Scottsdale, founded as a farming town in the late 1800s, was coined the “The West’s Most Western Town” in the 1950s. Today, the city is a sprawling mecca of luxury with shopping, fine dining, resorts and myriad golf course communities which might make it seem fairly removed from its Old West moniker. However, if you look a little harder, you’ll discover some cowboy-worthy pieces of the area’s history hidden within its urban environs. Yes, Scottsdale’s authentic spirit still thrives—where rodeos, saloons and cowboy boots trump tee times.
The stories of the West
After decades of planning, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West opened in January 2015 in the city’s downtown historic arts district, providing a perfect starting place for your Scottsdale cowboy immersion. This museum literally “says” it all in a story-telling, interactive museum. This non-profit institution that carries the Smithsonian nod of approval showcases the history, present day and future of the American West. Old West murals, wagon wheels and photos of those who crafted the stories of the west lead the way through art-filled galleries with interactive exhibits that illustrate the ever-evolving West, from cowboys on horseback to historic roads like Route 66. Highlights include pieces by Arizona cowboy artist John Coleman, famous for his bronzes, as well as notable pieces from famed artists such as Carl Oscar Borg and Maynard Dixon. The two-story, 43,000-square-foot museum also features the 135-seat Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Theater/Auditorium, an array of Western items and ware and an open-air courtyard dotted with sculptures and cacti. (www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org )
City slicker fun
If you remember the movie “City Slickers” or watched the television reality series, “Cowboy U,” you have seen what goes on at Scottsdale’s own Arizona Cowboy College. The family-owned and operated business isn’t just another dude ranch—it could very well be the only one of its kind in the U.S. Run by Lori Bridwell, wife of the late Lloyd Bridwell—considered by some the world’s most recognized working ranch cowboy, the school’s senior instructor is Rocco Wachman, famous for his role in the series, “Cowboy U.” Be a cowboy for a day or take a longer “course” learning everything from saddling and grooming to barrel racing. Top it all off with a ride through the open desert. (www.cowboycollege.com)
Fort McDowell Adventures is another perfect place to bond with horses. Set on 25,000 acres of open desert, the stables here have been turning city slickers into cowpokes for two decades. Set up a trail ride past cacti and sagebrush and spot eagles, roadrunners, coyotes and mustangs that call this area home. (www.fortmcdowelladventures.com)
Explore old west towns
My favorite western town in greater Scottsdale is Cave Creek, nestled in the foothills of Black Mountain, Skull Mesa and Elephant Butte. Located just a short drive from the upscale golf course communities of Scottsdale, it shares a border with tranquil Carefree. Cave Creek was established as a golf mining town and Cavalry stop in the mid-1870s. Although most of Cave Creek’s original buildings are gone today, they have been nicely replaced with those reminiscent of the town’s rough and tumble mining days. Spend a day shopping in the rustic shopping centers for western garb, art, decor and souvenirs; Frontier Town here has more than two dozen shops, and you can park your “horse” for free. Restaurants abound, but you won’t find any fast food chains in Cave Creek, just some funky hang-outs that have western-style hospitality. Find an outdoor patio that takes in the surrounding great outdoors and settle in for some “grub” at some colorfully named spots, such as Big Earl’s Greasy Eats Patio that is situated in a converted historic gas station building. The Buffalo Chip has a generous outdoor bar for day or night dining. Plan your visit March 11-13 for the debut of the Arizona Wild West Fest music festival in Cave Creek or April 1-3 for the Cave Creek Fiesta Days Rodeo & Concert. The western music festival will feature country western bands that battle for the top title, as well as gunfighter competitions. (www.cavecreek.org)
Some of us remember Rawhide, a western “town” that was a popular tourist destination in the foothills of Scottsdale for more than four decades. A few years ago, the town was moved to a new home that now encompasses the 2,400-acre master-planned Wild Horse Pass Development in the Gila River Indian Community. It still features its popular steak house and saloon, Main Street with gun slinging action and roping pros and all of its retail shops, as well as the Six Gun Theater. Now, guests can also enjoy canal rides along the Gila River Riverwalk, train rides and a Native American village honoring the history and culture of the Akimel O’othom and Pee Posh tribes.
Chow Down
There are some western relics in the cuisine arena as well. Cowboy Ciao is a staple in Scottsdale’s food scene with a boot-kicking bar menu featuring specialty drinks like “When in Buffalo, Roam” and “Crouching Bulldog, Hidden Ginger.” However, Scottsdale’s Last Real Cowboy Saloon (that’s its name) makes its home in a Registered Historic Landmark, the one-time Farmers Bank of Scottsdale that began in 1921 and closed in the Depression. Celebs of the past and today have worn their Levi’s here, from John Wayne and Clint Eastwood to Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. The Old Town Scottsdale hang-out is lively with entertainment for both lunch and dinner.
One of the city’s last authentic western -style steak houses and saloons is Handlebar, a popular spot for visitors and locals alike since 1966. Located in north Scottsdale, people pack the place not just for the steaks, ribs, corn on the cob and homemade biscuits, but also for the entertainment. Live country music plays every night, and the dance floor offers plenty of “two steppin.” The Herndon Brothers Band has been an Arizona favorite for 15 years, playing their country music several nights a week.
Adventure in the Boulders
Set among 12 million-year-old boulders that could have been the backdrop for old western movies is Boulders Resort & Spa, near Cave Creek. A favorite for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with the Sonoran Desert, the resort has recently elevated its offerings with some extreme adventure, from fly fishing in the lakes throughout the golf course to hot air balloon rides that depart and land on the resort’s property. Or, take a helicopter ride to Sedona or Grand Canyon from the resort’s private helipad and travel the rugged desert in a jeep ride led by a Boulders’ guide. These new programs add to an already robust lineup of outdoor offerings at the resort, including rock climbing, stargazing, hiking and bicycle tours.
The Boulders Resort & Spa celebrated its 30-year-old birthday just a few years ago. As a present, the desert hideaway gifted itself some pampering with a multimillion dollar makeover at the property with new architectural elements and color schemes that embrace the resort’s indigenous inspirations and Old West charm. The 160 casitas have new furnishings and a new palette of earthy desert tones with teal and orange accents, as well as upgraded fixtures in the bathrooms. Take in the breathtaking desert vistas from the refinished patio of your casita or cozy up in front of the adobe-style fireplace. Sip libations from the redesigned bar lounge, and chow down on Southwestern cuisine in the newly furnished Palo Verde restaurant. (www.theboulders.com)
