Located in eastern Arizona, Scottsdale is considered an upscale tourist destination. With its shopping, architecture, and pristine homes, it is a premiere example of Western-American style. Its climate includes mild winters and very warm summers. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Scottsdale was 19 degrees and the highest recorded temperature was a whopping 119. Though affluent, the artistic community of Scottsdale remains extremely diverse, particularly as regards contemporary art.

Scottsdale is adjacent to Phoenix, Arizona, the fifth most populous city in the United States. Its location on the northeast edge of the Sonoran Desert gives Phoenix the hottest climate in the nation – 120 degrees at times. Phoenix is also known for its political culture, having produced such notable leaders as John McCain and Sandra Day O’Connor. As evidenced by its free offerings, Phoenix shares a love of the arts with neighboring Scottsdale.

1. Downtown Scottsdale - Scottsdale's roots began to take shape at the famed intersection of Scottsdale and Camelback roads more than a century ago. Today, in the shadows of former citrus tree farms and cotton fields, it is an epicenter of activity, rich with history and the spirit of the Old West. Downtown Scottsdale is also home to a collection of public art with 70 permanent and 30 temporary artworks encompassing a wide range of expressions from bronze to contemporary.

2. Scottsdale Trolley - Travels to every notable spot in downtown Scottsdale. From specialty shops to restaurants and art galleries, the trolley is a convenient way to get around the city. It runs every 10 minutes, Monday-Sunday, except for holidays.

3. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art - Located in Scottsdale's Old Town district, the museum features modern and contemporary art, architecture and design from around the globe. Includes a public "skyspace" by the acclaimed artist James Turrell (one of only a handful in the world), where visitors can experience the ever-changing light of the desert sky. Children under 15 admitted free.

4. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - Take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad and antique carousel. Visit a variety of shops and museum or play in one of the playgrounds, or relax in the grass under a tree or in one of the park's picnic ramadas.

5. McDowell Sonoran Preserve - In May 2009, the city of Scottsdale celebrated the opening of the gateway to the McDowell Sonoran preserve. Visitors can experience the magnificent Sonoran Desert by entering the largest and most significant entry point to the Preserve, which will encompass 36,400 acres of desert once it is complete. Enjoy the desert's flora and fauna from the colorful wildflowers and Saguaro cacti to quail and desert critters. Free shade ramadas, a dog comfort station, and an equestrian staging area.

6. Phoenix Art Museum - 203,000- square feet of visual arts exhibits, featuring artists such as Rembrandt, Norman Rockwell, and Monet. Free on Wednesday evenings.

7. First Friday Art Walk - Join locals on the First Friday of every month from 6-10 p.m. for the nation's largest self-guided art walk. Phoenix.

8. Orpheum Theatre – Take a one-hour tour of the theatre, which includes a discussion about its history and a trip backstage. Tours are at Noon and 1 p.m. Phoenix.

9. Sizzling Summer Saturdays at the Heard Museum - From music and dance performances to hands-on activities, artist demonstrations and free goody bags, Sizzlin' Summer Saturdays gives kids and families a creative way to spend July Saturdays. Saturdays - July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1, 2009, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.