Hyatt Gainey Ranch

Hyatt Gainey Ranch

The majority of neighborhoods in the Scottsdale area are named after old ranches and the families that owned them.  Most of the ranches were sold in pieces to developers.  We have starting from the north: Tatum Ranch, DC Ranch, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, Gainey Ranch etc.....too many for me to remember.  This is horse country.  Most of the large horse and cattle ranches have moved far north and east.  We have the best Arabian Horse show, second to Dubai.  I will do more on this in the future.

Located on Old Gainey Ranch is the Hyatt Scottsdale.  Each neighborhood has it's own personality.  Gainey, is very lush, palm trees, old tall trees, flowering plants, green grass....a lot like Florida...very tropical.  When you live here it is always a treat to see water, and the Hyatt has all of the waterfalls and lakes you could ask for.

They also have live music in the lobby all day and night!

http://scottsdale.hyatt.com

Hotel Overview

Explore the endless wonders of our 27 acre Scottsdale hotel resort. Set amidst flowering cactus and framed against the majestic McDowell Mountains, this remarkable Scottsdale Arizona hotel and spa resort is minutes from a host of activities and miles from the ordinary. Enjoy breathtaking vistas blended with intriguing Native American culture and pampering amenities at a Scottsdale resort designed to please every guest.

Discover the remarkable amenities of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, including championship golf, Spa Avania, a 2.5 acre water playground,tennis or Camp Hyatt Kachina. 

El Chorro

El Chorro

El Chorro is an Arizona destination for dining.  They recently remodeled and added on to these historic old buildings.  Mother's Day brunch and organic food/wine dinners from their own garden are famous there.

http://www.elchorro.com

History

El Chorro was originally built as the
Judson School for Girls, developed
by John C. Lincoln in 1934 so his
daughter Lillian could attend school.
The school was purchased by Jan and
Mark Gruber in 1937 and converted to
a restaurant and lodge. Clark Gable,
Milton Berle and other prominent figures
visited the lodge in its early days. In the 1950s, the lodge became a favorite of Arizona families and local celebrities, including David Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Joe Miller started at the rustic, homey El Chorro
in 1952 as a bartender and his future wife,
Evie, was hired as a cocktailwaitress in 1954.
He and Evie purchased the lodge in 1973 and
over the years, expanded the restaurant’s
capacity from 70 to 200 seats. They also kept
the restaurant open year-round instead of
closing  in the warmer months, which had
been the tradition until 1990.

MORE RECENT HISTORY
A noted Valley philanthropist and long-time
Paradise Valley resident, Jacquie Dorrance,
acquired El Chorro in 2009 and was joined by
operating partners Kristy Moore and Tim Moore. 
The restaurant and property were revitalized to
enhance the existing buildings and expand the
indoor-outdoor dining spaces and private dining
areas. The entire property has also been
updated with the latest technologies, including
new entertainment sound systems and Wi-Fi.

These are some pictures from last night:

The original bar.

In the background, you can see the camel head in the middle and the hump on the left.

Farmer's Markets

Farmer's Markets

This is the time of  the year that most of the country is celebrating the beginning of the season of Farmer's Markets.  Arizona is quite different.  Our season is late November through early May.  It is sad to see them come to an end.  One of my favorite's is the Camelback Market located in Vincent's Market Bistro's parking lot on Saturdays from 9am-1pm.  A french themed market, they have fresh baked pastries, paninis, omelets, fresh produce, fish, duck, foie gras, and a large selection of jewelry and textiles....Here are some of my pictures.  Please enjoy your local market this season:)

https://www.vincentsoncamelback.com