Archives for April 2010

MacDonald’s Ranch by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

April 29, 2010 szabogroup

The Pink Sandstone Buttes

Are you looking for a fun family activity? Then saddle up and head to MacDonald’s Ranch in north Scottsdale. MacDonald’s Farm first opened to the public in 1970 and is owned by the Richardson family. They wanted it to be “a place where kids from the city could watch a cow being milked, see live ranch animals and be in a natural surrounding as you ride in the Sonoran desert”. MacDonald’s Farm was updated in 1994 and became MacDonald’s Ranch. Originally occupying 36,000 acres, it now occupies only 1300 acres, due to the development of North Scottsdale.

The ranch offers:

Guided Horseback Rides – Trail rides vary in cost depending on the amount of time you want to ride. They are as follows:

1 hour ride – $38/person plus tax
1 ½ hour ride – $55/person plus tax
2 hour ride – $68/person plus tax

Riding Lessons – 1 hour rides for all skill levels as well as preschool lessons for kids 3 to 6 years. These lessons are 20 minutes long. 1 hour sessions are $68/person plus tax while 20 minute sessions are $30/child plus tax.

For more information on the other activities offered below visit the website.

Hayrides
Stagecoach Rides
Cowboy Cookouts
Chuck Wagon Cookouts
Entertainment

For kids, they have a petting zoo as well as a summer camp. Rates for the camp are from 2009. Contact the ranch for current rates and programs for this summer.

MacDonald’s Ranch is located at 26540 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.macdonaldsranch.com/index.html

The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020 or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com

Scottsdale Golf Courses by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

April 22, 2010 szabogroup

Scottsdale Real Estate Team - Camelbank Mountain Golf

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Fore! With Spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about golfing. Now, the question is, where can I find a good course? Here are some options for you in the Scottsdale area:

Troon North Golf Club
10320 E Dynamite Blvd.

Offers two courses, the Monument and the Pinnacle, which offer their own challenges as well as great scenery. For more information, visit www.troonnorth.net

McCormick Ranch Golf Club
7505 East McCormick Parkway

This course offers two different courses and takes advantage of Arizona’s scenic landscape, and has a U.S.G.A. rating of 74.40. For more information, visit www.mccormickranchgolf.com/

Kierland Golf Course
15636 N. Clubgate Drive

This 27-hole course has a great layout and was designed by Scott Miller. For more information, visit www.kierlandgolf.com/index.php

Grayhawk Golf Club
8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy

This is an 18-hole course, designed by Tom Fazio. It features the Talon course of 18 holes, two lakes, an island and five-level waterfall. For more information, visit https://grayhawkgolf.com/

Sanctuary Golf Course at WestWorld
10690 E. Sheena Drive

This course is known as entertaining and challenging. For more information, visit www.sanctuarygolf.com/index.php

Continental Golf Course
7920 East Osborn Road

Hailed by locals as “the fun place to play”, it’s located not far from Old Town Scottsdale. Also voted “best golf value in Scottsdale”. For more information, visit https://continentalgc.com/layout9.asp?id=172&page=3239

Legend Trail Golf Club
9462 East Legendary Lane

This course has the Sonoran Desert as its backdrop and was designed by Rees Jones. For more information, visit www.legendtrailgc.com/

For more courses and reviews, visit www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g31350-Activities-c12-Scottsdale_Arizona.html

Marshall Way Arts District by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

April 15, 2010 szabogroup

Marshall Way Arts District

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Downtown Scottsdale is known for its ArtWalk as well as its art galleries. There are over 100 of them. They are located between Main Street and Marshall Way. Be sure to check it out. The Marshall Arts District is located between Indian School Road and 5^th Avenue. This district is a retreat for artists, customers and shoppers.

Marshall Way Arts District features galleries and shops that shatter the mold for typical shopping in Scottsdale. Offering local, regional and national artists, Marshall Way is known for its art shows, classes, galleries and studios. Shoppers are sure to enjoy the art boutiques where artists boast their merchandise. Be sure to visit on the first Thursday of each month for gallery openings, live music and refreshments.

A few of the galleries you will find include:

Expressions in Bronze
Gallery Russia
Legacy Gallery
Occasions by Design
Scottsdale Fine Art
Scottsdale Artists School

For more galleries and their events, visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com/galleries.html

Remember to check out the unique shops while you are downtown as well. These include:

Artistic Expressions by Peggy
Borders Books & Music
American Apparel
Del Sol of Scottsdale
Frenzy Stamper
Big Red of the Desert
5^th Avenue Trading Post

These are just a few places where you can shop and have a great time. For more shops and downtown information, visit www.scottsdaledowntown.com/GalleriesAndShops.aspx

Don’t forget ArtWalk, happening on Thursdays in the arts district. See our previous blogs about these events for more information.

For more information on the arts district visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com

The Borgata of Scottsdale by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

April 8, 2010 szabogroup

Fashion Square of Scottsdale by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

Are you looking for an upscale shopping experience in an open-air mall? The Borgata is one such place in Scottsdale. Find one-of-a-kind products at The Borgata in a setting reminiscent of a Tuscan village, complete with cobblestone walkways, fountains and an open-air setting, which offers shoppers a bit of Renaissance Italy in the sunny Southwest.

The Borgata is a shopping experience of local and national specialty shops, restaurants and art galleries. Find national favorites such as Chico’s, Bryn Walker, Dolce Salon & Spa, Ames and Optical Shop of Aspen. Arizona exclusives include Saddlebags, Artwork Network, Pink Paradise, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature store and James Elliot for fine jewelry. A few restaurants are also part of your experience and include Blanco Tacos & Tequila, J. Alexander’s, SLo Foods Organic Café and The Cheese Shop. Promo Pizzeria is coming soon as well.

The Borgata has the following events going on now:

Blanco Happy Hour
Monday-Thursday, 4:00-6:00 PM
Specials- Enjoy half off all cheese crisps, starters, house margaritas, well drinks and draft beers.
Now through March 31^st

Fridays at The Borgata – Market and concert; features variety of music.

March 19 Shining Star
March 26 The Spin
April 2 Lyn Jackson & Trio 380
Easter Egg Hunt
10:30-11:00am: Meet in Center Courtyard
-Kid’s Crafts
-Light Breakfast and beverages provided by Starbucks
-A meet and greet with the Easter Bunny!

11:00am- The Egg Hunt Officially begins!
April 3^rd

The Borgata of Scottsdale is located at 6166 N Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. Mall hours are Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Sunday: Noon-6:00 PM
Department and restaurant hours vary. For more information, visit www.borgata.com/home.asp

Kierland Commons by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group Scottsdale Arizona

April 1, 2010 szabogroup

Kierland Commons by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group - Scottsdale Real Estate Team

by Joe Szabo, Szabo Group

You are looking for a unique, upscale shopping experience. Look no further than Kierland Commons. It is an exclusive, upscale Main Street shopping center that blends retail shopping, dining and entertainment. The one-of-a-kind development incorporates over 70 high-end specialty stores that include Anthropologie, BCBG Max Azria, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, Smith & Hawken, Restoration Hardware, Tommy Bahama and Z Gallerie, alongside favorite local ideas such as Jennifer Croll, blossoms/bbz, 42 Saint and Harari. Dining options include The Cheescake Factory, Morton’s The Steakhouse, P.F. Changs, and Zinc Bistro, to name a few.

Some events that are happening now are:


Happy Hour at NoRTH	Now through April 8, 2010
Happy Hour at Bobby’s – a Mancuso Restaurant	Now through April 9, 2010
Happy Hour at RA Sushi	Now through March 20, 2010
Island Time at Tommy Bahama’s Cafe	Now through March 21, 2010

Happy Hour at PF Chang’s	March 17, 2010 through March 23, 2010
Sur La Table Cooking Class	March 17, 2010
Happy Hour at NoRTH	March 19, 2010 through March 25, 2010
Happy Hour at Bobby’s – a Mancuso Restaurant	March 21, 2010 through March 26, 2010
Island Time at Tommy Bahama’s Café	March 22, 2010 through March 28, 2010