by Nanci Arvizu

Created on: November 04, 2008   Last Updated: September 18, 2009

Scottsdale, Arizona. It's more than just a desert out here.

When most people think of Scottsdale Arizona, they have no idea how large and sophisticated a place it really is. Even though it's logo is "The West's Most Western Town", Scottsdale is home to many upscale areas, from residential to retail. Just driving around in the city you can see how affluent it truly is you actually see REAL HUMMERS out here! Travel through the neighborhoods and be wowed by the amazing homes, mansions, and ranches. You are definitely NOT in some small city here!

Start with Fashion Square Mall, the main place to shop when visiting Scottsdale. With it's upscale shops, fantastic eateries and even valet parking that offers a car wash while you're shopping your day away, it's a great way to people watch.

A short car ride north, and you're in Old Town, with it's tourist gift shops and again, more great places to eat. Be sure to get pictures of the great architecture and statues that make up those few blocks of Old Town.

Eat at the Pink Pony, an original steak house in Old Town, where many of Scottsdale Celebrity have dined. Be sure to visit the Hat Store next door and pick up a real Cowboy hat, that's fit for your head instead of the other way around. And have a sweet dessert at the Sugar Bowl on the corner.

Take a ride north to Carefree and Cave Creek, and visit Frontier Town, a small village created to make you feel like you're back in the 1800's. There are many shops to browse through, and a few places to eat around there but don't fill up! Grab a beer over at Harold's Coral, one of the original restaurants in Cave Creek. With it's boots hung from the ceilings and pictures of wild parties of the past, you're sure to enjoy your time there.

But, if you want to have a really great meal, in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, you're going to have to take a little drive out to the Painted Horse Cafe. Go back towards the city on Pima, turn east on Dynamite to the top of the hill and turn right at Alma School Road. The Painted Horse is on your right.

Most nights you won't need a reservation, but it's always a good idea to call ahead. This place gets written up often in many local publications, so you never know when it might be standing room only. Try the calamari, or the brie as an appetizer and by all means have the Caesar salad. It's something I crave on a weekly basis with a nice glass of wine.

As far as entres go, you just can't go wrong with anything. They do have a winter and

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