Find the Best Things to Do in Paradise Valley
By Patricia Escarcega
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson Local Expert
About Paradise Valley
Photo courtesy of flickr/combusean
Nestled between the scenic McDowell Mountains to the east and Camelback Mountain to the south, the town of Paradise Valley occupies one of the most upscale corners of the Valley of the Sun. This once-rural area, adjacent to the city of Scottsdale, was named by three surveyors who were sent to the area in 1889 by the Rio Verde Canal Company. They were so taken by the beauty of the desert landscape that they named the area—what else?—Paradise Valley. Today, the natural beauty of Paradise Valley—and the sprawling, multimillion dollar houses that decorate the surrounding cliff sides—continue to dazzle, drawing Hollywood celebrities, blockbuster novelists, NBA players, and assorted local celebrities to this picturesque community.
See & Do
Cosanti is the home and sculpture studio of Paolo Soleri, the legendary Italian-American architect, visionary, and author who perhaps best known for Arcosanti, a small experimental project intended to exist as a model for “Arcology,” or architecture coherent with ecology. Soleri maintains his home and studio in Paradise Valley, which is open to the public. Soleri’s famous copper windbells are on display throughout the small property and studio, and offered for sale in the gift shop. Construction of the studio began in the 1950s and continues today. Like Arcosanti north of Phoenix, Cosanti is a fascinating work-in-progress.
Eat
Part of the joy of eating at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn is the setting. Charming and always gracious, the Hermosa Inn was built in 1930 as the home of cowboy artist Lon Megargee. Lon’s opened in October of 1994, and has been dazzling Valley taste buds ever since with its fresh gourmet take on American comfort food. Many of the ingredients are hand-picked from the restaurant's own garden.
Party
Even if you’re not staying at the posh Sanctuary on Camelback resort, you can still take sanctuary in one of the best views in the Valley. Jade Bar boasts a secluded patio with unrivalled panoramic views of the city below. There is a fire bowl for cool evenings in the desert, perfect for cozying up with one of the bar’s hand selected spirits and exquisite cocktails, such as their Grapefruit Basil cocktail, which features fresh herbs and vegetables.
Stay
Sanctuary on Camelback, nestled in the foothills of iconic Camelback Mountain, is one of the most luxurious resorts in the state. Guests can sit back and relax in a private mountainside or spa casita, overlooking the lights of Paradise Valley below. Tennis, hiking, pool-lounging are the order of day here. Food Network star Chef Beau MacMillan oversees the kitchen at elements, the resort’s award-winning restaurant.
Shop
This family-friendly shopping destination is one of the Valley’s most popular malls. Major anchor stores include Dillard's, JCPenney, Macys, Sears and Costco. Paradise Valley Mall also features a large children’s play area and the popular Coca-Cola Indoor Carousel. The large food court is a great place to do lunch, with free wifi now available to all guests.