Art in the desert where Andy Warhol meets Frank Lloyd Wright.

Scottsdale is at the heart of the Sonoran Desert with golf courses, posh resorts, and a university nearby.

Scottsdale Mall                                          Photo by Nicki Hurd

The downtown area has the historic Old Town, and on the edge is the Scottsdale Mall; which is not a shopping mall, but lovely green gardens, full of bubbling fountains, historical buildings, and sculptures; surrounded by a few eateries, a hotel, and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts                Photo by Nicki Hurd

Sculptures were allocated at each vicinity.

Scottsdale Mall    Photo by Nicki Hurd

It was a lovely day to walk around and take it all in.

Old Town Scottsday Arizona   Photo by Nicki Hurd

Had a look around inside the vibrant Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, populated with art pieces and a Glass House..

Glass House by Therman Statom   Photo by Nicki Hurd

The adobe color that is found on the earth here, is used throughout the city on fences, and roadways, in a way that makes it of the earth and all that is around it, which should have made Frank Lloyd Wright proud. He lived, worked, and is honored here.  Known for his organic architecture, which is site-specific,with form and function as one.

Montelucia Resort Scottsdale, Arizona      Photo by Nicki Hurd

I stayed at the Montelucia Resort & Spa on the first night, as it was where the conference I came to attend was held. A beautiful place for a conference.

Montelucia Resort & Spa          Photo by Nicki Hurd

The following nights I stayed closer to Old Town at El Dorado Resort , vacation suites.  It had plenty of room, and it was near enough to bicycle to most things I planned to see.

El Dorado Resort   Photo by Nicki Hurd

While bicycling around downtown I found Tapas Papa Frita on the canal just in time for happy hour.

Arizona Canal Trail Photo   by Nicki Hutd

The prices were so great…I had to take advantage and get a good sample of treats.

Tapas Papa Frita   Photo by Nicki Hurd

Breakfast was gorgeous at Distrito at the Saguaro Hotel located on the Scottsdale Mall.

Ceviche de Atún at Distrito
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Started with Ceviche de Atún: yellowfin tuna, serrano-coconut sauce, lime sorbet, tomatillo, tostaditas and finished with Carne Asada adobo rubbed hanger steak, plantain gremolata, refried beans, red rice.

Carne Asada at Distrito Photo by Nicki Hurd

After meandering around the Mall and Old Town, I motored to the Desert Botanical Garden.

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

Full of native plants and amusing sculptures.

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Geisha A Go Go
Photo By Nicki Hurd

The sushi was good, and the drinks delicious.  I was spoiled by the prices for Tapas the night before and had to adjust to the tab…still but still only around $20.

Geisha A Go Go
Photo by Nicki Hurd

On my last evening there, the bathroom window was open at sunset and looked like a frame for the orange and blue colors the state is famous for in many paintings.  It is easy to understand why so many painters come here to recreate it.  It allows such a brilliant use of colors.

February, 2013