• Distance : 3.59
• Attraction : Park and Museum

Let’s go ahead and begin our tour here at the corner of East Lincoln Drive and North Scottsdale Road. Why start here? Well in a word - food! Scottsdale has a huge variety of restaurants to suit every taste. At Lincoln Village Shops you can find everything from Mexican and Brazilian food to Fine American dining and classic Italian. I always like to make a note of where some of my favorite restaurants are. Also if you are looking for a cup of coffee before we hit the road, now is the time. We will be turning right on E. Indian Bend Rd. If you have grandkids or kids or are just a big kid at heart, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must-visit. One of the newest attractions there is the 10,000 square foot model railroad building. If you need something big enough to ride on, the Paradise and Pacific Railroad, and the 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel are always fun. Need more? The McCormick-Stillman park is also home to the Scottsdale Railroad museum so you can get some history with your fun. Take note of this place because you will likely wanna come back and explore.

• Distance : 3.53
• Attraction : Resort

We are coming up on the famous Talking Stick Resort. This place has so much to offer that it’s hard to even know where to begin. How about the Casino, where you can win everything from cash to cars? Poker, slot machines, table games and keno - take your pick! How about restaurants? If you are looking for one of Scottsdale’s best fine dining experiences or just a snack near the casino, Talking Stick Resort will fit your taste. Oysters in the half-shell? Handcrafted sandwiches? Sushi? Asian-Creole fusion seafood? You name it, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. Looking to catch a show? With three different amazing venues here, you are bound to find a concert, show or event that you will love. Wait, what about golf? Well, there’s just no golfing in Scottsdale. Obviously I’m kidding. Two distinctive championship golf courses are located here to fill your golfing fancy. I honestly could talk for hours about this amazing place, but we have other things to get to. If you want more information, check out their website at talkingstickresort.com Scottsdale isn’t just about golf. It’s also about baseball. The Salt River Fields are to your left on the other side of route 101 to your left. This is the spring training home of both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. You can take tours, watch some baseball and even attend different festivals, concerts and events here. Go Diamondbacks! Did you know that Scottsdale has a boardwalk? Sure does, and the Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick is NOT to be missed. You will see it on your right after we turn left on East Via de Ventura. This one-of-a kind entertainment destination has seven main attractions. There’s Odysea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Laser and Mirror Maze, Pangea Land of Dinosaurs, Surprise Your Eyes, and VR Extreme. Of course there’s also shopping and dining at the boardwalk as well. Don’t forget this place! It’s another one of Scottsdale’s must-experience attractions. www.AZboardwalk.com can tell you more. By the way, we are currently in the McCormick Ranch area of Scottsdale. More on that in a minute.

• Distance : 3.16
• Attraction : Neighborhoods

So, McCormick Ranch. This is one of the largest planned communities in Arizona, as well as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Scottsdale. Can you believe these 5 square miles used to be home to hundreds of acres of farming grain, cattle ranches and Arabian horse farms? It’s true. Now you can find two championship golf courses, more than 25 miles of bicycle paths, parks, public tennis courts and 130 acres of man-made lakes. You’ve also got fine dining options, high end shops and offices, outdoor shopping centers, and of course beautiful neighborhoods. Those championship golf courses I mentioned are at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club which also holds weddings and banquets.

• Distance : 2.95
• Attraction : Golf Course

Let’s talk about Gainey Ranch, since that’s the area we are heading into now. Affluent and relaxed is a good way to describe this residential and recreational haven. Upscale boutiques, cafes, beauty spas and salons are part of the vibe here as well as golf, of course. Gainey Ranch Golf Club sets the gold standard for other Scottsdale private golf courses. Three championship 9-hole golf courses set amidst the panoramic views and blue skies make lasting memories for Gainey Ranch Golf Club members all year long.

• Distance : 4.38
• Attraction : Golf Club

Starfire Golf Club on your left is known as Scottsdale’s favorite public golf course. Try out their two courses - the Mulligan 9 and the King. There’s also a great driving range to either practice your swing or work out some stress. Or both.

• Distance : 0.80
• Attraction : Smoothie Shop

We will be turning left on East Bell Rd, but I wanted to let you know that to the right on East Bell is probably the most popular and yummiest smoothie shop around - HB Wellness. I won’t get mad if you head over there real quick and grab something. Be prepared though, because they have over 60 flavors of smoothies to choose from, and get this - they are under 250 calories, low carb, high fiber, low sugar, are packed with vitamins and minerals and have 25 grams of protein. You know what? Just go. Head on over there. Just turn around and head west on Bell Rd after you grab your smoothie.

• Distance : 1.89
• Attraction : Sports complex

On your right is the Scottsdale Sports Complex - a 71 acre facility for sports such as soccer, lacrosse, football and rugby. There are also restrooms, playgrounds, and a lighted basketball court. Just ahead of us is TPC Scottsdale. Please turn left on North Greenway Hayden Loop and I’ll tell you all about it. Here in the Sonoran Desert with captivating views of the McDowell Mountains, TPC Scottsdale provides the everyday golfer a “day in the life” experience of a PGA Tour player. With two championship courses and 36 professional-level holes and top-level amenities, it’s no wonder why TPC Scottsdale is Arizona’s professional golf headquarters. As a favorite PGA Tour stop, their Stadium Course gets the largest crowds of any golf event in the world. The only thing that could make this course better would be rum. The Toro Restaurant and Rum bar delivers with over 150 rums and a South and Central American menu with small plates designed for sharing. Reserve a table outside and witness a spectacular Scottsdale sunset.

• Distance : 1.79
• Attraction : Shopping

How about we take a break for some shopping and dining? Here at Scottsdale Quarter you can do all the shopping and dining you want. Park and explore for yourself or just drive around and see what you can find! Just head north on North Scottsdale Road when you are ready to continue on our tour.

• Distance : 1.44
• Attraction : Resort

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort is just a few blocks to the east. With luxurious suites, pools, restaurants and Scottsdale’s premier spa, this place is more than a resort. It is an experience in luxury. And speaking of luxury, are you looking for your next luxury vehicle? A Lamborghini? Aston Martin? Maserati? How about a Rolls Royce? Penske Automall on your left would love to help you find your new favorite set of wheels. The Penske Racing Museum is there as well with more than a dozen Penske team race cars plus medals and memorabilia.

• Distance : 1.94
• Attraction : Neighborhoods

Our next community to explore is Grayhawk Scottsdale. The Park and The Retreat are the two neighborhoods here with a broad mix of housing types. Within the community are public and private schools, neighborhood parks, retail shopping and dining, a Boys and Girls Club Campus and 31 miles of Multi-use trails. This place is considered one of the most popular and successful master-planned communities in the Southwest.

• Distance : 5.74
• Attraction : Directions

We are passing by the Grayhawk Golf Club on the left. Their two par-72 golf courses have everything from thick desert sand to large multi-tiered greens. Please turn left on North Pima Rd so I can show you a bit of my favorite area in Scottsdale - Pinnacle Peak. Enjoy the scenic drive and I’ll meet you at East Dynamite Blvd where we will be turning right.

• Distance : 4.67
• Attraction : Hiking

Pinnacle Peak exudes desert beauty. The peak itself is an actual granite summit a little over 3000 feet high offering some of the best views in North Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak is part of the city of Scottsdale and lies within the Sonoran Desert. In fact much of Pinnacle Peak is surrounded by Arizona State Trust Land. There are plenty of great hiking trails and of course golf courses for the nature lovers in all of us. And what would a golf course be without beautiful homes surrounding it? Several high- end homes and gated communities can be found in the area with prices ranging from 1m to 4m+ Big news recently is the development of land with semi custom homes by 4 different builders in a 458 lot multi neighborhood community called Storyrock. This area is known for rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and even some horseback riding. Residents of this new community will enjoy access to 150 miles of pristine desert trails. This is some of the largest last remaining land to develop.

• Distance : 7.67
• Attraction : Resort

You may have noticed that we passed the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale a few minutes ago. If you are looking for an iconic view of Pinnacle Peak surrounded by dramatic valleys and stunning desert cacti - you probably want to take a few nights here and just breathe it all in. Of course you will have to cool off in the pool after spending some time golfing on their world-class courses. Spa treatments? Of course. Top of the line restaurants? Absolutely. The Four Seasons Scottsdale has it all. Remember when I was telling you about the new up-and-coming neighborhood community of Storyrock? Well if you wanna go look around, turn left on Ranch Gate Rd and it will take you there. Just follow your navigation back to the tour when you are done exploring the beauty!

• Distance : 0.87
• Attraction : Shopping

Time for more shopping and dining! This is another one of those awesome mixed-use community centers that I would recommend you go explore for yourself. If you turn right on 90’th Street and then again on 90’th Place you will find yourself right in the heart of Market Street. After your shopping adventure, meet me back out here on Thompson Peak Parkway and keep heading east.

• Distance : 1.15
• Attraction : Directions

Ahead on the left is the East Gate to DC Ranch. I’m gonna tell you more about DC Ranch in just a minute.

• Distance : 1.12
• Attraction : Neighborhoods

DC Ranch is a 4,400 acre community with 26 neighborhoods nestled within four distinct residential neighborhoods - Country Club, Desert Camp, Silverleaf and Desert Park. This extraordinary community prides itself in “seamlessly connecting the beauty of the created environment with people and nature in the eternal splendor of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert.” DC Ranch has 47 parks with over 50 miles of landscaped paths and trails connecting the neighborhoods. At the heart of these neighborhoods is the Desert Camp Community center where residents stop in to swim, exercise, play some basketball, pickleball or tennis, meet up with friends or even just have a cup of coffee.

• Distance : 3.77
• Attraction : Neighborhoods

On the right is Windgate Ranch. If you are looking for six acres of greenspace, walking and hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic ramadas, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, sand volleyball, three pools and spas, poolside cabanas, clubhouses and a teen center, well Windgate Ranch should perk your interest. Just past East Bell Road is McDowell Mountain Ranch. This beautiful Master Planned Community is nestled in abundant desert wildlife, desert flora, and miles of hiking trails. Even though life here gives you a sense of living off the beaten path, golf, shopping and fine dining are only minutes away. McDowell Mountain Ranch has its own community center and Recreation Center which has a family pool, toddler pool, lap pool, hot tub, covered play area, tennis courts, a splash pad, basketball courts, volleyball… you get the idea. Amenities abound here at McDowell Mountain Ranch.

• Distance : 1.39
• Attraction : Icon

So Scottsdale isn’t all about golf. There are some pretty amazing Historic Landmarks around here as well. You probably can’t see it off to the left, but tucked back into the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains is Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert laboratory - Taliesin West Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous American educator, writer, designer and architect. His design philosophy was what he called organic architecture, meaning harmony with humanity and the environment. He designed over 1,000 structures over the course of 70 years and Taliesin West was built and maintained almost entirely by Wright himself with some help from his apprentices. This home has been said to be among the most personal of all of his creations. Go check the place out sometime!

• Distance : 0.59
• Attraction : Restaurant

Wanna know what my favorite Pizza Restaurant is? That’s gonna be Spinato’s, in the Ancala Village Shopping Center at the next intersection. Ken and Elaine Spinato moved from Chicago to Phoenix back in 1974 and brought with them their cherished family recipes. Since then, they have been experimenting and diversifying their menu to add to the overall experience at their restaurant. Mexican Food? The Ancala Village Shopping Center is where you can find Filberto’s. If you love authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, tortas, and many other Mexican favorites, then you will love Filberto’s. Oh, and everyone seems to rave about their beans, saying they are just like grandma used to make. Give it a try!

• Distance : 0.72
• Attraction : Neighborhoods

We are in the Ancala area of Scottsdale now. It’s another amazing community with gorgeous neighborhoods, spectacular homes and amazing views. The Ancala Country Club boasts remarkable amenities, unmatched service and family-friendly ambience. It is one of Arizona’s finest full-service private country clubs with a phenomenal golf course, lighted tennis courts, and a pool and fitness center. And if you feel like getting married, you can rent this place out and have the wedding of your dreams. We are reaching the end of our tournow and I hope you had as much fun listening to me as I did talking to you. Why don’t we have Denise come back and wrap this tour up? Ok great!

• Distance : 15.04
• Attraction : Wrap up

And that’s a wrap. I hope you enjoyed your tour around Scottsdale. This is the end, but I would encourage you to turn left on 124th street and drive the short distance to Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. On your way there you will see the entrances to many more luxurious gated communities. Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is one of the major access points to the trail system in the southern Preserve. Parking, restrooms, shade ramadas and directional signage make it the perfect place to begin a hike through this moderately level rocky terrain. The air is fresh and the views are tremendous. So Denise Mangus would love to talk to you about anything you’ve seen today or answer any questions you may have, or just to chat! IShe will help you with whatever your mortgage needs are. Give her a call at 480-256-9698. Or shoot her an email - denise@mymtgexpert.com Thanks for spending time exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale. Have a fantastic day!