This enjoyable city in the Valley of the Sun has an abundance of wildlife far different from the tourist’s expectations. We’ve enjoyed seeing elk, deer, javelinas, roadrunners, quail, chipmunks, and even the occasional snake, but Scottsdale’s rabbits make us happiest. These sturdy little creatures in shades of light brown, tan, and gray line the roads, paths, and tree-lined areas of most resorts and residential areas. Dusk is the time they really come out to play. Clearly, they benefit from Scottsdale’s generous sprinkler systems, lavish swathes of grass, and the absence of coyote and other predators who’d never survive a trot across Loop 101.

These cottontails enhance the charm of one of the American Southwest’s most attractive destinations; they view humans with a wary but accepting eye and are very, very good at lowering one’s blood pressure. While trawling the Internet looking for a new hotel to try, we found one resort advertising its peaceful, secluded grounds with the promise of myriad cottontails and quail!