ICONIC LIFE Special Edition | The Ultimate Guide to Luxury in Arizona

T hr o u g h o ut the d eca d e s , i nc lu d in g th e g lam o r o u s ‘80s, Camel o t H o me s ha s e mb o di ed luxury livin g i n the Sou t hw e st . T im e l ess designs f o r ho t c limat e s , co ol peop le a n d b e autiful mom e nt s . T hi s i s Dese r t F abulou s ™ . T hi s i s C amel o t H o m es .

i t h out a d ou b t t he Du ke of J a zz w oul d c o n s ide r Ell in g t o n H ei g h ts a su pe r b w o r k of a r t. Ne s tle d in the sun-kissed up p er c a n yon of Si l v e r le a f, the d esign f o r t his m ag ni f icen t e s t a t e c oll ec t e d ins p i r at i o n f r o m Roa r in g Tw en t ies e r a, a n d t ha t ene r g y is ma g ni f ie d t o d a y in t his A r t D ec o -ins p i r e d 17,000 - plu s s q ua r e f o o t e s ta t e w i t h v i e w s t h at go f o r e v e r. In fu se d w i t h hi s t o r y, y e t t h o r oug h l y m od e r n , t hi s I C O NI C e s t a t e is a dese r t g em t o b e t r e a s u r e d .

PEREGRINE HEATHCOTE

MAR 9 - 27, 2023

HUNT SLONEM

MAR 30 - APR 18, 2023

Spreading joy by design nationwide architecture that celebrates the joys of living

“The

LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE

Pristine Desert with Exclusive Elegance

Visitors to the Valley of the Sun are attracted to the effortless living in a luxurious place with fresh breezes and moderate temperatures. This time of year, visitors savor the trifecta of events from the world’s best collector car auction to the biggest golf tournament in the world to the biggest game in football all here in this beautiful place so many of us call home, and now you can, too.

ICON at Silverleaf offers an unlimited lifestyle with the lock-and-leave luxury of exceptional single-story flats amid the incomparable beauty of Arizona’s McDowell Mountains. This rare and unique offering of spacious, open-concept

residences affords the very best of all possible worlds, close to the cosmopolitan conveniences of affluent North Scottsdale, yet secreted within the pristine privacy of the Sonoran Desert behind the gates of Silverleaf.

The most prestigious private golf club in the Southwest, ICON at Silverleaf boasts the most desirable of locations behind the gates of Silverleaf within DC Ranch in the destination resort city of Scottsdale, Arizona. Famed the world over for its year-round climate, sweeping natural beauty, and worldclass dining, shopping, and recreation, the area is unmatched in amenities, comforts, and panoramic landscapes that can take your breath away.

You’ll enjoy the epitome of privacy with the staffed, 24-hour guard gate and semi-private elevators. And you’ll live near 40 community parks, miles of hiking trails and two vibrant community centers.

To learn more about ICON or the luxury properties available, contact Silverleaf Realty, a locally owned and operated real estate company dedicated to providing a luxury buying and selling experience throughout Arizona. A team of highly regarded Arizona-based agents assists customers with real-time knowledge and expertise from three locations in North Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale and Northern Arizona.

For more information about ICON at Silverleaf, contact Silverleaf at (480) 502-6902 or silverleafrealty.com.

A STATE OF MIND. A STATE OF MIND. A WAY OF LIFE. A WAY OF LIFE.

SCOTTSDALE’S ICON OF CLASSIC COOL.

Step into a timeless tradition of splendor and focus on what you want. Whether you crave inventive fare and creative cocktails from ZuZu, a spa day or vigorous workout at VH Spa, or making the scene at the always-popular OH Pool Bar + Cabanas, do it all for you at the iconic Hotel Valley Ho.

visitdanapoint.com

Photographed by Douglas Friedman

M. Dee

MY PERFECT DAY

Living in the Valley of the Sun for three decades and loving life all along the way, I have my things I love to do and my places I love to go. Over the years, I’ve been asked to put together an itinerary if I had one day to explore this desert we call home.

In fact, this very special issue, designed for luxury-loving visitors and those who want to celebrate home, is really a celebration of what I LOVE about living here and what I feel you should know about this magical place.

I’ve asked so many of my top chef friends to share their favorite restaurants in town. You’d think I had asked for the name of their favorite child. They won’t do it. And today, as I write this letter, I’m going take a page from their book. There are so many wondrous places to visit and delectable places to dine, I can’t name them all. What I can do is encourage you to build your day like this:

Start by taking in the view from nature, like one of our recommended hikes on page 42. Then enjoy brunch outdoors before you go see something ICONIC, like Taliesin or the Orpheum Theatre. You should drive a scenic route—my favorite is going south on Tatum through the mountains with Camelback ahead.

Some of the most beautiful places on earth are golf courses, and Arizona has no shortage of stunning greens. Make sure to take time to hit a few holes with distant views, and if you are short on time, the executive course at Mountain Shadows is my cup of tea.

Dine at a top chef-owned restaurant to savor farm to table flavors and the local vibe created by a hopping restaurant loved by the locals. Or indulge in the local vibe—it seems every president since George Bush senior has found their favorite Mexican cuisine at a number of noteworthy stops…the most ICONIC is the locally owned TeePee for Mexican food and El Chorro for its Southwestern vibe and deep history. The first time I dined there, I was seated next to Senator Barry Goldwater…ICONIC moment!

Lastly, you should enjoy a cocktail with a view. On my first visit to Arizona, I was taken to the Thirsty Camel at The Phoenician Resort. There are few public views that rival this spot overlooking the Valley and sitting under the stars. I also love the Jade Bar patio at Elements at The Sanctuary.

I wish you an amazing season in Arizona, whether you are visiting for the fabulous trifecta of events starting with Barrett-Jackson, WM Phoenix Open and the Big Game or if you are a local enjoying this beautiful place you call home. Enjoy this special issue and let us know what you love about Arizona @youriconiclife.

With Gratitude,

Renee M. Dee

Renee

Whether you’re looking for bronze or ceramic windbells, planters, tiles, pots, or jewelry, we can help you find something that fits your style and needs. Our artisans work hard to create unique pieces that will last a lifetime and make a lasting impact on your home or garden. Each piece we create has supported The Cosanti Foundation and other worthy causes for over 65 years.

DESERT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Low temps with a 100-percent chance of sunshine—a winter like no other.

By Sam Micatrotto

With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s no surprise that many choose to call Arizona home—even if it’s just for the winter months.

Each year, millions of people flock to the Grand Canyon State to enjoy not only the sunny climate and spectacular desert views but the many winter-time events that call Arizona home, like what former Mayor Drinkwater—a visionary—called the trifecta…Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, the WM Phoenix Open and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.

If you’re ready to dive into the desert, here are some tips for the newbies to make the most of all the excitement.

H2O BEFORE YOU GO

The “dry-heat” air will require drinking more water than you drink at home. Not only do you want to drink some extra water on your trip–up to 80 ounces per day–but having a water bottle with you consistently will help make that happen. (And, no, a beer at the Phoenix Open doesn’t count as hydration.)

And for goodness sake, don’t even start a hike without at least 16 to 32 ounces of water. You don’t want to be on the news when a rescue helicopter is getting you off a mountain.

Make sure to hydrate your skin and lips so you don’t feel dry and cracked. Lip balm should be a staple item in your handbag or pants pocket.

BLOCK THE SUN

One word—sunscreen. It might feel odd to apply sunscreen when the weather doesn’t seem to call for it, but UVA rays don’t take a vacation! Don’t forget to apply sunscreen

to any body part that isn’t covered up while you explore the desert, especially your face. You’ll be surprised how quickly it catches up with you.

LAYER LIKE A CAKE

While the aforementioned sunshine still makes quite an appearance in the winter months, the temperatures still fluctuate enough to make an East Coaster shiver, which is why layering is crucial! From temperatures around 30 degrees in the morning to mid-70s in the afternoon and back again, having an extra jacket or sweater is your ticket to a comfortable visit.

PLAN YOUR STAY

Unlike most major cities, the Valley of the Sun is spread out and doesn’t have many options for public transportation. And when it comes to getting around, give yourself extra time.

It’s never a bad idea to have all the rideshare apps loaded onto your phone for the days you want to celebrate. And during the Big Game, several providers are offering helicopter charters from Old Town to get you to the NFL Championship quickly and in style.

CRITTER PATROL

Visitors to our Valley rave about the beauty of the desert, but may not understand our flora and fauna. It’s not a major concern if you use common sense. People aren’t the only creatures you can see on a golf course, so keep your eyes open and your hands out of shrubbery otherwise, you may meet the reptile for which our baseball team was named. And if you rent a house, wear some slippers as scorpions are good at hiding in tiny places. Additionally, we are home to majestic hawks and owls. If you are traveling with a small dog or cat, they should always be supervised while outside.

Take a HIKE!

The locals agree—these are some of the best trails in Phoenix.

By Bailey Badillo

We can all agree that Phoenix offers some of the most unique desert landscape hikes in the country. And we all know the best views aren’t in the city, they are out on the hiking trails. Whether you’re a native Phoenician or you’re visiting from out of town, these day hikes should top your list if you’re looking to enjoy great views.

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN

Grab your best hiking shoes and get ready for the most challenging hike we have on the list—Camelback Mountain. It is steep, filled with stairs and rails, and it’s best to go in the morning to guarantee cooler temps. But it offers a great workout along with panoramic views of gorgeous Paradise Valley homes, and of course Phoenix itself. Plus, it’s a local brag to say you’ve hiked up Camelback Mountain! Keep your eyes open for fast-paced locals trying to beat their times going up and down.

KIWANIS TRAIL IN SOUTH MOUNTAIN

South Mountain offers trails for all levels— If you want an easy hike with kids or you’d like to challenge your inner climber spirit, there’s a trail for that at South Mountain.

Our pick is the Kiwanis Trail, particularly because if you have the time (and discipline), you can’t beat that breathtaking sunrise view over Phoenix. The 2.7 mile loop trail is a bit narrow and rugged at times, making it a moderate hike, but it has the Dobbins lookout at the top for you to sit, take a deep breath and take in the view.

TOM’S THUMB TRAIL

For more of a challenge, check out Tom’s Thumb. Located near Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, this 4.0 mile loop trail is somewhat steep, but you get to see the landmark that is known as Tom’s Thumb, plus amazing views of Phoenix and the McDowell Mountains. This one is our publisher’s favorite.

WIND CAVES IN USERY PASS

Head out to the East Valley to Usery Pass for miles of desert to explore in the ICONIC Superstition Mountains. In the springtime, you can see cactus blossoms and flowers abundant on these trails, making it one of the most beautiful landscapes of all the hikes. We suggest taking on the Wind Caves trail because the end reward is a cliff overhang hollowed out by the weather, the reason behind the name.

Happy hiking and don’t forget to bring water!

DESERT A

ICON

By Sam Micatrotto

Known to many as an ICONIC symbol of the Southwestern region of the United States through classic westerns and television shows alike, the saguaro cactus (pronounced suh-waa-row) is actually only found in a rather small portion of North America. This impressive desert plant loves the heat and thrives exclusively in the Sonoran Desert, a desert that covers the northwestern Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California and parts of Arizona.

And what exactly makes the saguaro cactus so impressive and ICONIC?

The saguaro cactus is the largest cactus species in the U.S. and can grow to be up to 40 feet tall. A fully grown saguaro cactus can weigh more than one ton—that’s more than 2,000 pounds!

The typical lifespan of a saguaro cactus is about 150 to 200 years, though the exact age of some individual saguaros is unknown and could be even older.

And with that lifespan, saguaros have all the time in the world. They grow approximately one foot per decade and typically won’t even grow their first “arm” until around 50 years of age.

The scientific name for the saguaro cactus is Cereus giganteus or Carnegiea gigantean, which means gigantic candle. The name also honors Andrew Carnegie and his support through the Carnegie Institution, which established the Desert Botanical Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona in 1903.

Most saguaro roots are only four to six inches deep, but extend out as far as the cactus is tall. This allows the roots to

effectively absorb rainwater that doesn’t sink deep into the hard, dry desert ground. Each cactus also has a single taproot that extends up to five feet deep by the time the cactus has reached maturity. When a saguaro is uprooted, they are often unable to restore its root systems.

The state of Arizona has laws explicitly protecting the saguaro. They are safeguarded as a state treasure and cannot be moved from any land, whether it is private or public, without special permits. Moving or uprooting a saguaro cactus illegally is punishable by law…and yes, Arizona has cactus police.

Arizona’s state flower is the white blossom of the saguaro cactus which blooms in late spring. The flowers bloom for just 24 hours, opening up at night to attract Lesser Longnosed Bats and Mexican Long-Tongued Bats for pollination!

Bold, tall and strong, the saguaro is not only the symbol of the Southwest, but the white waxy blossom of the ICONIC cactus has been the state flower since 1931.

CAMELBACK RESIDENCES AT ASCENT

An exclusive collection of 60 luxuriously appointed homes, commanding Scottsdale’s most coveted location — adjacent to the luxurious Phoenician® and steps from iconic Camelback Mountain. Camelback Residences feature contemporary architecture, open interiors that flow seamlessly to expansive outdoor living areas, and a private rooftop terrace with 360-degree views. Plans range from one bedroom plus den to three bedroom plus den.

PRICED FROM $1.8M TO $4+M

WITHOUT LIMITATION, ENTRY FEATURES, LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS, AMENITIES, BUILDINGS, HARDSCAPE, FENCING OR WALLS OR THE LACK THEREOF), ARE PROPOSED ONLY AND NO WARRANTY IS GIVEN OR IMPLIED THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE COMMENCED OR COMPLETED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT

Offered by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty (AZ DRE # LC646682009). The residential project described herein (the “Residential Project”) and the residential units within the Residential Project (the “Residential Units”) are not owned, developed, or sold by Host Camelback I LLC or its affiliates, and Host Camelback I LLC does not make any representations, warranties or guaranties whatsoever with respect to the Residential Units, the Residential Project or any part thereof. PHCN LandCo LLC uses the Phoenician® brand name and certain Phoenician® trademarks (collectively, the “Trademarks”) in connection with the sales and marketing of the Residential Units in the Residential Project under a limited, non-exclusive license from Host Camelback I LLC. All renderings contained herein are merely intended for illustration purposes. Developer reserves the right to make any modifications as deemed necessary. THE IMPROVEMENTS DESCRIBED OR DEPICTED HEREIN (INCLUDING,

Resort REFRESH

What’s the latest from the top resorts in Scottsdale?

By Kaitlyn Beickel

There is no shortage of reasons to visit Scottsdale during this time of year— with the beautiful weather, scenery and events like the Big Game, WM Phoenix Open and the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, the desert draws in visitors from all over. And when you stay here, you won’t be disappointed in the accommodations—with some of the best luxe resorts around, visitors to Scottsdale are spoiled with choices for where to stay.

And these resorts are continuously updating to stay best-in-class. Here’s the latest from our favorite ICONIC Scottsdale resorts:

A THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is celebrating the grand reopening of their ICONIC Scotch Library with their certified Master of Scotch, Guy Sporbert. Sporbert earned his certification at the Rothes Glen Castle in Speyside, Scotland after taking part in intense master classes, tastings and exams.

“The Scotch Library at The Westin Kierland is home to a special collection of whiskey, deserving the highest level of appreciation for the long-standing traditions that created it,

which is why I pursued the Master of Scotch certification in Scotland,” Sporbert says. “I have dedicated my life to soaking in all aspects of the scotch industry and to be recognized in this way by the Council of Whiskey Masters is such a tremendous honor.”

B JW MARRIOTT SCOTTSDALE

CAMELBACK INN RESORT & SPA

Dining at Camelback Inn just got better than ever with new culinary offerings and an elevated beverage program, including all-new handcrafted cocktails by Barter & Shake, fresh menu items at Lincoln Steakhouse and an exclusive partnership with Tyler Winery.

Senior Sous Chef John Fraser of Lincoln Steakhouse has a new dinner menu featuring Ahi Tuna Tartare served with charred pineapple, avocado, jalapeño, red bell peppers and poke sauce, Hamachi Crudo with white soy, orange blossom vinegar, pickled grapes and serrano peppers, Brûléed Peach and Burrata Salad made with arugula, shaved fennel, Dijon lemon vinaigrette and candied pecans, a 16oz Australian Wagyu New York Strip, and much more.

Photo courtesy of Arizona Biltmore

C MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

RESORT SCOTTSDALE

We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep, and Mountain Shadows Resort is making it easier than ever to get that peaceful night of rest with their sleep package. The Moon & Stars Sleep Package starts with a cup of Ayurvedic wellness-inspired Golden Moon Milk, containing “turmeric to combat inflammation, lavender and cardamom to aid in relaxation and restorative plants, including reishi and blue lotus”

The package also includes a 90-day sleep journal to help you analyze your sleep, providing a beneficial morning ritual, while a spray of Star Dust Pillow Mist—a blend of lavender floral water, cedarwood and Himalayan pink salt—can help you find calmness. The package is complete with a mulberry silk Brooklinen constellation eye mask when you’re ready to get some shut eye.

D ADERO SCOTTSDALE RESORT

Embrace wellness with the new Cleanse + Reset retreat at ADERO Scottsdale Resort, inspired by the Sonoran Desert’s spirituality. The program features reinvigorating activities, from sound healing with crystal singing bowls to dynamic meditation and private sunrise yoga.

Try the Amethyst and Turquoise Rain spa treatment that uses the healing powers of desert herbs and minerals, or access to the surrounding area’s 400 miles of well-maintained trails for meditative desert-bathing and walking.

E ARIZONA BILTMORE, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT

The Arizona Biltmore is an ICONIC resort in Scottsdale, and it recently underwent a massive transformation, while still maintaining the glamour that has made the resort famous since its opening in 1929.

“From fresh dining experiences and our adults-only Saguaro Pool, to new venues like The Spire Bar and the incredible Tierra Luna Spa, we’re so proud to now introduce this cherished icon to its next chapter of magical possibilities,” the Arizona Biltmore proudly states on their website. Whether you just stop by the Arizona Biltmore for a luxe dinner, a drink at the Spire Bar or an overnight stay, you’ll find the transformation both thoughtfully done and aesthetically pleasing.

Photo courtesy of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Photo courtesy fo JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Photo courtesy of Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, Photo courtesy of ADERO Scottsdale

It’s All About Who You Align Yourself With

Michelle Sarocka got her start in the finance arena, where she counseled clients on significant investments. Today as a luxury real estate agent, she has a passion for working with clients on the most important investment they’ll make. Michelle is approachable, experienced and eager to bring all the pieces together professionally for an outstanding experience.

Who are you aligned with? It matters.

Michelle Sarocka

602.616.4829 michelle.sarocka@russlyon.com michellesarocka.com

HOT ATTRACTIONS

To view the world from a hot air balloon is an aspirational item on the bucket list of many adventurers.

By Fran Miller

The hills, dales and hues of the Sonoran Desert are a sight to see from any angle, but perhaps the best vantage point is from high above. To view the world from a hot air balloon is an aspirational item on the bucket list of many adventurers. Rainbow Ryders makes the dream a reality with their fleet of 40 colorful balloons piloted by professional, commercial hot-air balloon pilots.

As the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983, Rainbow Ryders provides both locals and visitors a unique view of Scottsdale’s varied terrain. For visitors, the experience is a unique way to orient, and for locals, it allows for a new and fresh perspective.

Magical and exhilarating, the serene and peaceful experience affords vistas for miles and miles in every direction. Passengers enjoy a bird’s eye view of the North

Scottsdale/North Phoenix mountains, the desert and Lake Pleasant during a golden-hour, sunrise balloon flight, or at sunset, when the full and vibrant colors of the setting sun are their most spectacular.

Rainbow Ryders has been a leader in training and safety protocols for 40 years and has set the highest industry standards for commercial balloon pilot safety. The company’s FAA-certified pilots have flown more than 50,000 hours, serving more than 750,000 passengers.

“A hot air balloon experience is at the same time exhilarating, thrilling and peaceful as you soar through the sky, glide in the air, and soak in all the landscape from above,” Rainbow Ryders’ President and CEO Scott Appelman says. “To experience the world’s most spectacular, breathtaking sights from this vantage point is truly a unique activity to experience with family, friends. A Rainbow Ryders balloon fight creates the most treasured memories.”

Photography courtesy of Rainbow Riders

Taliesin West is Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio that showcases the Sonoran Desert, city views, and America’s greatest architect’s desert masterpiece. We offer daily tours and programs from book club to yoga — including hands-on workshops for children and parents.

scottsdale, arizona • 888.516.0811 • franklloydwright.org

PHOTO: JILL RICHARDS

Photography courtesy of Off The Field NFL Wives Association

Fashion, Football & PHILANTHROPY, OH MY!

Off The Field NFL Wives Association produces a catwalk for a cause.

By Kaitlyn Beickel

Football and fashion will collide at Scottsdale Fashion Square during the week of the Big Game. On Friday, February 10, Macerich (the owner, operator and developer of Scottsdale Fashion Square) and the Off The Field NFL Wives Association are partnering to put on a fashion show, and it’s all for a good cause— benefiting Caris Sports Foundation and CASA of Arizona Foundation.

Off the Field and Macerich have a 15-year relationship—and this is the third Off the Field charity fashion show event hosted at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

“This long standing partnership with Macerich and Scottsdale Fashion Square allows us to celebrate the pinnacle of the football season with a fashionable and fun event that ultimately supports the mission of Off The Field and that is to support the community through cause initiatives,” Ericka Lassiter, Off The Field immediate past president and co-chair of the charity fashion show event, says. “We have hosted this event for 22 years, and it’s our opportunity to give back to causes that enhance the quality of life for families.”

The fashion show announcement coincides with the introduction of Macerich’s next phase of the ICONIC luxury shopping center. Just one of several exciting changes

coming to the shopping destination is an 11,000-square-foot Hermès store—the very first in Arizona—arriving in 2024.

“Continually enhancing the shopping experience at Scottsdale Fashion Square solidifies this property as the region’s preeminent luxury retail destination for locals and visitors alike,” Kate Birchler, Assistant Vice President of Tourism Marketing for Macerich, says.

“This enviable position means we’re whetting an appetite among retailers and shoppers who appreciate the ambiance of an upscale retail setting, while it also allows us to establish high-profile partnerships, like our longstanding relationship with Off The Field, for the betterment of the surrounding community.”

Plans to renovate the interior and exterior of the Scottsdale Fashion Square south wing include an extension of the mall’s luxury presence beyond the existing luxury wing itself, complete with a luxe valet parking service. Cohesively with the existing luxury wing, the south wing will be renovated with upscale finishes, natural stone flooring and custom light fixtures.

Included in the plans for the south wing luxury renovation also includes two-story store fronts with exterior-facing retail at the entrance, and up to five new restaurants.

CARS CARS CARS!

CARS

Barrett-Jackson Boasts Five Decades and Beyond

By Sam Micatrotto

Photography courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Collector car enthusiast or not, you likely have heard of ICONIC Barrett-Jackson and perhaps attended the highly anticipated event in Scottsdale a time or two. The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions are regarded as a barometer of the classic car industry. Thousands of the world’s most unique and sought-after automobiles are put on display in front of a global audience, both in-person and broadcast on live television. And if you’re lucky enough to attend one, or many, of the days of the 10-day-long event in Scottsdale, you’ll be right in the middle of all of the action!

ICONIC LIFE Publisher, Renee Dee, had a chance to chat on her podcast with Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson CEO and Chairman, to learn about the auction’s history, his favorite aspects of the events and what his vision is for the future.

It all started as a charity fundraiser, which has continued on today, but the early days of Barrett-Jackson were a bit different than the ICONIC event we now know it as.

“My mom and my dad and Tom Barrett met over a car in the early sixties,” Jackson begins. “They got to be friends and members of the Classic Car Club of Arizona, then they decided to do a charity fundraiser.”

The first Barrett-Jackson auction, initially intended to be a one-time event, was held in 1971 and due to its enormous success, has become an annual event.

“The tent was actually where the Mercedes-Benz dealership is today. Ironic, because at the first auction, we sold a collection of German cars of Tom Barrett’s.” Jackson says.

From there, the event continued to evolve as well as the city it calls home. Before finding its permanent home at WestWorld of Scottsdale in 1989, the auction was held at different locations around Phoenix. But, Herb Drinkwater, the mayor of Scottsdale at the time, convinced the team to move Barrett-Jackson back to Scottsdale, and the rest is history.

What started as a car auction in the early 1970s has now transformed into a world-class collector car lifestyle event that is being enjoyed by every generation.

“He had a great vision. He told us when we were standing in the middle of nowhere, WestWorld was geographically going to be the center of Scottsdale. Back then Scottsdale ended basically at Shea, at least civilization did, and he had quite a vision. And we bought into his vision and moved back to Scottsdale and from there we have just evolved and helped grow the auction together with the city of Scottsdale.”

And it’s a great thing they did! Jackson has made sure to make the event worthwhile for not only car collectors and automobile lovers, but for anyone who might want to get out and enjoy the atmosphere that Barrett-Jackson brings. When Jackson officially took the reins in 1995, he made it a goal to make the experience the best it could possibly be, which he did by getting feedback from current event goers and customers.

“I sent out a questionnaire, and I asked my customers what they want, listened to them and changed the mix of cars and changed the auction from just an auction to a lifestyle event.”

He wanted to add elements to the experience that would attract and entertain everyone, not just the car enthusiasts. To accomplish this, Jackson began adding fashion shows and the vendor marketplace to really make it a place patrons could hang out and in turn, BarrettJackson has become more than just an auction, it has become a world-class destination, as well as a tradition for some families.

“I think one of my favorite times is opening day, when we see all the kids and the families out there and seeing the next generations. And seeing three generations walking around together,” he added.

Some people might think that car collecting is a thing of the past, but Jackson doesn’t see the hobby going away any time soon, even with the younger generations.

“I’m seeing a lot of young kids who grew up watching us on television and I didn’t even realize the impact,” Jackson says.

He recognized what Barrett-Jackson means to so many when he was at the Barrett-Jackson booth at another car show when some younger car fans asked him for his autograph.

“I am like ‘You know who I am?’ and they go ‘I’ve grown up next to my dad on the couch for 20 years watching you. You are why I’m into cars.’”

As the years go by, Barrett-Jackson will start seeing even more fans from the Gen Z and Millenial generations, and Jackson is thrilled that the love of car collecting will continue to be passed down.

Another favorite for Jackson? Super Saturday, the final Saturday of the auction, and when the team is cranking on all eight cylinders.

“Last year, we did $80 million in sales just on Saturday,” Jackson says. “It is an unbelievable atmosphere at Barrett-Jackson.”

And while many aspects of the auction have changed and grown, there’s one aspect that has remained the same after all these years— charitable initiatives. Barrett-Jackson is well-known for its generous charitable donations, often auctioning select vehicles that auto companies consign for a good cause. Even celebrities consign their vehicles for charity, including big names like Travis Barker, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Pitbull, Justin Bieber and Burt Reynolds.

In 2010, Jackson also formed the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen to honor his late brother and father who both passed away from colon cancer. The car auctions have also raised money to benefit many other organizations including JDRF, Childhelp, the Bob Woodruff Foundation and many more.

Jackson’s wife, Carolyn Jackson, conceptualized another important initiative, Driven Hearts, which works in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). Car owners can show their support for AHA and their love of cars with a Barrett-Jackson license plate. Plus, $17 of every license plate purchase directly benefits AHA.

What can you expect from Barrett-Jackson in the future?

“IMG, an Endeavor company and global leader in events, media, sports and fashion,” has just recently acquired a majority stake in BarrettJackson which will only help the event continue to grow and transform.

“As my partnership with IMG develops, you will see us becoming an event just like a lot of their other events around the world, just that absolute pinnacle.” Jackson continues, “That’s why they invested in Barrett-Jackson, they only buy best-in-class events and then ask how can they be improved?”

As we gear up for this year’s event, Jackson emphasized his vision for making Barrett-Jackson a top event for fans of all ages.

“I think the kickoff weekend will be very cool. I look forward to how we get the young kids involved,” he says. “I keep going back to that but it is so important for all industries and we’re really doing an awful lot across all the different media channels to reach out and broaden our demographics. My main focus is to make our buyer pool younger and really introduce them to Barrett-Jackson.”

We have no doubt that once anyone attends a Barrett-Jackson show, no matter their age, they’ll be wanting to go back year after year.

The Biggest PARTY

From its rebirth in 1939 to the ICONIC event it is today, the WM Phoenix Open is a Valley is one of the largest sporting events on the planet.

By Sam Micatrotto Photography by Mark Sacro and

WM Phoenix Open

hile many people around the country typically spend the winter months bundled up inside and waiting for summer, Arizona residents are ready to soak up the sunshine at the Waste Management Phoenix Open—golf fan or not. With as many as 700,000+ fans passing through the turnstiles some years, it’s safe to say that this party in the desert could be the most-anticipated event in the valley each year. And, with Arizona being the host state for the Big Game this year, the party is bound to be even more elevated.

NEW BEGINNINGS WITH THE PHOENIX THUNDERBIRDS

But, while it’s hard to believe now after its immense success year after year, the Phoenix Open hasn’t always been as popular. The Phoenix Open officially got its start almost a century ago in 1932, but the tournament was unfortunately discontinued due to a lack of support after the 1935 event. That is, until avid golfer Bob Goldwater Sr. had an idea. Goldwater was an early inductee of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, a committee founded in 1937 with the goal of making a difference for all who call Phoenix their home, and thought it would be great for the Thunderbirds to sponsor a golf tournament.

Turns out, his instinct was right and in 1939, the Phoenix Open was reborn. In that first year, Goldwater sold the tickets, recruited volunteers for the event and set up the golf course at the Phoenix Country Club, the tournament’s venue at the time. Goldwater even invited a few of his friends to enjoy the tournament, which happened to be Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and professional golfer Ben Hogan. Goldwater, affectionately known as the “Father of the Phoenix Open,” served as Tournament Chairman from 1943 to 1951.

It’s safe to say that rebirth was a success, and since then, the Phoenix Open has developed into one of the top stops on the PGA TOUR and to what we know it as today. One thing that has remained the same is the Thunderbirds’ involvement. Since the 1939 tournament, the Thunderbirds have sponsored the Open every year, with the exception of 1943 when the tournament was forced into a hiatus due to wartime travel restrictions. Active Thunderbird membership is limited to 55 members and once a Thunderbird reaches the age of 45, their status goes from Active to Life Member. And while they are relieved of their official duties as a Thunderbird, it is not uncommon to see a Life Thunderbird helping out at the Waste Management Phoenix Open!

THE GREENEST SHOW ON GRASS

Over the course of the last 80+ years, the Open, a well-known nickname of the tournament, has been known by many different names before its current title of the WM Phoenix Open, named for its affiliation with Waste Management. Prior to 2010, the tournament has been the Western Open, the Arizona Open, the Phoenix Open, the Ben Hogan Invitational and the FBR Open.

But perhaps, the most meaningful nickname the tournament has is “The Greenest Show on Grass.” No, this isn’t just a pun about a golf course, it’s a testament to title sponsor WM’s zero-waste approach with the tournament by diverting 100 percent of waste from the

BUT PERHAPS ONE OF FANS’ FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THE WM PHOENIX OPEN EXPERIENCE IS THE ICONIC 16TH HOLE. THERE ARE GIANT STANDS BUILT AROUND THE PAR-3 HOLE AND IF A PLAYER MAKES A GOOD SHOT, THE CROWD WILL ERUPT AND PARTYING COMMENCES.

landfill through recycling, composting, donation and energy conversion. The WM Phoenix Open is internationally known as the largest verified zero-waste event in the world and the event has been awarded GEO certification since 2017.

“From year one [with the partnership with WM] the goal was to become a zero-waste tournament,” says Pat Williams, 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open Chairman. “That has been our policy for the last several years and something we’re really proud of.”

Additionally, the home course of the WM Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale, became a GEO Certified golf course in 2019 for its outstanding management of on-course wildlife habitats.

ELEVATED

Elevated events is a new concept that was first announced in August of 2022 with a goal of bringing the best golfers together as many as 17 times per season.

“We were named as an elevated event, so that’s something I am really proud of as well,” boasts Williams. “We are going to be one of nine tournaments on tour next year that’s elevated, which means we have a purse prize of $20 million, which is significant.”

During the Open’s first year, the tournament’s winner, an up-andcomer named Byron Nelson, won $700, an almost unfathomable amount compared to the prizes the winners receive today!

PARTY IN THE DESERT

TPC Scottsdale is also known as the most fan-friendly venue on the PGA TOUR and attracts the largest number of attendees of any

other golf tournament in the world. From assistant chairman at last year’s event to chairman this year, Williams’ main goal is to keep up the tournament’s fan-friendly reputation.

“One of the things I focused on, and that we focused on this year, was trying to make the fan experience—which is already great— better,” he says.

Some changes may not seem like much, but small changes can have a big impact! “We try to do some meaningful things too to improve the experience. They can be as simple as adding more restrooms on the course to make that more convenient,” says Williams. He also said they will add a new entrance, more water stations around the course and a brand new fan zone that will all add to the experience.

But perhaps one of fans’ favorite aspects of the WM Phoenix Open experience is the ICONIC 16th hole. There are giant stands built around the par-3 hole and if a player makes a good shot, the crowd will erupt and partying commences.

“That hole has evolved and taken on a clear life of its own. If it’s not the most ICONIC hole in golf, it’s at the very top,” Williams says. “And it creates incredible opportunities for players to do something on the tour that they don’t encounter all year.”

The fun doesn’t end on the golf course. For four nights after the tournament closes for the day, the party continues at the Coors Light Birds Nest, a concert series that turns the big tents near the golf course into Scottsdale’s hottest nightclub. This year’s entertainment includes big names like country superstar Jason Aldean, rock artist Machine Gun Kelly and DJ duo The Chainsmokers.

Spa in the Desert CATION

By Bailey Badillo

What was once the Wild West is now a place of refinement, with some of the best spas you can experience. With these treatments, you can lather yourself in mud, crystals, agave and more for some rejuvenation and refreshment—desert style.

AN ALCHEMY MUD & CRYSTAL WRAP AT THE BILTMORE

One thing about the desert—the soil is different. Indigenous mud has long been celebrated for its ability to detoxify and soften skin, improve circulation and generally ease life’s aches and pains.

The Arizona Biltmore is a luxury desert oasis resort with seven spacious pools and a spa with enough amenities to give you a full day of pampering. One of our favorite massages is the Alchemy Mud and Crystal wrap that is paired with essential oils and a crystal specifically chosen to enhance the energy of your unique treatment. You can deepen your experience by adding on a 25- to 50-minute astrology reading, with an expert who blends birth-charts and cosmic forces into personal revelations.

Visit one of the many top spas in the desert…here are five Arizona-inspired treatments we’re loving now.

Photography courtesy of Arizona Biltmore

BLACK ROSE FACIAL AT THE SISLEY

PARIS SPA, FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

The Desert Rose is found in select places throughout the world. The Chinese call it the “flower of wealth,” because of their belief in its good fortune. Among many cultures, the rose is a symbol of fertility and youth.

The Fairmont Princess resort in Scottsdale offers a timeless experience with a Black Rose Facial, a naturally rose-scented gentle journey that relaxes the face, smooths features and reveals the skin’s radiance. The complexion feels fresher, the skin looks hydrated and signs of fatigue and age are smoothed away.

Within the Sisley Paris Spa, a spa within the hotel, you can also enjoy complimentary access to facilities like the sauna, steam room, Swiss shower, private rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pool, waterfall grotto and aromatherapy room.

Photography courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

AGAVE TONING WRAP AT THE CAMELBACK INN SPA

Located in the beautiful Camelback Inn, this desert-style treatment begins with a full-body exfoliation using a sea salt scrub containing Vitamin E and alfalfa leaf for smoothing the skin’s surface. Prickly pear cactus gel is applied with extracts of ginger root, paprika and carrageenan to promote circulation and bring a vibrant glow to the skin.

If that wasn’t enough, a full scalp massage and gentle release of facial pressure points will further relax you. Then, the body is drenched with a moisturizing agave nectar oil infused with plant extracts, sandalwood, barley and amurense bark that will hydrate and plump the skin to minimize the appearance of wrinkles..

Photography courtesy of Camelback Inn

HIMALAYAN SALT STONE RITUAL

AT THE PHOENICIAN SPA

Within one of Arizona’s most luxurious hotels, The Phoenician, is a spa that offers some of the best spa treatments available and has been rated with five stars by Forbes. The Himalayan Salt Stone Ritual massage nourishes the body and relaxes the mind using warmth.

This treatment utilizes 84 essential nutrients and minerals within the Himalayan salt, found within the desert of Pakistan, and the 100 percent pure salt will remineralize your skin to deliver an increased level of wellness. This provides deep relaxation, improved sleep, reduced inflammation and leaves you with a sense of emotional peace.

Photography courtesy of The Phoenician

A CITRUS RITUAL AT THE ALVARADO SPA IN ROYAL PALMS RESORT

When you think of desert, cactus likely comes to mind. But the soil and climate is also perfect for growing citrus. With the Alvarado Spa in the luxurious Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, you can submerge yourself with a signature citrus ritual. Enjoy a full-body exfoliation, while water gently cascades from above. Next, relax in the garden tub and private patio area featuring a raindrop shower. This ritual is completed with a customized massage.

Now go enjoy some self-care, desert style.

Photography courtesy of Royal Palms Resort

game day

recipes

FROM CHEF

Known for years of involvement with the Superbowl Committee, Eddie Matney shares recipes that will score big points at your game day party.

By Kaitlyn Beickel Photography by Brandon Tigrett

The most-watched sporting event in the United States is here again, and we’re ready to celebrate with great friends, great football and even better food.

We sought out the expert in delicious food—Chef Eddie Matney, an ICONIC local chef in Scottsdale, Arizona and a member of the Superbowl Committee— to share his favorite party recipes. From grilled and chilled ginormous shrimp to tasty BLT lobster slider, Chef Matney’s party food idea are sure to score a touchdown with your game-day party guests:

GRILLED CHILLED GINORMOUS SHRIMP

INGREDIENTS

1 (24) U-10 Mexican white prawns

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fine diced garlic

Dash of balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Marinate all of the ingredients in a bowl for two hours. Grill until fully cooked, place in the refrigerator and cool.

BACON MEATBALLS

INGREDIENTS

1 LB bacon, diced

1 LB onion, diced

2 ½ eggs

4 ounces basil chiffonade

3 roma tomatoes

2 ½ LB ground chuck

1 cup panko

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Combine all ingredients, roll the mixture into bite-size balls. Brown the meatballs, and then bake at 350 for 8 minutes.

SRIRACHA COCKTAIL SAUCE FOR SHRIMP

INGREDIENTS

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

1 tablespoon sriracha

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

Juice from 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

METHOD

TURKEY KEFTA WITH HARISSA

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds ground turkey

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 tablespoon cumin

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form into 2 ounce links and grill.

HARISSA

INGREDIENTS

16 ounces roasted red peppers, diced

3 cloves chopped garlic

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

Juice from 2 limes

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 cup chopped fresh chopped mint

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon cumin

2 teaspoons. ground fennel

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve alongside of the kefta skewers.

BLT LOBSTER SLIDER

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lobster meat

18 Noble slider rolls, griddled

25 baked crispy bacon strips

8 romaine spears, Julienne

METHOD

Place aioli on both sides of the bread. Add lettuce, tomato, bacon and lobster meat.

BASIL AIOLI

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of blistered cherry tomato

2 cups mayo

1/2 cup chopped basil

2 teaspoons granulated garlic

Juice from 1 lemon

1 tablespoon parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Combine all of the above in a bowl and mix well.

CHARRED SALT N’ PEPPER WINGS

INGREDIENTS

24 wings Olive oil

Garlic

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon cajun spice

METHOD

Toss the wings with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and cajun spice. Bake until cooked. To char the wings, get your outside grill very hot. Place wings on the grill and char well. While the wings are hot off the grill, season with salt and pepper.

THE BEST OF

By Shoshana Leon

We’ve spent decades tasting our way through this story. Your turn.

Photo by Mark Sacro

The Arizona culinary scene has flourished with renowned chefs, innovative cuisine and restaurant options to fit every taste. From amazing brunches to impeccable fine dining, Arizona restaurants offer delicious and upscale experiences that both locals and visitors will rave about from sunup to sun down.

BEST BRUNCH

THE AMERICANO

North Scottsdale

Celebrity chef Scott Conant, known for his many “Food Network” appearances, opened The Americano, a modern Italianinspired steakhouse in North Scottsdale in 2020. In addition to dinner and happy hour, The Americano offers an upscale Sunday brunch with offerings like a chamomile honey bun with orange blossom crème fraiche, Wagyu beef cheek hash with poached egg and seasonal vegetables, steak and eggs with a choice of ribeye or filet and polenta ricotta pancakes with huckleberry compote and whipped mascarpone butter.

Known for inventive cocktails, The Americano’s brunch libations include the Americano Mimosa with kumquat liqueur, Heirloom Creme de Flora and orange; the Rosa Mimosa with Malfy Gin Rosa,

Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato and sparkling rose; and the Vampiro Americano, the restaurant’s house-made bloody Mary garnished with black sea salt rim, spicy pickle and crispy pancetta.

BUCK & RIDER

North Scottsdale

While you might not immediately think of a seafood restuarant for brunch, head to the recently opened 10,000-square-foot Buck & Rider in North Scottsdale to have your tastebuds tantalized by baja shrimp ceviche, crab cake benedict and Brent’s lobster & waffle.

Designed by Phoenix’s renowned restaurant architect, Cathy Hayes, the new restaurant (and third location of Buck & Rider) is grand, timeless and intimate. Complete with a 10-seat sushi bar, a popular raw bar that is continuously updated to reflect the best fish and oyster selection from around the world, two patios that bridge the indoor and outdoor connection and two fire pits, perfect for enjoying brunch with friends and family.

Photos courtesy of The Americano and Buck & Rider

ZUZU AT HOTEL VALLEY HO

Old Town Scottsdale

Located in the chic mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho, ZuZu offers brunch daily from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with creative dishes like cinnamon roll bread pudding and breakfast fried rice, and Southwestern favorites like huevos rancheros, as well as traditional options.

Indulge in a brunch cocktail like an espresso martini made with chili chocolate infused vodka and cold brew, and the Sunny in Scottsdale with vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and cucumber juice. ZuZu also has a private room that can accommodate up to 24 guests.

CHIC LUNCH

TIA CARMEN

AT JW MARRIOTT RESORT AND SPA

North Phoenix

In April 2022, celebrity chef Angelo Sosa, known for appearances on “Top Chef” and Food Network, opened Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in North Phoenix. The restaurant is named for his aunt who inspired his passion for cooking. Tia Carmen’s menu highlights local ingredients and suppliers including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Locals and resort guests seeking an elevated lunch experience can enjoy beef cheek tostada, tuna crudo with corn coconut broth, chicken guisado, grass fed burger topped with bone marrow and hatch chile bacon jam and more. For dessert, try the vanilla flan with tequila caramel and manchego cheese, or the pan dulce tres leches ice cream sandwich.

FRANCINE

Old Town Scottsdale

Located in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, Francine opened in 2020 and has received several awards for its Mediterranean-inspired menu highlighting dishes from the south of France, which is the homeland of founder Laurent Halasz. The restaurant is named for his mother and the elegant meals she used to host.

Lunch options include salad Niçoise, grilled octopus, Croque Madame and mushroom pasta. Francine’s menu focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients utilizing local suppliers and farms.

Photos courtesy of ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, Tia Carmen and Francine

BEST PATIO

LON’S AT THE HERMOSA INN

Paradise Valley

For a truly Arizona dining experience in a tranquil desert setting, visit LON’s at the Hermosa Inn. In the 1930s, the Hermosa Inn was the residence and art studio of cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee and features traditional Southwestern architecture, including adobe bricks, wood beams and hand-painted Mexican tile, as well as

stunning views of Camelback Mountain and lush landscaping.

LON’s offers local and seasonal ingredients, a beautiful outdoor patio and LON’s Last Drop bar, named after one of Megargee’s ICONIC paintings, many of which are displayed throughout the resort. Shareable plates on the lunch menu include the Sonoran chopped salad with grilled corn, black beans and avocado, shrimp tacos with avocado lime crema and the Stetson burger. Lunch is served on weekdays and weekend brunch offerings include monkey bread with

salted caramel and cream cheese icing, short rib hash and the Palo Cristi frittata with foraged mushrooms and local cheese.

EL CHORRO Paradise Valley

A historic restaurant in Paradise Valley and a landmark for locals, El Chorro has a long history of rich tradition and culinary excellence. The property was originally opened as the Judson School for Girls by Dr. John C. Lincoln in 1934, while he was building the neighboring Camelback Inn. The property’s 22 acres were later purchased by Jan and Mark Gruber in 1937, who converted it into a restaurant and lodge, and El Chorro was born.

After a green-focused renovation to the facilities, a solar-energy water heating system, insulation made of recycled blue jeans and solar electric panels that reduce energy use by more than 50 percent were implemented into the property. El Chorro became the first restaurant in Arizona to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Gold Certification.

Famous for their sweet sticky buns served before each meal, El Chorro focuses on what they call “Arizona cuisine with a Southwestern flare.” With a variety of fresh, seasonally inspired and innovative dishes to pick from, guests can order dishes like flash fried lobster tail, roasted pork tenderloin or beef stroganoff.

Photos courtesy of El Chorro and the Hermosa Inn

AUTHENTIC CUISINE

KAI AT SHERATON GRAND AT WILD HORSE PASS

Phoenix

With a focus on exceptional service and indigenous ingredients, Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a truly unique and refined experience, as evidenced by its impressive accolades, including being the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant in the state.

Kai, which means “seed” in the Pima language, immerses diners in the culture and cuisine of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes. Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, Kai offers a tasting menu that changes based on local and seasonal ingredients to showcase Arizona agriculture.

PHOENIX CITY GRILLE

Phoenix

A local favorite since 1997, Phoenix City Grille highlights ingredients from regional farms and suppliers, and offers an extensive list of libations. The menu at Phoenix City Grille changes seasonally and specials are offered regularly. Popular dishes recommended by restaurant regulars include bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cotija cheese, braised short ribs, green chile pork and buttermilk pie.

The hummus highlights fresh naan from a local bakery, as well as garbanzos from a local farm. The Ramona Farms Super Food Salad features local produce including arugula, winter squash, tepary beans and wheat berries.

Photo courtesy of Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Photo by Timothy Fox Photography

FINE DINING

CHRISTOPHER’S AT THE WRIGLEY MANSION Phoenix

Celebrated chef Christopher Gross has been an Arizona culinary icon for decades. In March 2021, Christopher’s opened at the famous Wrigley Mansion offering an intimate, multi-course fine dining experience.

The space is a great complement to the exquisite dishes with floor-to-ceiling windows and dramatic views of the Phoenix cityscape and Camelback Mountain. Diners can opt for wine pairings with each course or select a bottle from one of the largest wine lists in Arizona. The tasting menu is available Thursday through Saturday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Christopher’s offers a classics menu featuring some of the chef’s most renowned dishes such as house-smoked Scottish salmon, foie gras terrine and the chocolate tower dessert created in 1982.

SEL Old Town Scottsdale

Tucked among the art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale, Sel, which means salt in French, offers beautiful plates, exceptional service and an intimate ambience. Owned and operated by husband and wife, Chef Branden and May Levine, Sel uses organic, fresh and local ingredients to create balanced and flavorful dishes. Chef Branden learned to cook from his mother and has worked in kitchens around the world which has inspired his global cuisine.

Sel is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Diners can enjoy a tasting menu with wine pairings which is also available as a vegetarian option, as well as a la carte items. Recent items on the regularly changing menu include seared Chilean sea bass with clam dashi chowder, truffled lobster tagliatelle, roasted mushroom ramen and duck breast with butternut squash pudding.

TARBELL’S

Phoenix

After growing up in a small town in New Hampshire and working in Amsterdam and Paris. Chef Mark Tarbell opened Tarbell’s in Phoenix in 1994 followed by the Wine Store in 2013 and the Tavern in 2014. In addition to receiving several awards, Chef Tarbell is known for supporting the community and aspiring chefs, as well as his television appearances including hosting a local television show highlighting local restaurants.

The menu at Tarbell’s features fresh dishes with local and seasonal ingredients including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as an extensive wine selection. Favorite dishes include pulled-to-order mozzarella with basil pesto, pasta, seafood and cheesecake with rosemary caramel sauce.

SEE ICONIC ARIZONA

There are things to do and THE things to do. What makes the 48th state so special? Here are our picks on how to do it right.

By Bailey Badillo

There are few places quite as ICONIC as Arizona. From the cinema-famous wondrous landscapes to the sunsets that won’t stop, Arizona has some incredible things to offer.

If you are here for a week or a season, let us be your tour guide as we list some of the best places to see and things to do that will get you the full taste of Arizona.

SEE THE FAMOUS ARCHITECTURE OF TALIESIN WEST

Experience the Sonoran Desert at the famous Taliesin West. There’s the original Taliesin Frank Lloyd Wright built in 1911 in

Wisconsin, and then there’s Taliesin West, a winter home for the famous architect built in 1937. The building was mindfully designed as a desert utopia, reflecting the “sweeping expansiveness of the desert,” as Wright made it a point to preserve as much of the desert environment within his several hundreds of acres of land. Each building has something unique to offer, and are connected through a series of terraces, walkways, pools and gardens.

Today, Taliesin West features several tours and activities. In fact, you can reserve an in-depth guided tour where you’ll have access to exclusive private living spaces and a knowledgeable guide to answer all your Frank Lloyd Wright questions. There are also a number of other events held here—you could tap into your spiritual side with a yoga class, meditation or desert walks. Or relax and unwind with the ‘Sunset and Sips’ happy hour.

TAKE

IN THE VIEWS

OF THE GRAND CANYON

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, no trip to Arizona is complete without seeing the Grand Canyon. Its origins are nothing short of a scientific miracle. Estimated to be about six million years old, this natural landmark contains some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth. Millions of years of erosion from the Colorado River cut deep channels that turned it into the wonder that it is today.

No picture does it justice, and yet, it’s hard to comprehend that you’re not staring into a painting when viewing this beauty. Although you can just relax and take in the views, there are some exciting activities to do at the Grand Canyon as well:

HELICOPTER TOURS

You can take a helicopter tour from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, which offers stunning aerial views and is a quick day trip. You can

book private flights with customizable activities, if you want to add on a detour to the stunning Antelope Canyon or Sedona.

SKYWALK

Within the Hualapai Reservation along the West Rim, the SkyWalk is a bucket list item. It ventures out in a horseshoe shape into the open canyon, making you feel like you’re walking on air—4,000 feet above the canyon!

CAVERNS GROTTO

One lesser known place is the Caverns Grotto, a dining experience nearly 200 feet underground, accessible by a 21-story elevator.

Originally built as a bunker for President Theodore Roosevelt, The Caverns Grotto is a private restaurant with just four tables available. The dishes are cooked at ground level then delivered via an elevator and pulley system, with an all-you-can-eat menu. Reservations are required in advance for this one-of-a-kind dining experience.

TOUR & DINE AT WRIGLEY MANSION

Check out the chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.’s grand manion, built in 1932 as a 50th wedding anniversary gift for his wife. Now a historical landmark in Phoenix, the mansion was saved in 1973 by Geordie Hormel and his wife, Jamie, who restored it to its former work of art and made it a venue, touring site and best of all—home of fine dining. Today, Jamie is at the helm of the grand dame after the passing of Geordie, and you can toast him in his namesake bar.

Grab your cameras and explore the colorful history of two grand families—Wrigley and Hormel—that make the Wrigley Mansion. In this tour, you’ll get to hear the famed ghost stories, learn the history, ask questions and explore the design that makes the mansion one of Phoenix’s most storied landmarks.

Don’t miss Chef Christopher Gross, a James Beard award winner with a longtime passion for the culinary arts. His restaurant offers the epitome of fine dining. Christopher’s, located at the top of the historic Wrigley Mansion, is said to be the chef’s dream restaurant.

As soon as you enter the room, the experience of Chistopher’s starts. Glass walls allow for romantic views of the gorgeous Sonoran Desert, and you’ll be greeted with a French cocktail, champagne or hors d’oeuvres. The tasting menu includes delectable items that change by day, along with Christopher’s classic options.

CATCH A SHOW AT THE HISTORIC ORPHEUM THEATER

It was a $750,000 construction project in 1927 to add to the vaudeville acts of the Orpheum Circuit, built in a Spanish Baroque style with intricate murals and moldings throughout. Although over the

years, it would change hands and purposes, from Paramount Pictures to the Corona family for Spanish-style films, the City of Phoenix restored the Orpheum Theater in 1984. Located in Downtown Phoenix, the Orpheum Theater is home to the Phoenix Opera, and hosts ballets and broadway musicals throughout the year.

Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a classic musical or a refined operetta, The Orpheum Theater always has something to offer; give it a visit next time you’re in Phoenix! The 1364 seat offers a balcony area, but if you do sit in the upper level, beware. Reports of a ghost nicknamed “Maggie” is said to often shush noisy visitors, even giving them a nudge at times.

GHOSTLY SAN CARLOS HOTEL

Arizona is one of the “most haunted” states in the country, thanks to its many ghost towns, which were originally built for mining but came to abrupt halts after the mines dried out, causing most every resident to leave. Whether it’s “gold mines” or old resorts, Arizona is the place to be for those who seek a thrilling ghost adventure.

One of these haunted historical sites is the Hotel San Carlos. Built in 1928, this hotel is famous for being visited by many classic celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Mae West, Carol Lombard and more. Unfortunately, just weeks after its grand opening, the hotel experienced a

Photo by Mark Sacro

tragedy as a young woman, Loene Jensen, jumped from the seven-story hotel. To date, the hotel has had a number of witnessed hauntings.

A common sighting is believed to be said Jensen, as some reported seeing a woman standing at the foot of their beds for several seconds before she walks toward the door and vanishes. Others see a little girl crying or hear children running in the basement. Some believe this is because before the hotel was built, it was Phoenix’s first school in 1874. Before that, the land was sacred for indigenous people.

Centrally located in Downtown Phoenix, The San Carlos Hotel is next to great food and shopping. The question is, do you dare

ATTEND A FAMOUS SPRING TRAINING GAME

Ah, springtime—the time when Arizona loves to boast beautiful temperatures, cactus blossoms and most importantly, spring training games.

Running this year from February 24 through March 28, 2023, spring training is an annual preseason series of practices and games for Major League Baseball teams. Arizona’s spring training started more than 75 years ago with just two teams—the Cleveland Indians (now called the Cleveland Guardians) and the New York Giants. It

to tour the historic building, or check into room 720, the room of Loene Jensen?

wouldn’t be long before the Cubs joined in 1952, making it the official “Cactus League” of teams that has grown to what it is today.

Teams in the Cactus League you could watch play during Spring Training include:

• Chicago White Sox

• Los Angeles Dodgers

• Cincinnati Reds

• Cleveland Guardians

• Chicago Cubs

• Oakland Athletics

• San Diego Padres

• Seattle Mariners

• Milwaukee Brewers

• San Francisco Giants

• Arizona Diamondbacks

• Colorado Rockies

• Kansas City Royals

• Texas Rangers

• Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

To many, spring training isn’t just a time for baseball games. It’s time to bring out the RVs and catch a game.

TRY THE ORIGINAL CHIMICHANGA AT EL CHARRO

It all started by mistake. The juicy shredded beef wrapped in a perfectly deep-fried tortilla tradition began in Tucson in 1928 when Moncia Flin, “Tia Monica,” accidentally dropped her meal into a boiling pot of oil. Not wanting to swear in front of children present in the kitchen, she exclaimed her version of the word “thingamajig” in Spanish, “chimichanga.”

Home of the chimichanga, El Charro is a staple of Tucson, and if you can afford the extra drive down south, a place not to be missed. The restaurant also offers sangrias and margaritas. And if deep-fried burritos aren’t quite your thing, you can opt for a delicious chile relleno, street tacos or one of the many gluten-free, plant-based options. There are three locations in Tucson, including the original Downtown location, Oro Valley and one in the Tucson International Airport. Enjoy your ICONIC adventures in Arizona!

So You Want to MOVE HERE?

Touchdown—this year’s Big Game brings dreams of relocating to Arizona for luxury home buyers.

By Nora Burba Trulsson

Photo by Mark Sacro

Paradise Valley estate designed by Kendle Design Collaborative and the design-build process was directed by Advocate - Residential Construction Advisors.

Beamed live from State Farm Stadium in Greater Phoenix, the Big Game will feature gorgeous scenes of Arizona interspersed between first downs and touchdowns. From the lush green golf courses of Scottsdale and the dramatic desert mountains of Tucson, to the red rock canyons of Sedona and the snow-capped peaks in Flagstaff, those drone images often inspire viewers to ponder relocating to this sunny state.

“Without a doubt, right after the Big Game, we get calls from someone snowbound in Philadelphia about seeing real estate in Arizona,” says Todd Gillenwater, CEO and an owner of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the preeminent real estate firms in the state. “It also happens around the Barrett-Jackson car auction, WM Phoenix Open golf tournament, Spring Training and other high-profile events here.”

This year the visiting population of the Valley of the Sun will be at an all-time high with record-breaking crowds expected in town for cars, golf, championship football and the baseball pre-season. Scottsdale Airport has already alerted private jet owners and companies that fly into Scottsdale of micro-thin take off and landing windows to accommodate the volume this year.

All that said, luxury-loving visitors will come to our city to seek fun, excitement, elite sports and passions, and then, well, this just might look like someplace they want to live.

What exactly is it about Arizona that attracts all those high profile events to the state? We asked Gillenwater, luxury homebuilder Julie Hancock, developer Todd Patrick and architects Mark Candelaria and C.P. Drewett—all experts in the luxury home field—to weigh in on the Grand Canyon State’s allure.

“It’s simple,” opines Gillenwater. “It’s the climate. We are a sunshine state, and that brings an outdoor lifestyle. People don’t come here to play shuffleboard. They come to golf, hike the Grand Canyon, explore the national and state parks and enjoy other outdoor adventures.”

An advantageous tax situation, a lack of natural disasters and the ability to go from the scent of orange blossoms to pine forests and snow in about two hours are other items on the “plus” side of moving to Arizona, Gillenwater points out.

Most of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s out-of-state clientele comes from California, Illinois, the upper Midwest, Denver, Seattle, New York and Pennsylvania, Gillenwater notes. Like their U.S. counterparts, Canadians have, over the years, purchased primary and secondary residences in Arizona. Where are they buying? North Scottsdale is best known to attract out-of-town buyers, with the Silverleaf community being the most luxurious of the luxurious.

“We have a $32 million listing there now,” says Gillenwater of Ellington Heights, one of the most-exciting new builds in Silverleaf and available for purchase.

Photo courtesy of Russ Lyon Sotheby

European Villa represented by Frank Aazami and Cheryl Anderson from Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Paradise Valley’s “golden triangle” between Clearwater Hills and Mummy and Camelback mountains is also a big draw for buyers new to the Arizona market. In Greater Phoenix, Gillenwater also points out under-the-radar locales such as the Vistancia golf community in Peoria, and Gilbert and Chandler for attracting tech-types. In southern Arizona, Tucson’s Foothills neighborhood is a magnet for those who love views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, big lots and natural desert landscapes. Farther south, Tubac is a charming, historic arts community that draws retirees and those seeking a low-key lifestyle.

Though Russ Lyon Sotheby’s has offices statewide, Gillenwater personally is now based in Flagstaff and also likes to tout northern Arizona locales, like Flagstaff’s three master-planned luxury golf communities and developments near the slopes of Arizona Snowbowl, the popular ski resort.

“Sedona is also its own draw,” Gillenwater says. “It’s a stunning place to live that attracts people from all over the world. We have a $19-million listing there, right on Oak Creek. Prescott is also a highgrowth luxury market for us. A lot of Californians are moving there for the small-town ambiance.”

Though Camelot Homes projects are largely in Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale, Julie Hancock, the managing director and co-owner of the multi-generational company, has deep roots in the state and institutional knowledge of the local building and development scene.

“My husband’s parents started the company in 1969,” she notes. “My father-in-law was one of the first licensed contractors in Arizona. My husband and I took over in the late 1970s.”

Focusing on developing and building high-end residential communities and custom homes, Hancock estimates that about 40 percent of Camelot Homes’ buyers are from out of state and notes an uptick in visitors to their model homes around the time of Arizona’s signature events, such as the Big Game.

“Our buyers come for the climate, the outdoor activities, the great restaurants, the good schools and a myriad of other reasons,” she says. “When they move here, they want the change, they want something different. Our buyers from Chicago don’t want the traditional look and lifestyle they had there. They want a new experience.”

With new communities such as Scottsdale’s Bronco and Shadow Ridge, Paradigm in Phoenix and Stone Crest in Gilbert—plus custom homes—Camelot Homes varies its architectural influences from community to community, as well as within the development, eschewing a cookie-cutter look.

“People want sophisticated architecture, not trends,” Hancock notes. “We have our own in-house architects and partner with outside architects for our projects.”

Photo courtesy of Camelot Homes

Bronco Estate by Camelot Homes

While Camelot Homes’ architectural styles vary from cottage and urban farmhouse influences to contemporary and modern Spanish, Hancock sees certain elements that are particularly attractive to sunshine seekers. “We promote an indoor-outdoor lifestyle,” she says, “but it’s not just having a retractable door. With our homes, we create courtyards and patios that are part of the living room, so you can’t really tell the difference between indoors and out—and you can be outside in February.”

Garage space is high on the list for out-of-town buyers, who often bring collectible vehicles to the state and want to showcase them.

“Four-car garages and larger are common for us now,” Hancock says. “Many buyers want showroom-style spaces for their cars.” (Did they just return from Barrett-Jackson?)

The pandemic brought an increased demand for home offices— and in many cases, two offices—for those who can work remotely. Detached guest houses for visiting adult children, grandchildren, in-laws and friends are popular, along with big kitchens and huge islands that double as entertaining space as well as food prep zones. Drilling down even more, Hancock points out laundry rooms that include pet baths and feeding stations, as well as interior courtyards for buyers with pets.

“We do a lot of amenities for pets,” she says. “People worry about coyotes and other desert critters here, so having an interior courtyard lets your dog be outside and still safe.”

Overall, Hancock firmly believes that Arizona is, and will continue to be, a strong residential market. “Like other states, we’ve had our peaks and our valleys, but the market is always going to go up.”

Architect Mark Candelaria has also seen his fair share of out-oftown clients—some 60 percent, he notes, from places like California, Chicago and the Midwest, New York, Pennsylvania, even Canada and China.

“There are no bugs, no mosquitos,” he says with a chuckle, “but on the serious side, people see that the Phoenix area is a clean, beautiful and friendly community. Property taxes are low. It’s easy to get around here.”

Having launched his own Scottsdale practice in 1999 after working for another firm for 18 years, Candelaria has become the go-to architect for gracious estate homes that have occasionally been designed with über amenities, such as large-scale equestrian facilities, gun ranges, bowling alleys, beauty salons and glass-walled car showrooms that can be viewed from within living rooms.

Photo courtesy of Candelaria Design

Spiekerman Estate by Candelaria Design

Candelaria’s projects—both new builds and extensive remodels—can be found throughout Greater Phoenix, particularly in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and the leafy Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. He’s also done show-stopping homes statewide, from Flagstaff and Sedona, down to Yuma.

“Our out-of-state clients’ architectural style preferences have ebbed and flowed over the years,” he says. “While it was once Pueblo and Tuscan, the preference these days is toward a cleaner, more modern look. What seems to have the longest hold is some form of Santa Barbara style here. It’s classic and maintains its value.”

Like Julie Hancock, Candelaria sees certain home features high on the list for newcomers considering either a vacation home or permanent residence in Arizona. “We do a lot of guest houses,” he remarks, “and multi-car garages, often with lower levels.”

One design element that has become in demand for clients is an indoor-outdoor bar, Candelaria points out, often straddling the kitchen and a poolside patio. “We remodeled the classic El Chorro Lodge restaurant in Paradise Valley several years ago and designed one there,” he says. “Now everyone wants one.”

And, always, Candelaria notes that the firm designs for the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that all sun-seekers want. “Here in Arizona, we wait for Halloween, not necessarily for the trick or treaters,” he says. “That’s when the heat is over and we can enjoy our beautiful weather.”

The indoor-outdoor lifestyle is something that Scottsdale architect C.P. Drewett is all about. Since launching his practice more than two decades ago, he has earned a high profile as a modernist, creating sleek, dramatic, award-winning homes that are perfect for entertaining.

“People are starving for sunshine,” says Drewett of his clientele, 50 percent of which come from places like Chicago, New York and Canada, as well as California. “They want glass, glass and glass, and an absence of formality.”

While Drewett is careful with solar orientation and shading all the glass walls that his clients want, he says that they have embraced his bold take on contemporary design. “Arizona is a melting pot,” says the architect, a Louisiana native. “Everyone’s from somewhere else, so people are more open to something different here than what they may have experienced in their home states.”

Drewett, whose projects are largely in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, finds certain details popular with his out-of-town clients, such as outdoor living spaces, lavished with outdoor kitchens and grills, bars, drop-down TVs, fireplaces and fire pits, sophisticated lighting and even heated patio floors to take the nip out of midnight dip in the pool on a winter’s night. “Outdoor furniture, including lighting and rugs, is remarkable these days,” he says. “The patio is no longer an afterthought.”

Photo courtesy of Drewett Works

Stone Radius Estate by Drewett Works

Ascent

Renderings courtesy of Ascent at The Phoenician

Ascent at the Phoenician

at the Phoenician

Drewett agrees that homebuyers in Arizona are car-crazy and finds himself creating not only multiple garage spaces, but ones that double as man caves and sports bars, as entertaining spaces. Kitchens, too, he says, have become entertaining spaces. He often specs two islands (one for prep, one for guests to hang out) and a back, or “dirty” kitchen that can be used to hide cooking messes or for catering access. One feature Drewett’s vacation home clients don’t request much is a lavish wine cellar.

“If they have a major wine collection, it’s usually back home,” he explains. “People don’t tend to leave a lot of wine in their second home.”

With or without wine cellars, big kitchens and multiple garage spaces, Drewett points out, “People want to live here. They want that open, casual way of living.”

Todd Patrick, the vice president of sales and marketing at Replay Destinations, says that he’s seeing a split between people who want to live in Arizona full-time and those who just want to stay for the cool seasons.

“People are either are moving here full-time, or they›re buying for seasonal reasons, with the goal of retiring and spending more time here,” Patrick says. Replay Destinations is behind Ascent at The

Phoenician, a five-star super-luxe community on resort grounds with an ICONIC mountain location and the pinnacle of luxury living, and the first resident just moved in recently.

Patrick says his clients are buying for the location first, being at the base of the ICONIC Camelback Mountain, minutes to Scottsdale Fashion Square and Old Town, and close to the airport. Next, the architecture and design have captured the imaginations of buyers. Plus, the lock-and-leave aspect and buyers having access to the amenities of five-star Phoenician Resort are perfect perks. The community will likely be complete by the Fall of 2025.

Cullum Homes is building its newest community within the gates of Ascent, and the first model will open in the early part of 2023.

As you watch those golden-hour scenics of Arizona’s desert, forests and mountains during the Big Game, remember—you are not alone in your desire to relocate here.

“We’re predicted to grow another 26 percent in population here during the next 20 years,” says Julie Hancock. “That means we’ll be adding about two million people to the state.”

Adds Mark Candelaria succinctly, “Arizona is an easy and beautiful place to live.”

Photo courtesy of Drewett Works

Stone Radius Estate by Drewett Works

Sipping Shopping and in Scottsdale

By Kaitlyn Beickel

In Scottsdale, we’re spoiled with a retail heaven of choices for shopping centers and stores. While you could find most of what you need online, you’ll miss out on the experience of walking into a beautifully designed store, getting help from a sales associate and leaving with your purchase in-hand instead of waiting for shipping.

Plus, a successful shopping trip has its perks—like stopping for a celebratory cocktail or glass of wine afterward at a nearby restaurant or bar. We’ve paired some of our favorite shopping destinations with our favorite places for a drink, so you can sip and shop your way through Scottsdale.

Shop your way through Scottsdale with plenty of sips along the way.

Photo by Mark Sacro

SHOPPING AT KIERLAND COMMONS SIPPING AT ZINC

BISTRO

Kierland Commons is a luxe shopping destination with 70 high-end specialty stores like Anthropologie, Michael Kors, Sundance, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, Tommy Bahama and Z Gallerie, so they have something for every shopper. And dining options for every taste—home to some of the best restaurants in Scottsdale, you’ll find Zinc Bistro, The Greene House, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Postino WineCafe and North at Kierland Commons.

Zinc Bistro is our pick for after-shopping cocktails, or for some excellent French cuisine. The cozy French bistro is right in the heart of Kierland Commons, and exudes all the ambiance of an authentic Parisian bistro, complete with marble tables and wicker chairs. Beyond their impressive cocktail selection, Zinc Bistro has a long list of wines to please every taste.

Order a French, white wine Sancerre at Zinc Bistro— our favorite is the Château De Sancerre!

Photography courtesy of Kierland Commons, Photography courtesy of Zinc Bistro

SHOPPING

AT

SCOTTSDALE FASHION

SQUARE SIPPING AT FRANCINE

Scottsdale Fashion Square is a luxury shopping center that draws in visitors and locals alike, with its many boutiques, designer brands and elevated experiences. The 1.9 million square feet center has more than 200 shops and restaurants including brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Cartier, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Prada, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo and Burberry, providing plenty of options for a Saturday afternoon well spent shopping and sipping.

At Scottsdale Fashion Square, situated in the luxury wing, you’ll find Francine, an upscale bistro that embraces the cuisine found in the South of France. Celebrity cheffounder Laurent Halasz also founded another ICONIC Scottsdale restaurant—Fig & Olive. Chef Halasz “re-creates specialties of the region, including salad Niçoise, grilled branzino, steak frite and bouillabaisse.”

Francine is a great place to stop by for a drink after a long day of shopping—offering tantalizing craft cocktails and an impressive selection of wines.

Order the C’est La Vie drink at Francine–it contains rye, vecchio amaro, coffee and walnut bitters!

Photo by Mark Sacro

Photography courtesy of Biltmore Fashion Park

SHOPPING AT BILTMORE FASHION PARK SIPPING AT MERC BAR

You won’t be disappointed when you come to shop at Biltmore Fashion Park—it’s anchored by Arizona’s only Saks Fifth Avenue and has an impressive selection of high-end stores like Brooks Brothers, Jo Malone London, Macy’s, Pottery Barn, Ralph Lauren and WilliamsSonoma. And the dining is also top-notch, with the delicious offerings from restaurants like The Capital Grille, True Food Kitchen and Seasons 52.

When you’re ready for drinks after shopping until you drop, head to Merc Bar across the street, an outpost of the original MercBar that opened in 1993 on Mercer Street in New York City. The business-casual dress code is strictly enforced at the swanky cocktail bar, so you can sip your drink in style. It’s a great destination to head to for date night thanks to the romantic atmosphere and tantalizing drinks.

Order a classic dirty martini at Merc Bar!

Photography courtesy of Oliver Smith Jeweler

SHOPPING

AT OLIVER SMITH JEWELER AT GAINEY VILLAGE SIPPING AT ROKA AKOR

If you’re looking for some sparkle, pearls or even a simple pendant, Oliver Smith Jeweler has a curated selection of beautiful, house-designed and well-made jewelry and timepieces. The store’s namesake—designer and store owner Oliver Smith—has focused on creating exceptional jewelry since 1981, with a focus on making each piece last a lifetime. With only two brick-and-mortar stores, one in Scottsdale and one in Aspen, we recommend taking advantage of a visit to Oliver Smith while you’re in town.

Just a short drive down the road from Oliver Smith is Roka Akor, an upscale Japanese restaurant offering sushi, steaks, seafood and most importantly—spirits. Head to Roka Akor for a drink after shopping for jewelry and you won’t be disappointed by the extensive beverage menu, with everything from Sake to Japanese-inspired cocktails, it has something for everyone.

Order the Paper Tiger at Roka Akor—it contains Broker’s London Gin, lemon juice, yuzu juice, prosecco and matcha powder.

Photography courtesy of Roka Akor

Red Rock RADIANCE

If you are looking for a journey filled with beauty and enchantment, then the dramatic scenery of the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona is beckoning, and here’s what to do.

By ICONIC LIFE

Even though Sedona has changed over time, the heart of this city is still the dramatic scenery that can be seen by those who seek the majesty of the Red Rocks.

Due to the overwhelming number of awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy photos on social media, tourism has exploded in Sedona, and why wouldn’t it? Sedona’s beauty captures the imagination and desire to roam like no other place.

Sedona has made a name for itself as a New-Age mecca, offering healing crystals and vortexes to endeavor spiritual awakening and enlightenment. For some of the 3 million visitors each year, the opportunity for renewal comes in another form, that of outdoor adventure and the awesome appreciation of the natural beauty that is Sedona, Arizona. With its Red Rock cliffs and mesas, and the vast trail system that surrounds Sedona, visitors hope to find a reprieve from their daily lives in search of a powerful connection with nature.

With scenery being the number one attraction, the answer to “What to do in Sedona?” will be answered in this ICONIC City Guide, which focuses on the opportunities to see as much of it as possible on your stay with the hope to give you a glimpse into all that Sedona has to offer and inspire you to see this magical land for yourself.

WHERE TO STAY

CREEKSIDE OASIS

A luxurious stay is always found at L’Auberge de Sedona, a resort nestled along Oak Creek. Desert dwellers relish the treelined brook that provides shade on warm afternoons while lounging on Adirondack chairs listening to the calm of the stream. L’Auberge is truly a hideaway right below the heart of this bustling town where guests can unplug and unwind while embracing the serenity of their surroundings.

If you’re craving an indulgent meal, then the seven-course tasting menu at Cress will delight your senses while dining creek-side. The journey of inspired dishes you will savor include pan-seared branzino with smoked trout roe and saffron espuma, and a warm chocolate souffle with smoked chocolate cremeux and caramel whiskey gelato.

Stay at one of the creek-side cottages with a wood-burning fireplace, outdoor cedar shower and private terrace with only the sound of the running waters to lull you to sleep. The well-appointed cottage welcomes each guest into what feels like a tranquil oasis where comfort only comes second to the view. If pampering is on the agenda, then the L’Aromatherapy Essential Massage is a must. You’ll start at the L’Apothecary Blending Station, where you mix your own treatment massage oil with herbs and botanicals to create your own scent profile oil for use during your relaxation massage.

AMARA

A perfect stay at the Amara Resort and Spa starts with one of the resort’s suite accommodations that provides undisturbed scenery of the trees and creek with only the sound of rushing water outside your room. Enjoy time spent relaxing in the infinity-edge pool, where stunning views of the Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona and radiant sunsets are on display daily.

This resort provides spectacular viewing of the stars in this dark sky city where on a crisp evening you can sit by the firepit with a unique mixology from the bar which

Photography courtesy of L'Auberge de Sedona and Amara Resort and Spa

boasts its proprietary agave-based margaritas. The Sun Devil Margarita with passion fruit, astral blanco tequila, chipotle and lime is a refreshing drink with a hint of spice to finish.

Patio dining at Saltrock Southwest Kitchen should be a requirement during your stay since the view of the Red Rocks is something of which you will never tire. Executive Chef Lindsay Dale’s inventive Southwest-inspired menu offers a satisfying meal of carnitas tacos with salsa verde, cotija and cilantro, which is topped off perfectly by the tres leches cake with strawberry, mango and cinnamon whipped cream for dessert. The only thing to make this meal even better is enjoying the view while you dine.

ENCHANTMENT RESORT

This resort, located in Boynton Canyon, is a quiet oasis that offers rest and relaxation to those wanting to be transported to a place of pure enchantment. The secludedness of this resort gives guests the feeling of being fully immersed in nature with the Red Rock surroundings and the sky full of stars. Boynton CanyonTrail is accessed right on the property which is a great way to explore the beauty of Sedona up close and burn calories before an indulgent dinner at the resort.

Enchantment boasts spectacular views from every corner of this property, particularly when dining at Che Ah Chi. The restaurant flawlessly executes the roasted sea scallops with foraged mushrooms and brown butter crumble, which is best enjoyed on the patio. One of the specialty cocktails to savor on a warm desert evening is the Scorpion Kiss, consisting of Vida mezcal, banana, pineapple, orgeat and Peychaud’s bitters.

When adventure is a part of your trip, then Enchantment’s mountain bike excursions, for every skill level and interest, is a can’t miss. There are outings that go from beginner to advanced, and they offer trips to vortexes, the Native American traditions tour, sunset rides and under-the-stars adventures. After an afternoon of biking, a pool suite is a perfect way to wind down where you will enjoy a private pool and deck amongst the Red Rocks and stars.

Photo courtesy of Enchantment Resort

WHERE TO EAT

HILLTOP DELI

Hilltop Deli is a casual eatery everyone will enjoy. With sandwiches like cilantro, pesto chicken or turkey, swiss, avocado with sprouts, and everything in between, all patrons are sure to have their cravings satiated here. Even though there are no Red Rock views at this restaurant, don’t pass it by. Get your meal to go, find a new trail and have a picnic on your hike.

HIDEAWAY HOUSE

The Hideaway House has seen some changes over time, but some things stay the same—amazing views and great food. It would be easy to miss this eatery along the main drag but make a point to stop and dine here. Ask for patio seating because dining with a view isn’t something you will want to miss. Even in winter you can dine outside, just ask for a blanket, and you’ll be happy you did.

MESA GRILL

You may not think of airport dining as anything but ordinary, but Mesa Grill will change your mind. Located on top of a mesa, the Sedona airport restaurant provides stunning views of the Red Rocks along with the occasional take-off and landing. The restaurant offers a weekly changing seasonal menu along with its classic Southwestern style mainstays by Chef Mercer Mohr. One item to be a hit is the tableside guacamole with fresh corn tortilla chips.

Photography courtesy of Hilltop Deli, Laura Novak / The Hideaway House and Mesa Grill

THE HUDSON

The Hudson is an industrial-chic American eatery with one of the best views in town. The locale’s unique twist on classic comfort food paired with local craft beer makes this casual environment a great place to dine after a day on the trails or shopping around town. The bruschetta trio including prosciutto di parma is delectable, and the classic burger is hard to beat. Watching the sunset while enjoying a cocktail makes for a great Sedona evening. The Hendricks at the Hudson with Hendricks gin, luxardo cherry juice, lemon and sparkling wine is one to try.

MARIPOSA

Mariposa’s Latin-inspired cuisine and elevated fine dining by Chef Lisa Dahl, the cuisine queen of Sedona, welcomes guests into a full sensory experience. The South American menu and patio with panoramic views of the Red Rocks makes this one of the top restaurants to visit while here. Mariposa is one of five Sedona-based restaurants owned by the Dahl Restaurant Group and a jewel in the crown of the Sedona restaurant scene. If you want a taste of Sedona once you get home from your trip, Dahl-to-Door ships local condiments and confections to chef-prepared meals.

Photography courtesy of Laura Novak / The Hudson and Mariposa

THINGS TO DO

SPECTACULAR SUNSET

If you are looking for the best sunset in Sedona, then Airport Mesa is the spot to see it. After a dinner at Mesa Grill, you can walk over to the lookout point and watch the artistry of a Sedona sunset where the Red Rocks change colors as the sun goes down like the theater of the sky. Even though it can get crowded, it’s worth seeing at least once.

DEVIL’S BRIDGE

Devil’s Bridge is the quintessential Sedona hike with a breathtaking view from the top of this natural sandstone arch. This hike from the parking lot is about four miles roundtrip, and it can get very crowded due to its popularity, so start early. The hike is flat for the first mile but can get steep as you journey to the plateau to reach the “bridge.” It can get challenging, but the feeling of accomplishment and the beauty all around will leave you speechless.

CHAPEL TRAIL

The view of the Red Rocks surrounds you throughout this hike, and it is well marked. This is a 4.5-mile-round trip hike with elevation and terrain changes, in particular when you start on the Chapel Trail, which is the last three-quarter mile of this trail. You will end at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which was built seamlessly into the Red Rocks in 1956. It was commissioned by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and is an ICONIC landmark in this city.

Top photo by Laura Novak

SLIDE ROCK

Slide Rock is a section of Oak Creek and as the name implies, it is a natural “water slide,” where swimmers slide down rocks from one end of the creek to the other. It is rather populated in the summer with locals finding respite from the heat in the cool waters of the creek. But in fall or spring, it is a great time to walk along the rocks next to the creek and plan a picnic on your outing. It is less trafficked then and allows you the opportunity to take in the scenery uninterrupted. Stop by Hillside Deli on your way there and bring lunch while you enjoy Slide Rock.

PINK JEEP TOURS

Pink Jeep Tours is an ICONIC tour company in Sedona. With the company’s painted pink jeeps and knowledgeable, charismatic tour guides, you are guaranteed to have an experience you will never forget. There are several off-road tour options from mild, even terrain to rugged trails and inclines. This is a great way to see Sedona if this is your first trip or have traveled here for years. You will always learn something new about this town on each tour you take.

SHOPPING

With all the activities available to you in Sedona, sometimes taking a stroll through shops makes for a perfect afternoon. The outdoor market, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, is authentically fashioned after a Mexican village with vine-covered stucco walls, cobblestone walkways and arched entries. With exclusive galleries showcasing blown glass, bronze sculptures and traditional ceramics from local artists, this is the perfect place to buy a unique item and bring a piece of Sedona home with you.

Top photo by Laura Novak

ICONIC

By Fran Miller

Soleri CHIMES IN

Paolo Soleri might find it slightly ironic that his anti-consumerism philosophy, so beautifully displayed at Paradise Valley’s Cosanti (an Arizona Registry of Historic Places property), is now supported by a consumer product. But the Italianborn Arizonan whose development name translates to “against things,” would likely approve of the resulting artisan community formed in his honor and based on his beliefs that humans can live in balance with nature—a concept he termed arcology (architecture + ecology.) And he would no doubt approve of the homage-like means by which his beliefs are sustained.

Soleri founded The Cosanti Foundation in 1965 (predating the Environmental

Protection Agency and Earth Day) to advance his ‘ahead-of-its-time’ philosophy that communities can live more fully with less, with less detrimental impact on the ecology of the Earth. Today, with that philosophy more relevant than ever, The Cosanti Foundation continues to promote sustainability through experimental architecture and agriculture, the efforts of which are supported by the sale of Cosanti Windbells, modeled after the first ones cast by Soleri in 1955 with natural Arizona clay.

Handmade today in the same tradition, Cosanti ceramic windbells are cast directly into sandy soil or in plaster molds after which skilled artisans carve tribal patterns, figures, animals, and designs inspired by nature

before kiln-firing. The Cosanti bronze windbells are handcrafted with original techniques and traditional designs utilized at Cosanti for more than 65 years. A third collection, Cosanti Cause Bells, depict images that represent the cause that each windbell supports (i.e. an oak leaf for The Nature Conservancy and a dog for Canine Companions for Independence).

For each purchase, Cosanti sends a portion of the proceeds to an annually selected nonprofit organization. Cosanti windbells are instantly recognizable as truly authentic Arizona desert décor, emblematic of the arrestingly imaginative Cosanti earth-casted structures and the sustainability that each symbolizes. Every Cosanti windbell chime harkens a greater good.

Want to know exactly what each windbell style sounds like? Cosanti’s interactive website features audio of each.

Photography courtesy of Cosanti