Antique Trove: This 23,000-square-foot store on North Scottsdale road boasts 140 quality vendors from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a Victorian-era couch, a rare stamp from the turn of the century or sports memorabilia featuring your favorite team’s old logo, Antique Trove is the place to go.

Turkey Mountain Traders: If you love Native American artifacts, plan on spending some time at Turkey Mountain Traders. Specializing in pre-World War II American Indian art and jewelry, their selection of master-crafted silverwork is unparalleled. The gallery for this nationally known company is located right on Main Street in the city of Scottsdale.

Antique Gatherings: Just down the road in Phoenix stands one of the Southwest’s premier antique malls. Featuring a variety of antiques gathered from estate sales around the country, Antique Gatherings has that decorative bronze piece, oriental rug or vintage hardwood cabinet you didn’t even know you were searching for.

Willo Antiques: Known for its unpredictable but always delightful inventory, this small, independent shop on McDowell Road provides a great excuse to shoot over to Phoenix for the afternoon. Open Wednesday through Saturday, Willo Antiques sells merchandise that can really spruce up your yard – everything from wrought-iron benches to decorative garden objects.

As you can see, you don’t need to be a world-renowned archeologist to uncover the treasures of the past. You can hunt for hidden wonders right here in the city of Scottsdale. With great stores like these, it’s easy to turn your next Scottsdale shopping trip into an all-day adventure.

Taliesin Overlook: Take a short hike on the Lost Dog Wash Trail in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park and you’ll be treated to amazing view of the city of Scottsdale. It’s a little less than a six-mile round trip from the parking area at the end of North 124th Street, and that’s not a lot of work for what you’ll get in return: a stunning glimpse of the valley floor, Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak.

Dobbins Lookout: Located in the South Mountain Regional Park just below Phoenix, the Dobbins Lookout is accessible by trail or by vehicle for those who’d prefer to get there without the sweat. Popular at sunset, this extraordinary spot looks north across the city toward the mountains beyond. Turn your gaze to the east and watch planes taking off and landing from Sky Harbor International Airport, or look to the west to see houses and streets gradually fade away into pristine desert.

Inspiration Point & Roosevelt Dam Overlooks: These two overlooks, just an hour or so east of town in the Tonto National Forest, are well worth the drive. Located on Arizona Route 88, Inspiration Point gives viewers a spectacular look at the largest lake in central Arizona as well as the bridge that spans it. The Roosevelt Overlook provides a full view of the Salt River, Theodore Roosevelt Lake, and the downstream face of the Roosevelt Dam.

This February, why not take a little vacation within a vacation, a short escape from the hustle and bustle of the city of Scottsdale? Head for the hills and take in the breathtaking landscape that surrounds your Scottsdale vacation rental. No matter which view you choose, it’ll certainly be a trip worth taking.

When you visit Scottsdale this month with that special someone, you’ll be looking for a Valentine’s Day full of memories. Just remember that while flowers and candles might get things rolling, it’s tough to have a romantic evening when you’re too hungry to enjoy the night. Don’t feel like cooking? Don’t stay in and order a pizza. Here are a few restaurants around town that will really set the mood.

T. Cooks: People say it’s one of the most romantic restaurants in central Arizona, and T. Cooks will certainly bolster that reputation with a special Valentine’s Day menu from Saturday, February 11th through Tuesday the 14th. If delicious pan-roasted bass or butter-poached Maine lobster don’t get you in the mood, the live music and rose-petal-accented dining rooms surely will.

II Terrazzo: Special for Valentine’s Day, this elegant restaurant at the Phoenician Resort provides an upscale four-course meal that concludes with a heavenly chocolate buffet designed by award-winning pastry chef Roy Pell. This incredible evening costs only $67 per person, so make your reservations soon.

Sassi: Located at the foot of Pinnacle Peak, this beautiful restaurant provides diners with the finest in southern Italian cuisine. With over 200 wines to choose from and an atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa, Sassi is the perfect place to celebrate with the one you love.

Sapporo: An elliptical bar adds to a dramatic décor that makes this Japanese restaurant a top choice for anyone looking for romance in Old Town Scottsdale this Valentine’s Day. Share a passion-mango martini with your favorite person as you dine on premium sushi, fresh seafood or Hawaiian poki.

This February, visit Scottsdale and enjoy one of the many fine restaurants the area has to offer. Who knows – your Scottsdale dining experience just might lead to the most romantic night of your life. But even if the passion doesn’t live up to your expectations, the food most certainly will.

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.