Daytime activities for wife while husband is at conference in Scottsdale?
 

My husband is attending a 5 day conference in Scottsdale in November, and I'm tagging along. He will be tied up during the day, and I am looking for some activities that I could do alone during the days. I am 50 years old, still recovering from a major surgery, so I can't do anything too strenuous. I will have the use of our rental car.

I know the shopping in Scottsdale is wonderful, and I would enjoy that. Are there any museums? Any tours of the city? What sorts of things would you recommend?

Thanks so much.

Karen

The Heard Museum in Phoenix should be high on your list with it's collection of Native American art.The Phoenix Art Museum is nearby to the Heard. Also, Frank Lloyd Wright's home, Taliesen West is also very worthwhile. Neither of these is far from Scottsdale.Desert Botanical Garden too. And Scottsdale has loads of shopping if that interests you.

Go to Frank Lloyd Wright's house (Taliesin West) for a tour one day and to the Heard Museum in Phoenix another.

Scottsdale is just one part of the Phoenix Metroplex. Since you'll have a car, all parts should be readily accessible.

> Are there any museums?

Heard Museum
Phoenix Art Museum

I have also enjoyed Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden, Heritage Square, Pueblo Grande (ruins of a native settlement), and the Phoenix Zoo.

*IF* you don't mind mountain driving, South Mountain has great overlooks -- and you do NOT need to hike once you get there.

If you can convince your husband to stay over an additional night - get thee up to Sedona - about a 2 hour drive but well worth it.

I reall enjoyed my visit to the Desert Botanical Garden and watching Paolo Solieri bronze bells being poured at the Cosanti Gallery. Great for gifts, too, with the holidays right around the corner!

I completely agree with the recommendations for the Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Gardens, and Taliesen West.

Agree with Taliesen, Heard, desert Botanical - try the Musical Instruments Museum. It is wonderful and you can spend lots of time there and really have a good time.

http://www.themim.org/

Several weeks ago, I was at a Passport in Time project in northern AZ. The wife of one of the volunteers, took a day trip from north of Parks down to Sedona.
She said she had a great time. If your husband does not want to go to Sedona, I think you can make it on your own as a day trip.