Local Architectural Sights to See This Fall

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Did you know that Scottsdale has some hidden, local architectural sights and gems?

This cooler weather has me singing a new song! The temperature has dropped and given us just enough relief to spend a few hours touring in the car without sticking to our seats. I turned the radio up, rolled the windows down, and cruised around on our favorite fall drive to admire the works of great artists and architects in the Scottsdale area.

Frank Lloyd Wright Sculpture Garden SpireWe stopped at the corner of Scottsdale and Frank Lloyd Wright (85255). There is a beautiful sculpture garden at the base of the Spire, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1957 and finally built in 2004. This stop is a quick one; you can park in the Scottsdale Promenade parking lot, unbuckle the kids and stretch your legs for a few minutes. Enjoy the triangle pool and gaze up at the 125-foot tall Spire!

Further south, at 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd (85253), is Cosanti. This is the home of the late architect Paolo Soleri, Cosantiand is where the famous Cosanti bells are made. If you are lucky, you might get to see them heat the bronze until it melts and watch them pour the bells. The sound of the furnace is amazing, and the home offers enough to keep any toddlers’ attention. There is no fee; you can just drive up and wander the grounds in awe of the talent.

If you would like a more in depth tour, you can also book a guided tour.

Hint: Cosanti is one of my favorite places to buy Christmas and wedding gifts that are uniquely Arizona.

And a little further south still, at 4420 N Scottsdale Rd (85251), is the 100-foot pedestrian bridge that Paolo Soleri designed to mark solar events produced by the sun’s shadow. The bridge connects Scottsdale Fashion Square to the stores and restaurants on the south side of the canal, and opens up to a Soleri Bridgeplaza that is etched with Soleri’s designs. With its close proximity to food, consider exploring this location with your little ones before stopping at a local restaurant for a civilized meal together.

Enjoy your local adventures, and happy fall!