Going to Scottsdale, AZ

[Tarnisher]

I'm going to be in Scottsdale, AZ next week for something completely non-musical, but I might have some time to explore.

Anyone know if it's possible to tour the Fender factory? All the info I've found is about the California visitor center.

What else should I see/do? What does Phoenix have to offer?

[Kennedycaster]

No Fender factory here, just the corporate office. No tours available. You might want to check out the musical instrument museum in Scottsdale. It's pretty interesting. Whatever you choose to do, try to do indoor activities because it feels like a hairdryer outside right now! If you're lucky, you may be able to experience one of our infamous monsoon storms complete with the ominous "wall of dust". The Phoenix area has some beautiful scenery, unfortunately, this is the absolute worst time to visit because of the extreme heat. Try to stay cool & have fun.

Bob

[Tarnisher]

Thanks for the info, Bob. Yeah, I'm not looking forward to the heat. May do some driving with the A/C on to check out the scenery.

[HiggyDude]

MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) is a good bet. Also, on Scottsdale road is a (I think they still call them this) GC Flagship store. Being just down the road from Fender HQ they have a Fender showroom. When you walk thru the door it is right in front of you. They sometimes have some neat and pricey guitars and amps - that anyone can pick up and play. Of course someone will immediately be watching you but no one has ever said anything to me or asked me to put down the guitar (except when they heard me play - after I played the only 3 chords I knew they tired of my sonic mastery....JK)

[boris bubbanov]

Originally Posted by Tarnisher

May do some driving with the A/C on to check out the scenery.

Elevation, serious elevation is your friend.

Plan your activities around Flagstaff, or the Mogollon Rim.

Crazy, country fried Hot right now in the lower elevations in Arizona.

[Tarnisher]

I've been through Flagstaff. Nice town. Smaller than I thought. It was snowing there when I had breakfast at a diner after leaving the other GC in the area, but an hour down the road I was turning on the A/C!

[rghill]

Oh yeah, I see thunderstorms in the forecast for the next few days...

It will go from "dry heat" to "somewhat moist heat"...

Gotta love summer in Phoenix.

[Five Fingers]

The last time I went Phoenix was in July 2001, and i gotta tell ya, it was hotter then hell. I can vouch for the heat in the summer. That IS the wrong season!

[JamesVRoy]

check out Red Rock and Sedona

pix from 2002

[boris bubbanov]

People in the Northeast take off when school lets out, because that's when it appears to them that weather is ideal.

But that's wrong, for much of the rest of the USA.

I used to find myself in Colorado, and having had a week or 10 days of high water late spring runoff, then I'd take off for California and get cooked in Arizona. But that's not the best way. The backcountry, the places are much more hospitable in months like January, February, March.

I do hope to get booked onto a Grand Canyon river trip at some point. The permit system was seriously deranged when I was at peak; things have been improved but I'd better get a move on. All that very cold water, may as well be summertime when you go.

[avagadro]

Go visit Bob Turner at Bizarre Guitar. I remember when Bob had a small shop in central Phx. back in the 70's. He had all the good stuff. I even bought a Es 125 from him for about $150. While his new larger place lacks some of those "OMG, look whats hanging on the wall" thrills, you can still find some rare and beautiful guitars at his place.
http://www.bizarreguitar.net/aboutus.html

[piece of ash]

Go to a little place called "Gyros Express" just north ( 1 block) of Shea BLVD on the WEST side of Scottsdale Road... Best F****** Gyro ever. I almost feel like drivin' 1600 miles right now to have one...

[Mike Simpson]

What you looking for?
Music? Scenery? Food? guitars? ... air conditioning...

We could spend a bit of time directing you to stuff you are not interested in...

[mitch_m]

Originally Posted by HiggyDude

MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) is a good bet.

This

I went there when I visited Phoenix and it was phenomenal!

[RedGuitars]

The MIM is a must see. If you are thinking of heading north or northeast to the mountains you need to check for forest closures due to forest fires.

This should help...
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/...TELPRDB5375197

[Tarnisher]

Thanks for the tips! I'm interested in anything of note that is unique to the area and worth seeing. The Musical Instrument Museum is just the thing- definitely going to try to get there.

Good unique eats are also appreciated.

[binkydognose]

Originally Posted by HiggyDude

on Scottsdale road is a (I think they still call them this) GC Flagship store. Being just down the road from Fender HQ they have a Fender showroom. When you walk thru the door it is right in front of you.

I didn't know about that, thanks higgydude.

[binkydognose]

Originally Posted by Five Fingers

The last time I went Phoenix was in July 2001, and i gotta tell ya, it was hotter then hell. I can vouch for the heat in the summer. That IS the wrong season!

Looks a lot like Mars right now (pic from yesterday):

[binkydognose]

Originally Posted by avagadro

Go visit Bob Turner at Bizarre Guitar. I remember when Bob had a small shop in central Phx. back in the 70's. He had all the good stuff. I even bought a Es 125 from him for about $150. While his new larger place lacks some of those "OMG, look whats hanging on the wall" thrills, you can still find some rare and beautiful guitars at his place.
http://www.bizarreguitar.net/aboutus.html

and the best acoustic selection in town.

Good unique eats?! Scottsdale has a bazillion restaurants that I've never been to. I'm on the other side of the valley.
There's an honestly world famoose pizza place in Phoenix: Pizzeria Bianco. Maybe stop into alice Cooperstown to peep the rock memorabilia on the walls (just bar food, but the Wings of Mass Destruction are appropriate this time of year). Or Chino Bandido Takee Outee for a unique/tasty hole in the wall lunch (Mexican/Chinese/Caribbean all mixed up).

[KevinB]

I lived there for 12 months (many years ago) and I always liked the somewhat unique Phoenix Zoo, specializing as they do in desert species.

Both South Mountain and Squaw Peak offer fantastic views of the city and the Valley.

In July, it's gonna be HOT though!