When visiting Phoenix one of the major destinations for visitors is Scottsdale. The area has become home to a host of art galleries and exclusive stores, named America's best resort for golfers and all set in beautiful surroundings.

Tour the Fifth Avenue stores where you can literally buy "anything". Transport around the district is easy, just hop on to one of the frequent "free" trolley buses that operate around the district. The drivers are always friendly and helpful to visitors as they patrol the streets in their buses reminiscient of San Franscisco's trolleys, superbly decked in gleaming wood.

Serious shoppers should head for Scottsdale Fashion Square, it's the largest shopping destination in the Southwest, offering a collection of more than 225 retailers.

Scottsdale calls itself "The West's Most Western Town," and visitors who want to experience the western feel should head for Old Scottsdale (once again served by the free buses). Here you will find stores selling Western gear, art galleries, restaurants to suit all tastes and bars.

Be sure to check-out The Rusty Spur, it's Scottsdale's last true cowboy bar, offering good food and great musical entertainment (see review). The Spur is a registered historic landmark, Originally the Farmers Bank of Scottsdale 1921 Ð 1931, the old bank vault is still there, you can see it behind the bar, but these days it acts as a liquor store. Situated 7245 E. Main Street, Old Scottsdale. While you are there make sure you record your visit by sigining a bill and sticking it onto the wall or ceiling, at the end of the year all the $'s that decorate the bar are removed and donated to charity.

Museums such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art also have their home here in Scottsdale (latest details on exhibits and events can be found on our gallery page here).

Head just out of Scottsdale and you can experience the west, with cowboy cookouts, cattle drives and the Western theme town, Rawhide.