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Amid the Sonoran Desert, palms, bougainvillea and velvety golf courses bloom, and make for great photo opportunities. Scottsdale is also known for scenic red-rock crags and chic resorts.

Dust can threaten cameras in Arizona. Keep your bag closed unless in active use. Travel photographers should take a hand blower and soft cloth to keep lenses pristine.

Haute and health reign in Scottsdale, Ariz., from the posh boutiques to the upscale restaurants and the world-class spas to the golf courses. On the surface, Phoenix's chic neighbor seems geared towards retirees. But there are plenty of things to do in Scottsdale with kids. Otherwise why would Parents magazine have ranked it the No.1 city for babies in 2010? Its survey cited the area's warm climate, safe streets and 22 playgrounds with baby swings, among other factors. Here's how visitors can soak up some of that goodness as they plan their family vacations in Scottsdale, a.k.a. Paradise Valley.

Amidst the well-groomed golf courses and million dollar homes, Scottsdale, Arizona is home to some of the Southwest's most popular lounges and bars. Happy hour in Scottsdale offers plenty of ideal locations to loosen your tie and enjoy your favorite libation. From classic cocktails to unique microbrewed beers, happy hour specials in Scottsdale leave little to be desired. Here is a closer look at some of the don't-miss destinations for your evening drink.

Scottsdale, in Northern Arizona, sits with a backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks and enormous Ponderosa pine forests. While it is a popular tourist destination and popularly known for golf, spas, and a laid-back lifestyle, Scottsdale offers a lot more than this desert rock formation. We dare you to try at least one adventure activity in Scottsdale so read on for some ideas.

When Allison Mitkowski got married in 2005, she and her husband, Ethan, went to the Grand Canyon on their honeymoon, and they fell in love ... with the Grand Canyon. It lasted. They went back in 2007 to do a 22-mile North Rim-to-South Rim hike to celebrate a major birthday in the national park.

Finally, two years later, they decided to move to Arizona to be closer to the natural wonder. They still love the Grand Canyon. But they worry.