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Letter from the Editor
Art comes in countless forms, each offering a unique window into the heart and soul of its creator—revealing parts of them we might not see on the surface. We are all drawn to different expressions of art, often finding ourselves moved by what resonates with us, evoking emotions and sparking connection. I’ve always been in awe of the boundless creativity that artisans of all kinds pour into their work.
This February issue celebrates a few of the talented makers and artists in our community, highlighting their local products and stories of passion and creativity. As you read about their journeys of self-expression, we hope you’re inspired to rekindle your own passions and pursue what truly lights you up. After all, February is the month of love—so why not start by showing some love for your own hobbies and interests? With our busy lives, it’s easy to let personal passions take a backseat. But it’s important to intentionally carve out time for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment.
We’re excited to dedicate this edition to some of our favorite local spots. By shopping locally, we not only help strengthen our economy but also support the families who are the heart of these businesses. Let’s celebrate the incredible talent right here in our own community by supporting the many locally-owned businesses and artists of all kinds around Kansas City.
ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Cristine Lindholm | Cristine.Lindholm@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
SALES MANAGER
Nolan Williams | nolan.williams@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan, Lauren Powers, Katie Currid
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Katie Currid
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Fall In Love With Your Smile This February
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Gifting with Clairvaux
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MOTHER THE
ANINE
HUNZA XANRA BIKINI
Quaint
A
ARTICLE BY JENNY VERGARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Neighborhood Craft Cocktail Bar
As a Johnson County resident, Matt Murphy opened his cigar store and lounge, Fireside Cigar, three years ago in the Arbor Creek Village shopping center, located just off 159th Street and South Mur-Len Road in Olathe, Kansas.
Having worked for years in the cigar business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before moving to Kansas City 10 years ago, Murphy knows firsthand the importance of building a loyal following—not only for his store’s selection of cigars but also for fostering a community of people who enjoy the social aspect that unfolds when two people sit down, light up a cigar, and simply talk to one another.
The only other place Murphy had experienced that kind of camaraderie was at a cocktail bar. Inspired by that connection, he leased the space next door to Fireside Cigar and opened Quaint, a neighborhood craft cocktail bar. Although Murphy owns both businesses, they are not connected; Quaint operates as a completely separate, smokefree establishment that just happens to be next door to his cigar shop.
With plenty of casual dining restaurants and sports bars in Olathe offering drinks, Murphy felt the time was right for a quality cocktail bar—a place where you could drop in with friends before dinner or stop by after for a quick nightcap. With developments like the Bluhawk Sports Park opening nearby, bringing more housing, retail, and restaurants to the area, Murphy believes Quaint is perfectly positioned to thrive.
Quaint offers seating for up to 60 guests in its 1,500-square-foot space footprint. Over the past two years, Murphy has meticulously transformed the interior into an upscale cocktail bar. From the deep moss-green paint on the walls and marble-topped bar to the crystal chandelier, exposed brick accent wall behind the bar, and burnt ochre booths and stools, the space exudes a casual sophistication, warmth, and charm.
The bar features 15 signature cocktails, blending classics and house creations. Highlights include the Quaint Old Fashioned, made with rye, Luxardo, house bitters, and an orange peel garnish, and That Blonde Girl, a refreshing mix of gin, St. Germain, grapefruit, Lillet Blanc, and bitters. A vodka martini, and the ever-popular espresso martini, also make the menu.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
“The space exudes a casual sophistication, warmth, and charm.”
Signature cocktails are priced at $16, with crafted non-alcoholic options for $13. Guests can also enjoy a curated selection of straight spirits—including whiskey, bourbon, rye, rum, scotch, tequila, and mezcal—along with a small list of wines, available by the bottle or half bottle. There’s something for everyone to sip on.
For light bites, Quaint serves three shareable boards: a charcuterie board, a cheese and cracker board, and a dessert board featuring chocolates, caramels, mixed and candied nuts, dried fruit, and popcorn.
• Cashless Payments: All food and beverage purchases must be paid by card, though cash tips for the staff are welcome.
• No Reservations: Seating is first-come, first-served.
• Self-Seating: Guests may seat themselves, but if your party cannot be accommodated at one table, you’ll be asked to wait by the door until space becomes available.
• Courtesy Time: To ensure a good flow, guests are kindly asked to offer their table within 15 minutes of settling their bill if others are waiting for a seat.
• Hours of Operation: Quaint is open Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m.–11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.–midnight.
Quaint offers an intimate, friendly neighborhood atmosphere, perfect for sparking conversations—you just never know who you might meet there.
Quaint, 15995 S. Bradley Dr. Olathe, KS, (913) 839-9065, quaintcocktails.com
BEHIND the Exhibit
THE CHARLOTTE STREET VISUAL ARTS AWARD
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Since 1997, the Charlotte Street Visual Artist Award has supported exceptional visual artists in Kansas City. This competitive award recognizes local artists who are creating remarkable work and demonstrating both achievement and potential. The award offers financial assistance, vital recognition and greater visibility, with the goal of encouraging the ongoing artistic and professional growth of these individuals.
Each year, a panel of art professionals carefully selects artists from a competitive pool of applicants. The winners receive a cash grant of $10,000, with over $751,500 grants distributed to date. This exhibit celebrates the creative achievements and unique perspectives of these emerging contemporary artists and brings fresh energy and compelling narratives to the forefront of the Kansas City art scene.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is proud to host the exhibitions of the three Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards winners for 2024: Juan Diego Gaucin, Aleah Washington and Kevin Demery.
Juan Diego Gaucin is a figurative painter. Born in Mexico, Gaucin emigrated to the United States as a child, an experience that profoundly influences his artistic exploration of migration and identity. “Para una vida mejor/For a Better Life” features five large oil paintings that delve into the motivations and challenges faced by migrants.
“This body of work represents roughly a year's worth of painting,” says Gaucin. “It is a body of work that I began as part of my thesis work at KU, and have continued through my residency at Charlotte Street. It focuses on the experiences of migrants using partially abstracted figures, vibrant color and pattern. I work in oil, and prefer a larger scale. I tend to enjoy using a variety of techniques such as painting with a palette knife.
“Every painting is like a puzzle, where the challenge is finding a balance between the formal qualities, the meaning or subject matter, and the process. I don't start with a complete idea in my head—instead I allow the painting to evolve as I work and meditate on the subject matter."
This opportunity to exhibit at The NelsonAtkins is a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to amplify his message and inspire audiences to embrace shared human values.
“This show represents a huge opportunity and honor. It is extremely rare for emerging artists to have an opportunity to show work at such a prestigious location such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum, and the amount of exposure and networking that it has provided has been a huge boost to establishing myself as a Kansas City artist. It is an honor to be able to bring this particular message to a wider audience and to represent my community and migrants as a whole. I hope that it inspires young people to not lose faith in their dreams."
Currently, Gaucin teaches painting at Johnson County Community College and Haskell Indian Nations University.
JUAN Diego Gaucin
ALEAH Washington
Aleah Washington’s work bridges historical narratives and contemporary issues through the meticulous craft of quilting and colored pencil drawings. A recent graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute and a Dallas native, Washington’s artistic journey has been marked by a deep engagement with themes of unity and resilience.
Using vibrant fabrics and intricate patterns, Washington creates quilts that transform overlooked materials into meaningful compositions. Her interest in maps, both physical and metaphorical, shapes her work, connecting fragments of history into unified, evocative stories.
“My exhibition titled "Slowly Drifting” is about exploring how division of land and people contributes to a lasting legacy of urban decay,” says Washington. “My use of color and patterns in solid areas examines the current effects of historical maps. Through quilting, I build pathways that connect small cuts of fabrics that represent different cultures and histories. When combined, they create unity and demonstrate a new
strength that was once lost over time. Without always looking for a direct answer, I use a playful approach of vivid colors and repetitive techniques that add to the experience of memory and comfort levels surrounding redlined maps.”
Her colored pencil drawings echo this theme, merging maps with personal memories to explore the balance between past and present.
“The fabrics I source correlate to different cultures and histories. When combined, they create unity and demonstrate a new strength.”
This exhibition marks a pivotal moment in Washington’s career, providing a platform to foster connections among diverse audiences.
“This show is encouraging so much growth in my art career. I’m creating new work that is receiving exposure and I am elevating craft arts. I have so much gratitude for the many people that support me and it’s exciting that my work is bringing so many people together.”
The fabrics I source correlate to different cultures and histories. When combined, they create unity and demonstrate a new strength.
KEVIN Demery
Kevin Demery is an interdisciplinary artist from the San Francisco Bay Area whose work investigates Black historical narratives through poetry and sculpture. Demery combines unconventional materials and cultural symbols to create thought-provoking installations.
“My contribution to the award show is an exhibition titled “A Lesson Before Dying” which covers an array of subjects and challenges facing the African American community from the reconstruction era to present day,” says Demery. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to show at the Nelson Atkins because it affords us a large audience to express our artistic visions. I am deeply grateful for the chance to share this body of work that has been central to my practice for the last few years.”
His exhibit uses sculptures crafted from children’s puzzles, wind chimes and plaster-cast hands to address themes central to the African American experience.
“Sculpture is the vehicle I use to engage the audience. Many of my works reference specific histories and I then poetically interpret them within larger cultural experiences.”
Demery’s artistic approach is deeply personal and reflective of his upbringing in environments shaped by challenges. His work has been featured internationally, including at Art Cologne 2024 and the Delta Triennial at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the Kansas City Art Institute in the Foundation Department.
The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is located at 4525 Oak Street in Kansas City. See the Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards from now until August 10th, 2025 in Gallery L8. For more information, visit nelson-atkins.org
Suit Yourself
ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHREINER
To most people, casual wear is a pair of jeans and a relaxed T-shirt or maybe a sweatshirt. To Dwight Colerangle, it’s a suit.
“People don't like to wear suits because they feel like suits are just for work,” says Dwight. “You can actually wear a suit to a birthday dinner. You can wear a suit to travel if you want to.”
Dwight, also known as King Dwight, or @kingdeewight on Instagram and TikTok, is a fashion influencer in the Kansas City area. He has to wear suits to work every day at his 9-to-5 day job but loves to play around with suits in his off hours and share them on social media.
Dwight combines street style and “classic” style, playing with more elevated looks but making them approachable for all sorts of situations.
But he wasn’t always able to experiment with style. Growing up in Ghana, Dwight wore uniforms to school.
“Back in school, we were so highly regulated,” says Dwight. “There's so much you can do to express yourself.”
He’s 26 now and says he found his style when he moved to the U.S. A dancer, he started his Instagram account as an Afro beats dance account in 2017 but shifted to fashion on a whim one day.
“I used to get complimented every time I dressed up, so, I thought, let me try this video,” says Dwight. “And I posted my first video with fashion, and it took off — like my very first video went viral. I told myself, ‘Oh, this is absolutely what I need to do.’”
“You can actually wear a suit to a birthday dinner. You can wear a suit to travel if you want to.”
Now, Dwight shares his outfits and inspiration with his large following on social media. His fashion philosophy is “upgrade your style." One of his favorite things to recommend to followers is how to dress down a suit for everyday use.
“There are a lot of suits that are being made in this current era that can take you to brunch or a party or a dinner. They don’t look that official,” says Dwight.
To translate a suit to a more casual situation, Dwight likes adding a T-shirt under a suit jacket, or even a sweater or a turtleneck. He also likes combining a hoodie with an oversized suit.
For those who have trouble putting together a look, Dwight also recommends playing around with color combinations, such as complimenting white shoes with white sunglasses. He’s also a big fan of accessorizing, such as with a shoulder bag or a watch.
Dwight’s style is a blend of street style and elevated wear, and he truly believes no article of clothing should only be relegated strictly as formal or casual wear.
“Everyone has the potential to put the right pieces together,” he says.
GAME SHOW Battle ROOMS
ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Step Into the Spotlight at Game Show Battle Rooms: Where Fun Takes Center Stage
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the glitzy world of game shows, surrounded by the buzz of friendly competition and the laughter of loved ones or colleagues, Game Show Battle Rooms offers the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality. With its unique, immersive environment, this franchise has quickly become a go-to destination for family outings and corporate team-building events alike.
At Game Show Battle Rooms, the magic begins the moment you walk through the door. Greeted by enthusiastic hosts who double as game show emcees, groups of all sizes are immersed in an electrifying atmosphere tailored to their vibe, whether it’s high-energy competition or laid-back fun. This adaptability, combined with expertly designed games, ensures that every visitor feels like it’s their time to shine.
“OUR WONDERFUL AND charismatic hosts are key ,” SHARES GENERAL MANAGER, MIRANDA KIMBLE.
What sets Game Show Battle Rooms apart is its inclusivity. Designed to accommodate participants of all ages and abilities, each game session is carefully curated to maximize enjoyment. “Our wonderful and charismatic hosts are key,” shares General Manager, Miranda Kimble. “They gauge the needs and wants of each group, tailoring the experience so that everyone feels included.” From kids to grandparents, and even first-time participants, no one is left out of the fun.
For families, Game Show Battle Rooms offers a chance to bond over shared laughter and teamwork. Parents and
children alike find themselves cheering each other on as they solve puzzles or shout out answers. For corporate groups, the focus shifts slightly to foster connection and collaboration. “It’s so rewarding to see coworkers leave laughing and reminiscing about the games,” says Miranda.
Every game at Game Show Battle Rooms is designed to encourage teamwork. Participants work together to solve puzzles and answer questions, creating moments of shared triumph. “We never want anyone to feel the pressure is all on them,” she explains. “It’s amazing to see how quickly some puzzles are solved when so many brains come together.”
This emphasis on collaboration often leads to celebrations for even the smallest victories. “Groups cheer each other on, lifting each other up, it’s a truly heartwarming sight.”
The vibe of each session is entirely up to the participants. Some groups dive headfirst into fierce competition, while others focus on simply enjoying the games and creating memories. “It’s truly in the group’s hands,” Miranda notes. “Whether it’s hardcore gameplay or just fun, the joy these games elicit is pure.”
The game show hosts play an essential role in elevating the experience. From explaining the rules to energizing the group, they bring the charisma and personality that makes every session unforgettable. “They’re the grand conductors of the show constantly working to ensure the excitement is through the roof.”
Game Show Battle Rooms is designed to accommodate a wide range of group sizes, with on-site rooms hosting up to 36 participants. For larger groups of up to 72, a double arena option is available, splitting participants into two engaging arenas. And for those who want the experience brought to them, the franchise offers a “Roadshow” service, delivering the excitement directly to your event or venue.
Game sessions typically last an hour or so with minimal preparation required from participants. Aside from signing a waiver of course, guests only need to show up ready to have fun. No prior knowledge of game shows is necessary, though familiarity can add an extra layer of excitement as the games come alive.
“WE CONSTANTLY HEAR HOW THE EXPERIENCE IS fun beyond measure AND MAKES PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THEY’RE REALLY ON A GAME SHOW,” SAYS MIRANDA.
The feedback from families and workgroups has been overwhelmingly positive. “We constantly hear how the experience is fun beyond measure and makes people feel like they’re really on a game show,” says Miranda. From the cheers during the games to the smiles afterward, the joy is contagious.
With a per-person cost of $34.95 and occasional deals and coupons, Game Show Battle Rooms offers an accessible and unforgettable experience for any group. Whether you’re planning a family outing, corporate retreat, or birthday celebration, they will ensure everyone leaves feeling like a winner.
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Down the Rabbit hOle
While childhood can have memories of family vacations, an obsessively-watched cartoon or a favorite toy opened on Christmas morning, there’s something uniquely transporting about opening a book you read as a kid. Children’s books are enjoyed over and over, and remind us of times in our childhood bedrooms, sitting on an adult’s lap and the coziness of that time of focus and quietude that seems reserved only for reading time, especially in the loud, rambunctious days of childhood.
That’s why the Rabbit hOle, an immersive museum for children’s literature, is so special. It brings the characters, colors and the feeling of reading as a child to life, taking two-dimensional stories and turning them into interactive, art-filled exhibits that are anything but static.
The Rabbit hOle is a project years in the making, started by married couple Deb Pettid and Pete Cowdin, who originally owned the Reading Reptile bookstore in Kansas City. The two, who also raised five children, set out to make the nation’s only immersive museum for children’s literature.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KATIE CURRID
The museum has secured rights and permissions to over 70 works from the last century of children’s literature. Inside, museum-goers will find exhibits for beloved characters including Curious George, Madeline, Frog & Toad and Babar the elephant, and can step into the familiar spaces such as the kitchen from “Blueberries for Sal” or the green great room from “Goodnight Moon.” They will also be introduced to lesser-known settings, such as the cliffs from “My Father’s Dragon,” or the Harlem-based bookshop from the works of late author John Steptoe, created in collaboration with his children. The museum has worked closely with the authors and illustrators and their estates, explaining their unique educational project and gaining the rights to bring these books to life.
The Rabbit hOle is located in one of North Kansas City’s many industrial areas, in a four-story 150,000 square foot building.
“You always want to have an artistic anchor in a community and The Rabbit hOle gets to kind of provide that,” says Emily. “All the
An immersive children’s literature museum
kids who come through [for] school field trips, our goal is that they leave wanting to read a book. But there's probably going to be a lot of kids who leave who are like, ‘Oh, I want to build giant tiger statues when I grow up.’
It’s going to help inspire artists, too, which I think it's really cool.”
While so many programs for children focus on children’s literacy and the ability to read, Emily says that not many programs serve to solely foster the love of reading.
“It’s our mission to inspire the reading lives of children and adults,” says Emily. “We want to be a place where kids can really discover the types of stories that they like that they've maybe never been exposed to before — whether it's because
they've never seen a picture book with a kid who looks like them, or heard cultural stories that might resonate with their own household.”
Behind the robust and imaginative construction of the museum’s exhibits is a staff of two dozen fabricators, all with different specialties and backgrounds. The book exhibits range from animated shadow boxes to larger-than-life mechanized sculptures. The exhibit’s makers studied the original books carefully, paying close attention to colors, lines and illustration styles, making models of the exhibits before painstakingly bringing them to life with wood, metal, foam, concrete, paint and more.
One of these fabricators and artists is Kelli Harrod, who has a background in theater design. She said one of the hardest challenges of bringing the books to life is taking a two-dimensional page and making it into a three-dimensional object. There are some sides of characters or rooms — like the wall behind the point of view in the great green room from “Goodnight Moon” — that you never see in the books. So the fabricators derive inspiration from the author or illustrator’s real life to complete the scenes.
Above all, though, Kelli says her favorite part about the work is how much joy it brings her.
“I get to show up and have fun every day,” says Kelli. Emily says that the museum, overall, wants to be a rare place that celebrates the culture of children. The Rabbit hOle takes special care in making something interactive and artistic, drawing inspiration from the St. Louis’s City Museum. The exhibits are built to withstand the enjoyment of children while still being interactive and imaginative so all generations can enjoy the displays.
“Whenever you're talking about children's culture, there is this [idea of], ‘Oh, it's good enough. It's for kids, you know, just make it cheap. They don't really deserve anything beautiful,’” says Emily. “And that's the exact opposite of how The Rabbit hOle feels. We believe that kids deserve something beautiful. Yeah, it's going to be durable. Yeah, we're going to be able to sterilize it and clean it and everything. But just because it's for children, doesn't mean it is a lesser art form.”
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LOVE POTION #9
ANNA BARNES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
FROM RELAXATION TO SHOPPING TO GOLF TO SIGHTSEEING, THIS DESTINATION HAS IT ALL
THE SCOTTSDALE LURE OF
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
The endless skies of blue are interrupted only by cacti rising majestically from the ground, arms reaching skyward, and palm trees, which are often adorned by lights that twinkle when the sun sets. There are vistas of open desert, rising mountains, and even the lush green of the locale’s many golf courses. And, of course, there are the vibrant shopping, dining, art, and event scenes, too.
Scottsdale is a city located in Metro Phoenix in Arizona, which as a whole is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun” for its more than 330 days of sun each year—one of the reasons the area is a draw for visitors. With few rainy days, it’s easy to plan your daily activities without worry. Yes, though, the summer gets hot. But the rest of the year? Perfection.
Scottsdale is a mix of a resort destination, city, and suburbs, with more open desert the further north you venture. To the south is Downtown Scottsdale —also known as Old Town
Scottsdale—which is a mix of old Southwestern charm (including the legendary cowboy saloon, Rusty Spur Saloon); modern eateries from famed chefs; lots of shopping at small boutiques and specialty shops; the Arts District , which is filled with art galleries; and even tasting rooms from Arizona wineries located along the famed Scottsdale Wine Trail
Nearby is Scottsdale Fashion Square, one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations. While you’ll find many usual retailers there, there are also more than 40 luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton.
Heading north are open-air shopping destinations Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons , which sit across the street from each other. Take the afternoon or evening to stroll through, exploring the shops, restaurants, and activity destinations such as the indoor minigolf destination Puttshack . What else is there to see and do? Plenty.
“WITH FEW RAINY DAYS, IT’S EASY TO PLAN YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES WITHOUT WORRY. YES, THOUGH, THE SUMMER GETS HOT. BUT THE REST OF THE YEAR? PERFECTION.”
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
PLAY
Like golf? There are more than 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there is a course for you. One of the most popular in the area is the TPC Scottsdale as it is the locale of the WM Phoenix Open, the most-attended golf tournament in the world.
For most of the year, Scottsdale boasts warm temperatures, making spending a day splashing in a pool a perfect choice. Many local resorts have pool areas that feature fun extras such as water slides, lazy rivers, and even a cooled sand beach. And even if you’re not an on-site guest, you can often purchase a day pass to be on-site through ResortPass.com.
Of course, there’s also plenty of outdoor recreation in Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale is a popular mountain to hike (as is the iconic Camelback Mountain, which is located in nearby Phoenix), and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a park and trail system spread over 11 miles. Kids love McCormickStillman Railroad Park , which boasts a small-scale train that circles the park and plenty of play areas.
A destination filled with numerous attractions is A rizona Boardwalk , a center that includes Butterfly Wonderland , OdySea Aquarium , Ripley’s Believe It or Not! , Museum of Illusions , and more.
CULTURE
The beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert led famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), to build Taliesin West , his winter home and desert laboratory, in a mountainside in East Scottsdale. Today, there are daily tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and events are offered often.
However, Wright’s architecture isn’t the only art in the area. Beyond the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, there is public art all around the city, from sculptures to murals, so definitely keep your eyes open!
There are also museums such as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West , a Smithsonian Affiliate, which showcases items from the Greater Western region, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , affectionately known as SMoCA.
On Thursday evenings, there’s a free public ArtWalk in the Arts District, where galleries stay open later. Wander the streets and galleries, often against a backdrop of live music and even artist appearances.
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
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Photo by Michelle Glicksman
Photo courtesy of Taliesin West
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
From mom-and-pop restaurants to those run by James Beard Award-winning chefs and celebrity chefs, Scottsdale has it all. There’s Luna by Giada , by famed chef and TV personality Giada de Laurentiis; Uchi by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole; FnB by James Beard Award-winning chef Charleen Badman; and The Americano, which is helmed by celebrity chef and TV personality Beau MacMillan. Other local favorites are chef Joey Maggiore’s new The Italiano; Postino, for bruschetta and wine; Ocean 44 for seafood; and Old Town Tortilla Factory—which is set in a historic 75-year-old adobe home—for Southwestern with a Mexican twist.
If you’re looking for a night out, Downtown Scottsdale has the biggest concentration of clubs and bars. The walkable area has Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, El Hefe , Boondocks Patio & Grill , and many others.
If a more upscale lounge is your scene, check out the new Tell Your Friends speakeasy in North Scottsdale, located under The Americano restaurant.
EVENTS
Scottsdale is also known as a destination for events that draw attendees from around the world. Depending on your hobbies, time your visit to coincide with the one that interests you most. Golf lovers (and those who like to party) head to Scottsdale for the popular PGA tournament WM Phoenix Open , dubbed “The Greatest Show on Grass,” also includes concerts with well-known musical acts. Auto enthusiasts flock here for Auto Week , which includes the famous Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction . In late February and through March, the MLB’s Spring Training takes over the Valley, with Scottsdale Stadium becoming the home of the San Francisco Giants. There’s showmanship at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and rivalry on the field at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Classic , which draws players from around the world and features polo matches, a fashion show, parties, and more. And in 2025, Art Week , the next big event in the art world, debuts in Scottsdale.
NEARBY
While there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Scottsdale proper, there’s also much to see nearby. Make sure to experience the Musical Instrument Museum (affectionately known as the MIM), which is the world’s only global instrument museum. Desert Botanical Garden features an array of desert plants, and Phoenix Art Museum has an impressive collection of art. And, of course, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place for both kids and adults alike.
Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Fashion Square
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
Photo by Michelle Glicksman
