Parada del Sol Parade: The “world’s largest horsedrawn parade” kicks off the events of Parada del Sol, a month-long celebration in the city of Scottsdale. The parade itself (on February 11th) features over 150 entries and runs north up Scottsdale Road. Immediately after the parade, be sure to check out the Trail’s End Celebration & Block Party in Old Town Scottsdale, which features food, games and pony rides for the kids.

22nd Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest: The grace, precision and athleticism of the top Native American hoop dancers in the world will be on display at the Heard Museum February 11th & 12th. Come watch an amazing piece of live Southwestern history while you sample delicious Native American food.

Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra: The 2010 Grammy Winners for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble” visit the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center on Friday, February 24th. Hailed as one of the jazz world’s young giants, Irvin Mayfield and his 16-piece band will get you swinging in your seat as they carry the traditions of New Orleans jazz into the 21st century.

Childhelp Wings 2012 Up, Up & Away Fashion Show: If you have a passion for fashion, you’ll want to grab tickets to this incredible fundraiser at the Camelback Inn on February 26th. Members of the Childhelp/Wings team will strut their stuff on the runway at this luncheon and fashion show, and later there’ll be raffles for some really great prizes. All proceeds go to Childhelp, a nonprofit organization that helps abused and neglected children in the Scottsdale area.

Twenty-nine days might not even be enough to take in all the great events in Scottsdale this February. We didn’t even mention the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival or the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show. If you don’t get a chance to visit this month, you’ll have another shot next winter when (we hope) the state legislature abandons both the Mountain time zone and the Gregorian calendar in order to accommodate all the fun February happenings in the city of Scottsdale.

Saguaro National Park: Only two hours and fifteen minutes down I-10, one of the jewels of the Southwest awaits you. Saguaro National Park, just east of Tucson, is more than a majestic preserve for the giant saguaro cactus. It’s a place that’s just chock full of wildlife and spectacular vistas. On Cactus Forest Road, you’ll experience a leisurely, winding drive through miles of stunning giant cacti, each with a personality of its own. Numerous hiking trails give visitors a chance to stretch their legs amongst the park’s most famous residents.

Meteor Crater: Approximately 50,000 years ago, a meteorite the size of your Scottsdale vacation rental blazed through the Earth’s atmosphere and hit prehistoric Arizona with the energy of a 10-megaton bomb. The result is the best-preserved impact crater in the world. Located just south of I-40 between Flagstaff and Winslow, this mammoth depression in the Earth’s crust is well worth the three-hour drive. A newly renovated visitor’s center helps tell the tale of the meteorite with interactive displays and a 3-D movie.

Wickenburg: One of the last bastions of the Wild West, Wickenburg may only be an hour and a half northwest of the city of Scottsdale, but you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported a century into the past. Tour Wickenburg’s famous downtown, check out the tree that once served as the town jail (prisoners were simply chained to it) or head out to the old Vulture Gold Mine to see what 1880’s Arizona Territory was all about.

With so much to do in the city of Scottsdale, it can be hard to squeeze in time for all that the rest of Arizona has to offer. With a little planning and a picnic basket, however, you can leave your Scottsdale vacation rental at sunrise, have an unforgettable day and be back home to catch your favorite programs at night.

Waste Management Scottsdale Open: This amateur tournament pits two-player teams against each other in an exclusive three-day event happening January 13th through the 15th. Players will compete on some of Scottsdale’s most challenging courses, and the final round will be held on the spectacular TPC Stadium Course just two weeks before the pros tee off.

Participants will feel like they’re on the PGA tour themselves as they chip from high rough and putt on beautiful double-cut greens. The tournament entry fee includes three rounds of golf, access to practice facilities, golf carts, a happy-hour reception and entry into the Infiniti Hole-in-One Car Contest. This is an exclusive limited-field event, so sign up today.

Waste Management Phoenix Open: Last year, Mark Wilson barely squeaked by Jason Dufner in an exciting playoff to take home the victory and the $1 million dollar payout. Expect more fireworks as the world’s top players (like Phil Mickleson and Rickie Fowler) bring their booming drives and precision putts to TPC Scottsdale January 30th through February 5th.

Consistently rated one of the top stops on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is known for a unique and exciting fan experience. The 20,000-seat stadium at the16th hole provides an energy unlike anything the rest of the tour can deliver. If you only attend one PGA Tour event this year, this is the one to see.

Any Scottsdale golf vacation this January isn’t complete without a visit to one or both of these incredible events. If your ultimate golf vacation involves sinking a 20-foot putt on TPC’s legendary 16th hole on a Sunday afternoon and then sitting back with friends to watch the pros attempt the same feat only two weekends later, then you’re in luck. You’ve picked a great time to visit Scottsdale.

Los Sombreros Café & Cantina: Located on North Scottsdale Road, this family-owned Mexican café and cantina is dedicated to serving traditional meals that are as flavorful and nuanced as any of the world’s most sophisticated cuisines. Named “Best Modern Mexican Restaurant” by the Phoenix New Times, Los Sombreros is a Scottsdale dining must.

Los Olivos Mexican Patio: For over 60 years, Los Olivos has been dishing up family favorites like their special Los Olivos fajitas, marinated in Nana Elena’s delicious special sauce. Passed down through three generations, what used to be a small adobe eatery in Old Town is now one of Scottsdale’s top restaurants.

Frank & Lupe’s: Boasting the largest selection of fine tequilas in town, Frank & Lupe’s is the place to be for happy hour every weekday with half-off margaritas and appetizers from 4 to 6 p.m. With dinner options that include their famous “Holy Mole” chicken with homemade mole sauce, you might just show up for a single drink and end up spending the evening.

Old Town Tortilla Factory: The atmosphere is casual and inviting at this Old Town favorite, a 75-year-old adobe home in the city of Scottsdale’s delightful art district. With a menu described as “Southwestern with a Mexican twist” and a 1400-square-foot flagstone patio, it’s the perfect location for an intimate date or a large gathering of friends.

You don’t have to point the car south from your Scottsdale vacation rental to experience genuine Mexican fare. Great tastes from south of the border abound in the city of Scottsdale no matter which direction you’re headed. And you won’t even need to show your unflattering passport photo to an intimidating border guard.

41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction: Westworld of Scottsdale presents a week-long event that every car fan will love. The world’s finest automobiles will be complemented by art, fashion and gourmet cuisine at this incredible event, which takes place January 15th through the 22nd. Rock legend Bret Michaels will perform at the opening gala before auctioning off a 2004 Bentley Continental GT as well as other items from his personal garage.

Russo & Steele: Promoted as an auction for car enthusiasts run by car enthusiasts, Russo & Steele has gained a national reputation for auction-day excitement. With a high-energy arena-style environment that puts buyers right on the floor with the merchandise, Russo & Steele creates one of the most interactive and intense moment-of-purchase experiences around. The event happens January 18th through the 22nd at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Loop 101.

Gooding & Company: Scottsdale Fashion Square hosts this prestigious event January 20th and 21st, when some of the finest antique, sports and racing cars visit Scottsdale. Gooding & Company specializes in high-end automobiles that fetch record-setting prices. Last year’s visit to Scottsdale proved lucrative when the 2009 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione sold for a bank-busting $2.09 million dollars.

Silver Auctions: Founded as a way for serious car buyers to take a step back from the glitz and glamour of other shows and get right down to business, Silver Auctions is the place for the down-to-earth buyer who’s looking for that newly refurbished 1960 Chevy Impala or 1937 Dodge D5 convertible. Check it out on January 20th or 21st at the Fort McDowell Resort & Casino.

Even if you don’t have millions of dollars burning a hole in your pocket, there’s no reason to miss out on all the fun these fine car auctions bring to the city of Scottsdale this January. And who knows – the next time you visit Scottsdale, you just might be driving your dream car down Camelback Road.

 Peter Schiff Seminar: The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents world-renowned economist Peter Schiff on Monday, January 9th. The always- engaging Schiff will relay his thoughts on the state of the American economy and smart investing during the current economic downturn. All guests will also receive a free copy of his latest book.

Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival: The streets of downtown Carefree will be closed to host four days of art and wine from January 13th through the 16th. Browse over 5000 jury-selected pieces while casually sipping some of the world’s finest wines in this quaint little town just north of Scottsdale. Admission is only $3 and wine tasting a mere $10.

International Guitar Night 2012: The world’s foremost guitar wizards make their fingers dance across the frets at the Musical Instrument Museum on Sunday, January 22nd. Sit back and enjoy the amazing talents of host and founder Brian Gore, England’s Adrian Legg, Germany’s Lolo Reinhart and Brazil’s Marco Pereira. If you love music, don’t miss your chance to see this incredible collection of talent all on one stage.

McDowell-Sonoran Challenge: On January 28th, get out and get fit while helping the McDowell-Sonoran Conservancy protect acres of pristine desert. Choose from three great outdoor activities, including a 20-mile bike ride, a 9-mile hike and a 15K run through this unspoiled and seldom-viewed backcountry. Proceeds will help the city of Scottsdale acquire lands to complete the McDowell-Sonoran Preserve.

This January, make it your goal to visit Scottsdale and take advantage of all that the area has to offer. Even if all of your other personal resolutions for the upcoming year quickly fall by the wayside, having a blast in the city of Scottsdale will be one that’s easy to keep.

Village Coffee: Serving the city of Scottsdale for over 15 years, Village Coffee on North Hayden Road provides an amazing selection of coffee in an atmosphere that values diversity and the free exchange of ideas. Supported by their very own roastery, Village Coffee roasts beans several times per week to ensure that their customers enjoy a rich and flavorful product. They also have free Wi-Fi.

Echo Coffee: This establishment on North 68th Street describes itself as fresh, local and organic. In fact, Echo Coffee goes to great lengths to ensure their products are all-natural, using only filtered water and organic milk for their lattes and cappuccinos. Coffee is fresh-roasted on-site.

Orange Table: If you’re looking to combine a great cup of coffee with a hot breakfast, then look no further than Orange Table at the Scottsdale Mall. The 2010 Phoenix New Times Best Breakfast Award Winner serves up a full coffeehouse menu to accompany a wide selection of morning favorites.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Located on North Miller Road, this national chain provides customers with a seemingly endless array of choices. Whether you want a lighter cup or a rich, dark roast, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has just the brew you’re looking for.

As you can see, there’s no reason to stumble through a single day bleary-eyed and tired in the city of Scottsdale. Don’t settle for a hit of brownish caffeine water or a sugar-spiked energy drink. Jump start your morning at one of these fine coffee houses the next time you visit Scottsdale.

Shake and Twist Like ’56: This year, Hotel Valley Ho on East Main Street throws a retro bash featuring a four-course dinner followed by all-night dancing to your favorite contemporary songs and 50’s classics. All dinner patrons will receive a ticket for a special rooftop champagne toast at midnight.

Zoo Year’s Eve: Once again, the Phoenix Zoo comes through for the holidays with “Zoo Year’s Eve,” an adults-only party enhanced by colorful holiday lights. Six hundred displays should be enough, right? The party tent opens at 9:30, so grab a few of your favorite party animals and come on out.

Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party: If it’s music and dance you want, then Craftsman Court in downtown Scottsdale is the place for you. A $35 ticket grants you access to an enclosed street party featuring DJ performances and a concert headlined by Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers.

New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Boulders: If spending the waning hours of 2011 over a quiet dinner with a glass of Cabernet is more your thing, Latilla Restaurant at The Boulders Resort is the place to be. Featuring a special menu by Chef de Cuisine Stephen Jones, your last meal of the year just may be your best.

Don’t sit on the couch just watching all the fun on television this New Year’s Eve. Visit Scottsdale to usher in 2012 and take some mischievous pity on all the poor souls huddling together to keep warm in other parts of the country. This year, play some golf, enjoy a nice dinner and count the stars in the warm desert sky. On December 31st, you’ll be glad you chose to celebrate right here in the city of Scottsdale.

PGA Superstore: The PGA Superstore on East Shea Boulevard is a golfer’s paradise, offering a wall-to-wall selection of name-brand equipment and apparel. Looking for the perfect club? PGA Superstore’s trained experts can help you find it. In addition, the PGA Superstore hosts a variety of on-site events in which representatives from brands like Ping, Taylor Made and Callaway show off their newest technologies.

Van’s Golf Shop: Located on East Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue, this 12,000-square-foot shop is known for great customer service. With seven locations across Arizona, including two locations in nearby Phoenix, Van’s Golf Shops feature a 90-day money back guarantee on all equipment as well as a full repair center.

Fore Her Golf: Specializing in clubs and apparel for female golfers, Fore Her Golf Shop on East Via Linda is the perfect place to shop for the wife, mother or daughter who loves hitting the links. Fore Her offers a wide variety of stylish clothing and footwear from top designers for the woman who wants to look just as good as she plays.

Hornacek’s House of Golf: Searching for a local business with personal service? Look no further than Hornacek’s on North Scottsdale Road. Just because they’re not a national name doesn’t mean they don’t have great deals on drivers, putters and hybrids from all of the leading brands. Also check out their incredible selection of GPS units and range finders.

This holiday season, the ultimate golf vacation must certainly include a stop at any of these convenient Scottsdale shops. Whether you’re well versed in the finer points of the game or don’t know a three wood from a sand wedge, let knowledgeable in-store professionals help guide you to the perfect present. And the best thing about a Scottsdale golf vacation is this: none of the gifts need to sit in the garage until spring.

Desert Botanical Garden: Over 8,000 hand-made luminarias cast a warm and gentle glow on the pathways of the Desert Botanical Garden during Las Noches de las Luminarias 2011. Guests will enjoy casually strolling the gardens while taking in the lights and listening to live music. It’s one of Scottsdale’s best-loved holiday traditions, and with 22 nights to choose from this year, it’s a Scottsdale attraction not to be missed.

The Phoenician: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night in December, the Phoenician Resort offers a guided tour of their famed cactus garden. Guests will receive a complimentary hot chocolate to take along as they explore two acres of native Southwestern flora all decked out in lights for the holiday season.

The Phoenix Zoo: The dazzle and wonder of Zoolights is back this year at the Phoenix Zoo. Adults and kids alike will be mesmerized by over a quarter of a million lights accentuating the zoo’s natural beauty. People from all over Central Arizona come to see the lovely trees and colorful animal displays. Happening now through January 8th, Zoolights is a must-see for all ages.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: All aboard! Come take a ride on McCormick-Stillman’s famous miniature railroad as it clickety-clacks through a wonderland of lights and holiday splendor. At only $2.00 per journey, you just may find yourself hopping on board again and again.

As you can see, the city of Scottsdale offers many unique ways to celebrate the season. While it may be slightly non-traditional, a cactus decked out in golden lights at dusk is a thing to behold, and it speaks to the very heart of the Arizona holidays. These great events only happen once a year, so don’t miss out. Put these Scottsdale attractions on your calendar today.