If you were to predict the next up and coming area of Scottsdale, consider looking to the south. Situated along a one-mile stretch of McDowell Road just east of Scottsdale Road is a surprisingly sophisticated blend of international commerce, cuisine and lodging.
SKYSONG, ASU’s international trade and technology innovation center opened its doors last spring and has been quietly forging global alliances between local technology incubators such as the Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative, ASU Technopolis and the Enterprise Arizona Venture Center, and business entities from Europe, Asia, Canada and Mexico. The goal is to bring together the best and the brightest entrepreneurs from our state’s university system and provide them with mentoring and professional support until their fledging companies can soar solo, much like the 125-foot canopy of sail shades that crown the two existing office buildings. When completed, the 1.2 million square foot, mixed-use development will include retail and residential units alongside research and office space, as well as a hotel and conference center. www.skysongcenter.com
In the meantime, visiting captains of commerce or fans of swanky boutique hotels can settle into the contemporary ambience of 3 PALMS OASIS RESORT. The desert has never looked so modern with stone accents set in the hand laid white crystal granite to welcome you in the lobby. There is plenty to keep you amused with cocktails and people watching at the lively pool bar or a relaxing massage in the private spa suite. Hotel suites and rooms have a definite of-the-moment feel with modern art and contemporary furnishings and entertainment centers. Sink into pillow-top beds dressed in high-thread-count linens and you may just decide that room service, available 24/7, isn’t such a bad idea… www.scottsdale-resort-hotels.com
For those who choose to dine out, AVALON, Scottsdale’s newest dining experience is just steps from the hotel. Avalon’s Executive Chef, Travis Weston, dishes out contemporary coastal cuisine that fuses the best of Italian classics with the bold, clean flavors of California cooking. The bottom line is your taste buds will thank you when you introduce them to offerings like Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Mascarpone Mac n’ Cheese or Grilled Portobello and Caramelized Onion Panini with Pistachio Pesto. The restaurant and bar are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night noshing until 2AM. www.avalon-scottsdale.com
