This desert oasis on the edge of
Phoenix has shed its lime green
golf togs image for a little Generation X flavor: contemporary art
galleries, world-class cuisines, spas to swoon in - even a jazzy
waterfront (yes, as in H2O) retail district.
-
Becca Hensley
Do
Traverse Camelback Mountain's Cholla Trail at sunrise and the vista
will awe you so much, you won't even notice the painful, nearly
two-mile trek uphill. Though relatively short, this difficult jaunt
has steep, rocky sections with drop-offs on both sides - and a view
worth the effort. (Less-fit hikers should plan to pace
themselves.)
Stay
Long a haunt of Hollywood greats, Scottsdale continues to attract
the
West Coast glitterati. Join them in the heart of Old Town at
the ultracool Mondrian Scottsdale ($300 to $500, 480-308-1100,
www.mondrianscottsdale.com). Recently
refurbished and now the hippest hangout in the desert, it reflects
the new, youthful spirit of the city with funky-colored stucco
interiors, a star location on the Scottsdale Mall, and a pool so
social that you won't want to leave.
Eat
Meander down to restaurant row to experience Cowboy Ciao
(480-946-3111,
www.cowboyciao.com), a gourmet
world that defies classification (Western baroque?). Try the
Stetson Chopped salad, a local favorite. Nearby Sea Saw
(480-481-9463,
www.seasaw.net), a "Tapanese"
eatery, offers the unique cuisine of Nobu Fukuda (think whitefish
carpaccio and miso-marinated foie gras). Go retro Polynesian at
Hotel Valley Ho's Trader Vic's (480-421-7799,
www.hotelvalleyho.com), or amble across town to the
Star Spangled Tavern (480-419-8729,
www.starspangledtavern.us) for some creative comfort
cuisine.