I had the pleasure of giving travel talk show host Chris Robinson a tour of the Hotel Valley Ho earlier this month. Arranged by the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, I was interviewed by him for his radio show The Chris Robinson Travel Show which is heard in Montreal  on Newstalk 1010 every Saturday. His enthusiasm for Scottsdale was wonderful. Check out his blog for a plethora of ideas on what treasures await you in Scottsdale!

Here the interview below:

• Ace on the Chris Robinson Travel Show

The holidays are coming and so are the relatives!! You’re anticipating a Griswold style holidays and pondering how you’re going to keep everyone entertained. Or, you’re counting the days that all peace and sanity are restored when everyone has gone home and you need a post-holiday mini vacation!
Well, Scottsdale is waiting to be explored! Starting with the dedication of the Soleri Bridge and Plaza activities the weekend of December 10th, 11th and 12th.

There is also ice-skating on Marshall Way in Downtown Scottsdale! No joke, Palavela Home presents Winter Enchantment December 2010  They are installing a skating rink in their front patio and will offer skating for the entire month of December! $15 for a 45 minute skate includes skates and 15% of all rentals and in-store sales will go to 4 charities that they are supporting! You can find out more at Palavela Home

You can also avoid all the airport crazieness by looking no further than your own Arizona roadmap and heading southeast or north where you will find some amazing local getaway destinations! It really is the perfect cure for the soul. Not to mention, very wallet friendly and a great way to keep supporting local. Check out Local First for a directory of local businesses and remember Buy Local Week is November 26-December 5!!

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours can assist with your local plans too!

If you are fortunate enough to live in Scottsdale or to be visiting Scottsdale the weekend of December 10-12, 2010 you have the opportunity to participate in a little piece of history.  On December 11th the official dedication of Paolo Soleri Bridge and Plaza will take place. Referred to as the “godfather of Arcology” Mr. Soleri has designed many bridges in his lifetime and this will be the only bridge in the world to be built that he has designed! The weekend will be filled with activities including VIP tours, special lectures with architectural experts who will discuss Soleri’s principles and influence on architecture today and tours of Bridges: Spanning the Ideas of Paolo Soleri exhibition at SMoCA The completion of this bridge is a true testament to Scottsdale’s fabulous and world renowned Public Art program!

The VIP tours offered over the weekend promise to add real insight into the work of Mr. Soleri. The Arcosanti tour will include exclusive access to the archives (where mere mortals are not allowed!) to view the myriad of sketches of projects he has proposed over his career as well as a private reception at the bridge that evening with special dignitaries.

ABOUT THE SOLERI BRIDGE AND PLAZA

Scottsdale’s breathtaking Soleri Bridge and Plaza is at once a pedestrian passage, solar calendar and gathering place along the Scottsdale Waterfront. The dynamic architecture of the bridge is an elegant span that narrows from 24 feet to 18 feet as it crosses the Arizona Canal from south to north and is suspended by cables attached from the top of 64-foot-high pylons that are tilted at 80 degrees from the ground to match the angle of the sun at solar noon on the summer solstice. The structure suggests Soleri’s idea that “a bridge is more than a passage along which something moves,” but also is a crossing to connect us aesthetically and experientially.

The bridge’s positioning on the north-south axis allows the sun to cast through a 6 inch gap between the towering pylons, creating a shaft of light across the bridge deck daily at solar noon, the moment at which the sun is at its highest elevation in the sky.  By celebrating solar events, the signature bridge and plaza unify the past and the present. The site of this waterway, rich with historic undertones, mingles with the legacy of present day cultures striving for coherence between man and nature.

On the south side of the Arizona Canal, the Soleri Bridge links to a public plaza that includes a series of totemic Soleri-designed earth cast panels along the southern perimeter. The strong architectural carving on the panels creates a perfect counterpoint for the Goldwater Bell assembly, also located on the south plaza, which Soleri himself cast in 1969.  With the regional Sun Circle Trail, the Soleri Bridge and Plaza will provide access for pedestrians, equestrians and bicycles.

Here is more information on both the Arcosanti and Cosanti tours:

Friday, December 10, 2010

VIP Tour of Arcosanti – Provided by Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours
9:00am – 7:00pm / $150 (includes food & transportation)

Enjoy an intimate guided tour of Arcosanti, Paolo Soleri’s prototype town designed to house 5,000 people. Located in Cordes Junction, just 65 miles north of Scottsdale, the project is based on Soleri’s concept of “arcology,” architecture coherent with ecology.  Arcology advocates cities should be designed to maximize the interaction and accessibility associated with an urban environment; minimize the use of energy, raw materials and land; reducing waste and environmental pollution; and allow interaction with the surrounding natural environment.

This full-day tour also will take you behind-the scenes and into the Arcosanti archive, which contains work by Paolo Soleri not on display for the public. Following your tour, which includes transportation, lunch and snacks, you’ll return to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for a guided tour and an up-close look at the special exhibition “Bridges: Spanning the Ideas of Paolo Soleri,” led by the exhibition’s curator.  The tour includes a VIP preview party reception at the Soleri Bridge and Plaza.

For Tour reservations, please call 480-994-ARTS(2787)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

VIP Tour of Cosanti
9:30am – 5:00pm / $130 (includes food & transportation)
The first stop on this full-day tour is Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti, where an expert guide will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the renowned Italian architect’s unique arcology concept. You’ll also witness a pouring of Soleri’s beautiful bronze wind bells. This special event also includes a driving tour showcasing selections from the Scottsdale Public Art collection, special access to the Soleri Bridge dedication, a private talk with the Soleri Bridge project manager, a private tour of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art exhibition “Bridges: Spanning the Ideas of Paolo Soleri,” and a guaranteed seat at the panel/lectures. This tour includes transportation, lunch and snacks. Purchase tickets by calling the Box Office.

For Tour reservations, please call 480-994-ARTS(2787)

Official Public Dedication of the Soleri Bridge and Plaza
11am – 2pm (remarks begin at 12pm) 
Come to downtown Scottsdale and be among those to walk the Soleri Bridge and Plaza on the day of its official dedication.

Join Mayor Jim Lane, artist Paolo Soleri, representatives from Cosanti Foundation and Scottsdale Public Art in celebrating the completion of this new landmark at Scottsdale Waterfront. Speakers, live music, children’s activities, educational information, and artists from Scottsdale Artists School painting live. Ceremony takes place at Scottsdale Waterfront, just west of Scottsdale Road just south of Camelback in downtown Scottsdale.

Panel/Lecture at SMoCA
2:30 – 5:00pm / The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is pleased to partner once again with ModernPhoenix.net in bringing relevant and lively discussions about architecture to the public. Admission is free, but seating is limited so reservations are required. Reserve free tickets by calling the Box Office.

Organic Architecture and the Work of Paolo Soleri:Keynote lecture by Alan Hess, architectural critic and author of “Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism”. Soleri’s body of work will be discussed in the national context of the organic architecture movement. The fragile yet beautiful Paolo Soleri Amphitheater at Santa Fe Indian School (currently endangered), will be addressed as international effort galvanizes to save this important and rare structure.

Soleri’s Principles in Action:A Panel Discussion Using slides and illustrations, Phoenix Architect Will Bruder, AIA and three other architectural experts will discuss Soleri’s principles and influence on architecture today. The conversation will be facilitated by Tim Rodgers, PhD, Director of Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

VIP Tour of Cosanti
9:30am – 2:30pm, $110 (includes food & transportation)
The first stop on this full-day tour is Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti, where an expert guide will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the renowned Italian architect’s unique arcology concept. You’ll also witness a pouring of Soleri’s beautiful bronze wind bells. This special event also includes a driving tour showcasing selections from the Scottsdale Public Art collection, a private talk with the Soleri Bridge project manager at the new bridge and an exclusive tour of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art exhibition “Bridges: Spanning the Ideas of Paolo Soleri.” This tour includes transportation, lunch and snacks.  Purchase tickets by calling the Box Office.

For Tour reservations, please call 480-994-ARTS(2787)

It’s that time of year again! Get to know where you live. No need to battle security at the airport, crying babies (you don’t know) in the seat next to you and the pesky summer surcharges! (what’s up with those anyway??) Stay and play where you live! Visitors pay thousands of dollars to travel here to do what you can do for much less!

Let’s start with one of my favorites, Hotel Valley Ho. This mid-century property is one of the best examples of preserved mid-century architecture in a hotel property in the country! Home of the original Pool Party their OH Pool was voted “One of the World’s Coolest” by Travel and Leisure magazine! They have mid-week rates starting at $99 and weekend rates from $129. Check back often for specials!

Be sure to indulge in an wonderful meal at Cafe Zu Zu. Executive Chef Chuck Wiley has taken comfort food to the next level! His beef stroganoff is beyond amazing!

While you are at the Valley Ho explore the it in depth on the “Magical History Tour“, a fascinating 90 minute walking tour of the hotel. You’ll go up on the roof, into a condo, into Trader Vic’s (they have one of the happiest happy hours around!! ) and learn about the stars who have stayed and played there!

At the “Ho” you are within walking distance of Scottsdale’s famous arts district, historic Old Town and  DownTown where you will find great local shopping. If you don’t feel like walking the free downtown trolley stops right in front of the hotel and will take you all around downtown!

Remember if you want to get a group together Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours will custom design a art event to your specifications!

So come on!! Start vacationing and exploring where you live!!

We’ll be back with more!

Ace Bailey, President
Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours LLC

Just down the street is the historic Craftsman Court on the corner of 5th Ave and Craftsman Court. There you’ll find La Bagarie Etcetera a wonderful handbag store that specializes in a selection of hand-bags par excellence. Hand painted bags by Jane Yoo, as well as Bags by Pinky, Viva, Toby Weston, and many more.  There is also Back to the Rack, Scottsdale’s Finest Consignment Store, where you’ll find fine quality ladies fashions, home decor and unique gifts. The Angel Store and More has a beautiful variety of all types of gifts and carries not only angels but crosses, jewelry, books, candles and cards. The Loft Art Studios and Gallery is tucked away in the peaceful courtyard and is an eclectic gallery and working studio.

These are just a few of the many treasures in Downtown Scottsdale where there is certainly something for everyone in just a short walk! So go in, meet the owners, find out what makes Downtown Scottsdale so special and a perfect place to do all your holiday shopping!!!

On Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours Free Art & Cultural Trolley you will find out about these and many other wonderful local businesses. The tours are conducted on the second Saturday of each month and reservations are necessary. Contact Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours for more information at 480.634.6850

Ace Bailey, President

Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours

Saturday, my last day in Santa Fe, (for this trip anyway!) My flight out of Albuquerque wasn’t until late afternoon so Leslie and I decided to take the “long way”. After running a few errands we left Santa Fe around 10 a.m. and headed to “the ranch”.  The ranch is the home of Schenck Southwest Publishing. It is the year-round home of Billy Schenk and the Santa Fe summer home of my friend from Scottsdale, Mark McDowell. The peaceful property is about 20 minutes south of town but feels much further. There are a couple of homes that were built on the property over 80 years ago that have been lovingly preserved and, in some cases, added on to creating wonderful, rambling haciendas. Leslie and I  were treated to a private tour of the ranch and the homes. The one-of-a-kind and antique furniture in the homes was amazing! There is also a newer building that is an office and Mark’s studio/home that is in the processes of being completed. The views of the valley are stunning. It was the kind of place that you are in no hurry to leave but we had more to do on the way to the airport.

We headed out to start our trip to Albuquerque via the Turquoise Trail. Our first stop was in the old mining town of Cerrillos. We stopped for the scenic overlook and could have spent an hour or so exploring the old museum and other sites but we wanted to get to Madrid for lunch. Madrid is a historic mining town turned funky art town. As we pass the city limits we saw a gypsy festival going on in a little valley with people dressed up and dancing. I say they were “dressed up” for all I know they could have been a band of real gypsies! The highway is lined with old buildings and homes most of which have been restored and are now little restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and studios. We decided to have lunch at the  Mine Shaft Tavern known for their great burgers.  Fortunately we arrived with time to spare because it took about 45 minutes for us to be served. Our buffalo burgers were excellent although by the time we were served we were so hungry that buffalo jerky would probably have tasted like Kolbe beef! Side note, Madrid is where Wild Hogs was filmed and there are plenty of bikers around. It is a very colorful, fun town.

Albuquerque is only about 45 minutes from Madrid. The drive was very easy and we didn’t hit any traffic until we hit I40 which is only about 10 minutes from the airport.

Thanks to Leslie, my Santa Fe trip was unforgettable and I feel like I know Santa Fe a little more like a local! I can’t wait to go back and learn more. I have always wanted people who participate in my Scottsdale tours to feel like they have lived here for a short period of time. This trip has confirmed that and will help me continue to keep that as our primary focus.

Oh, yes I did finally get that map of Santa Fe on Wednesday!

Ace Bailey

Well Friday and my Santa Fe adventure wraps up when I head to the airport on Saturday morning. But it isn’t over yet! Once again the day started out working at home, blogging and such. It was such a beautiful day that Leslie and I walked downtown to the Mission Cafe and Sweet Shop, which is right down the alley from the oldest home in the country. They have free wi fi so we could continue to work and have lunch enjoying the great weather.

Friday evening is the Gallery Walk in downtown Santa Fe. Most galleries are open from 5-7 and you have the opportunity to meet gallery owners and exhibiting artists as well as very friendly Santa Feans. We strolled down Canyon Road to Meyer Gallery where they serve free wine, beer and margaritas to the art patrons. Just be sure not to leave the gallery with an unfinished drink. Security is very strict! After a great gallery walk we headed over to Corazón to meet up with Jack and his girlfriend Katie and celebrate her birthday. Corazon is a popular bar/restaurant for 20 somethings in Santa Fe but the “well over 20’s” crowd was very welcome as well. We walked in and Leslie was immediately greeted by the band that was warming up. Turns out they were friends from back in the day! Not knowing what to expect from the menu we were very pleasantly surprised with the delicious shrimp with lime/chili sauce, the seared tuna and the flash fried calamari! All of the dishes were delicious. The only drawback was the air-head service but the company, food and drinks made up for it.

We left Corazon and drove downtown to Matador in hopes of meeting up with Austin (Leslie’s other son). Matador is a subterranean “alternative” bar. First we were carded before being allowed to descend into the bar. At 50+ it was pretty funny. Upon entering the bar memories of the 60-70’s came rushing back with the smell of incense, cozy little seating areas and muted conversations. Be sure to bring cash because they do not accept credit cards or checks.

Walking back to the car we met Peter Weiss who was on his way to play at Milagro. Milago is a restaurant, bar that is tucked away at the end of a walkway off of San Francisco Street. At 10:00 the bar was very busy as was the restaurant. The two story restaurant is a huge atrium, lovely to look at but it makes the acoustics deplorable.  It was virtually impossible to hear the 3 piece band. Since that was the primary reason for being there we didn’t stay long.

Ace Bailey

Thursday, Leslie’s birthday and it was the most beautiful day in Santa Fe so far! Warm and no rain. We started the birthday celebrations with lunch at Coyote Cantina the adjunct establishment to the popular Coyote Café. The Cantina serves light Latino/Cuban fare and cocktails on a festively painted terrace. After a leisurely lunch with our mutual friend Peter Weiss, Leslie took me to her favorite resale shop,  Double Take. It is a huge selection that includes a combination of new and used clothing (children-adult), jewelry,  furniture, dishes…you name it. Beautifully displayed in a large open space, it is very easy to stroll through and see all the wonderful things for sale.

From there we walked around the corner to Cowgirl BBQ where we met Leslie’s friend Betsy and her husband Wolfgang for excellent margaritas and were hilariously entertained by the Balloon Man. Leslie’s 2 sons met us there and we walked downtown to the Pink Adobe which is adjacent to the Inn of the Five Graces. The hostess overheard Leslie mention in passing that it would be fun to see the Inn. She personally took us over and introduced us to the Inn keeper Steve who proceeded to give us an hour long tour complete with fascinating history of the property and obscure facts of early Santa Fe.

I should add that Leslie is only in Santa Fe for a few days trying to rent her fabulous 1920’s adobe home which is within walking distance of town. She will be returning to Scottsdale in a week or so. When she gets back I get to go back to acquainting her with the local finds in her “new” home town.