Scottsdale is a desert city in Arizona east of the state capital, Phoenix. It is known for its spas and golf courses, including TPC Scottsdale. Further north, trails wind through the McDowell Sound Reserve, a desert landscape of hills, rock formations and cacti. Nearby is Taliesin West, the former home and studio of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The old town of Scottsdale, in the center of the city, has buildings from the 1920s and olive trees from the 19th century.
The atmosphere of Scottsdale is that of California and the desert, something like Palm Springs. It's sunny, hot, dry, and there are palm trees, cacti, and beautiful flowers everywhere. Scottsdale has an exclusive atmosphere with incredible restaurants, luxury resorts with dream pools, beautiful homes and excellent stores. There are also great hiking trails, day trips and nature nearby.
Scottsdale Fashion Square features Old Town Scottsdale, which is among the 30 largest shopping malls in the country and offers upscale luxury and luxury stores. Scottsdale housed a German prisoner of war camp at the intersection of Scottsdale and Thomas highways, in what is now Papago Park. The downtown streetcar runs through downtown Scottsdale, and the neighborhood streetcar runs from downtown Scottsdale to neighborhoods across South Scottsdale, connecting to the city of Tempe's free public transportation network, the Tempe orbit on Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road. The largest is the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District, which houses the largest and most diverse collection of styles and genres, the more contemporary Marshall Way Arts District, and the more touristy and Western-themed Old Town district, which features the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Notable regional centers include Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in north Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Fashion Square in downtown Scottsdale, a major destination for luxury shoppers. Scottsdale Fashion Square presents the Old Town Scottsdale lifestyle with approximately 2 million square feet of luxury retail space. In 1999, the school opened a second campus at Scottsdale Airfield, allowing it to serve the business community and north of Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Jaycees Sun Parade, an annual month-long event that has been held in Scottsdale since 1954.
