The nostalgic Old West meets the cosmopolitan New West in these southwestern cities. Its a magnetic blend. The irresistibly balmy climate is the first of many attractions, and the natural host to outdoor pleasures. We all become outdoor enthusiasts with the natural splendor of the surrounding mountain and desert vistas via horseback, hiking trips, jeep tours and relaxing river floats.

Perhaps the best way to see how the "Old West" is changing is to see how Scottsdale not only sees itself, but how it balances its two faces. What's true for Scottsdale holds true for the other communities as well.

First there was Herb Drinkwater, who guided the city for 16 years as mayor and eight as a councilman. Known for his ever-present cowboy boots and jaunty cowboy hat, Drinkwater liberally tossed around the "West's Most Western Town" slogan and frequently greeted visitors with a heartfelt "Howdy." He seemed, to both residents and those he visited abroad, to be the perfect Western statesman.

The late Mayor Drinkwater said it best, "It's not just what we are, it's in our minds, in what we believe," he said. "It's how we treat people. I see a tremendous compassion for other people that I don't see in other places. I've always said, if your car breaks down, if you get a flat tire, if you get lost, somebody will always help you."

A study conducted by the city's Western Task Force outlined what attracts people to Scottsdale: desert and mountain views; its history and culture, the story of Native Americans; Western activities and music; and Western and Indian art.

Today, it's Scottsdale's new Waterfront Project, Rio Salado Project in Phoenix, and Mesa and Phoenix' new convention centers, as well as excellent resorts.. The "Old West" has fast become the "New West!"