Scottsdale is a popular destination, and Old Town Scottsdale has a touch of the Old West. But it stopped being a small town a long time ago. With a population of over 250,000, it's about the same size as Richmond, VA, and Toledo, OH. Scottsdale is a mix of old Arizona, new money and those in between, making it a giant blend of Arizona love. Scottsdale is on the larger side of small towns, but compared to Phoenix, it's really a small city.
Sedona is probably the most famous of Arizona's small towns, renowned for its hiking trails, spa retreats and stargazing from wilderness areas. However, many of these activities don't take place in the city itself. Uptown Sedona (the more touristy side) and West Sedona (the more local side) are worth visiting on an afternoon when you're not exploring red rocks or being pampered with a massage - especially if you like shopping or crafts. The city has a vibrant cultural scene with artists and artisans selling their products in boutiques, as well as plenty of restaurants and bars to refuel after your walk. In 1999, the school opened a second campus at Scottsdale Airpark that allowed it to serve the business community and north of Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Fashion Square presents Old Town Scottsdale, which is one of the 30 largest malls in the country and offers exclusive shopping and luxury. The Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol is an annual month-long event that has been held in Scottsdale since 1954. The largest is the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District, home to the largest and most diverse collection of styles and genres; the more contemporary Marshall Way Arts District; and the more touristy, Western-themed Old Town district with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. In 1947, the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce was formed and Scottsdale leaders made a conscious effort to promote a special identity linked to the Old West as an attraction for tourists. Notable regional hubs include Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale; and Scottsdale Fashion Square in downtown Scottsdale - a major destination for high-end retailers. The downtown trolley runs through downtown Scottsdale; while the neighborhood trolley runs from downtown to South Scottsdale neighborhoods, connecting to Tempe's own free public circulator - Tempe Orbit on Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale has become a city of contrasts where residents and visitors can ride horses through pristine Arizona desert in the morning and visit one of the country's best contemporary art museums in the afternoon.
In addition, there was a German prisoner of war camp at the intersection of Scottsdale and Thomas Roads in what is now Papago Park.
