-Things to Do – Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, Arizona-
Our newest attraction in Scottsdale just opened on June 1, 2013. It is the Butterfly Wonderland and is located just off of Highway 101 and Via de Ventura. The building is absolutely stunning outside and the interior is a work of art. Even better, it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Friendly volunteers and employees greet you on the way in. You have the opportunity to view a 3-D movie on butterflies prior to entering the main part of the exhibit. In my case, I was accompanying a butterfly “expert” – my 6 ½ year old granddaughter who was visiting. She chose to skip the movie and head right on into the Butterfly Emergence Gallery. Along the wall are glass cases where one can observe the full cycle from caterpillar to butterfly.
Entrance to the Conservatory is quite unique in that visitors collect in a holding room and then go into the Conservatory as a group. With thousands of butterflies flitting about, this helps to keep them inside rather than escape. The reverse is the same when you leave; with the exception everyone goes through a “body check” to make sure one of the little guys hasn’t attached himself to a visitor.
The Conservatory is a tropical rainforest environment. There are walkways surrounding a wonderful Koi pond and waterfall so one can ramble throughout and be able to see all of the wonderful plants and butterflies. From an educational standpoint, the plantings are identified by name in the event you might want to enhance your own garden with plants that attract butterflies.
I have to admit that when we walked into the Conservatory it initially appeared smaller than I had expected and I was already trying to think what we would do for the rest of the afternoon. To my delight and surprise, I had to insist we finally leave after 3 hours. There was always something new and different to observe, including two different times when volunteers were bringing in new butterflies in cages and releasing them.
Younger visitors are given a punch card when they enter and are encouraged to ask the volunteers questions. Each time they ask, they get their card punched. At the end of the day when they pass through the gift shop, they turn in their card and get to choose a cute little item from a basket.
The two main things we learned on our visit were: Wear orange. The butterflies love that color and will land on your shoulders and backs. Secondly, don’t try to pick up the butterflies. They are too delicate to be handled.
One of the most predominant residents was the Atlas Moth. They are quite large and according to my research can reach a wing span of over 10 inches. Throughout the Conservatory you’ll see them hanging on the roof area as well as screens and plants. We were also told that this particular moth doesn’t possess fully formed mouth parts and therefore don’t feed. Sadly, their adult life is only one to two weeks and during that time they survive on larval fat reserves that build up while they are still caterpillars.
I purchased a lifetime membership to the Butterfly Wonderland and have already used it three times. The location is convenient, it is a great escape and it’s nice to just pop in and have a look at anything new that has been added as well as revisiting the previous exhibits.
More Information:
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 E. Via de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Butterfly Wonderland Website
Phone: (480) 800-3000
It was my first time listening to this quartet, but I understand Alice has been sharing her versatile repertoire for the last 30 years in Scottsdale.
It seems like Spring! At last, after an unusual bout of cold, wet weather recently in Scottsdale, the sun finally came out. I had a meeting in Old Town Scottsdale and had the good luck to have an hour or so of free time between appointments. I took the opportunity to spend some time at the Scottsdale Waterfront as I love this particular area. The bridge spanning the waterway between Old Town and the Scottsdale Fashion mall was built for pedestrians and bikes and allows one to stroll along this stretch of shops and restaurants, or sit down on one of the many benches and enjoy the sights.
omplex offering concierge and doorman services to its owners and guests.
n the plaza with the architecturally designed bridge in the background. Don’t mind the yellowed grass in the forefront, this is part of living in the desert where the lawns have to go through a “reseeding” process each year. It will be lush and green in another week or two.
Scottsdale has put a lot of thought and work into developing this part of town so that residents and visitors can leave their cars and stroll through the art galleries and specialty stores in Old Town, and then walk over the bridge to the wonderful shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square. This area is filled with interesting and well known restaurants that offer lunch, tapas and evening happy hours and dinners.
– Scottsdale Events: Meet the Masters Celebration 2013 –
There are so many great vendors at the Scottsdale Design Center and I’ve only touched on a few of the interesting and unique showrooms I had to opportunity to view. Remember, they are open to the public and welcome everyone, so if you find yourself with some free time or are looking for design ideas, head on over. 
– A Revisit to the English Rose Team Room in Carefree, Arizona-
Children are quite welcome and there is a special tea service for them that includes trays of kid-oriented tea sandwiches and sweets along with tea or hot chocolate. Jo Gemmill, the owner, offers etiquette lessons for children in addition to catering, hosting bridal and baby showers, as well as tea leaf readings!
cleverly mingled antique items with new and the “Union Jack” motif is represented everywhere. The card selection was astounding, and it’s a store you can’t leave without purchasing something.
P.S. Most people don’t realize that Carefree is at 2,400 feet altitude which is considered high desert. Temperatures can drop at night and put the cacti in danger of freezing. Only in Carefree and only outside the proper English Rose Team Room will you find a cactus wearing a very appropriate “snood”. Cheers!
The setting for the Art and Wine Festival is the unique 
You will find all types of artwork to admire. One of my favorite artists is 
And, lest we forget the heritage of this state, I spent some time talking with the artist who sculpts very life-like statues of Native Americans. He uses real fur, leather and feathers to adorn these impressive statues.
