Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

Ditch the road-trip and stick around town over Memorial Day weekend!  Check out the hot spots to celebrate the holiday in Scottsdale.  

Why skip town this holiday weekend when we’re lucky to live in paradise?

Trade in the road trip to Sin City, and stay-cation in Scottsdale.  AAA Arizona’s Stephanie Dembowski says the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa is the hot spot to chill over Memorial Day, offering breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert, along with luxurious amenities.

Experience European essence in the heart of the Valley.  The top-rated resort has a lot to offer, including fine dining and award-winning spa facilities.

Kick off your stay-vacay getting pampered at the Joya Spa—Arizona’s sole spa practicing authentic Hamman, an ancient bathing ritual.  Joya also offers hi-tech treatments, like a zero-gravity pedicure chair, a vibrating massage table, and top notch exercise equipment.  You can also soak up the sun amidst the private rooftop pool terrace complete with cabanas.

And all that personal TLC will likely work up your appetite; in that case, park yourself at Prado, Montelucia’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant.  The eatery offers wood-fired farm-to-table dishes with a Mediterranean flare.  Complete your meal with post-dinner specialty sippers at Prado’s Mbar.

To keep you busy during your Montelucia stay-cation, learn a little.  The resort offers a Barista Basics class, cooking classes, cocktail mixology classes, horseback riding, hiking, gelato happy hour and more.

But if you’re looking for a Scottsdale escape with a little more zest, check in at Old Town’s W Hotel.

The hotel’s Memorial Day Vitamin D package starts at $189, and includes a chic room, a pitcher of poolside mojitos, and a W beach tote stocked with hot weather gear.

Kick off your 3-day stay at the hotel’s “Living Room” Friday night listening to a live performance by Adam Shero.  On Saturday, Shero will blend the sounds of Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz during the W’s daytime pool party at WET.  Chill out to island beats Saturday night and Sunday-day, courtesy of Kelly James.  Poolside parties cost $25 for non-hotel guests, and cabanas are available by reservation.

If you’re simply looking for places to party over the holiday, we have the hot spots you’ll want to be seen.

Saturday night, head to Scottsdale’s E4 Nightclub, where celebs Tiffany Wade (“Beauty and the Geek) and Marcus Trufant (Seattle Seahawk) will host a swanky soiree.

Sunday, soak in the snow as we ring in the unofficial start of summer.  Yes, you read write, Scottsdale’s Axis/Radius will be a winter wonderland this weekend featuring snow falling on the Radius side of the club.  Dance to cool beats by DJ Sno (fitting name) and DJ MCB.  Drink specials start at $5 and doors open at 9pm.

Scottsdale’s Myst Nightclub and Suede are also offering Memorial Day drink specials, along with Sandbar and Dos Gringos.  And if you’re in Glendale, check out The Shout! House.  Sing to your heart’s content at the dueling piano bar featuring a beach theme throughout the weekend.

You can also check out the Devil’s Martini beach party in Old Town.  Feel free to arrive with no shirt and no shoes as you your feet get a treat at the bar’s sand pit.

Celebrate Memorial Day Monday at Chase Field.  Yep, witness America’s favorite pastime as the D-Backs take on the Marlins at 5:10pm.  It’s a perfect way to wrap up your fun-filled stay-cation in paradise.

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