Scottsdale Local History

The Hohokam people were the first inhabitants of what is now known as Scottsdale. In 1888 a U.S, Army Chaplain Winfield Scott bought 640 acres of land for $2.50 and in December of the same year his brother George Washington Scott became the first resident of the future town. The town was originally called Orangedale and was changed in 1894 to Scottsdale.

In 1909 a schoolhouse was built for 32 pupils and was known as the 'Little Red Schoolhouse'. In 1910 Cavalliere's blacksmith shop opened its doors and is still in existence today. From 1920 Scottsdale's first cotton-gin was opened and was in great demand during World War l; the first newspaper 'the Scottsdale Bulletin was published by Roy George in 1922. It wasn't until 1927 that Scottsdale had its first resort an adobe house, 'Jokake', which was started by Jessie Benton Evans' son and daughter-in-law. Ten years later architect Frank Lloyd Wright bought land and started his architectural school in Taliesin West.

It wasn't until 1951 that Scottsdale became a city and Malcolm White became its first elected mayor. The Sugar Bowl once an auto repair shop became Jack Huntress' soda-fountain restaurant in 1958 and has become a very popular stop for both visitors and locals.

Today Scottsdale is a thriving city with many amenities combining the old west with the new and is a really great place to explore.

Scottsdale Attractions

Top Attractions

Scottsdale Shopping

Shopping in Scottsdale is an entirely new experience as most of the old and the new are presented with a south-western style. You will be able to buy western clothing such as jeans, boots, 10-gallon hats or high-style clothing. There are also hand-woven rugs, cowboy, collectables Mexican folk art and Navajo articles to name just a few of the different varieties of goods on sale. Scottsdale also boasts a large group of antique stores where you will find traditional to quirky antiques, but remember Scottsdale is a high-rent district so prices can be quite expensive.

5th Avenue -This shopping stretch has been in existence for more that 40 years and it is here that you will be able to find anything from boutiques to cacti.

Scottsdale Fashion Square This shopping mall is probably the finest in Scottsdale, where the shopper will find speciality stores, restaurants, cinemas and a food court.

Consanti Originals - If you are interested in bronze and ceramic wind chimes this is the place to get them. All the wind chimes are made on the premises and you can watch the craftspeople at work and then choose your own. The prices are quite reasonable.

Suzanne Brown Galleries At this gallery the shopper will find some very original glasswork, paintings and other wonderful art.

Scottsdale Activities

Fiddlesticks Family Fun Parks Situated in both Scottsdale and Tempe this fun park is provides fun for the whole family. There are Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Batting Cages and much, much more. The park also offers a Laser Odyssey and a two-story maze which the children will find extremely enjoyable.

Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse This is Arizona's largest western-themed park and boasts an authentic 1880's town Main Street. There are over 15 rides and other attractions which will keep the family occupied for an entire day. Take a ride on a stagecoach or train or be more adventurous and try the mechanical bull or wall climbing. Get freaked out in the haunted hotel or try your hand at gold panning. Check out your marksmanship at the shooting gallery. This is definitely a place to have great fun for everybody. There are also retail shops, outdoor cookout or a cowboy steak at the Rawhide Steakhouse and Saloon. Entry is free.

Arizona's Salt River Tubing & Recreation Cool down at the Arizona Salt River tubing & Recreation park and enjoy a truly wet adventure. The park is situated in the Tonto National Forest in Mesa. There are plenty of thrills at the park or just float leisurely down the mountain streams while enjoying a picnic. Entry costs $12 per person which includes an inner tube rental; there is a bus shuttle and free parking. The park is open daily from May1 October 1

Scottsdale Parks & Gardens

South Mountain Park - Central Ave, Phoenix This is the world's largest city park situated on nearly 17,000 acres and offers plenty of activities for the visitor. For the very energetic there are really good winding trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders and while you are on the trails look out for desert cottontail rabbits, chuckwalla lizards or ancient rocks.

Entry to the park is free and the opening hours are daily 5:30am 10:30pm.

Scottsdale Restaurants and Bars

Chilli is the main cuisine in Scottsdale and this is apparently by mayoral proclamation.

Scottsdale Restaurants

Teeter House - 522 E Adams St., Phoenix If you are looking for a snack this Victorian-style tearoom serves hearty sandwiches and salads as well as authentic tea-room food.

AZ88 - Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale This restaurant serves great food and the prices are really good as well; Elsa's chicken is a favourite with patrons and consists of grilled breast with pecans, peppers and honey mustard. They serve a marvellous shrimp ceviche and a big Cobb salad. The music tends to be a bit too loud for normal conversation so if the weather is good ask for a table on the patio which overlooks the mall.

Arizona Kitchen - Wigwam Resort, Litchfield Park - The meals here are typically South-western. The menu consists of dishes such as blue corn piki rolls stuffed with capon and goat cheese, wild boar Anasazi bean chilli, or try the grilled sirloin of buffalo or something totally over the top venison medallions in blackberry-zinfandel cocoa sauce. The restaurant is a 20 minute drive from Phoenix centre, but well worth it if you wish to be a little adventurous in your eating. The restaurant is closed Sun-Mon and July-Aug, they do not serve lunch.

Scottsdale Bars & Clubs

Famous Door - 7419 E Indian Plaza, Scottsdale If you really wish to relax at the weekend and listen to some good local jazz artists this is the place to go. This bar also specializes in martinis and cigars.

Fox Sports Grill - 16203 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale This is the first of its kind sports bar where you can dine and drink while watching live coverage of Fox Sports broadcasts.

Unlikely Cowboy - 20751 N Pima Rd., Scottsdale This bar with an upscale atmosphere serves very good food and German-style beer which is brewed on the premises.

Rock Bottom Brewery - 3668 E Shea Blvd., Scottsdale This bar serves beer which has been brewed on the premises and has a very casual dining atmosphere.