by Judy Hedding

Scottsdale, Arizona actually has a slogan: The West's Most Western Town. With a population of over 200,000 and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Scottsdale continues to grow its population as well as its tourism. More than 7 million people visit Scottsdale each year. You may wonder, what do they do there besides lounge at exquisite resorts, and eat at fine restaurants? Well, here is my list of some of the best Scottsdale attractions that you won't want to miss!

• Scottsdale Fashion Square
  The most popular mall in the greater Phoenix area is located near downtown Scottsdale. Shopping at unique one-of-a-kind boutiques and people (celebrity?) watching are all popular activities at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Don't worry--there are plenty of stores for regular working folks, too!
• Indian Wash Greenbelt
  This greenbelt in Scottsdale actually connects four parks: Vista Del Camino, Eldorado, Indian School and Chaparral. The greenbelt is 12 miles long, and is the most popular place in town for inline skaters, as well as joggers, cyclists, walkers, and anyone with a dog. There are sports fields, ramadas, fishing lakes, tennis courts, and more.
• Golf
  If you are a golfer you will find paradise in Scottsdale. There are about 50 golf courses just in Scottsdale. Championship courses of all types can be found here, including the Scottsdale TPC where the FBR Open is played each January as one of the first PGA tournament events of the year.
• Kerr Cultural Center
  Part of Arizona State University, the Kerr Cultural Center was originally intended as a hall for chamber music. Chamber performances are still held there, as well as other types of musical programs and concerts. This is a smaller venue, making the programs intimate and enjoyable.
• Fiesta Bowl Museum
  In central Scottsdale, at the corporate offices of the Fiesta Bowl, you can stop in during the week and visit the Fiesta Bowl Museum. Trophies relating to college football are on display, as are exhibits about the history of the Fiesta Bowl organization, its volunteers and the games. The museum is free.
• McCormick Stillman Railroad Park
  Unique park amenities for the young ones include a lovely carousel. This park is special because of the trains and railroad-related exhibits. A ten minute train ride also takes you through an arboretum located in the park.
• Old Town Scottsdale
  If it isn't too hot and you like to walk and window shop, forget that traditional mall and make your way to downtown Scottsdale. Here you'll find winding streets full of unique shops and galleries. You may also here this area referred to as Fifth Avenue Shops.
• Parada del Sol Rodeo
  Professional cowboys from allover the country converge on north Scottsdale for the Parada del Sol Rodeo. The Rodeo is a culmination of various Scottsdale events sponsored by the Scottsdale Jaycees, including the Parada del Sol Parade.
• Scottsdale ArtWalk
  Every Thursday night you can stroll the streets of downtown Scottsdale and enjoy special exhibits with artists' receptions, demonstrations and more. It's free--unless you fall in love with a work of art and decide to take it home with you!
• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
  The Scottsdale Center for the Arts holds musical and theatrical events, festivals and educational programs throughout the year. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is in the same complex. The longest running show in Arizona, Late Nite Catechism, and it's sister show Late Nite Catechism II, can be seen there each week. Enjoy these photos of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

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