Hi...I'll be accompanying my friend to her conference in Scottsdale over the coming weekend, and while I'm planning on catching the Chihuly exhibit and Talesin, I'm also interested in the hot spots for nightlife, good grub at reasonable rates, and must-see events. Local flavor, out of the way, off the beaten path, that sort of thing. Thanks in advance!

Just got back from Scottsdale yesterday. Can't help you with some of your questions because I'm not local or a single but have some good restaurant recommendations: Cactus Moon (on Greenway I think). Great food and this wonderful martini that's like a lemon drop called the Cactus Moon martini. Yumm. Like sushi? Hang On Sushi on Hayden near F.L.Wright was great food and Sushi Brokers on Scottsdale and Bell is good too and more trendy/young.
I saw the Chihuly exhibit...it was great. You'll enjoy it. He's also showing some of his stuff at the Vanier Gallery on Main St. in Old Scottsdale. No admission to pay and walking the galleries in Old Scottsdale is fun. If there's anything else I can help with please post back.

Karen,
Thank you! I'm actually here in Scottsdale right now, and I really appreciate your help! We will check out your recommendations...Any other must sees? Hiking, other outdoor stuff? Highlights from your trip? This is really a terrific forum, helping me plan my trip AS IT HAPPENS!

Valerie: I'm not really sure where to start. Most of my activities center around entertaining my kids so we always seem to hit the AZ science center but it currently has a Titanic exhibit which is supposed to be great. Most of the outdoor stuff we did was also kid-friendly but I do know my husband used to hike up Camelback Mtn all the time when he was growing up. Take plenty of water though. I see it's been in the 90s all week and you get dehydrated before you know it out there! What kind of food are you into? There are so many good places to eat...what have you done so far and how long are you out there?

Karen...staying through Tuesday, and so far I've dabbled in Old Town (both the junky stuff and the galleries) and hit some food spots (Los Olivos a highlight as promised here). As far as your pick, Cactus Moon, I couldn't locate it. There is a Desert Moon, though, located on a golf course. Could this be one and the same? Plan on a hike this weekend, perhaps Camelback or the Superstitions. Really wanted to find a great club for dancing, too, but it doesn't sound like that was on your agenda. Other suggestions for activities on these hot days?
As far as your dining query, I like flavorful and GOOD, doesn't have to be trendy or expensive. Any variety of cuisine, but usually I go ethnic and tasty. Helpful? Thanks again for your assistance.