SCOTTSDALE

ARIZONA

Scottsdale’s Old Town — a.k.a. downtown — is the heart of this charming city of approximately 247,000, which more than makes up for its size (and the presence of Arizona’s capital, Phoenix, nearby) with an incredible array of cuisine, a burgeoning art-and-design scene and plenty of outdoor adventure. Here’s the essential itinerary for the destination that should be on everyone’s radar.

FRIDAY STOCK UP | 4 p.m.

Borrow a bike from one of three bike-share programs in town and cruise the Arizona Canal Trail across the Phoenix-scottsdale border to La Grande Orange. Grab a fresh-squeezed juice and personal pizza before returning to Old Town. lagrandeorangegrocery.com

WINE AND DINE | 7 p.m.

Enticing epicurean experiences await at chef Charleen Badman’s farmto-table FNB, which is also rightfully famed for its Arizona-heavy wine list. fnbrestaurant.com

HIT THE TOWN | 10 p.m.

Start at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row (try the Ole Smoky Peach moonshine) before wandering on to Boondocks Patio & Grill and beyond. dierkswhiskeyrow.com; boondocksaz.com

SATURDAY RISE AND CLIMB | 6 a.m.

Order early room service before departing for Camelback Mountain’s scenic Cholla Trail. Pack plenty of water and leave enough time to catch the spectacular sunrise.

WILD, WILD WEST | Noon

Immerse yourself in history at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Afterward, catch the free Old Town Trolley to your next stop. scottsdalemuseumwest.org

ART ATTACK | 3 p.m.

Home to more than 150 galleries, no trip to Scottsdale is complete without a self-guided art walk in Old Town — or a stop at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. smoca.org

TACO TIME | 6:30 p.m.

Tuck into pork-shoulder tacos, green chile duck confit or a side of chipotle grits (and wash it all down with a couple of tequilas) at The Mission, where chef Matt Carter runs one of Old Town’s best restaurants. themissionaz.com

SUNDAY BYE-BYE BRUNCH | 10 a.m.

Treat yourself to a brunch you will likely never forget at Virtù HONEST CRAFT, chef Gio Osso’s superb restaurant housed in the Bespoke Inn, Scottsdale’s only luxury B&B. virtuscottsdale.com; bespokeinn.com

You’ve sorted Scottsdale — now discover five cool things to do in the nearby city of Mesa at cangeotravel.ca/ss18/mesa.