(That Are Not Golf or Baseball)

Scottsdale is primarily known for its golf courses (over 200!) and baseball’s spring training Cactus League. Since average summer temperatures can be well into the 100s, it is the perfect place to visit from September through April, when the weather is more moderate. Recently, my husband and I visited Arizona to enjoy spring training baseball, but these were our four favorite things to do in Scottsdale when we weren’t cheering for our beloved San Francisco Giants.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Camelback Mountain is the most iconic peak and hiking trail in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. However, McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers more variety, with over 225 miles of multi-use trails over 30,500 acres. The trails are well-marked, and a trail map can be found online or at the trailheads. While meandering on one of the easier trails beginning at Lost Dog Wash, we were greeted by towering saguaro cacti, and even had a curious cottontail hop over to say hi. We started our hike early in the morning to decrease our chances of running into rattlesnakes, which are common in the area. It is important to review all the precautions and safety advisements before setting out. I also recommend reviewing the leave-no-trace principles to help preserve the natural environment for years to come.

Musical Instrument Museum

​Music, like food, is a unique and integral part of cultures, countries, and communities around the world. The Musical Instrument Museum showcases a collection of over 8,000 instruments from 200 countries grouped in the galleries by continent. It also has an Experience Gallery, where we played various string and percussion instruments, a Conservation Lab, and an Artist Gallery, featuring memorabilia from famous musicians from around the world.  Each visitor is provided with a headset that syncs to monitors with informational videos and music as they make their way through the museum. While you can see some of the highlights in an hour or two, I would recommend setting aside closer to three hours. General admission is $20 and is one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals in the area.

The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

Arizona is not typically the first place that comes to mind, or is even on the map, for wine tasting. However, The Wine Collective of Scottsdale is a tasting room located right in the heart of Old Town that delivers a warm, welcoming, unpretentious experience for aficionados and newbies alike. While there are tasting rooms sprinkled throughout Scottsdale that make up the Scottsdale Wine Trail, the beauty of The Wine Collective is it’s the one-stop shop for the best Arizona has to offer. The wine list is curated by owner Zoya Vora-Shah who is an industry expert and passionate about sharing the nuances that make each wine unique. We elected a flight of wines selected by her staff based on our preferences alongside a burrata board. We tasted wines from Provisioner, Chateau Tumbleweed, Los Milics, and Laramita. My personal favorites were the Chateau Tumbleweed white blend and the Laramita carmenere, but they have such an impressive variety of styles and grapes that there is something for everyone.

Changing Hands Bookstore

If I have one shopping guilty pleasure, it is local bookstores. In addition to providing a wide selection of titles, local bookstores often serve as a community gathering place. Changing Hands Bookstore, in particular, puts its commitment to supporting its community and sustainability at the forefront of its business model. Specifically, they have a book trade program where used books in good condition can be exchanged for store credit. They also support local public radio, students and teachers, and local nonprofits. Both locations include a First Draft Book Bar where patrons can settle in with a bite or beverage to accompany their newest book purchase or creative endeavor. It is the perfect spot to pick up a new book to take on your next adventure. (Full disclosure, this is technically in Phoenix, but it was too good to leave off my list!)