Fall in Scottsdale: Brews, Foods, & Views

Starting to cool off after our 100+ degree summers, yet still warm enough to enjoy our pools by day and fire pits by night, we are definitely welcoming a change of season.

With rental homes loaded with luxurious amenities including pools, spas, fire pits, pool tables, and volleyball courts, you might not even want to leave the vacation home — but when you do, be sure to check out some of Scottsdale’s best safe and socially-distanced fall activities down below.

Breweries & Wineries

Whether you’re more of a beer person or a wine aficionado, Scottsdale has got you covered! Sunny Scottsdale is home to an under-rated craft beer scene as well as several chic wineries and tasting rooms. Visit Goldwater Brewing Co. to try their Arizona-inspired craft brews made with cactus and other desert botanicals or try some local pale ales and a wood-fired pizza at CraftBeer.com’s “Best Beer in Arizona”, Scottsdale’s own Fate Brewing Co.

Be sure to check out the Scottsdale Wine Trail in downtown to sample the best of Arizona wine! Made up of five wineries all within walking distance to each other, fill up your Wine Trail Passport with reserved visits to their tasting rooms!

Alternatively, you could spend a warm fall evening sipping local wine on an outdoor patio. Sample flights of handcrafted wines at LDV Winery or check out the $5 glasses of wine happy hour deals and trendy appetizers at Postino.

Arizona Restaurant Week

10 days of tasting. 13 cities. Over 120 restaurants.

Taking place annually every September, Arizona Restaurant Week is your chance to sit patio-side while sampling Scottsdale’s best local gems. Participating restaurants will be serving up delicious three-course, prix-fixe dinners at affordable prices, ranging from casual Southwestern staples to upscale five-star dining. You can even opt for take-out and bring your meal back to your resort and enjoy it poolside!

Check out the full list of participating restaurants here.

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

Nothing rings in fall in Scottsdale quite like fresh local produce from the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. Peruse the 100+ local vendors of the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market and shop for seasonal specialties such as cider, apples, artisan cheeses, fresh baked breads, jams, and so much more! All of our rental homes at Scottsdale Stays include a fully equipped kitchen, so if you are tempted by all of the fresh produce, you can get to cooking!

The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market begins in October taking place every Saturday.

Some tips for effective, pandemic-friendly browsing: wear a mask, bring a list, wash your reusable bag after every stop you make, and maintain your distance in public!

Scottsdale International Film Festival

The arts scene is integral to Scottsdale, and the annual Scottsdale International Film Festival aims to celebrate the creativity of cinema every fall. Over the course of 20 years, SIFF has screened hundreds of films and gathered thousands of guests from across the globe, including award-winning movies such as Marriage Story, Knives Out, and The Imitation Game.

For the avid movie lover, domestic and international, the Scottsdale International Film Festival is a must-attend! See more information on this year’s event here.

ArtFest of Scottsdale

If you want a downtown stroll surrounded by live music, food trucks, and local art around every corner, Scottsdale’s ArtFest can’t be missed! Welcoming close to 200 artists and over 20,000 guests every November, this popular art-centric festival boasts contemporary art in all its forms for the public to see at the Scottsdale Civic Center Park Plaza. Want to bring the family? No problem! ArtFest has interactive activities and shopping for your leisure.

Learn more about this annual event here.

Fall Foliage Hikes

From easy and picturesque trails perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos to challenging hikes sure to work up a sweat, Scottsdale has plenty of stunning hikes during the fall season.

Just two hours north of Scottsdale, Inner Basin Trail offers one-of-a-kind views of striking fall foliage that are begging for photo ops. The Lost Dog Wash Trail in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a 4.4-mile loop perfect for beginner or moderate hikers. The trail is known for its wildflowers in the spring and distinctively Southwestern vistas year-round. A more difficult trail, Tom’s Thumb Trail, is a scenic hike of more than 1,300 feet of elevation and 2.5 miles through giant boulders that offers unique views of both the McDowell Mountains and urban Phoenix.

Whichever hike you choose, you are sure to get a taste of the one-of-a-kind desert views that make Scottsdale so special.

Sedona Fall Colors Tour on the Verde Canyon Railroad

North of Scottsdale up in Clarkdale, AZ, the Sedona Fall Colors Tour on Verde Canyon Railroad is the perfect way to kick back and see the leaves change with the season. Running annually from October to November, Sedona’s Verde Canyon is known for its changing valleys and landscapes, red rock cliffs, and photo-worthy vistas. From the four-hour train ride, indulge in a selection of craft brews and wine, appetizers, and comfy seating while Arizona’s nature propels right on by.

Saguaro Lake

While the weather will be cooling down a bit by Arizona standards, it will still be pretty hot! Cool off with a visit to Saguaro Lake. In addition to water activities such as boating, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, and swimming, the lake also offers riverboat tours and scenic hiking trails

For a unique combination of exploring the rugged desert and enjoying the tranquil lake, a day trip to Saguaro Lake is just what you need to properly explore Arizona in the fall!

With plenty to do both at the resort and beyond, a fall getaway to Scottsdale is just what you need! Warm days and mild evenings call for plenty of outdoor dining, strolling, and lounging. Book your stay with Scottsdale Stays today and get ready to have a fall trip that your family will love!

Locations & offerings may be modified due to COVID-19 procedures. Prepare before you go!

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