Secrets
Spread the word. Okay, we are being mysterious here. Everyone likes mysterious, like a hooded bandit on a faded Wanted poster. This is where we hide gold in the form of interesting little tidbits about Old Town Scottsdale that are not common knowledge to the general public. The location of hidden speakeasies. Singing cowboy appearances. The significance of our public art. Gain local knowledge of our area, so you can experience those unique adventures not everyone knows about. Every town has secrets. Old Town has some pretty good ones.
Enjoy touring our Old Town secrets!
MUST VISIT!
Little Red Schoolhouse
Scottsdale Historical Museum, aka the Little Red Schoolhouse was built in 1909 for $4,500. It’s had six different users, including a school, police headquarters and visitors’ center. Today, it is a museum where visitors can view historic relics. It’s part of our heritage and a must-see destination.
The Sugar Bowl “scoop”
Sugar Bowl is an iconic ice cream parlor in the heart of Old Town. When it was first built in 1950, people could also get their cars serviced. In 1958, it became Sugar Bowl Ice Cream parlor and is still operated by the original family. Come scoop up a part of history.
Rusty Spur Saloon
The Rusty Spur Saloon has a couple secrets. It was originally built as a bank and still has the original vault that was used to protect money. Today the vault is used to store liquor, which to some people, is even more precious than money! Not so much a secret, but helpful to know – Rusty Spur has live music 7 days a week.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
FACTS & STATS
Training since the 50s.
Guess when Spring Training in Scottsdale began? During the 1950s. Guess what team was the first to call Scottsdale home? Baltimore Orioles. Spring Training in Arizona has grown to 15 teams that comprise the Cactus League. If you haven’t visited our town during Spring Training, you are striking out!
Scottsdale was Orangedale
Arizona is known for its five “Cs”, citrus being one of those “cs.”. Well, the city was founded in an area with large citrus groves that thrived in our sunny climate. The name was changed to Scottsdale in 1894, after founder Winfield Scott.
Los Olivos’ Shady Name
Los Olivos has been around Old Town for 70+ years and is a must-dine Mexican food restaurant. In 1896, Winfeild Scott, Scottsdale’s founder, planted olive trees along 2nd Street. Los Olivos is named for the historic trees. Now you know that secret!
Relaxing Stat on Spas
If you want to relax, you have come to the right place. Scottsdale holds the record for the largest number of destination spas per capita in the entire nation. Could be why everyone always looks so happy.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
FREEBIES!
SMoCA
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) shares contemporary art, architecture and design from around the world, and continuous new exhibitions. Guess what? SMoCA has “pay-what-you-wish” on Thursdays and every second-Saturday of the month. You’re welcome.
Walking Tours
Get the inside scoop from an Old Town Ambassador. The volunteer group offers free tours October to May throughout Old Town including a Historic Old Town Walking Tour, 5th Ave / Marshall Way / Canal Walking Tour and Scottsdale Arts Walking Tour. Reservations are required in advance.
Parada del Sol
Parada del Sol has been marching down Scottsdale Road in Old Town since 1951. Originally called the Sunshine Festival, the parade was created by the Chamber of Commerce to showcase the city’s “West Most Western Town” image. In 1954, the name officially changed to Parada del Sol (Parade of the Sun) and today takes place annually in late January / early February.
Public Art Installations
Old Town is an outdoor, walkable museum. You will encounter many public art installations in your wanderings: the famous LOVE sculpture, the Doors and Sound Passage, Goldwater Bell at the Soleri Bridge, the Yearlings and many more that turn every visit into a cultural experience.
