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Glittering like a jewel
under the bright Southwestern sun, the dazzling surroundings and the eight
months of nearly perfect weather have drawn people to Phoenix. Phoenix
is Arizona's 'big city'. Yet it is very unlike most 'big cities'. Firstly,
you'll find this a very friendly place, very small town in posture. And,
you'll see, the area gives the appearance (with the exception of the
immediate downtown area) of a suburb rather than the city, itself. Much of
what appears to be Phoenix is actually separate municipalities, e.g.,
Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe.
As capitol
of Arizona, Phoenix is known for its warm temperatures and low humidity.
Lying on flat desert and surrounded by mountains and green irrigated
fields. It is both a resort area and an industrial area. By day, the sun
fairly sparkles, and as evening nears the sunsets splash purple and
blazing orange across the vast horizon. It is because of these wondrous
sites that Phoenix's metro area is called the Valley of the Sun. This once
sleepy agricultural town is now increasingly active and constantly
expanding.
Phoenix is also home to the Suns NBA basketball franchise, the
Diamondbacks of National League baseball fame, and the Arizona Cardinals
of the National Football League.
Reserving a room in a
fine hotel in the Phoenix area is very easy here with HiwayGuide.com. Just
select the community with a left-click of your mouse and then select the
hotel of your choice. You can even request desired amenities.
Phoenix area
attractions include (in alphabetical order so we don't get in trouble):
-
Arizona Museum for Youth
- an environment specializing in "visual and tactile
stimulations', in other words, hands-on, experiences. Hours (starting September 6, 2002): Tues-Sun
9a-5p; closed Mondays.
$3.50 per person - Children under 1 and members admitted free.
35 North
Robinson St, Mesa.
480-644-2468
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- oldest and most spectacularly sited arboretum in the southwestern
U.S..
37615 US-60, Superior (60 miles east of Phoenix)
520-689-2723
-
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
- site of some 1,500 ancient petroglyphs
3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix
623-582-8007.
- Desert Botanical Garden
- a 'living museum' focused on the region's desert lands.
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix
602-754-8100
(continued in column 2) |
(continued from column 1)
- Goldfield Ghost Town
- more than just another ghost town, here you can visit Superstition Mountain/Lost Dutchman Museum, pan for gold,
ride an old mine narrow gauge train and even witness a realistic old west gun
duel.
Head east on AZ-88 (the Apache Trail) to Goldfield (about 4 miles NE of Apache
Junction).
- Great Arizona Puppet Theater
- a real, live, puppet show. Even the adults will enjoy this
one.
302 West Latham Street, Phoenix
602-262-2050
- remaining as a remnant of Phoenix’s Victorian past, here
you'll find the
Rosson House,
some museums, shops and restaurants. This was part of the original townsite of Phoenix.
-
Phoenix Art Museum
- a private not-for-profit organization, at over 160,000 square feet, it is one of the largest general visual arts institutions in the Southwest.
Hours: Tue-Sun 10a-5p except closes 9p Thursdays. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Admission: Free to all on Thursdays! Otherwise, $7 adults; $5 adults 65 and over & full-time students; $2 ages 6-17; free for Museum members & children under age 6.
northeast corner of McDowell Rd & Central Ave
602-257-1222
-
Phoenix Zoo
- Hours: open every day of the year, except December 25. Schedules as follow: Regular season (Jne-Aug) 7a-8p; Off season (Sep-May) 9a-5p.
How to find the Zoo: 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix (1/2 mile west of the Desert Botanical Garden) in Papago Park
602-273-1341
-
Shemer Art Center
- this 1920s Santa Fe mission-style adobe residence is now a cultural center
and concert hall. They offer a full schedule of classes, lectures, art exhibits
and, of course, concerts featuring both resident ( Arizona) and nationally-known artists.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10a-5p except Tue hours extended to 9p; Sat 9a-1p. Admission is free for most shows.
5005 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix (near the base of Camelback Mountain)
602-262-4727
-
Stuffington Bear Factory
- learn about the history and art of Teddy Bear manufacturing. Many, hands-on, learning experiences
available in the making of stuffed bears and other animals. (I was
recently accused of saving the best for last.)
2645 East Washington St, Phoenix 602-225-9513.
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