Archives for February 2009

Scottsdale’s Heavenly Constellations by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

February 26, 2009 szabogroup

Starry Night in Scottsdale through telescope

One of the greatest things about living in the Scottsdale area is the small amount of light noise found in the desert. Light noise is what happens in other cities that pour the ambient light of streetlamps, signs and house lighting into the air making it difficult to see the heavenly constellations. Also known as light pollution, light noise is at one of the lowest gradients in the United States in parts of the Sonoran Desert. This gives avid sky watchers a great opportunity to marvel at the heavens with the naked eye or telescope.

If you are looking for some great sky watching and you want to explore the lights of galaxies and constellations, one great local place to go is the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale which boasts two enormous telescopes. The Four Seasons Resorts has many of luxurious amenities and fine service offering some of the best reasons to go sky watch in the comfort of a high end resort. They even give you a star chart with the turn down service! You can also head to the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain to enjoy and learn from one of their astronomy programs. If you have a curiosity about our universe, you can simply walk outside most places in and around Scottsdale, Arizona and just look up.

As you can see, we love where we live work and play in Scottsdale, Arizona so for more information about the lifestyle and housing market contact www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com.

by Joe Szabo

Scottsdale’s Nightlife

February 23, 2009 szabogroup

Fine Dining in Scottsdale

If the Sonoran Desert boasts the best in desert wildlife, Scottsdale, Arizona is all about the wild night life! Jazz, Salsa and country music blare from lots of great bars, cool lounges and hip nightclubs. Club Central – also known as downtown Scottsdale – is teeming with great places to eat and dance the night away.

There are fantastic shops and a total of 50 plus hotspots to while away the cooler evening hours. A tip to the wise, many of the clubs don’t get hopping until after 10. The Jade Bar, J/Bar and the Lounge at T’Cooks are wonderful places to see and be seen. You might just find you make a new friend or ten! You will need your dancing shoes and a designated driver as you won’t want to miss out on some of the great drink specials at many of the clubs found on the less popular Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Scottsdale nights are all about the glamour and romance of the night desert and fabulous feasts can be found at many of the local eateries. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal or a formal sit down dinner, Scottsdale does not disappoint in its bevy of beautiful and bountiful places.

As you can see, we love where we live work and play in Scottsdale, Arizona so for more information about the lifestyle and housing market contact www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

by Joe Szabo

Scottsdale Wildlife at Night, by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

February 19, 2009 szabogroup

If you could put on your night-vision goggles after dark in Scottsdale, Arizona, you would be treated to a whole new world. As the sun dips toward the horizon in a blaze of brilliant oranges and fiery reds, the blue striped sky signals a magical hour. Stars appear – bright constellations poking through until a dark carpet of sky reveals its magnificent constellations.

Night blooming cereus and jasmine give off a perfumed scent and the desert awakens. Moths seek the Queen of the Night flower which lasts for just one evening – fragrance and flower – to attract the night time pollinators. Coyotes roam their lanky bodies in search of a midnight snack.

Sign up for one of the after dark desert tours and you will see King Snakes, Scorpions, Lizards, Coyotes, Bob Cats, Javalinas (a type of desert pig), Jackrabbits, Owls and Kangaroo Rats. Flying, slithering, crawling, the area around Scottsdale is teeming with desert wildlife. The terrain may be challenging and sure footing and rugged shoes are required, but the thrill is fantastic. Depending on the time of year, you might need to bring a sweater or jacket as the temperatures can dip quite low in the desert at night. If you don’t like things that creep or crawl, this is not the adventure for you but for the outdoor enthusiast, wildlife at night outside Scottsdale, Arizona is a nature enthusiast’s paradise.

As you can see, we love where we live work and play in Scottsdale, Arizona so for more information about the lifestyle and housing market contact www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

Joe Szabo

Wildflowers Scottsdale

February 17, 2009 szabogroup

Unknown to most visitors to Scottsdale, Arizona, is the natural beauty and abundance of its spectacular wildflowers. Truly, the beauty of Arizona’s wildflowers borders upon the supernatural. For a performance given flowers expressly by Mother Nature, Scottsdale, Arizona offers a yellow brick road directly to a wildflower wonderland where poppies of every color abound. It is quite possible that you will feel like Dorothy on her way to the Emerald Kingdom.

Just outside Scottsdale, Arizona, one can happen upon a blooming Mecca of flora that invites travelers and experts from all over the world. From the mighty Saguaro Cactus to the delicate silver bell, Arizona’s wildflowers are a vision to behold and not to be missed. Bursting forth in all its glory is the Mexican gold poppy, fairy dusters, lupine, or evening primrose. Raising beautiful faces to the ever-shining sun are desert hyacinth, wild onions, and desert anemone. And everywhere you turn, you will delight in various cacti in perpetual bloom. At any given point in the season, you may find up to 100 different species of flowers in full bloom. Visit the Tucson Mountains or the Sonoran Desert for an unending display of beauty and color you won’t find anywhere else.

If you would like to know more about living in Scottsdale, Arizona, check out www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com for more exciting details.

Driving Scottsdale 4

February 14, 2009 szabogroup

There’s more to Scottsdale, Arizona than meets the eye. It might surprise you to know that we are wine-makers in this part of the United States, and we are proud to tout several award-winning wines that are sure to please the palettes of the most discerning wine connoisseurs. If you are in the mood for a fabulous drive through the beautiful terrain just south of Tucson, you will end your journey at some of the finest wineries Arizona has to offer. The altitude and the soil here is ideal for growing grapes. Many vineyards offer wine-tasting, and you will also find many upscale restaurants to complement the fine wines you discover.

Stop at the delightful village of Elgin on your way. Take Interstate 10 south past Tucson to Highway 83. Follow Highway 83 to Sonoita, and at the junction of Highways 83 and 92, follow the signs east to Elgin. Along the way, a must-see destination is Patagonia which is well-known for horse-raising. If you decide to extend your stay, there are numerous bed and breakfast inns waiting expectantly for your arrival. If you choose to journey as far as the Mexican border, visit Nogales where you will find yet another delightful winery specializing in sweet, fruity vintages.

If you would like to know more about living in Scottsdale, Arizona, visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com for more exciting details.

Driving Scottsdale 3

February 13, 2009 szabogroup

There is always something to do here in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. If you are a person of adventurous and free-wheeling spirit, Scottsdale offers a plentitude of day trips to satisfy the most experienced traveler. Within a few short hours of Scottsdale, there are lakes and rivers for sportsmen and tourists alike. The scenery is spectacular and activities abound for all ages. Along the way, you will be delighted by an abundance of nature’s treasures as you witness Arizona’s unrivaled beauty.

So, hop in your car, turn up the tunes and head to Arizona’s West Coast for a day trip you will wish would never end. From Scottsdale take Interstate 10 West to Quartzsite, then take Arizona Highway 95 North to Parker. Parker is host to a new casino and resort. Beautiful Lake Havasu is just 45 minutes North of Parker. Here you can go swimming, boating, water-skiing, fishing or simply take in the breath-taking views. The Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge offers an astonishing 14,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The drive alone is worth the trip as you are treated to some of the most colorful and rugged views Arizona has to offer.

If you would like to know more about living in Scottsdale, Arizona, visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com for more exciting details.

Driving Scottsdale 2

February 5, 2009 szabogroup

If you would like to getaway for the day to a new destination, Scottsdale, Arizona is your central location for many exciting day trips you’ll joyfully embark upon over and over again. Let our roads lead you where you want to go, and you’ll never look back once you’ve pushed the petal to the metal. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you will journey through the spectacular scenery of Arizona’s wilderness. And you just might find some peace and serenity along the way.

Take the Apache Trail for astonishing views of the Salt River Canyon and several man-made lakes. Don’t let this dirt road deceive you because this route affords heart-stopping views! Then take the time to visit Lost Dutchman State Park where you can tour Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Then, head on over to Tortilla Flat for some light shopping and rustic dining. And don’t forget to visit Fish Creek Rest Area to take in the magnificent view. Last but not least, take the time to visit the must-see Roosevelt Dam and the visitor center.

This is just a sampling of the many outstanding attractions around Scottsdale, Arizona. For more exciting information about living in Scottsdale, check out www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com.

Driving Scottsdale

February 3, 2009 szabogroup

Get your wheels in motion, and hit the road for a day of site-seeing through some the most magnificent scenery to be found anywhere in the world. From the moment you turn the key to your ignition, you will find yourself rambling through the quaint streets of Scottsdale then cruising full-speed along the mystical and majestic sites surrounding this great city. Pack your picnic basket full of wine, cheese and truffles, then hop in the nearest roadster for an unforgettable journey through Arizona’s pristine natural wonderland of mesas, lakes, wildflowers and canyons.

Once your camera is loaded and poised for perfection, cruise along Arizona 179 to Sedona. Here you will find yourself immersed in a new world of spectacular geography like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The red-orange colors of Sedona light the horizon with the intensity of firelight, and the grandiose rock formations cradle the city with triumphant majesty.

Charming shops and tourist attractions line the streets of Sedona, inviting visitors to enjoy the delectable tastes and artistic moods offered here. Whether you’re interested in trinkets or fine art, Sedona has something for everyone.

If you would like to know more about living in Scottsdale, visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com for more exciting details.