Best Dog Friendly Activities in Scottsdale

Are you looking to bring your pup along on your Scottsdale adventures? Scottsdale is consistently ranked the most pet-friendly city in Arizona, and for good reason! With so many great trails and restaurants offerings a space for your pup, there’s no excuse not to bring your dog along. Here are some of our favorite places –

dog photoLost Dog Wash Trail 

This 4.4-mile loop is a great hike year-round to bring your pup. With several beautiful wild flowers and short, moderately trafficked trails that are great for you and your pup to explore. Featuring a natural desert landscape, it’s easily accessible from Scottsdale and offers parking at the trail head.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Among the antique carousel and historic railroad museum, McCormick-Stillman Railrod Park offers expensive grassy areas and great picnic areas for you and your furry friend. Make sure to keep your dog leashed, but enjoy the walks around the old railroad cars and exploring the grounds.

Su Vino Winery

Hoping to bring your dog along to your next winery trip? Su Vino is a great local pet-friendly option. You can enjoy your wine while your pup sips on bowls of dog water under a shaded patio. Located in downtown Scottsdale, it’s great for the urban pup that wants to come along with you.

Chaparral Park 

One of the biggest and most-visited dog parks in Scottsdale is Chaparral Park. With over four acres for your pup to run around in, it offers various water fountains, play features and seating for you. Feel free to bring a chair too! Chaparral Park also offers two sections for dogs to play in — one for more passive dogs that might be easily scared.

Gateway Trailhead

Perfect for both the pups and your children, Gateway Trailhead is a great opportunity for hiking and education. Children can get a passport along the way and collect stamps, while dogs can trot alongside via leash. With plenty of parking and an easy hike, it’s a great option for the whole family.

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Village at McCormick Ranch Open House Sunday 4/29/18 from 1-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 4/29/18 from 1-4pm in the Villages at McCormick Ranch neighborhood at 9345 N 92nd St #212, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This gorgeous, remodeled condo has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, with a community pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see

History of Old Town Scottsdale

While Old Town Scottsdale is known today for its old-timey stores and historic art galleries, the history of the Old Town Scottsdale paints a picture of a Western pioneer town, and how far the city has come thus far.

Old Town Scottsdale Cowboy photo

Settled in the late 1880’s, Scottsdale was originally named Orangedale by one of it’s original founder’s, Albert G. Utley. Utley was the main city planner and laid out the streets in exacting fashion. Utley chose Orangedale because he thought the area was a great place to grow citrus.

However, next to Utley’s land, was Winfield Scott’s 64 acres where Old Town Scottsdale now sits. In 1888, Winfield Scott, who is the town’s namesake, purchased the original 640 aces where Old Scottsdale is housed for only $92, equaling $3.50 per acre.

Over the next 50 years, the town of Scottsdale continued to grow. In 1896, the public-school system was founded, with the first post office following shortly after. The area continued to attract artists and writers, with the town’s first resort opening in 1909. The popular Little Red Schoolhouse was built also in 1909 with two classrooms for grades one through eight. It now houses the town’s historical museum.

The town really began booming in 1950 when Motorola came into Scottsdale and built a new plant. They soon followed with another plant in 1956 and the city’s population continued to grow to 2,000. At this point, the city was incorporated and it’s first mayor, Malcom White, developed Scottsdale’s motto of “The West’s Most Western Town.”

Now, local icons like the Sugar Bowl, one of Old Town Scottsdale’s oldest attractions, offers visitors a blast from the past. It opened in 1958 on Christmas Eve and has been serving customer’s ice cream ever since. Other places like Porter’s Western Store still stand today, offering a history lesson for today’s patrons.

Next time you drive through Old Town Scottsdale, think about the history and culture that founded the town. From Western bars and two-room school houses, Old Town Scottsdale is a treasure trove of history right in our backyard.

Click here to learn about Scottsdale’s Homes and Neighborhoods.

Village at McCormick Ranch Open House Sunday 4/22/18 from 1-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 4/22/18 from 1-4pm in the Villages at McCormick Ranch neighborhood at 9345 N 92nd St #212, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This gorgeous, remodeled condo has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, with a community pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.

Where to Find Live Music Venues in Scottsdale

From outdoor festivals to local honkytonks, Scottsdale has something for everyone when it comes to enjoying live music. From blues-y piano bars to country music throw downs, here are some of our favorite options for local music in Scottsdale.

guitar photoCenter Stage Bar

Located in the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort, Center Stage Bar provides the perfect romantic setting for a live music experience. Set amongst rippling fountains and outdoor fire pits, Center Stage has a variety of nightly entertainment ranging from acoustic musicians to soulful jazz.

Musical Instrument Museum

Not only can you view over 6,800 instruments collected from around the world, the Musical Instrument Museum in North Phoenix is just a short drive from Downtown Scottsdale and boasts live music several times a month. From classical music to world-renowned global artists, the intimate 300-person theatre is great for a variety of performances.

Talking Stick Resort

If you’re looking for more national headlines, check out the Talking Stick Resort. With a 650-person Showroom, and 1,600-seat Salt River Grand Ballroom, the Talking Stick has featured major national acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Whitesnake.

Handlebar J Restaurant and Saloon

Looking for something a little more country? The Handlebar J Restaurant and Saloon located in Sundown Plaza feels like an old-timey saloon with cowboy hats and nightly country music. Founded in the 1960’s, this local watering hole used to have patrons like Waylon Jennings show up on horseback. Featuring an enormous dancefloor, make sure to bring your dancing shoes if you attend a show at Handlebar J.

Rhythm Room

Located off of Route 51, Rhythm Room provides a soulful escape featuring roots, blues and other various concerts. It’s been around since the early 90’s, and hosts local and national acts on a nightly basis. From jazzy quartets to alternative rock bands, Rhythm Room has the feel of a jazz club with a dive-bar twist.

Are you looking for a home in Scottsdale? Contact Chris and Cheryl 

Village at McCormick Ranch Open House Sunday 4/15/18 from 1-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 4/15/18 from 1-4pm in the Villages at McCormick Ranch neighborhood at 9345 N 92nd St #212, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This gorgeous, remodeled condo has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, with a community pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market April Update – March 2018 Stats

Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for April 2018, which shows 9,596 homes sold in the month of March compared to 9,242 homes in March 2017. This is a 3.7% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 9.1% year over year, while the amount of listed homes is down by 15.4% to 16,814 from 18,990 in March 2017. Inventory of listed homes is still well below last year at this time, and demand continues to remain strong going into Spring. The average days on market is down 6.6% from March 2017 to just 71 days. (Click on the link below or the image to view the full Market Report)

Click here to see the full March 2018 Market Report & Statistics

Give us a call or text us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this Spring, as the strong market continues to be good for both buyers and sellers, or if you have questions about this information. And don’t forget to explore our website AzDreamHomesScottsdale.com to see Scottsdale area homes and helpful articles.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival 

food festival photoA local favorite, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is back next weekend, attracting more than 30,000 people from around the region to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste of Scottsdale’s local culinary scene. The annual event featuring over 40 local restaurants, bands, a cooking challenge and more will take place April 14-15th at the Scottsdale Civic Center.

Sponsored by the Cocktail Society, this year’s event is expected to draw major crowds as it celebrates a major milestone of 40 years. The Local Lounge, presented this year by Hensley Beverage Co., will showcase local wineries, craft beer and spirits from around the state. Additionally, a beer garden will feature more than 30 Arizona breweries and over 250 beers on tap.

After eating and drinking the local fare, make sure to hop over to the four performance stages that will be featuring a variety of bands and musicians. This year’s headliner is the rock band Everclear, performing on Saturday night. Also, 90’s Pop Band Eve 6 will open for Everclear.

Don’t forget that all the proceeds benefit local nonprofit Scottsdale League for the Arts. Founded in 1992, the SLA provides grants and funding for local artists, art programs and art education through special events like the Culinary Festival and other fundraising efforts.

This family-fun event is the perfect opportunity to try different Scottsdale restaurants and discover the great local flavors. Kids can enjoy face painting, bouncy houses and fun performers like magicians.

With a variety of cuisines, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival. The festival will be broken up into different passport sections, including the European Plaza, American Square, Latin Hill, Asian Village and Sweet Street.

Tickets are still on sale and can be purchase up until the day of the festival! It’s one of our favorite local events, and is a great opportunity to support local restaurants, all while benefiting a great cause.

We are Scottsdale local area real estate experts.  Browse this interactive map to learn about neighborhoods and view homes for sale listings.