go see Taliesen West, frank lloyd wright school. amazing. also go see the desert. biltmore hotel is beautiful. i did not find downtown charming at all. lovely restaurants out in the desert too...

Meth.

Treat yourself to a treat at The Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale!

http://www.sugarbowlscottsdale.com/

Lots of great hiking in the area. Even at Papago Park.... near the Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
http://phoenix.gov/recreation/rec/parks/preserves/locations/papago/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papago_Park

The Major League West and Central teams have spring training in Phoenix/Scottsdale, including the Chicago Cubs. Not sure when you're going, but if it is during Spring Training season (late Feb - all of March), you could catch a game.

Pleanty of local music in Tempe along Mill Ave. Taliesin West was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is open for tours

Wow, I had to check and make sure I didn't write this a year ago, because I also went to Phoenix for work (and first time away from family). There's a delicious restaurant that's kind of in a not great area. I think it was called Guadalajara. It's not right downtown, but easy to get to. Also, I spent far too much time at the Charming Charlie. Scottsdale has an upscale mall. If you have enough downtime, I'd totally recommend doing a hot air balloon ride.

Heard museum, botanical gardens, hiking, window shopping in old town Scottsdale. See what's going on theater-wise. I love shopping there--the stores are so much more spacious and better stocked than ones in DC.

I'll be away from the family for work for the 1st time in 5 years. I'll be staying downtown but will have a car. I won't have too much downtime, but if there are any good restaurants, shopping areas, or sight seeing recommendations, I'd appreciate it.