick and fly off to the Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch in Scottsdale. This annual event in Scottsdale is preparing for an incredible time like no other. Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch features a variety of activities for all ages including rides geared for small children. Have your kids show up with their favorite costumes and get their face painted. A variety of games just like a carnival will be on display. Hay rides will take you around the vicinity that will light up your young child’s face. Of course, the main attraction will be the pumpkin patch itself where you will find the perfect pumpkin for your family; seriously, there are so many different sizes to pick from! Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch will take place across multiple dates starting on October 14th from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets are required for entry.
Halloween Spook-Track-Ula
One of Scottsdale’s most infamous attractions, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, will be transforming into a spooky attraction with the Halloween Spook-Track-Ula. Expect to find a spooky train ride that is geared for young children, so it won’t be too frightening. Additional activities at the event with include unlimited train and carousel rides, meet and greet with Bones the Conductor, Halloween photo pods, access to the Model Railroad Building, and having food and drinks available for purchase. Admission is $15 per person and takes place daily at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM for limited capacity blocks. The Halloween Spook-Track-Ula will take place from October 8th through the 31st this year.
Halloween DAY Crawl in Old Town Scottsdale
The first two events have focused on fun and excitement perfect for young children in the family. Adults can have a blast as well with the upcoming Halloween DAY Crawl in Old Town Scottsdale put on by Wasted Grain. This adults-only event is perfect for some fun during the day. The event will be hosting a costume contest with some incredible prizes. Make sure to wear something comfortable as the event will take you all across Old Town Scottsdale. Each venue will have plenty of food and snacks to ensure you have a moderate time with your drinks.
Hike Up Camelback Mountain
Just because you are visiting around Halloween does not mean you have to only partake in Halloween events. Make sure to take advantage of the cooler Arizona temperatures (that are probably still warm for many places back home) and venture up Camelback Mountain. This local peak is found right in the heart of Scottsdale and is extremely easy to find. Camelback Mountain is a popular attraction that is busy on the weekends. Beat the crowds by visiting on a week day or venturing up the mountain during the early morning hours of the day. You will find some incredible views up top that sweep the area. Additional hiking options include South Mountain in Phoenix and Superstition Mountains found out east.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Another great activity perfect for the cooler fall temperatures is catching a hot air balloon ride. Scottsdale is located right off the Sonoran Desert that has some truly incredible views. The views are even better from high up in the air. Most hot air balloon rides even feature a champagne toast that helps celebrate important occasions or anniversaries.
Hit the Wine Trail
As mentioned, Old Town Scottsdale has plenty of exciting events going on. In between these events hit up the “Wine Trail,” the collection of wineries with tasting rooms found in Old Town. Each tasting room offers tasting flights so you can try a little bit of everything. Arizona features an abundance of wineries that are worthy of checking out during your visit. Don’t forget to purchase a bottle or two to take back to your vacation rental for some Halloween fun.
Halloween Just Got More Fun in Scottsdale
These are just some of the many ways you can celebrate Halloween right here in Scottsdale. Our Scottsdale vacation home rentals will make your stay one you will never forget. Book today and see how much more fun Scottsdale is around the Halloween holiday!
You and your loved one deserve to take some time for yourselves during your upcoming stay in Scottsdale. Our city offers a variety of romantic activities that will be perfect for any type of date you choose. Take a look at some date night hotspots that you let enjoy a time out on the town in Scottsdale:
Take a Stroll in Old Town
When you visit Scottsdale, you will find that all of the locals will recommend Old Town as the spot for a romantic stroll in the city. This downtown neighborhood is the perfect spot to enjoy some alone time with a loved one. Old Town features a variety of unique boutiques, art galleries, and tasty restaurants. Window shop as you walk by the incredible art galleries that feature renowned local and national artists. You will find some of the most popular galleries located over in the Marshall Way Arts District of Old Town. Incredible statues are on display on the street. Do not pass up this enjoyable activity for a wonderful date night.
Visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Out of state visitors may not know just how beautiful the desert landscape is surrounding Scottsdale. Take your loved one for a romantic hike over at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The preserve features over 115 miles of unique trails; over 60 miles of these trails are also shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders. We recommend starting your date over at The Gateway, one of the central hubs that lead to the more popular trails at the preserve. You can see beautiful sunset views when you visit in the evening just before closing. Enjoy beautiful desert vistas and blooming flora when you visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for a wonderful date night.
Butterfly Wonderland
There is nothing more romantic than having beautiful butterflies land on your loved one when visiting the Butterfly Wonderland. This local attraction is a recent addition to Scottsdale that features a gigantic butterfly pavilion, the largest in the country. This pavilion features a large glass atrium where Butterfly Wonderland can maintain a tropical rain forest environment for thousands of butterflies to thrive in. You will be able to enter the atrium and see them flutter around you. Additional activities you can enjoy also include a 3D theater, a live ant colony, and more. If your loved one prefers to see loveable critters such as penguins, you can always head next door to OdySea Aquarium!
Go Horseback Riding at MacDonald’s Ranch
We mentioned that you will see plenty of horseback riders when you visit the McDowell Mountain Preserve. You can join in on the fun and romance when you and your loved one plan a date to MacDonald’s Ranch. You can leave behind the hustle of the city and enjoy the peace serenity in the Sonoran Desert. McDonald’s Ranch offers a variety of horseback rides that can be the perfect date idea. Private rides let you and a loved one go on an hour-long excursion through the desert. Or pick the more romantic moonlight rides where you can enjoy a longer ride that sets off at sunset. This romantic activity is only available four to seven days prior to a full moon so make sure to plan ahead. Come show your loved one how a horseback ride will bring you two closer together than ever before.
Romantic Dining in Scottsdale
A classic date night idea in Scottsdale is always heading to one of the hundreds of local restaurants right here in the city. Scottsdale features a variety of options from fine dining experiences to casual intimate dining. Locals will always recommend Café Monarch for the most romantic experience possible. This fine dining establishment features New American cuisine inside an elegant space that is complete with chandeliers and decorated seating. You will be served a four-course meal that is exquisitely prepared by the wonderful chefs. Or go with the eight-course chef sampling meal for a chef’s selected array of smaller dishes. Regardless of what you pick you will find the perfect wine to pair with your meal on the extensive drink list. Make the most of your romantic evening by dinning outdoors on the patio where you can enjoy the beautiful Arizona temperatures. Café Monarch is open for dinner daily from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM; the restaurant is open late on Friday and Saturday until midnight.
Romance Is in the Air in Scottsdale
As you can see, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy a wonderful date night right here in Scottsdale. Our vacation rentals are some of the finest properties you can find in all of Scottsdale. Make your romantic journey even better with luxury amenities and privacy that you cannot find at any local resort or hotel.
Ask anyone in the Phoenix Valley where you can find the most luxurious experiences and you will always hear Scottsdale. It is no secret that Scottsdale is the luxury jewel of Arizona, and a prime destination for your own luxury getaway. In Scottsdale, you can find a selection of our finest vacation rentals, unique high-end shopping, incredible fine dining restaurants, and several spas where you can relax. Take a look at how you can have your own luxury weekend in Scottsdale:
Selection of Luxury Homes
When you pick a vacation rental for your stay in Scottsdale, you will want to find the perfect one for you. Our selection includes a variety of homes including smaller condominiums and larger luxury homes. Our properties can be found all over Scottsdale along with neighboring communities such as Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and Tempe. Our luxury properties stand out amongst everything else with unique features that only we offer. Expect to find a variety of luxury amenities in your rental of choice including gigantic swimming pools, hot tubs, onsite fitness equipment, outdoor kitchens, vast patio decks, and game rooms. Each home features an open floor plan so everything is within view. Nearby mountains will be right outside of your window, giving you breathtaking views of the sunsets. The gourmet kitchens feature everything you need for another meal. Each home offers something different, letting you choose the perfect property for your family’s stay.
High-End Shopping
Scottsdale also features a variety of high-end boutiques that offer a variety of services and goods. Scottsdale Fashion Square is the city’s public mall, featuring a variety of shops. You can expect to find most of your typical mall shops along with several luxury stores. Cartier and Bulgari offer a selection of high-end jewelry. Salvatore Ferragamo has beautiful custom leather goods for purchase. You can also find brick and mortar locations for online brands such as Morphe and B8ta. You can find all of these luxury brands and stores when you stop by the Crystal Court inside Scottsdale Fashion Square. Additional high-end shopping boutiques can also be found over at The Shops Gainey Village. This luxury outdoor mall features various high-end store such as Bryn Walker, Posh Scottsdale, and Nina McLemore among many more. You can also find a variety of restaurants and salons here as well.
Luxury Dining in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a vast city and has plenty of room for its many fine dining restaurants. Enjoy a chandelier lit dinner over at Café Monarch. This sophisticated restaurant features New American cuisine with elegant table décor. You will be offered a four-course meal along with luxury wine from a lengthy list to choose from. If you are unsure of what to pair your meal with simply ask the sommelier for a recommendation. For the finest steaks and seafood look no further than Mastro’s City Hall. This local fine dining restaurant is what you expect for a high-end steakhouse. Apart from the finest cuts of steak you can also enjoy Chilean seabass, lobster, and other worldly entrees. The world class service will win you over time and time again. For sophisticated cocktails make sure you stop by Sel. This fine dining restaurant also features Modern American cuisine along with handcrafted cocktails made from the finest spirits and mixers. The a la carte menu lets you pick and choose which items you would like to enjoy for your meal. Each of these restaurants continue to offer dine in services so you can enjoy them as soon as today.
Local Spas in Scottsdale
To cap off your luxury journey to Scottsdale you need to visit one of the local spas. A variety of high-end spas can be found in the city including New Serenity Spa. This local spa is always recommended by locals for its variety of services that include facials, massages, and skincare treatments. Your skin will be feeling completely refreshed with a stop in New Serenity. An option for your spa treatment is with Spa Lamar. This luxury spa offers your typical selection of spa services along with manicures, pedicures, and waxing. The onsite hair salon also offers full-service hair treatment. The onsite yoga studio will help you achieve balance or is available for fitness classes. You will feel completely stress free when you treat yourself to the spa in Scottsdale.
Plan Your Journey to Scottsdale Today
As you can see, Scottsdale really is the top destination for all things luxury. Our selection of luxury vacation rentals is second to none and will keep you close to many of these luxury attractions in the city. Book today and see the level of luxury you have been missing here in Scottsdale!
Most states are still pretty chilly around Valentine’s Day so why don’t you beat the cold and head over to Scottsdale for the most romantic adventure possible. Scottsdale is the premier destination here in the Phoenix Valley for romantic activities, incredible restaurants, and having access to everything you need for an incredible trip. Take a look at the most romantic activities that Scottsdale has to offer this upcoming Valentine’s Day:
Go Horseback Riding at MacDonald’s Ranch
There is nothing more romantic than a sunset horseback ride right here in Scottsdale. Take your loved one out for a beautiful journey by visiting MacDonald’s Ranch over on the north end of Scottsdale. This local ranch has been offering guided horseback rides for years. Additional entertainment they provide (if you plan on bringing children) also include hayrides, cowboy cookouts, live entertainment, and stagecoach rides. The scenery in the backdrop will light up as you and a loved one navigate the ranch together on horseback.
See the Sights in Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale features a sprawling cityscape that is prime for exploring. Come visit with your loved one as the beautiful February temperatures make it the perfect time to walk around. Local shops here in Old Town include museums, art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Buy your loved one the perfect outfit before a romantic dinner. Or view eclectic art work that only Scottsdale art galleries can provide. Old Town continues to function at full capacity even with the country still dealing with COVID-19. Make sure to review any city mandates prior to your visit to see what is required when entering these shops.
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
The springtime here in Scottsdale is a great time of year to see the many incredible gardens available in the city. The Desert Botanical Garden is one such destination that must be seen in person this Valentine’s Day. The colorful plant life available here at the Garden provides a dazzling display of beauty. Your body and mind will be at peace as you explore the ethnobotanical trail and explore the garden grounds. Around Valentine’s Day you can expect to see flowering cacti as you explore these cobblestone paths. The Desert Botanical Garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and is located at 1201 N Galvin Pkwy.
Explore the Butterfly Wonderland
Another incredible outdoor facility that is worthy to see during your Valentine’s Day excursion is the Butterfly Wonderland. This recent addition to Scottsdale features a large butterfly pavilion that is the largest in the country. The glass atrium of this pavilion allows Butterfly Wonderland to create a unique tropical rain forest habitat that allows thousands of butterflies collected from all over the world to live in harmony. Visitors will be able to walk around and have these majestic creatures fly and even land on them. Additional activities here at the Butterfly Wonderland also include a life size ant colony and honey bee hive. Stop by for a romantic night here in Scottsdale.
Plan for a Romantic Dinner
Scottsdale features the most romantic restaurants you can find in the entire Phoenix Valley. For a sophisticated and luxurious meal look no further than Café Monarch. This elegant restaurant features chandeliers and a romantic ambience. The menu is always a four-course meal where you can pick each course for you. Start with a delicious appetizer such as Argentine red shrimp or carrot bisque. Your second course can include tuna crudo or braised pork belly salad. The third course features branzino with truffle and bacon lardon or wagyu short rib. Complete your meal with Chilean sea bass, signature steak cuts, New Zealand lamb rack, and more to choose from. A variety of luxury wines are also available by the glass or bottle. Café Monarch is the finest restaurant you can find in Scottsdale and is located at 6939 E 1st Ave. Make your reservation by calling 480-970-7682.
Scottsdale isn’t just the home to romantic fine dining but to fine dining on all budgets. Additional options for your romantic meal also include Olive & Ivy and Sal Cellar Restaurant. You will find elegant menus on a price point you will be happy about.
Visit the Spa
It would not be a romantic outing without a stop by the spa. Scottsdale features a variety of spas such as New Serenity Spa and Scottsdale Spa. Find a variety of incredible treatments that will help you feel renewed again.
Romance Awaits You in Scottsdale
As you can see, there is a variety of romantic activities that can lead you to a mesmerizing time right here in Scottsdale. Make the most of your trip by reserving one of our luxury vacation rentals right here in the city. Incredible amenities and spacious homes can be yours to host you in Scottsdale.
There is no better time of year to explore Scottsdale than the winter. This season is often less busy, and you get to experience the incredible winter temps. Restaurants around Scottsdale offer unbelievable meals than you need to experience to believe. Here are some places to grab a hot winter meal here in Scottsdale:
Grassroots Kitchen & Tap – Scottsdale
You can find a little bit of everything when you enjoy a meal at Grassroots Kitchen & Tap. This local chain features a vast menu full of American classics and some unique dishes, all using locally sourced ingredients. Some popular entrees here include the Angus Burger, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Shrimp and Grits, and BBQ brisket. The full-service bar can whip up your favorite cocktail or get you a pint of craft or domestic beer. You can find the Scottsdale location of Grassroots Kitchen & Tap located at 8120 N Hayden Rd. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM for lunch and dinner.
Cook and Craft – A Local Eatery
Another great spot to find Modern American fare is nearby at Cook and Craft, a local eatery. The menu features a variety of dishes, some familiar and some new. Entrees include a variety of salads and soups, filet mignon, crafted grill cheese, wrapped meatballs, and so much more. Locals love to visit Cook and Craft during Happy Hour from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM daily for $2 off all pints of beer. You will find a variety of local craft beer and all types of wine, and your favorite cocktails all available to order. You can enjoy all of this and more at Cook and Craft located at 7306 E Shea Blvd and is also open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Culinary Dropout
A local favorite found right by the Scottsdale Waterfront is Culinary Dropout, a unique gastropub that features trendy drinks and delicious food. This spacious venue includes dishes such as the Spicy Korean Skirt Steak, Fried Chicken, Spicy Vegan Curry, and Roasted Salmon. Order the Antipasti Party for a huge charcuterie board that can feed 6. The drink selection includes a variety of Arizona brewed beers along with trendy cocktails such as the Paloma Spritz. The Scottsdale location of Culinary Dropout can be found at 7135 E Camelback Rd. Stop by anytime during the week from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; brunch is available on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
The Mission Old Town
Being in Arizona you can expect plenty of Scottsdale restaurants to offer delicious Mexican and Latin cuisine. You can find that and so much more when you visit The Mission Old Town. This upscale restaurant features a dimly lit interior that is perfect for a romantic outing. The tableside guacamole is made right in front of you and is made from scratch. Order their Peruvian dish Almejas al Vapor for a delicious smoked pork shoulder. The Mission can be found in the Old Town neighborhood located at 3815 N Brown Ave. The Mission is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and open until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Craft 64
Scottsdale is full of trendy restaurants that offer exciting dishes along with plenty of adult beverages. Craft 64 has been around for several years, offering one of the biggest selections of craft beer in the city—64 to be exact. Stop in for incredible wood fired pizza that uses fresh toppings for classic pies and some unique offerings. Bring your pup and relax on the back patio as you enjoy the beautiful winter weather here in Scottsdale. Craft 64 can be found 6922 E Main St and is open daily from noon until 9:00 PM; Craft 64 is open late until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Barrio Queen
Another great place to find delicious Mexican cuisine is at local favorite Barrio Queen. This hip eatery is street influenced and has incredible Day of the Dead décor inside the restaurant. Popular items on the menu include the vast selection of tacos. Choose from a variety of protein options including carnitas, al pastor, chorizo, pork chile verde, and vegetarian. There is also plenty of burritos, tortas, and enchiladas to choose from too. Taco Tuesdays offer all of the delicious tacos at a discount along with a daily Happy Hour you cannot beat for trendy cocktails and draft beer. You can find Barrio Queen at 7114 E Stetson Dr Suite 105 and is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
More to Eat in Scottsdale
As you can see, Scottsdale has an incredible selection of restaurants where you can find a hot meal and some tasty drinks. Contact us for your stay today and book one of our rental properties right here in the city!