Things to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona

Whether you are tired from work, school, or maybe just the day to day grind, Scottsdale provides fun, relaxing activities that will get you out of the house and out of the rut. Not every city can provide year round golf and hiking, hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours and professional sports teams. With movie costs on the rise and weekend activities that seem to suck the money out of your pocket, we're lucky to have activities outside of our normal realm. If you're visiting or a resident it's always fun to get out and experience everything Scottsdale has to offer! Listed below are just 10 things out of many to experience in Scottsdale.

SCOTTSDALE GOLF

Home to numerous golf courses and professional golfers, Scottsdale provides golf for any player at any level. Troon North Golf Club offers two 18-hole courses with views that can make even the worst round of golf beautiful and fun. JW Marriott Wildfire Golf Club offers a spectacular view and golf course; visitors can stay at their luxurious resort. No matter the course you can't go wrong when golfing in Scottsdale. Get the best rates on Scottsdale golf packages. Stay and play golf packages start at only $150 per person/per night.

SCOTTSDALE HUMMER AND ATV TOURS

Take a tour in style. You can see wildlife and the terrain of the Sonoran Desert where a normal car can't take you. Outback Safari offers its guests guided tours on their Hummers and ATV's that take you on mountain sides, through sandy creek beds, landmarks, and ravines. Never sure of what you will see next, a tour will ensure that you have a good time and an adventure you won't forget.

SCOTTSDALE REAL ESTATE

Anywhere in Scottsdale will provide fantastic views, beautiful homes, and an environment that offers so much to do. Open houses are always fun, even if you aren't interested in purchasing a home you can go and see unique designs and ideas for your own home. There's no better time than now to look for your second home or investment property. Scottsdale has a big market for vacation homes and rentals, so even if you didn't want to live in Scottsdale year-round there are still a lot of opportunities. If you are looking for a great deal on a home you can look into the REO Properties or homes that are being sold as short sales.

SCOTTSDALE FBR OPEN

Every year, thousands gather for one of Scottsdale's premiere events, the FBR Open. Known as one of the biggest turnouts for PGA Tour events, the FBR Open attracts everyone from golf enthusiasts to those who just go for a good time. The end of January and beginning of February starts the week of golfing and events. Located at TPC Scottsdale and open to the general public the FBR Open is something everyone will enjoy.

SCOTTSDALE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

As you glide over the surroundings of Scottsdale and all the peaks and valleys it will be like nothing you have experienced before. Hot air balloon rides are a peaceful, fun, and picturesque way to see the environment without worrying about traffic or noisy passengers. Your scenic takeoff and landing encompass several amounts of land that will give you some very needed worry free time.

SCOTTSDALE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS

Open year round the Desert Botanical Gardens offers sites and events that you can't see anywhere else. Whether you are a member or pay admission every cent is worth the flowers, art, and trails that some pictures can't do justice. The Fall Music in the Garden and Luminaria are some of their events that people travel to see; you won't regret going and seeing some of the most unique collections of desert flowers.

ARIZONA PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS

The Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Phoenix Coyotes all provide exhilarating experiences and will leave you wanting more. As the Suns rush down the court pressing their opponents every person in the arena is promised a good time. When lights dim and the spotlight roams, the Coyotes are out on the ice ready to face their next opponent. There is never a dull moment watching players fight for their team and score for a win. Day game or night game the Diamondbacks are ready to strike for a win. Knocking it out of the park or making an amazing catch, you never know what is going to happen next and you won't want to miss it.

HELICOPTER TOURS OF THE GRAND CANYON

See the Grand Canyon at a level you never seen before. Papillon Helicopters Tours takes each person high above the Grand Canyon to see the earth's creation at a level that magnifies the beauty. Papillon also goes to lower depths to show the years of transformations and growth that make the Grand Canyon as spectacular as it looks. You can enjoy the surroundings and get a grasp for how nature connects its beautiful elements to create one of the world's most beautiful sites.

HIKING IN SCOTTSDALE

If you love to take a nature walk or a strenuous hike, Scottsdale offers all levels of hiking and trails that can take you high up on Camelback Mountain or within the beautiful desert. Camelback Mountain offers several hikes and trails for less strenuous hikes and some hikes for those who are very experienced and can be very difficult. Squaw Peak offers other good hikes and trails for all levels of experience. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, every time of day Scottsdale will amaze those who walk its surroundings.

OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE & ART DISTRICT

Old Town Scottsdale, the Southern part of Scottsdale, draws visitors and residents for its entertainment, waterfront, restaurants, and art district. Known as The West's Most Western Town, Old Town has a shopping district that ranges from exquisite boutiques to southwest gifts and apparel. The art district of Old Town is one of the most prominent and respected art districts in the nation. Every Thursday night from 7 - 9 pm Scottsdale Gallery Association hosts ArtWalk, an event that is free for the public to experience the galleries of Old Town. As residents and visitors stroll the streets of Old Town Scottsdale the architecture, entertainment, shopping, dining and culture all paint a vivid picture of Scottsdale with its Western charm and modern allure.

Squaw Valley - A Premier Ski Resort

Squaw Valley is located in California. It is one of the premiere ski resorts in the country. Squaw Valley started as a dream and has become a place where dreams come true.

Squaw Valley was founded by a man named Alexander Cushing in 1946. He was taken back by the areas beauty and the remoteness of it. Having been from New York and being a recent war veteran he was in search of something peaceful and Squaw Valley fit the bill.

In 1949 he created the Squaw Valley Development Company and opened the first ski chairlift there. He also started building the Squaw Valley Lodge where skiers could rest after a long day hitting the trails.

Squaw Valley has since developed into a world class resort. It has many loyal patrons and is one of the places to be during skiing season.

Squaw Valley also has another claim to fame - the VIII Olympic Winter Games. The winter games provided a lot of interest in Squaw Valley.

These Olympics were very important to the development of Squaw Valley. In fact, they were the first televised games held in the US, which showed off the beauty and magnificence of Squaw Valley. They were why the Olympic Village Inn was built.

The Olympics brought attention to Squaw Valley and really helped jump start its rise to the top of the leading ski resorts. It is a place where people know they can get a great experience every time they visit.

Even after the Olympics Squaw Valley has lived up to expectations. The attractions are something that keep the people coming back year after year to this rich land. Squaw Valley may be constantly changing to meet the needs of its patrons, but one thing remains constant - the beauty and elegance that is the heart of Squaw valley.

Which Luxury Ski Resort Should You Try

What could be a better Christmas present for the whole family than a vacation at one of North America's finest luxury ski resorts? Ski vacations offer a whole realm of activities and majestically beautiful scenery. When you are not skiing can you can rent a snowmobile and take off into the rugged terrain of the mountains. Maybe you'd rather just relax and enjoy the beauty of the mountains covered with freshly fallen snow. Whatever you plan to do, why not do it while enjoying the amenities of a top luxury ski resort.

The Peaks Resort in Telluride, Colorado should definitely be on your list of choices. This beautiful resort is surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks of the Rocky Mountains. A scenic gondola ride can take you to and from the town of Telluride where you can enjoy its old west mining town atmosphere, mixed with modern restaurants and shopping. The Peaks features a spa with 44 private treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, four restaurants on the resort property, and access to 100 ski trails.

The area known as Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is considered to be one of the prime ski resort areas on the continent, offering the best of everything you could want for any ski vacation. It is the largest ski resort in North America and has over 200 trails that can accommodate any level of skier. Blackcomb offers cross country skiing, Horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and for those days that feel like Doni-than hitting the slopes.

Next to Yellowstone Park in Montana is Big Sky Resort. Mountain here with about 400 inches of snow each year blessed. Its location near geysers of Yellowstone and its able to bring even more fun on your winter vacation. Big Sky Resort has a luxury spa, so you can ski holiday spree at a day spa while on luxury.

Tahoe City Winter Retreat

The next time you want to spend your winter vacation surrounded by a pristine, mountainous landscape, head to Tahoe City for a relaxing getaway filled to the brim with outdoor recreational pursuits. Located close to the downhill adventures of the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, winter guests can enjoy everything spectacular about this area during a snow-filled winter retreat.

The Alpine Meadows Resort is the perfect jumping off point for a ski or snowboarding excursion down a diverse collection of runs. With more than 100 runs designated 25 percent easier, 40 percent more difficult, and 35 percent most difficult/expert, everyone in your family can spend days on the slopes without ever incurring the same challenge twice. As the less experienced snow lovers learn to glide safely down wide, rolling runs, the veterans in your group can tackle the dramatic drops and hidden kickers that make Alpine Meadows breathtaking.

For those who want even more ski and snowboarding adventures off the slopes, there are two terrain parks and a superpipe just waiting to text your abilities and freeriding skills. The Gravity Cavity Superpipe, a new addition to the park, is ideally located so there is minimal sunlight on its 18.5 foot walls while the terrain parks offer more than 25 rails, hits, and quarterpipes. Whether you want to let loose and work on some new moves or begin to work your way onto more difficult features, the terrain park is the perfect cap to a well-rounded day.

Cross-country skiing enthusiasts should never feel left out since the nearby Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area is the perfect place for a physically demanding afternoon complete with scenic landscapes. Make your way over any of the 19 groomed trails that suit your abilities for some of the most awe-inspiring views of Lake Tahoe while gliding across open meadows, taking on thrilling descents, and overcoming difficult climbs. Those who prefer all of the scenery without the strenuous exertion, however, should hop aboard a snowmobile for a bird's eye view of Lake Tahoe or Squaw Valley.

While Alpine Meadows certainly has a lot to offer in the way of downhill thrills and excitement, there are several nearby resorts that can easily be accessed by car if your need for even more snow-covered adventures becomes too much to ignore. The Homewood Mountain Resort, with 56 runs of pure adrenaline, is just a few minutes away while the massive Squaw Valley, boasting 177 runs in addition to other outdoor activities such as snow tubing and cross-country skiing, is only a short morning's drive to exhilarating open bowls.

When you want to escape to this picturesque region and soak in the stunning natural beauty that abounds around every corner, consider Tahoe City vacation rentals for your accommodations needs. With a Tahoe City home or condo rental, you are just steps away from an afternoon of skiing on a gorgeous mountain peak or snowshoeing across Lake Tahoe's dazzling terrain in search of some of the most breathtaking views of the lake. To realize the relaxing Lake Tahoe ski retreat you always imagined, begin your search for a Tahoe City condo rental today and enjoy all of the amenities of home in this winter wonderland.

Top 5 Things To Do Around Reno, NV

When traveling northeast of Lake Tahoe, you will encounter the high desert land of Reno, which is the second largest city in Nevada (behind the flashy Las Vegas scene). Often referred to as the "Biggest Little City in the World," Reno has a reputation, as well, for providing adventurous gaming opportunities and more. Many casinos have come and gone, but one of the biggest crowning achievements of Reno is serving as the birthplace of the casino empire, Harrah's Entertainment. While there is plenty to do in the city, (depending on the season), you might want to consider some of the following suggestions:

The Great Reno Balloon Race

If you're in the neighborhood when September rolls around, Reno features the Great Balloon Race at the Rancho San Rafael Park. A tradition for about 25 years, you don't have to be a flight enthusiast to enjoy this sight, which is free for all to enjoy.

Enjoy the Water

Numerous seasonal and year-round outdoor activities are offered in Reno, especially when it comes to the local bodies of water. Three major marine gems are located in the city, including the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake, and Lake Tahoe. While swimming is a popular activity, locals and tourists also enjoy water-skiing, fishing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and jet-skiing. Visitors also flock to the Truckee River to enjoy a day of kayaking.

Enjoy the Snow

A trip to Reno in the winter brings you close to an enjoyable atmosphere that makes skiing and snowboarding a real joy. There are eight major ski resorts to consider paying a visit to, such as Diamond Peak, Alpine Meadows, and the Squaw Valley Ski Resort. The snow also allows ice-skating, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

National Automobile Museum

To enjoy a walk into automotive history, this museum is the perfect place to visit, especially if you have a thing for old cars. Here, vehicles made in the late 19th century to beyond the 1960s are on display (many of which once belonged to the late casino owner, William Harrah). Some of the items you may come across include a V-16 Cadillac, as well as a Jeep SUV with a V-12 Ferrari engine.

Get Married

If you can't wait a second longer to solidify the union between you and your sweetheart, then Reno has the solution. Quick marriages are offered in Reno, where no waiting period is required. Plus, if you are 18 years or older, you don't need your parents permission to get hitched in Reno, which offers marriage licenses from 8am to midnight at the Washoe County Courthouse.

Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals - North and South Lake Tahoe Vacation Homes and Guide

The lake and its surrounding area which is commonly referred to as Tahoe, has an elevation of 6225 feet. Lake Tahoe is twenty two miles long and 12 miles wide and has a shoreline that extends over 71 miles. This gorgeous lake is shared by two US states, namely California which stakes claim to 42 miles of Lake Tahoe's shoreline and the state of Nevada which has 29 miles of it. Lake Tahoe offer many vacation homes on both the North and South shore which, by the way, is the largest alpine lake in North America is renowned for its almost translucent waters that are known to evoke feelings of wonder and awe. In fact, when the famous American author Mark Twain first set his eyes on the Lake during his visit to the area in the  late 1860's he described it as  "the fairest picture the whole earth affords."

A locale of unmatched beauty

The Lake which was created by volcanic activity was first discovered by  an American called John C Fremont  in 1844 but before that the Lake and its forested surrounding area was home to the Washo Indian tribe who called  the Lake 'big sky lake' in honor of its sparkling, blue and clear waters. It has an average depth of 989 feet and at its deepest point the lake reaches a depth of 1,645 feet. However the Lake is not too conducive to swimming as the waters of the lake are often very cold even during the peak summer months. Moreover it is also known to have extremely strong and treacherous currents. Another interesting fact about the lake, is that this lake doesn't drain into an ocean even though nearly sixty-three streams flow into it, rather it drains into the Pyramid Lake located in the Nevada desert by way of the Truckee River. Apart from the beauty of the lake, the area around it is also characterized by crisp, clear air, dense forests and much tranquility.

Amenable weather

The entire area is blessed with agreeable weather as a result of which it has now become an immensely popular year round destination for Americans. The Lake on an average enjoys 250 to 300 days of sunny weather during the year. During the winter months it tends to receive nearly 300-500 inches of snow fall and this has enabled it to become one of the nation's premier ski destinations. The Lake Tahoe area has a multitude of ski resorts that offer a vast number of activities like snowboarding, ice -skating, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding in addition to skiing and cross country skiing. During the warmer months, people flock to Lake Tahoe to indulge in various recreational activities like boating and water sports, hiking, tennis, camping, ballooning, golf, horseback riding, parasailing, bungee jumping and much more.

Getting there

By Car

North and South Lake Tahoe are easily accessible by various modes of transport. Lake Tahoe  is located on the border between California and Nevada. This popular resort destination lies 200 miles to the east of the Californian city of San Francisco while it is just 30 miles to the west of  Reno in Nevada. North Lake Tahoe which is known for its ski resorts can be accessed by car via the I-80 from San Francisco. South Lake Tahoe which is populated by many hotels, restaurants and casinos lies mainly in Nevada and can be reached from Reno by taking US 395 South and then US 50 West..

By Air

The closest commercial airports are Reno Tahoe International airport in Nevada which can be accessed via a 40 minute drive from this popular year round destination. Another big commercial airport that serves the region is the Sacramento International Airport in California which is located two hours away. Smaller airports like South Lake Tahoe Airport and Truckee-Tahoe Airport afford additional air links to Lake Tahoe.

By Bus

During the winter ski months several bus services operate to various ski resorts like the Bay Area Ski Bus and the NAC ski.

By Train

Lake Tahoe can also be accessed by train on the Amtrak California Zephyr Route that makes a stop in Truckee.

Towns and Villages on the shoreline

The shoreline of Lake Town has several towns and villages each of which are known for their own distinct character and myriad attractions. Lake Tahoe is divided into two distinct parts North Lake Tahoe which is home to ski resorts and towns like Incline Village, which is a wealthy enclave that is peppered with million dollar homes, shops and restaurants. Other towns in North Lake Tahoe include the old railroad town of Truckee, Tahoe City, ski resort towns of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley which was the site of the 1960's Winter Olympic Games amongst others.

South Lake Tahoe is a large area which is essentially geared towards tourism and lies largely in the state of Nevada. This tourist heavy area is home to several big name casinos like Harrah's, Harveys, Mont Bleu and the Horzion which are all located in the town of Stateline in Nevada. These casinos are not only known as gambling destinations but are considered to be resorts which  provide much  entertainment of all the family.

Apart from these towns and villages, the area surrounding North and South Lake Tahoe also has a number of state parks like the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park which offers several recreations options to vacationers and locals alike. Sand Harbor with its sandy beaches is a preferred location in the park. It is located three miles to the west of Incline village and has boating and picnicking facilities. Sand Harbor is hosts the popular Lake Tahoe Shakespeare festival every July. Other popular locales in the Park include Memorial Point and Hidden Beach, Cave Rock, Spooner Lake, Zephyr Cover all of which have facilities for picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, trekking etc.

Some state parks located on the Californian side include the Bodie State Historic Park which is a well preserved ghost town and the Donner Memorial State Park.

Attractions

Taking a ride on a historic paddle wheeler

You can get out and about on the Lake itself by riding on-board a historic three deck paddle wheeler called the MS Dixie II. This paddle wheel replaced the original MS Dixie in 1994. This paddle wheeler sets sail from the town of Zephyr cove. Similar cruises are also offered by the Tahoe Queen which sails from the town of Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe.

Visit Vikingsholm

This Scandinavian styled vacation home was built in 1929 at the cost of US$500,000. Vikingsholm is an exponent of Nordic architecture that was built with local materials. A part of this home is even topped with sod roofs. Tours of Vikingsholm are available from Mid-June until Labor Day. This attraction which is located on the head of Emerald Bay can be accessed via a scenic hike from Eagle Point State Park though it is also accessible by car.

Olympic Valley

This all weather destination is accessed via a cable car ride that traverses over 2000 vertical feet and transports you to a village that features an Olympic Museum, ice skating rink, swimming pool, spa and restaurants.

Bars and Restaurants.

Lake Tahoe is a prime American destination and it boasts of wide variety of bars and restaurants that aim to cater to all tastes. Bars and restaurants populate both North Lake Tahoe as well as South Lake Tahoe. Some popular restaurants located here include Rosie's and the Old Post Café both of which are located in California and are favored brunch and breakfast spots. Other well -like establishments include the Char Pit, which is a small restaurant located in the town of Kings Beach that is renowned for its hearty burgers and baby back ribs. River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant, Le Bistro, Dragonfly, Fiamma are still other dining spots which find favor with both locals and out- of-towners who come to Lake Tahoe on holiday.

Accommodations

If you are planning a holiday in Lake Tahoe sometime soon, you will be happy to know that you have wide range of accommodation options available here that  range from the conventional hotels and resorts to charming lodges and cabins and convenient, reasonable and family-friendly vacation rentals. Usually, you will find a better deal when dealing with vacation rentals offered direct from owners.

Vacation rentals make economic sense

Vacation rentals or sometimes called Vacation Homes are in fact a popular accommodation choice in Lake Tahoe which is quite a family-centric destination. Hiring a vacation rental in Lake Tahoe often makes economic sense for a family or large group that wishes to vacation together as it reduces the expenses that are associated with booking individual hotel rooms.

Several websites as well as well known classified sites  offer listings of a plethora of vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe.

What makes the Best booking experience when booking Tahoe Vacation Rentals?

One of the latest ways to book North or South Lake Tahoe Vacation homes is simply to book a home online similar to booking a room at a fine hotel.

World Class Skiing At Lake Tahoe

People take off from all over the world to ski Lake Tahoe, to know the intimate feeling of the famous deep, dry, and fluffy Tahoe snow. The area around Tahoe receives an average snow drop of 409 inches a year. That's over 34 feet per season!

With 14 downhill ski resorts and ten cross-country ski centers, Lake Tahoe skiing appeals to all levels and ages. Enjoy the quiet cross-country trails past mountain streams and log cabins or thrash down the steep mountain terrain thousands of feet over the blue expanse of Lake Tahoe.

A number of large, world-class ski resorts call Lake Tahoe home. Heavenly ski resort boasts the highest summit at Lake Tahoe and 4,800 patrolled acres spanning both California and Nevada, one of the biggest ski resorts in the country. Close by, Squaw Valley draws beginner and experts skiers alike. Experience the open bowl skiing at this resort, a bit untraditional, but tons of fun.

On the north of the lake, Alpine Meadows shines in the Sierra Nevada sun, attracting many, more of a secret than the rest. Alpine Meadows traditionally brags the earliest and longest season. Great bowl skiing for experts and an area just by the base lodge for first-timers. Also more quiet and a bit harder to get to, Kirkwood features the best snow at Tahoe and classic steep shoots.

The Lake Tahoe area provides hundreds of miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails with thrilling descents, challenging climbs and open meadows, and of course, splendid views of Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Cross Country ski area boasts 65 kilometers of ski trails among a stunning landscape, with expert instruction and rentals for all ages. Cross-country skiing at Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, provides Scandinavian style log cabins and trails winding over 9,000 acres. Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort boasts the largest groomed tract system in North America with 3,300 kilometers of trail.s That should keep you fit and busy for some time.

All ski resorts offer discount packages for longer stays and expert downhill, cross-country and snowboarding instruction. Daily tickets start at $20 for the smallest ski resorts and cross-country ski centers and rise from there. Throughout the season various events like races, clinics and parties draw world class skiers, partiers, and families.

Lake Tahoe skiing is world class, that's what makes it one of the most popular ski trip destinations in the world.