Just a stone's throw from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona is packed
with events and attractions that are sure to please, no matter who
you're traveling with. Here's sampling of annual festivals and events
that cater to five of the most discerning and eccentric members of your
crew.
- The Urban Cowboy
He keeps a lasso in the trunk of his Lexus. He says "y'all," even
though he's from Cleveland. He's been known to wear chaps to the
supermarket. As John B.L. Soule said, "it's time to go west, young
man." Scottsdale has nicknamed itself The West's Most Western Town,
so you'll be in the right place. The Scottsdale Jaycees' February
Parada del Sol is the big daddy of Wild West-themed events in town,
featuring the world's largest horse-drawn parade, a giant rodeo and
lots of Texas two-step.
- The Blues Traveler
She's been hogging the radio dial for your entire road trip. She can't
get to sleep without her Blind Lemon Jefferson CD. When she does doze
off, her snore bears a striking resemblance to Muddy Waters' guitar.
Fortunately, the Margarita Scottsdale Music Fest is just the antidote.
The 2007 lineup of this September festival included blues legends Taj
Mahal, Koko Taylor and the Robert Cray Band, plus, you guessed it -
Blues Traveler.
- The Golf-aholic
If you let him bring his clubs on the trip, you're his hero. If you
don't, you've got some major kissing up to do. Scottsdale has the
perfect remedy: more than 200 top-notch golf courses, several of which
have been ranked by Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine. The cream of
the crop is the venerable Tournament Players Club, home to the FBR
Open, one of the most popular spectator stops on the PGA Tour each
winter. Take him there, and you'll be on his good side in no time.
- The 24-Hour Party Person
She asked for a martini at McDonald's. She packed a disco ball in her
suitcase. Her cell phone's constantly ringing. Get this woman to a
party, pronto. Lucky for you, Scottsdale is home to one of the most
thriving nightclub scenes in the country. The crowning event for the
see-and-be-seen set is Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party. Unlike most
block parties, this one is held on New Year's Eve and features some
serious high-class revelry. It drew more than 10,000 partygoers to
Scottsdale in 2007 and included dancing, champagne, a full bar for VIP
attendees, fireworks and tons of live music.
- The Food Dude
He's the most charming, easy-to-please fellow unless it's time to eat.
It's not that he's a snob, exactly: His palette responds to a higher
calling, one that demands choice varietals of wine, artisanal cheeses
and foie gras. In other words, TGI Friday's is out of the question.
Where can you take him and grab a bite for yourself, too? The
Scottsdale Culinary Festival, the longest-running epicurean festival in
the United States. Each April, more than 40,000 hungry foodies and
those who love them descend upon Scottsdale for a full week of cooking
demonstrations by world-renowned chefs, outdoor gourmet feasts and
reserve wine tastings. Bon appetit!
by Jessica Steinhoff