Ep 3. Scottsdale

Beyond Your Backyard is a travel series that explores fascinating destinations across the country, showcasing new and exciting ways to travel. In season 2, episode 3, host Erik Hastings heads to Scottsdale, Arizona, to discover all the incredible activities and cultural offerings the city has to offer.

Erik starts his journey at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, an enormous desert reserve that offers hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Sonoran Desert. He meets with a local guide who introduces him to some of the unique flora and fauna of the region and provides some insider tips for navigating the trails. Along the way, Erik encounters a variety of different desert animals, including snakes, lizards, and birds.

Next, Erik heads to Old Town Scottsdale, a bustling historic district filled with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. He speaks with some of the local artists and gallery owners to learn about the vibrant art scene in Scottsdale and even gets to create his own piece of artwork with the help of a professional painter.

After exploring the local art scene, Erik heads to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, an innovative museum that features cutting-edge exhibitions and installations. He speaks with the museum's curator to learn about the latest exhibitions and how the museum is pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

One of the highlights of Erik's trip is his visit to Taliesin West, the home and studio of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Erik takes a tour of the beautiful property, learning about Wright's design philosophy and exploring the different buildings on the site. He even gets to try his hand at some of the construction techniques used by Wright and his team.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Scottsdale is also known for its luxurious resorts and spas. Erik visits one of the most famous spas in the city, the Joya Spa at the Montelucia Resort, for a relaxing massage and some time in the spa's various pools and saunas. He also speaks with the spa's manager to learn about the different treatments and services offered at Joya Spa and the importance of self-care for travelers.

To cap off his journey, Erik heads to the Musical Instrument Museum, a unique museum that showcases instruments from all over the world and allows visitors to hear and play them. He explores the different galleries and even tries his hand at playing a sitar and a didgeridoo.

Overall, Beyond Your Backyard season 2 episode 3 offers a fascinating look at Scottsdale, Arizona, and all it has to offer. From hiking trails to art galleries to luxurious spas, there is something for everyone in this beautiful and vibrant city.