If OP like art galleries, then Old Town Scottsdale would be worth checking out. There’s also a lot of touristy and Indian art shops and the like, but it’s an interesting area to wander around for a couple hours. The art gallery area is a distinct little section, so if that’s what you’re interested in then don’t just wander around Willy-nilly, get a map or directions or do a little googling first.
Lots of good restaurants in Old Town to eat at as well. I like Culinary Dropout, Olive & Ivy, Citizen Public House, and Mission in that area. And Cartel Coffee is an excellent 3rd wave coffee shop right there as well. It’s also not far from the Butterfly Wonderland I mentioned upthread, and is adjacent to Scottsdale Fashion Square, which is a huge well-known upscale mall.
I went into the trip Intending to go to the Musical Instrument Museum, but my connecting flight was delayed and I didn’t get in until later than I had planned. By the time I got the rental car, it was late, and I was exhausted and starving. So I went straight to Barrio Cafe, which was a great choice. Went to my hotel in the Camelback area and from there walked to the shopping center. I found an Italian restaurant in the business center across the street from the shopping center and had a late dinner. I can’t remember the name of the restaurant, but i had a very nice pasta dish there. The next day, I enjoyed breakfast at Snooze, and then went on to my meeting, which was very productive and short enough to allow me a chance to drive over to Scottsdale Fashion Mall. On my way back to the hotel I stopped at The Henry for dinner, and had the most awesome bread pudding for dessert. I really loved the area. It was so beautiful, and it didn’t have such a hurry-up feel to it like most of the places I’ve had to go for work. I think my husband would really like it there, so I may try to persuade him to take a trip there someday. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!
H and I went to Arizonia last summer. Flew into Phoenix, rented a car,and spent a few nights at Scottsdale Resort Hotel. We went to the Desert Botanical Garden, the MIM and Old Town as well as a few other places.
Then we drove up through Sedona to Williams taking the Oaks Canyon Road ( 89A) . It was beautiful. We took a train from Williams into the Grand Canyon. We spent two nights at a lodge in the Canyon and then took a train back to Williams.
We drove back to Phoenix, again through Sedona and stayed a night and flew home.
It was one of my favorite vacations. We saw beautiful scenery, stayed and ate in great places and were completely independent.
We went to the garden in the morning. Average temps when we were there was 112 mid day. Drank a lot of water. But still had to leave after an hour or two. Too difficult in that heat. And there is little shade in the garden.