New Scottsdale Activities For Group Travelers
Downtown Scottsdale is a bustling epicenter of activity rich with history and currently undergoing nearly $3 billion of development within the 786-acre area. Two of the most prominent projects – Scottsdale Waterfront and SouthBridge – are nearing completion along the ancient Arizona Canal.
The $250 million Scottsdale Waterfront is a 1.1 million-square-foot residential and retail development that is home to culinary delights like P.F. Chang’s, Sauce and Wildfish Seafood Grille as well as eateries like Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace and Pink Taco. One-of-a-kind boutiques like Estilo Boutique, Mahsa and Twist Boutique also call the Waterfront home along with retailers Isaac Jewelers, Swoozie’s, Borders, Urban Outfitters and Sur la Table. SouthBridge is a $41 million urban development scheduled for completion in January 2008.
The future borough is the long-time vision of developer Fred Unger to build a one-of-a-kind community that brings together elite, high-fashion boutiques, independent shops, celebrated cuisine, dynamic cultural festivals and art. When complete, SouthBridge will boast more than 30,000 square feet of retail space and seven planned restaurants, all unique in design and concept with no “chains.” Following are some of the projects that recently opened or scheduled to debut in downtown Scottsdale in the near future:
Dirty Pretty Rockbar (opened in May 2007) – Downtown Scottsdale introduces another stylish, high energy nightspot. Chic revelers are treated to hip hop and rock until 2 a.m. www.dirtypretty.com
D’Vine Winery (opened in July 2007) – D’Vine is Scottsdale’s newest downtown winery and offers custom wines for special events, parties or just sampling. Wines are served in an indoor and outdoor garden setting. D’Vine features wines from nearly every grape, from big bold Cabs and Merlots to refreshing and spirited Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays.
Stax Burger Bistro (opened in July 2007) – Scottsdale’s newest gourmet burger destination pleases guests with an innovative and flexible menu featuring fresh ground burgers that include beef, turkey, veggie, buffalo and more. Fresh baked bread, delicious onion rings and sweet potato fries round off this innovative menu. A full bar serves up refreshments.
Fine’s Cellar (scheduled to open in November) – Fine’s Cellar promises to be an instant hit with oenophiles as it combines a wine retail store with the service of a wine bar, a bistro offering gourmet meals available for dine-in or take out, and an authentic Italian coffee bar complete with homemade gelato. Diners can select from Fine’s Cellar’s rotating wine-centric menu and a selection of more than 1,000 wines available dine-in and to go.
W Scottsdale (scheduled to open February 2008) – Arizona’s first W Hotel will feature 224 guestrooms, a spa, restaurant and two bars as well as a 3,500-square-foot ballroom, 2,000-square-foot outdoor terrace, three meeting rooms, and the Bliss spa. www.starwood.com
Courtesy of grouptravelblog.com
Chitra Mogul
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026