When we’re on the road we prefer to support small town, locally owned businesses, including Airbnbs, etc. If none are available we like to stay at Marriott properties. This Scottsdale hotel may have been THE best Courtyard Marriott Hotel we’ve ever experienced. Here’s what we posted on TripAdvisor…http://bit.ly/2hc6nOP. Not only was the facility amazing, but the staff, particularly Kristy and Desiree, were the epitome of customer service…stellar! This is the first Marriott-branded hotel on U.S. tribal land, and they’ve done a great job of preserving the culture and history of the local Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community.
Hot times on a cool night but sadly…no marshmallows.
Courtyard hosts this amazing 14 year old singer, Lelea Fonua, who was accompanied on bongos by his dad laying “live chill music”. What a voice. In addition to singing solo and playing guitar and a uke, he’s in a band called 3 Nations (http://lelea.org/3-nations.html).
These feet are made for walking, and walk we did. Can’t miss us.
We saw this concrete sidewalk imbedded with glass and other materials outside of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and thought it would be a great idea for either inside or outside our house too. Rorie sees a reno project ahead…again.
Bart wanted to give a shout out to his colleague Dale Rogers, who’s a public art champion and who himself has designed some amazing large-scale pieces, including his Big Dog sculptures seen around the Country (http://www.bartonrussell.com/dale-rogers). Scottsdale would make him proud…
The Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, which is actually a magnificent park, is filled with public art including this famous sculpture by Robert Indiana. We spent a few hours meandering through the gardens, art, fountains, shops and restaurants. A wonderful space to spend a beautiful afternoon.
A war hero/Minister and his suffragette wife.
No clue what this art represents (Teepee maybe?) but we loved it anyway.
What a cool little merry-go-round made of fabric strips for kids and adults alike.
Hotels, restaurants and shops in buildings saturated with color line the park.
Wild horses couldn’t drag Rorie away from this huge Christmas tree in the park, even though she thought it was missing just one thing…tinsel.
Bischoffs Gallery near the park has beautiful Southwestern art both inside and out.
Bart was in his Clint Eastwood persona. “Stay away from my warrior buddy and no one gets hurt”.
Leaving the park area, we wandered over to Old Town Scottsdale. The land was originally purchased by Winfield Scott in 1888 for $3.50 an acre, or a grand total of $2,240…such a deal. Some of the shops and restaurants in this original “Scottsdale” are in buildings from the 19th century.
The Old Adobe Mission, which celebrated its first service on October 15, 1933, is a beautiful architectural gem.
The Cavalliere Blacksmith shop opened in 1909 and is still operated by the grandson of the original “Smitty”.
Bart makes new friends wherever he goes.
Rorie really likes the strong but silent type. This guy fits the bill.
There’s a new Marshall in town.
Great name for a pie shop although we didn’t…stop by.
A real honest to goodness cowpoke taking a “cow” pie break from ranchin’ and ropin’.
“Family Circus” cartoonist (and Valley resident) Bil Keane was a big fan of the old fashioned Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor and it’s appeared in several of his strips. Opened in 1958, this place is a trip down memory lane. Rorie was a big fan too and even coordinated her outfit to match the menu.
Before calling it a day, we drove up to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wrights magnificent winter desert home and school. The 600 acre complex blends perfectly with the Sonoran desert it sits on and the McDowell Mountains in the background. Such a timeless, open design in harmony with its rugged surroundings.
After a long day of enjoying the sights, we needed a little something…Portillo’s, a Chicago tradition had just the right pick-me-up.
Our friends Linda and Bill first introduced us to Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwiches, Chicago Dogs and unbelievable chocolate cake. This guy thought they were all great choices.
Time to call it a day. Our Tour-mobile (and our bodies) have come a long way baby…
Next stop, West Texas. See y’all soon…