I recently came across this stunning BBC Commercial of David Attenborough's Wonderful World and wanted to share it. It's just another reminder that we live in a truly spectacular place and it is important to take time to appreciate our natural world.
I personally am going to try and make it a daily ritual that I stop for 15 minutes every day, take a deep breath and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds us and remember what is important. I'm looking forward to seeing what a positive impact it will have to my life.
Camelback Mountain is a popular hiking destination right in the middle of neighborhoods of Paradise Valley real estate. Get some great exercise and enjoy the views from the top of the 2,704 foot peak. Explore both trails in the area, Echo Canyon Recreation Area and Cholla Trail. Each trail gains about 1,200 feet in elevation and provides hikers the chance to see geological formations and smaller animals such as cottontail rabbits, lizards, squirrels, many varieties of birds, and even rattlesnakes. Larger animals are not often seen due to the fact that the trails are so close to pockets of Paradise Valley real estate. Admire local plants and trees such as saguaro, jumping cholla, staghorn, prickly pear cacti, palo verde, and ironwood.
Get Back to Nature Near Your Paradise Valley Home
These trails are super popular, especially on the weekends during winter and spring. If your Paradise Valley home is close by, consider walking or biking to the trailhead. Other options are to take the trolley, carpool, or visit on the weekdays whenever possible. Keep in mind that parking is limited at the trailheads and hikers may not leave their vehicles on residential streets or they will be towed. Also be aware that dogs are not allowed on either trail, so leave your canine companions at home. Read more about these trails, find driving directions, and plan your adventure to hike Camelback Mountain.
If you live in Paradise Valley and are looking for a place to get a fantastic meal and a beautiful setting, make plans to head to El Chorro. The Paradise Valley property that became El Chorro was first opened in 1934 as the Judson School for Girls. In 1937, it was transformed into a restaurant. Through years, El Chorro became a local favorite. It also attracted celebrities including Clark Gable and Milton Berle, as well as David Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son. In 2009, El Chorro got new owners who updated and revitalized the space.
Fresh Ingredients are Grown on the Paradise Valley Property
Today, El Chorro is dedicated to creating delicious fare, using the highest-quality ingredients, organically-grown and sourced locally. The on-site herb and vegetable gardens provide the chefs with inspiration for their seasonal fare. Complementing the fare is a carefully-chosen wine list and delicious cocktails. Get a group of friends together and enjoy a meal on the beautiful patio. Umbrellas shade diners from the sun. When the weather cools, fire pits keep everyone warm. Inside are cozy alcoves, perfect for a quiet date night. People who live in Paradise Valley and need to plan a party should consider El Chorro. It’s a gorgeous setting for a wedding, family reunion, or other big event.
Dinner is served every day from 5 p.m. until closing. Happy hour is held Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit El Chorro online to read more about its history, see the current menu, and get information about hosting an event at the restaurant. You can also make reservations.
The beautiful Scottsdale weather means that there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation a short distance from any Scottsdale property. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a popular destination for residents, spanning 11 miles passing by lakes, through parks, and along golf courses all in the center of Scottsdale. Make a day of it and walk or bike all 11 miles exploring the area and avoiding major traffic on the grade-separated crossings. If traveling 11 miles in a day is not your thing, visit a small section or just check out some of the parks with friends or family.
Live in Scottsdale and Explore the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt
The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt has been noted as an amazing flood control project internationally and is ranked among the best “green spaces” in Arizona. Many who live in Scottsdale have worked really hard to make this area a reality. There had been a flooding problem here for decades and people worked together to solve the problem of flooding and created a usable outdoor Scottsdale property for all to utilize and enjoy. Find more information about the green belt at the Scottsdale city website. A link to an interactive map is available and a great place to start to plan an outing and find public facilities and stops along the way that would be of interest to you and your party.
All Paradise Valley real estate owners have an exciting new venue set to open in early 2017. Mountain Shadows is not only a golf club, but a place to stay with gorgeous views and comfortable rooms, a place for fitness and relaxation, a place for delicious food, and a lovely venue for meetings and gatherings. The Short Course offers a quick and enjoyable round of golf that will not soon be forgotten due to the elegant layout with views of the Camelback and Mummy Mountains. Beginners and avid golfers will find their niche here and all can enjoy a drink or snack with friends at Rusty’s Patio after a round.
Paradise Valley Home Owners Can Join Mountain Shadows Golf Club
Refer guests that are coming to visit at your Paradise Valley home to stay at Mountain Shadows, or enjoy a romantic getaway with that special someone. Hearth ‘61 offers fresh and tasty cuisine with plenty of windows to admire the scenery. Relax and find your center with The Citizen’s Club. Go for a swim or guided hike, check out a yoga class, work up a sweat in the fitness facility, or rest in a cabana while sipping on organic juice. This facility offers an unmatched choice for Paradise Valley real estate owners to host a wedding or special event. Gatherings of all sizes can be accommodated and the staff will make sure that everything runs with ease. Keep up in the latest and stay in the know about grand opening festivities at Mountain Shadows Golf Club.
Many people look into Scottsdale homes because of the beauty of the surrounding desert. Owning Scottsdale real estate is like owning a piece of the Old West. There are museums and taverns that celebrate the story of the Old West and the pioneers. Another way to get in touch with that history is to ride horses. McDonald’s Ranch is one of the best places for riding in the area. If you are a horseback riding beginner or have young children with you, book a spot on one of the group rides. These slow-paced trail rides take an hour and a half to two hours. They go over easy terrain and are led by an experienced guide. Kids five and up can come on the hour and a half rides, while kids seven and up can go on the longer rides. Private rides can be booked for those who would like more of challenge or who have special needs.
Ride Horses or a Stagecoach on Scottsdale Real Estate
Another great option for an Old West experience are the stagecoach rides. Ride in an authentic stagecoach, pulled by draft horses or mules and see the original route of the stage coaches from Cave Creek to Phoenix. Your guide will point out interesting plants and animals. You might even get to see a hawk! Everyone from Scottsdale homes is invited to check out McDonald’s Ranch, find out about different riding options, and book a spot.
Art lovers from Paradise Valley homes should make plans to visit Arcosanti. Based on the urban design ideas of Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti offers an alternative to urban sprawl. Soleri’s design ideas looked toward compact spaces which could be used in many different ways. Arcosanti is open for visitors. Come take a guided tour and walk through an example of the way smart urban design can work harmoniously with the natural environment. The regular tour lasts an hour. The guide will take visitors through the compound, explaining the buildings and the principles behind them. Visitors also get to see the bronze foundry and ceramic studio.
Paradise Valley Real Estate Owners Take a Tour of Arcosanti
Paradise Valley real estate owners with a special interest in architecture. Anyone who would like a more in depth look at the philosophy guiding Arcosanti should call ahead to schedule an Architecture and Planning tour. Led by a member of the Planning Department, the tour lasts an hour and a half.
Be sure to leave time at the end of the tour to visit the Gift Gallery. Beautiful Soleri bronze and ceramic bells, sculptures, and planters are available for purchase. These are beautiful additions for Paradise Valley homes. There are also books on architecture and design, as well as original drawings, limited editions, and t-shirts.
Arcosanti is open for visiting seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While the Scottsdale real estate market was going fast and furious at the beginning of the summer, the July market saw some slowing. This is in keeping with the real estate market for the rest of the state, too. There were 617 closed home sales in Scottsdale in July. This is a dip of 15.83% compared to July 2015 and 24.94% compared to June of this year. The median sold price for Scottsdale real estate was $390,000. The median price dropped 2.26% from last year and 3.41% from June. The average selling price of a home was $498,194. This is down 1.22% from last year and 1.65% from June. Houses are also staying on the market longer. The average home sold in 114 days in July, which is 6.54% longer than last year and 2.7% longer than June 2016.
Paradise Valley Home Market is Looking Strong
The Paradise Valley home market looks rather different from Scottsdale. Twenty four homes were sold in July of this year, compared to 36 last year. In June, there were 37 home sales. The median sold price of a house in Paradise Valley was $1,050,000 in July. This is a drop of 16% from June but a gain of 23% from July 2015. The average sold price in July was $1,369,896. This is an increase of 34.72% from last year and 6.26% from June. Homes sold in an average of 121 days in July. This is down by almost 46% from last year and 17.68% from June.
Please contact our office to discuss your home buying or selling plans in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the surrounding area.
Revitalize Hawaiian style without leaving Scottsdale real estate at the Hawaiian Experience Spa. In addition to classic options on the menu there are amazing treatments connecting back to the island of Hawaii.
Nothing relaxes like a soothing massage by staff who know what they are doing. Awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence there will be no doubt guests will be in good hands on this piece of Scottsdale real estate. Hawaiian blends include the Hot Sea Shell or Hot Stone Massage, Native Full Body Massage and Lomi Lomi Massage. For a truly pampering indulgence book the Scents of Hawaii Spa Experience. This includes a body scrub, body mask and massage. Scents are individualized including mango, coconut vanilla and more. Choose the Koke scent and feel as if you are actually reclining in a tropical rain forest.
Chocolate lovers can take their devotion one step further with the Chocolate Experience. With the cocoa extract being rich in both magnesium and antioxidants it’s massage benefits are impressive. Customers will receive a chocolate sea scrub, body wrap and massage with this selection.
Faces find happiness here too with the variety of facials dedicated to their care. Brightening, clearing and calming facials top the list. Other recommended procedures include the age preventative or springtime strawberry hydration facial.
Not able to fly off to the Big Island for a bit of paradise, located close to Scottsdale homes at 11300 E. Via Linda, a visit to The Hawaiian Experience Spa is a staycation destination that pleases every time. Call 480.661.2991 or make an appointment online.
It is a true treat to own a luxury Oahu home. Help our nation’s veterans in the process of home ownership by participating in or donating to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals Golf Tournament. This event will take place on Friday, November 6th, 2015 at Ewa Beach Golf Club located at 91-050 Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach. Registration and check in begins at 10:30 a.m. and there will be a shotgun start at 12:00 p.m. for all participants. Join other luxury Oahu home owners, many of our nation’s veterans, and others who have traveled here for this amazing day. Who wouldn’t love a beautiful round of golf in November for a good cause?
All who are entered in the tournament for a fee of $125 for a single entry or $500 for a foursome will receive green and cart fees, a welcome gift bag, photo memorabilia, lunch, drinks, and a ticket to the Awards Dinner Banquet. In addition to all of this, all golfers will be entered into the longest drive contest, closest to the pin contest, and hole in one contest. A luxury Oahu real estate owner could even walk away with a new car! All are invited to come watch the tournament and support the golfers. Dinner tickets for non golfers can also be purchased for $35.00. Visit the tournament website for more information and to support this worthy cause.