Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Nicki

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

The last supper (Happy Hour) was at Geisha A Go Go for sushi. Behind the bar glaring out at us are portraits (posters) of Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Sid Vicious winking at us.

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

Montelucia Resort & Spa: Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Nicki

A sanctuary nestled in a valley with views of the Camelback Mountain, a symbol of Phoenix with a summit elevation at 2704 feet.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The conference days were long…and I could not wait to recline in the over-sized luxury chaise lounge on the patio and watch the cottontail bunnies hopping across the gorgeous landscape among the orange trees.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

There really was nothing missing from this oasis if you like relaxing in a peaceful environment. It was almost too dark and quiet at night.

Montelucia Resort & Spa
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The bath tub is contoured to the shape of the body, allowing you to lean back while supported. I wondered if relatives have gone missing there. Found later soaking away.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

It cost more than the accommodations that I select when it is not being expensed, but seemed reasonable for a spa.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Febuary, 2013

El Dorado Hotel: Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Nicki

They have done a brilliant job recreating the pop culture of the 1960’s from when the hotel was built, with a modern flare.

El Dorado A Vacation Suites Hotel Scottdale, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

El Dorado Hotel Scottdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The location in Old Town is great.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Reception was helpful and assisted me with my bags to the unit. Which was a one flight walk- up.

I cycled around on one of their cruisers on the first day.

Downtown Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

After setting off on the bicycle the seat tipped back and was stuck, but luckily I was near to Bicycle Haus, where I stopped for suggestions and Kale graciously secured the seat upright within minutes, saving my back, and I was back on my way exploring downtown.

Downtown Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

My impression was that many of the hotels in Scottsdale are more like motels, with some units that are waiting to be refurbished.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The view from my room was festive.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

They were clearly once apartments with a kitchen, dinning area, full living space, and a bedroom. There was plenty of room. It reminded me of a Chelsea Apartment that I had when I lived in New York City. I booked it because I saw a great rate online. Once Scottsdale taxes were added it was a higher rate. Wifi is included.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

There was work being done on the other units while I was there but it wasn’t noisy or intrusive.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Unit 203 wasn’t fully refurbished. The thermostat was not adjustable and it got a bit stuffy. With the windows opened I could hear the music from the main area and it is only one flight up, leaving the windows accessible. I wasn’t comfortable leaving them unlocked over night.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Housekeeping came while I was in the next morning, gave me great recommendations on where to eat, and did a brilliant job scrubbing the place.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

There were plenty of seats in the common area around the pool.

I’d enjoy staying here again but I would ask for one of the units that was fully refurbished….and I would play croquet.

February , 2013

Desert Botanical Garden: Phoenix, Arizona

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Nicki

Exhibits throughout add much needed humor to the hot desert.

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The locals were commenting on how cold it had been this year. It was February and by midday….I did not want to leave the gardens, but I was looking to get out of the sun.

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Lovely little creatures were scurrying about.

Desert Botanical Gardens Phoenix, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Gambel’s Quails could be found nibbling all around.

Desert Botanical Gardens Phoenix, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

Lot of fun things to explore here. It is not a flat desert.

You can see the Papago Buttes from the gardens.

It was only the lack of shade that made it feel like it was time to leave.

Febuary, 2013

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Nicki

I walked through a glass house and had a gander at puppet art.

Scottsdale Center for the Preforming Arts
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Glass House by Therman Statom has beautiful details on the interior as well, making it easy to linger.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Photo by Nicki Hurd

After picking up some greeting cards made locally, I explored the walls.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Photo by Nicki Hurd

I did not get good shots of the puppets but they were so fun.

Scottsdale Center for the Prefoming Arts

Scottsdale Center for the Preforming Arts
Photo by Nicki Hurd

After sneaking in these last two photos I will stop. 😉

Scottsdale Center for the Prefoming Arts
Photo by Nicki Hurd

el final..

Scottsdale Center for the Preforming Arts
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Febuary, 2013

Little America Resort: Flagstaff, Arizona

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Nicki

On the side of the highway we found Little America just waiting for us.

Little America Resort Photo by Nicki Hurd

The rate seemed very reasonable reception said it was off season and the rooms were half of the cost.

Little America Resort Photo by Andrew Leggett

The Robert Bateman Bison print was well suited for the cozy lodge.

Little America Resort Photo by Nicki Hurd

The glass sculpture at Western Gold added a twinkle.

Western Gold Restaurant at Little America Resort Photo by Nicki Hurd

January 2011

Flagstaff, Arizona

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Nicki

Flagstaff is located just south of San Francisco Peak, Arizona’s highest mountain range. It is on the west side of the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the US, and was named after a Ponderosa flagpole made to celebrate the US Centennial on July 4, 1876.

Flagstaff, Arizona Photo by Andrew Leggett

We did not get to see it this time, but nearby is the Petrified Forest National Park. Two hundred million years ago, volcanic lava destroyed the forest, and the remains were embedded into sediment comprised of volcanic ash and water…. million of years later, erosion revealed the petrified wood now made mostly of quartz.

Back Garden of Little America Photo by Andrew Leggett

Our host…a squirrel …that looked like a rabbit/squirrel combo just outside of our balcony at Little America Resort, another great choice ..surrounded by 500 acres of Panderosa Pine forest…it is formally known for having billboards that stated Almost Home with penguins waddling on it. The number of penguins represented the distance to travel before reaching the hotel. It was below freezing when we arrived, and I wondered how the furry creature was faring…zooming in close he appeared a plump little fellow with a lovely thick coat, and after watching him dart around with fast paws that quickly grab any munchies nearby….my guess was that he was doing alright for himself.

Little America’s Back Garden Photo by Nicki Hurd

Hopped on our bicycles and explored the Ponderosas behind the lodge.

Little America Photo by Nicki Hurd

As we were checking in, a flustered man approached the reception to request another room…seems he opened the door to his room, and found someone in there already – and she was surprised to see him. :- O

View from our room at Little America Photo by Andrew Leggett

In the evening we stayed in and kept warm at Western Gold, the resort restaurant, just a short jaunt down the corridor.

Glass Sculpture above the bar at the Western Gold Restaurant Photo by Nicki Hurd

There is a lovely glass sculpture suspended over the bar at Western Gold.

Steam Train in Old Town, Flagstaff Azizona Photo by Andrew Leggett

In the early days, the economy of Flagstaff was based on lumber, railroad, and ranching.

Karma Sushi, Flagstaff Photo by Nicki Hurd

Just in time for Happy Hour sushi at Karma Sushi in Old Town…the food was beautiful, delicious, and reasonably priced. Staff were friendly but not intrusive.

Karma Sushi Flagstaff Photo by Nicki Hurd

Lowell Observatory was closing when we arrived and we were not able to attend a tour.

Lowell Observatory Flagstaff Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

The astronomer Percival Lowell from Massachusetts hired Andrew Ellicott Douglass, also an astronomer from Windsor Vermont, to scout a location for an observatory.

Lowell Observatory Flagstaff Arizona Photo by Andrew Leggett

It was 1894 when he picked Flagstaff because of the elevation, and in 1930 Pluto was discovered using one of the telescopes.

Lowell Observatory Flagstaff Arizona Photo by Andrew Leggett

Sign at the gate has the symbols of the original nine planets…including Pluto….which is no longer considered a planet.

Pluto

Neptune

Uranus

Saturn

Jupiter

Mars

Earth

Venus

Mercury

January 2011

El Tavor Hotel: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Nicki

The hotel is a registered national historic landmark located on the South rim. When we arrived we could not wait to look out over the magnificent canyon.

El Tavor Hotel Photo by Nicki Hurd

I’ve read it is generally fully booked, even during off season. We were very happy to be able to reserve a room in this alluring place that has hosted such luminaries as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Nicki Hurd and Andrew Leggett. :- ) I imagined them gasping and admiring the landscape.

It was January and nice to be there during the season that it is not its busiest. The cool air in the day was agreeable for hiking. At night there was a myriad of stars but it dropped below freezing. We enjoyed returning to the hotel in the evening, to this warm and cozy structure of native stone and Oregon pine. The Architect was Charles Whittlesey, who was the chief Architect for the Santa Fe Railway. It is an early example of the style that evolve into National Park Service Rustic architecture.

We had dinner and a breakfast in the Dining Room, a gourmet restaurant that is pricey but delicious with some seats that have a great view of the canyon. The Dinning Room is considered the “premier dining establishment at the Grand Canyon”. The meals, presentation, and the staff were exceptional, and really made it feel like a special occasion. The lounge was not as grand or as exorbitant, but the food was good.

Our room was located on the floor just above the mezzanine, which has an octagon shape, a sitting area with desks and tables and overlooks the entrance, which had a large lodge comfortable lounging area. Outdoors it has a lovely veranda, a front porch with rocking chairs, and around back there are porch swings. I could spend a lot of time relaxing there. January, 2011

Watchtower: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Nicki

There is much to behold here within the interior, and focusing out over the majestic vista. From the tower is a panoramic view for well over 100 miles, including the Painted Desert to the east, and to the San Fransico Peaks south.

Grand Canyon Photo by Nicki Hurd

Designed to blend into the environment, inspired by architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, it is a replica of a prehistoric Indian Tower, and stands 70 feet (21 m) high.

In the 16th century the Spanish called the native people of the southwest that were living in villages the Pueblo. The Hopis were believed to have descended from the ancient Pueblo cultures. The tower has rock art paintings throughout that tell stories. The gallery on the first landing represents the physical and spiritual origins of Hopi life, painted by a Hopi artist, Fred Kabotie.

On the ceiling are paintings by Fred Geary, which are recreations of images from Abo Rockshelter that are now part of Salinas National Monument in New Mexico. It all enhanced the pondering of earlier cultures living here, and those far into the future that will travel to gaze at the wonder. The highest floor is left with just the beautiful panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.

In January there were many viewers all with various devices from smart phones to master lenses snapping pictures, but it was also possible to catch some quiet moments alone on each level.

There is a small gift shop selling local artist’s crafts for those of us that like to take something home to savor the experience. January, 2011

South Rim: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Nicki

It was a long drive from Austin, but well worth it to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With wide eyes we approached the chasm and did not know where to look, but wanted to linger and look everywhere.

Grand Canyon Photo by Andrew Leggett

Taking it all in is impossible as it is immense in size. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,000 feet / 1,800 meters . It is a collection of erosion forms and geological colors. I imagined traveling into the canyon to hear echos and the sounds of whatever might be lurking. Recent evidence suggests the canyon was formed at least 17 million years ago. Standing near it was like being ingested into history. January, 2011

perspectives on travel

Tag Archives: Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona

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

Montelucia Resort & Spa: Scottsdale, Arizona

El Dorado Hotel: Scottsdale, Arizona

February , 2013

Desert Botanical Garden: Phoenix, Arizona

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Scottsdale, Arizona

I walked through a glass house and had a gander at puppet art.

Little America Resort: Flagstaff, Arizona

On the side of the highway we found Little America just waiting for us.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is located just south of San Francisco Peak, Arizona’s highest mountain range. It is on the west side of the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the US, and was named after a Ponderosa flagpole made to celebrate the US Centennial on July 4, 1876.

El Tavor Hotel: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The hotel is a registered national historic landmark located on the South rim. When we arrived we could not wait to look out over the magnificent canyon.

Watchtower: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

There is much to behold here within the interior, and focusing out over the majestic vista. From the tower is a panoramic view for well over 100 miles, including the Painted Desert to the east, and to the San Fransico Peaks south.

South Rim: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

It was a long drive from Austin, but well worth it to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With wide eyes we approached the chasm and did not know where to look, but wanted to linger and look everywhere.