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Exploring Arizona -
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Way to go, Arizona!
Phoenix is the heart of the rapidly progressing American Southwest and a metropolis of over 5 million people, with a delightful mix of Old West and New World.
Referred to as the “Valley”, Greater Phoenix includes the cities of Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, and Mesa, and covers over 2,000 square miles, which is actually is larger than Los Angeles geographically, and capital of both Arizona and the Maricopa County seat. Its explosive growth began during World War II when military airfields considered Phoenix a perfect flying ground, and many security defense institutions followed. Until now, Luke Air Force Base, located west of Phoenix, is still a major training center for fighter pilots today.
Greater Phoenix is in the Sonoran Desert. Central Phoenix is flanked by upscale Scottsdale to the east and north, and fast progressing Glendale and Peoria to the west. At the south edge is the South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the world. East is Tempe (home to Arizona State University), Mesa and Gilbert.
And how’s the weather for a Phoenix vacation? The Valley averages 300 days of sunshine a year. Despite the 3-digit summers, temperatures from November to April range from the 40s- 80s. Just last winter season of 2006, temperatures registered at the 20s but winter snow is basically unheard of. Here’s more of Arizona’s weather.
Arizona is proud of its more than 200 museums, art centers, archaeological parks and botanical gardens. Remarkable as The Heard Museum, world-famous for its Native American art and culture exhibits, and the Phoenix Art Museum featuring a permanent collection of 13,000 works from contemporary art to Western classics.
Arizona is world-renowned for its deserts and being home to the cacti. The Botanical Garden showcases more than 2,000 plants from worldwide, and is located next to the Phoenix Zoo. If you wish, a short trip to Tucson will bring you to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park to learn about Sonoran Desert plant and animal life, and features one of the largest saguaro stands in the world.
Phoenix Vacation - Festivals & Events
February, March - Arizona Rodeo (Phoenix), Barrett-Jackson Auction (Scottsdale - largest antique/classic car auction in the world), Phoenix Open (Scottsdale), Annual Renaissance Festival (Apache Junction), Annual O'odham Tash (Casa grande - largest all Indian rodeo, arts & crafts).
April, May, June - Annual County Fair (Phoenix), The Tradition (Scottsdale - Senior PGA), George Phippen Western Art Show (Prescott).
July, August, September - Fourth of July celebrations statewide, Annual Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering (Prescott), Jazz on the Rocks Benefit Festival (Sedona).
October, November, December - Original Coors Rodeo Showdown (Phoenix), Cowboy Artists of America Sale & Exhibition (Phoenix), Glendale Glitters Spectacular (Glendale), Annual Cowboy Poets Christmas Gathering (Wickenburg).
Phoenix Vacation - Golf
What about golf? If you’re a golf aficionado, then let me tell you that Phoenix is “The Golf Capital of the World.”
Statewide, there are more than 275 courses with different colorful panoramic settings, and major professional golf tournaments are held regularly. You can choose from the luxurious Monument and Pinnacle courses at Troon North or The Boulders, to the diverse golf ranges for the budget conscious. Or master that perfect swing at the John Jacob’s Golf Schools in Scottsdale, ranked as the “Top 25 Golf Schools In America” by the Golf Magazine.
Phoenix Vacation - Hiking and Backpacking
Like backpacking? Biking? Horseback riding? Scenic Driving? Get outside and experience Phoenix hiking especially during spring and autumn. From easy to difficult rate levels, enthusiasts will be delighted. Road and mountain biking is virtually endless at the 16,500 acre South Mountain Park, America’s largest city park. Ride a horse along the lower trails and trek through the mountain preserves.
As the fifth-largest city in the United States, you can still get away from the fast-paced city life with plenty of opportunities and explore 145-acre themed gardens at the Desert Botanical Gardens and the nearby Phoenix Zoo, both located within the 1,200-acre Papago Park, miles of hiking and biking trails, a golf course, an archery range, stocked fishing lagoons and picnic armadas.
Want more? Get outdoors with a kayak trip across the calm waters of Tempe Town Lake or head over to Fort McDowell for a two-hour trail ride into the McDowell Mountain foothills. Rough and rugged 4-wheel riders will have an adventure though the Sonoran Desert to the Four Peaks Mountains with Desert Storm Hummer Tours. Or opt for a desert picnic and an aerial adventure in a hot air balloon with Adventures Out West.
Absolutely exciting!
Phoenix Vacation - Sports
Metro Phoenix hosts the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (college football festival), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Arizona Rattlers (arena football), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and the Arizona Thunder (indoor soccer).
It is also host to seven major league baseball teams every spring as part of the Cactus League. The San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Anaheim Angels carry out their annual trainings; while the Arizona Diamondbacks (winners of 2001 World Series), Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox train in Tucson.
Phoenix Vacation - Shopping
Attention shoppers! Savvy shoppers searching for the Valley’s many shopping destinations can start their morning at the trendy Biltmore Fashion Park, housing more than 60 specialty boutiques and luxury stores including Ann Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Escada, Ralph Lauren, Stuart Weitzman, Gucci and Cartier. Go grab a lunch at any of the fabulous restaurants around or coffe at the cozy sidewalk cafes, then explore the 225-store Scottsdale Fashion, the largest shopping destination in the Southwest.
Finish your day strolling along the streets in Old Town Scottsdale, where fashionistas will find everything from funky to art work. Tempe’s Mill Avenue is populated by chain merchants and locally-owned shops such as Hippie Gypsy (one-stop psychedelic shopping), Urban Angels (hip clothing for the college co-ed) and Kontrive (funky furniture and locally designed duds).
Countless antique and specialty stores, Asian restaurants and cultural centers also abound in Phoenix and especially in the Historic Downtown of Glendale, “Arizona’s Antique Capital.”
Phoenix Vacation - Casino Gaming
Thought casinos are only in Las Vegas and Atlantic City? Not anymore! Since 1987, several casinos are operating near the metro-Phoenix area including the 40,000 sq.ft. Harrah’s Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino, Gila River Casinos, Casino Arizona, 148,000 sq.ft. Fort McDowell Casino, with the hottest slots, keno, bingo, poker, blackjack tables and live entertainment and more!
Phoenix Hotel, Restaurant, and Bar Guide
Reviews of Phoenix, Arizona, restaurants, bars, hotels, and golf courses. Find them all in www.Phx411.com
For hotel accommodations, here are the Top Hotel Deals in Phoenix.
Phoenix never looked so good and adventurous. You can be a kid again, with so much fun things to do with the family. Phoenix is for everybody, including romantic escapades such as resorts, even gay bars for the lesbian and gay community. No doubt, Phoenix offers a positive environment to live and enjoy life.
Twelve million tourists every year can’t go wrong. Indeed, Phoenix is a haven. Discover your gateway to the world’s best resorts, spas, and adventures.
All the best of Phoenix, Kabayan. Get to know it more.
Enjoy your Phoenix vacation like we did!
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