Scottsdale Culture: Museums, Architecture and Galleries

It is truly disorientating to stagger off a tremendous mountain hike, shower and set off on a cultural odyssey that only a sophisticated city could present. First stop: Cosanti, the gallery, studio and residence of renowned Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri. I was privileged to meet with this still-productive 91 year old artist whose new Soleri Bridge and Plaza opens in Scottsdale next month. The old man still has a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Next: a charming Ace Bailey of Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours took me on a fascinating insider’s look at Valley Ho, a lovingly restored 1950’s landmark hotel, formerly the getaway spot for the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Tony Curtis.

Scottsdale has a wealth of Public Art on show throughout the city, from Western mustangs to overpass bas-reliefs. There are also nearly a hundred art galleries throughout the city, concentrated in the Arts District, which I explored on the Scottsdale ArtWalk which takes place weekly on Thursday evenings.

And the museums…Way too many for me to fit them all in, but I managed the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), the Scottsdale Historical Museum housed in The Little Red Schoolhouse, and my favourite: MIM – Musical Instrument Museum. This is modern museum presentation at its very best: state of the art audio and video envelop visitors in a cocoon of musical arts from around the world.

The Inside Track on Scottsdale Hotels and Restaurants

I was fortunate enough to stay in three wonderful yet very different hotels in Scottsdale. The Hermosa Inn is a small but gracious boutique hotel of just 35 rooms that blooms in the desert and features artwork of Lon Megargee, the well-known cowboy artist.

The Hotel Valley Ho is in Scottsdale’s historic district, within easy walk of downtown. It’s 1950’s architectural detail is complimented by great amenities and a rooftop terrace with the best views of Scottsdale.

The Phoenician is an iconic hotel on the slopes of Camelback Mountain with every luxury you could imagine. I experienced the Shea Butter Wrap with Honey Avocado Foot Therapy at their centre for Well-Being and afterward floated to a sumptuous dinner at Il Terrazo Restaurant.

Dining is another of Scottsdale’s civilized pleasures and I can personally recommend FnB with entertaining gourmand Pavle Milic, Trader Vic’s with sensational Mai Tai’s and the lovely Lon’s Patio at The Hermosa Inn

The Phoenician has been added to to my list of Favourite Hotels which you can see at: www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.com