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Scottsdale Neighborhoods
Local guides to eight Scottsdale neighborhoods: what to do, where to eat and the real deal on smoking in each one.
Scottsdale is a long, skinny city that runs from the edge of Tempe all the way up into the desert foothills, and the vibe changes every few miles. Down south it's Old Town, galleries, bars and spring training. Up north it's open desert, granite peaks and some of the best trails in the state.
Each guide below covers the vibe, a little history, what to do, where to eat and how smoking works around there. Arizona is fully legal for adults 21 and up, but not in public, and the resorts mostly don't play. The full rundown is on where to smoke in Scottsdale, and the rules in plain English are on first time in Scottsdale.
Big night out? Start in Old Town and end up in the Entertainment District. Galleries and a slow afternoon? The Arts District. Desert sunset? North Scottsdale.
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Old Town
Four blocks of real Western history wrapped in boot shops, saloons and ice cream. Here's how a local stoner works it.
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Arts District
Main Street and Marshall Way hold more art per block than anywhere in the state. Thursday night is when it comes alive.
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Entertainment District
A few tight blocks of clubs, DJ patios and bachelorette parties north of Old Town. Here's how to do it without losing the plot.
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Waterfront
A desert city with a waterfront sounds like a joke. Then you're on the canal at sunset and it isn't.
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South Scottsdale
SoSco is where Scottsdale drops the resort act. Older blocks, cheaper rent, great sandwiches and red rocks on the Phoenix side of town.
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McCormick Ranch
Central Scottsdale's planned neighborhood looks like a postcard. Seven lakes, two golf courses, the Greenbelt and a railroad park built for slow afternoons.
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Kierland
The polished outdoor shopping district at Scottsdale Road and Greenway. Walk it after a sesh at home, eat too much, play mini golf like a pro.
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North Scottsdale
Up here the city thins out into boulders, saguaros and gated golf communities. Come for the trails and the sunsets, stay for a Western saloon down the road.
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