Downtown Scottsdale’s historic district has plenty to peruse. Shop for cowboy wares, authentic Native American artifacts, and handcrafted leather goods. People who are into Southwestern décor love Shades of the West, which was once Scottsdale’s original general store. Concha belts and turquoise jewelry are bestsellers at Atkinson’s Indian Trading Post and Gilbert Ortega Gallery of Indian Art. For bold Arizona pottery, stop in at River Trading Post and Pueblo Arts.
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Mail Call
Every February, the Hashknife Pony Express makes the 200-mile trek on horseback from Holbrook, Ariz. to Scottsdale to deliver around 20,000 pieces of first class mail. It’s the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express and a unique celebration of the state’s Western roots. But what does it all mean for you? One giant fete on the streets of downtown Scottsdale, of course. As the riders slide their way into the city, they kick off what’s known as the “World’s Largest Horsedrawn Parade” and leave a wild block party in its wake.
Uncovering Scottsdale’s Creativity
There’s a lot of art to discover in Scottsdale and the best way to make sure you don’t miss a beat is by booking a couple of hours with Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours. Expert guides uncover the city’s hidden gems, including art galleries and studios, museums, and more. Or, the two-hour Localmotion Cultural Tour is a good option for a top-level look at downtown Scottsdale’s most notable spots.
