Are you a music buff?  Corriente Condos here in Scottsdale invites you to take a short drive and visit the renowned Musical Instruments Museum (MIM).  Home to over 5,000 musical instruments and objects housed in five major Geo-Galleris, the MIM is an experience not to be missed.  The collection includes instruments from around two hundred countries and territories in the world. Some larger countries such as India, China, Russia, the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and others have multiple displays with subsections for different types of ethnic, folk, and tribal music. The instruments have both historic and artistic merit and many are more than fifty years old.   

This unique experience features Wireless “hot spots” around MIM which provide loops of streamed music, immersing guests in the sounds of musical instruments throughout the museum.  You will be provided with wireless headsets to wear throughout the museum…as you approach each individual display, you are able to hear the instrument being played.  To further immerse yourself in the experience, the MIM also has videos playing on high-resolution flat screens in order to provide an opportunity to see instruments performed. Watching a Japanese taiko drummer or a hurdy-gurdy man is an experience not soon to be forgotten.  Signage with information about the instruments, along with maps for orientation, allows you to tour the many displays of each country in the world. The nearly three hundred exhibits are spaced to provide comfortable viewing and an uninterrupted wireless signal.

Open year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas days, the MIM also provides guided tours, included with the price of admission, for groups ranging from 10 to 120 people.  Keep in mind that self-guided tours are also welcome. Given the MIM’s state-of-the-art technology and unique hands-on opportunity to play instruments in the Experience Gallery, groups can easily take self-guided tours.  An average self guided tour will last approximately 90 minutes.

The MIM is also home to a premier concert venue, the MIM Music Theater, hosting a full schedule of intimate live performances and events with leading artists from across the country and around the world. You can also experience a film screening; take part in a workshop or master class; or enjoy a wide range of public programs, educational encounters, and special events.  This week, on August 10, 2011, Elvis week kicks off at the MIM featuring a special art exhibit, Memphis-style pork BBQ in the café, Elvis trivia, and the Apollonia Dance Organ playing arrangements of Elvis songs!

Corriente Condos invites you to enjoy everything the wonderful Scottsdale community has to offer.  If you haven’t done so already, we hope you have the opportunity in the near future to visit our wonderful community, so you too can live your vacation daily.

"The Links Await"

Here at Corriente Condos in Scottsdale, the community feel and overall understated elegance is a way of everyday life.  What better way to capitalize on that serenity than to live on the neighboring Silverado Golf Course.  The great thing about golf course life is the picture like view from the oversized windows onto well kept greens and open space.  If open space views are what you are looking for, now is the time to act here Corriente as we are nearing the start date of our new building 6 which will afford views onto Silverado Golf Course, McCormick Ranch Golf Course, as well as the lake and McDowell mountain range!  It is needless to say, Corriente is a great place to be…and it’s even greater in the select homes on the golf course. 

So many folks think they just can’t afford the golf course lifestyle they dream of in Scottsdale Arizona.  At Corriente Condos your dreams are within your reach.  It’s hard to believe, but we have a DOZEN golf courses with a five mile radius of your front door.  No need to pay the extra costs of a private golf course restricted community…. Corriente offers the Arizona sun seeker lifestyle at an affordable price!  Here are just some of the golf courses just moments from Corriente:

1. Silverado – walk to and on…a public course just next door to Corriente
2. McCormick Ranch Golf Club 
3. Gainey Ranch Golf Club
4. Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club
5. Talking Stick Golf Club
6. Camelback Golf Club
7. Orangetree Golf Resort
8. Stonecreek Golf Club
9. Kierland Golf Club
10. The Phoenician Golf Club
11. Arizona Biltmore County Club
12.  Paradise Valley Country Club

If golf isn’t your thing, our beautifully landscaped community features of number of interior homes with views of their own.  Now is a great time to be a buyer here in Arizona whether you are looking to downsize, buy your first home, purchase a winter home, or secure an investment property.  As they say, LOCATION, LOCATION!  We are located in Central Scottsdale just between Scottsdale Road and Hayden and within walking distance to shopping galore.  If you haven’t been out, please don’t hesitate to drop in and take a tour of our decorated models.  With the excellent locations still available in our new building, it’s a perfect time to consider Corriente Condos as your new home.  We look forward to meeting you…live your vacation daily!

What a view!

We know it can be toasty in the Scottsdale Desert, but Corriente Condos has such a great backyard playground that it’s tough to stay indoors.  Looking for something to do in the early morning or later afternoon as the sun begins to relent?  Like so many other wonderful destinations in close proximity to Corriente Condos, Piestewa Peak is a must see for the outdoor enthusiast.

Long used for mining and grazing, it did not become a city of Phoenix possession until 1959, when the area was annexed and a long-term lease agreement was signed with the state of Arizona.  It later became one of the major rallying points for mountain preservation efforts.  The mountain is named in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat in the US military and the first female soldier to be killed in action in the 2003 Iraq Conflict.

For those of you interested in the history of the formation of the mountain, while the actual rocks of the Phoenix Mountains are very old, the mountain shapes are quite young in geological terms being formed about 14 million years ago as the crust of the earth was gradually stretched from northeast to southwest, elevating mountain ranges and sinking the basins between them.  Much of the area’s rock is a metamorphic type of granite known as schist.

Today, Piestewa Peak is climbed thousands of times per week by locals and visitors alike looking to get out and enjoy the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and wildlife.  At 2,608 feet in elevation, Piestewa earns its “peak” namesake…it is the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains and the third highest in the city of Phoenix.  The most popular hike up the summit trail is approximately 1.2 miles in length (2.4 miles roundtrip) and covers 1,190 feet of vertical elevation gain.  The hike up takes about 30-60 minutes in fair weather conditions depending on the hiker’s capabilities; plan for another 30-45 minutes back down depending on your ability and sure-footedness.  As with any outdoor activity, be sure to play it safe in the hot weather and pack more than enough water…especially if you venture out when the sun is shining; and don’t forget, turning back is always an option.

At the summit, the views are breathtaking and well worth the effort.  On a clear day, you can see downtown Phoenix, Pinnacle Peak, the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, and the Superstition Mountains just to name a few.

That’s what is so great about living at Corriente Condos in Scottsdale, the beautiful mountain ranges become part of your backyard playground.  What better way to relax after a challenging summit bid than to return to your haven back at Corriente Condos and enjoy the resort style pool and hot tub behind the gates…Have a great hike!

Who doesn't "Love" Scottsdale?

Not to brag, but Scottsdale is a wonderful city in which to live!  Here at Corriente Condos in the heart of central Scottsdale, our geographical location affords us close proximity to the jewels of city.  Looking for something fun and educational to do this weekend?  Why not drive right around the corner and visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), located on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.  Focusing on contemporary artists and featuring works in all forms of media from furniture to glass, this exciting museum is endearingly known for its creative space as well as for its cutting edge exhibits. 

Founded in 1999, the SMoCA is an educational institution dedicated to presenting exhibitions on contemporary and modern art, architecture, and design. Global in its focus, SMoCA is a gathering place for experiencing contemporary art and culture. As a unique and vital cultural resource for the southwest, the Museum offers a variety of exhibition-related programs and special events with activities for lifelong learners, from preschool to adulthood.

Each year, the SMoCA presents 10-14 exhibitions of contemporary art, architecture, and design.  These world class exhibits are hand selected from around the globe to be displayed and interpreted for you by a team of insightful museum professionals.  In fact, as a museum patron, it is highly suggested that you take advantage of the available free docent lead tours of the current exhibitions on Thursdays and Sundays.  Did we mention that admission is even free on Thursdays!

Ready to walk on the artistic side this weekend?  The SMoCA is located at 7374 East Second Street here in Scottsdale, AZ.  No reservations are necessary, so make sure you get out and enjoy the beauty of the contemporary art scene!

Photo courtesy of www.outofafricapark.com

As we near another gorgeous weekend here in sunny Scottsdale at Corriente Condos, we invite you take a tour on the wild side and make the day trip to Out of Africa Wildlife Park where you can get up close and personal with hundreds of animals from all around the world.  Like a small cross section of Africa, only closer, you will be able to view Lions, Tigers, Giraffe, Rhinoceros, Black Bear, Camel, Ostrich, Cobra, Zebra, exotic birds, Tortoise, Wildebeest, Jaguar, Leopard, Wolves, Hyenas, and more!  Open from Monday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm year-round (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), this wonderful park is home to a number of shows you would never see at an ordinary zoo. 

Take for instance, the Tiger Splash show.  You’ll be mesmerized while Bengal and Siberian tigers and other big cats interact in the predator/prey relationship of romping and splashing in a 35-foot by 50-foot pool as they play with their caretakers and various colorful toys. This unique, thrilling, and exciting show is also very educational as live narration helps to illustrate how instincts, intellect and feelings interact to form spontaneous, natural behavior.

How about taking an African Safari in the Arizona desert?  On the 45-minute African Bush Safari, you will experience the heart of Africa in the backyard of your own home. This is an authentic African photo safari with expert park guides narrating throughout your tour. While riding in a safari vehicle, you can expect a personal encounter with giraffe, zebra, ostrich and more. Staff will also provide treats so that you can feed the animals. On nearby hills, prides of lions or other big cats overlook their domain, you, and the prey animals in the Safari.

If you aren’t afraid of snakes, the park also hosts a snake show in which you will get to appreciate some of the largest snake species in the world including Anacondas, Pythons, and Boas.  With the help of a Park Caretaker, you will be allowed to touch, pet and even hold some of these wonderful giant slithering reptiles!

Even more unique is the Predator Feed show in which you will have the opportunity Follow animal caretakers on as they throw 800 pounds of raw food to eagerly waiting carnivores. This is an opportunity to see how top tier predators eat…if you have a strong stomach that is.

The Out of Africa Wildlife Park is locatedabout 90 minutes North of Phoenix in Camp Verde, AZ.  It is suggested to set aside about five hours in order to enjoy all of the shows, tours, and scenery that the park has to offer.  As we say here at Corriente Condos in Scottsdale, get out there and live your vacation daily!

Rawhide Lawmen; courtesy of www.rawhide.com

Here at Corriente Condos in Scottsdale, we appreciate all of the wonderful things the surrounding community has to offer.  Looking for something new and different to experience this week?  Why not take a short drive to visit the western frontier town of Rawhide, billed as “Arizona’s largest theme attraction”.  Situated in the Gila River Indian community, the history of this vast area of the Sonoran Desert and its people dates back to the ancient civilization of the Huhukam as they thrived in this town adjacent to the Gila River.

From humble beginnings as a tent city, people from all walks of life were drawn to the community with the same goal, achieving success.  Together, the growing civilization began to build the town as the false fronted structures of the town began to rise from the desert floor adding their unique identities to the overall persona of the community.  Homesteaders continued to pour into the area, as did many professional gamblers and entertainers looking to turn a quick profit.  Even some well-known names such as Doc Holiday, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Billy the Kid, and Annie Oakley have been said to have made appearances in the town.

Today, visitors can absorb the western lifestyle while enjoying a multitude of available entertainment activities sure to create some wonderful memories.  Mosey down Main Street, pan for “fools” gold, dodge bullets at the six gun theatre gun fight and stunt show, take in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert aboard a Wells Fargo Stagecoach or replica train, bungee jump, scale a rock climbing wall, take your chance on a mechanical bull, and get up close with the animals at the petting zoo.  With over 20 games, rides, and attractions, Rawhide is a wonderful destination for a local get-away and fun for the entire family.

Ready to “cowboy up”?  Rawhide is located at 23023 N. Scottsdale Road. and Pinnacle Peak just south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.  We look forward to hearing about your trip back to the wild west here at Corriente Condos in Scottsdale!

Taliesin West courtesy of Judith Bromley

Living at Corriente Condos in Scottsdale, Arizona opens up a world of opportunity and activity just beyond the gates.  Looking for something to do close by?  Why not take a short drive to visit Taliesin West, the repository for Frank Lloyd Wright’s renowned pieces of art.  Built in 1937, this amazing property served as Wright’s personal winter home, studio, and architectural laboratory and is an integral piece to appreciating his artistic genius

Located on the breathtaking Sonoran desert at the foothills of the McDowell Mountains at 12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, this property is the home to the Wright archives, the most complete collection of work by an artist in a single facility.  As you may know, Frank Lloyd Wright, born in 1867, spent some 70 years creating designs that effectively revolutionized the architectural world of the 20^th century.  In all, he designed 1141 works including houses, schools, churches, offices, libraries, bridges, museums and various other structures.  His work extended beyond architecture as well to include furniture, fabrics, silver, linens, and graphic arts among other mediums.  Frank Lloyd Wright is considered by many authorities to be the greatest architect f the 20^th century. 

The great news is that his home at Taliesin West is open to tours by the public almost everyday from 9am to 4pm so that you can experience Wright’s brilliant ability to merge indoor and outdoor spaces first hand.  The tours range in cost, duration, and detail depending on the level of your interest but are a great way to spend an afternoon.  We are incredibly lucky to have such a monument just down the street from Corriente Condos in Scottsdale.  As Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “A building is not just a place to be.  It is a way to be.”  We hope to see you soon.

All Aboard!

It’s amazing what you can find just around the corner from Corriente Condos here in Scottsdale…literally next door is the renowned McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.  Located in the heart of Scottsdale and open 363 days per year, this is one of the most unique parks of its type in the country.  This park was made possible by the 100 acre donation by the Fowler McCormick’s back in 1967 to the city of Scottsdale with the stipulation that the land be used as a park for everyone to enjoy.  At that time, the land was estimated to be worth $1 million!  Guy Stillman, the son of Anne and Fowler McCormick, was the driving force behind the creation of the park with his 1971 donation of its centerpiece, the Paradise and Pacific Railroad replica.  Rumor has it that Walt Disney even offered to purchase the railroad from Guy for a theme park he was developing, but Guy chose to keep the railroad in Scottsdale.

As a visitor, you are free to tour the grounds, enjoy the Xeriscape Arboretum, or let the kids go wild on one of two well-appointed playgrounds.  For those of you looking for a bit more excitement, Railroad Park is home to the Paradise and Pacific Railroad ride, the first ride opened in the park and its true centerpiece attraction.  This railroad is built and operated as an exact 5/12 reproduction of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad.  This means that every 5 inches in the scaled down ride equals 1 foot of the actual train.  This wonderful train carries passengers around a one mile track circling the park every half hour on weekdays and continuously on weekends.  The Paradise and Pacific Railroad features three steam locomotive engines, two diesel engines, several passenger cars, and a water tank.  Rides are operated on a two ticket system and 12 tickets can be purchased for $10…kids under three ride free with a paying adult!

Railroad Park is also home to the fantastic Scottsdale Charro Carousel.  Completed in 1950, this antique carousel is registered with the National Carousel Preservation and features 30 horses and 2 wheelchair chariots…kids ride for one ticket a piece.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, you can stop in to refuel at the Snackshop or Hartley’s general store…you might even consider walking directly across Indian Bend to enjoy a sit down meal at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Scottsdale truly is a wonderful town…its rich history, wonderful amenities, and plethora of available activities make it a great place to call home.  Corriente Condos is proud to be nestled here in central Scottsdale…we hope you take the time to visit us soon and enjoy the city for yourself!

Corriente Condos: Scottsdale Elegance

What is it about a community that makes it feel like home?  Here at Corriente Condominiums in central Scottsdale, we think we have found the perfect recipe for excellence.  Immediately after entering our gates, we welcome you to leave the stress behind.  First off, you will probably notice that our community streetscape is relatively void of clutter and automobiles.  It’s difficult to truly appreciate the limited number of cars along the streetscape until you see it firsthand.  The underground parking garages, with interior elevators in each building, dually serve as a fantastic convenience and a visual enhancement at the street level.  Landscaping, not cars, is paramount and predominant throughout Corriente Condominiums.  After setting foot upon our grounds, you will surely notice the native landscaping and abundance of colorful flora and fauna throughout the interior corridors.  Central to our community is our resort style heated pool and oversized spa flanked by the on-site fitness center.  In this way, Corriente Condominiums was designed as a home away from home.  A place where you can focus on enjoying everything the great Arizona outdoors has to offer. 

If shopping is on the agenda, Corriente’s central Scottsdale location puts you within minutes of nearby Fashion Square Mall, Old Town Scottsdale, Kierland Commons, the Quarter, and the numerous retail locales surrounding the community.  If the links better suit your taste, grab your golf bag and walk to the nearby clubhouse at Silverado Golf Course via the walking trail on the border of Corriente.  If hiking is more your thing, we are literally minutes away from Camelback Mountain, the tallest mountain in the Phoenix Mountain range.  Even further, you are a stone’s throw from access to miles of walking/biking trails and right next door to the wonderful Railroad Park. 

While we understand that there are number of communities here in Arizona that are vying for your interest, here at Corriente Condominiums in Scottsdale we are confident that our amenities and overall understated elegance will capture your interest in one way or another.  We welcome you to learn more about us and the great opportunities that we still have available in the community…but don’t wait too long, our soon-to-start new building is filling up fast, but we still have some wonderful lake/mountain/golf course view homes available!

Just down the street from Corriente Condos

Here at Corriente Condos in Scottsdale, it’s so easy to enjoy the perks that this central Scottsdale location affords.  Just minutes away from Kierland Commons, why not head down the road and enjoy some of the special summer events that are open to the public on the weekends!  In fact, if you’re looking for something to do this Saturday night (June 11, 2011), take a look at the Summer Concert Series which includes live local music on Saturdays through July 30^th.  This weekend, Chuck-E Baby will be playing from 7-9pm.  They are versatile group playing an extremely wide variety of music from a number of different eras. They have been rated as “Arizona’s Favorite Party Band” so it should be a fun show to enjoy an array of good tunes. 

Why not make it an evening and head over for dinner beforehand at one of the many restaurants in the Kierland Commons such as North, PF Chang’s, The Ocean Club, The Greene House, Morton’s, RA Sushi Bar, Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant, Zinc, and The Cheesecake Factory just to name a few. 

If you are interested in enjoying some libations  prior to the start of the show, check out Island Time at Tommy Bahama everyday from 4-6pm through June 12, 2011 to take advantage of drinks starting at $3 and appetizers at $5. 

Even further, now that we are into the wonderful months of summer here in the Scottsdale valley, the shops at the Kierland Commons have extended their hours to 9pm on Friday and Saturday through September 4, 2011.

Also, if you have the kiddos and are looking for something fun to do while enjoying the great outdoors, the Kierland Commons splash pad, a water fountain playland, is now open through October.  With everything to do here in Scottsdale, Corriente Condos looks forward to another wonderful and event-filled summer…we hope you join us!