Art galleries, boutique shops, acclaimed restaurants, and museums – Old Town Scottsdale has all this and more. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or spending a staycation as a local, you’ll find many of Scottsdale’s finest destinations centered in this walkable hub.
For the perfect home base, soak up history at the Hotel Valley Ho, designed by Edward L. Varney, a student of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Built-in 1956, it quickly became a favorite of visiting celebrities (Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner held their wedding reception here in 1957), and its storied past and striking mid-century modern design has earned it a place on the Scottsdale Historic Register. Today, you’ll find chic updated rooms (a favorite is the sleek two-story Loft Tower Suite) and amenities including a full-service spa and the OH Pool with cabanas and weekend DJs.
This landmark hotel is also home to executive chef Russell LaCasce, one of the city’s shining stars. Brunch is served daily until 2:30 p.m. with options from sweet strawberry crème brûlée French toast to savory breakfast fried rice. The dinner menu further showcases LaCasce’s skill, from whole roasted cauliflower garnished with lemon aioli, Calabrian chiles, toasted filbert nuts, and parmesan cheese, to braised short rib guisada with a smoky chile broth and quesabirria quesadillas. For the full experience, opt for the “ZuZu, Take the Wheel” menu for a multi-course chef’s tasting.
a lunch exploration of the neighborhood? You’re a two-minute walk from gems like Cornish Pasty Co., known for their made-from-scratch soups and classic British dishes, including pasties (filled turnovers). Order a traditional Oggie (stuffed with steak, potato, onion, and rutabaga), or choose from over 40 equally delicious pasties including Eggplant Parmesan with a side of marinara or Spicy Asiago Chicken with salsa and sour cream. Don’t forget to save room for indulgent treats like Banoffee Pie layered with homemade caramel, whipped cream, and sliced bananas, or rich Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding with brandy sauce and ice cream.
For farm-to-table fare, head to Merkin Vineyards, where you can pair your glass of Arizona wine with chef Steve Zimmerman’s menu of grazing plates, wood-fired pizza, and fresh pasta, sourcing ingredients from the Merkin gardens and orchards. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll want to continue on to the remaining five tasting rooms that are part of the Scottsdale Wine Trail – LDV Winery, Carlson Creek Vineyard, Aridus Wine Company, Salvatore Vineyards, and the newest addition, Arizona Stronghold (opened in Scottsdale in January of 2022).
For Arizona craft brews, wander over to family-owned and operated Goldwater Brewing Co. and order local favorites such as the Hop Chowda IPA or Machine Gun Teddy brown ale. You can bring in food from neighboring restaurants, or plan your visit to coincide with one of Smoke Slab BBQ’s pop-up BBQ, burger, or taco nights. And if it’s a cocktail you’re craving, check out Blue Clover Distillery for libations featuring their Arizona spirits like Hatch green chile vodka and barrel-aged gin, along with a menu of bar noshes, pizza, salads, and weekend brunch.
Looking for dinner spots? The House Brasserie is just a two-minute stroll and offers one of the prettiest al fresco settings paired with the talents of executive chef Brandon Jedd. Savor sophisticated dishes like Chilean Seabass with pistachio crumble on a bed of smashed fingerling potatoes in a pool of velvety sauce accented with ndjua (Calabrian sausage), or a jerk-spiced pork chop served with creamy smoked parsnip purée, apricot demi-glace, and gingered apples.
George Frasher opened the original Frasher’s Tavern more than 20 years ago and continues his legacy with his newest location, a mere five-minute walk from Hotel Valley Ho. There’s usually a full house here to enjoy the steakhouse menu featuring the usual suspects along with dishes that are a nod to Frasher’s St. Louis roots. Sitting comfortably alongside his famous peppercorn steak soup are juicy steaks, Chicken Cordon Bleu, baby back ribs, and sides like green chile mac ‘n cheese and toasted ravioli.
Besides the over 100 restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Old Town, popular activities like walking tours, art installations, the farmer’s market, Western Spirit Museum, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Scottsdale Art Walk will fill up your weekend itinerary. In fact, you just may find that a weekend spent in this vibrant district is not long enough.
Written by Christina Barrueta
Photography by Luke Irvin