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Things To Do
Tourists looking for an escape from the cold make their way west each winter, enjoying the myriad outdoor options that Phoenix offers, including hiking, camping, golf, tennis and spa retreats. Hot weather, a diverse culture and spicy food draw new residents annually.
Sports & Outdoors
Get lost on the Tropics Trail at the Phoenix Zoo, enjoy a baseball game at the air-conditioned Chase Field, enjoy a concert at the U.S. Airways Center or explore native plants at the Desert Botanical Garden.
The Phoenix Zoo is divided into four trails, including the Africa Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Discovery Trail and the Tropics Trail. A large petting zoo, a prairie dog village and various animal-encounter programs are sure to delight visitors. For more information, call 602-273-1341. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.
The U.S. Airways Center, formerly America West Arena, is home to the NBA Phoenix Suns, WNBA Phoenix Mercury, ECHL’s Phoenix Roadrunners and the AFL Arizona Rattlers. Glass walls, a 12-by-20-foot video screen, and stylish bars and eateries make the pavilion easily accessible for sporting events, musical concerts and family entertainment. For more information, call 602-379-2000. 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix.
A retractable steel roof and pool in right center field make Chase Field a unique ballpark. The Arizona Diamondbacks play at this 49,000-seat, air-conditioned stadium in downtown Phoenix, across from U.S. Airways Center. During baseball’s off-season, see a monster truck rally or super-cross events. For more information, call 602-514-8400. 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix.
Explore the Discovery Trail at the Desert Botanical Garden, for aloe, century plants and more than 1,300 cacti. Thousands of species and plants adaptive to the arid landscape are on display. For more information, call 480-941-1225. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.
Arts Museums & Landmarks
Dining
Southwestern and Mexican flavors blend together for unique cuisine that caters to every predilection. Curiously, some of the city’s top restaurants are found in hotels or shopping malls.
La Hacienda’s signature dish is the roast suckling pig, marinated in tamarind and bitter orange, and carved tableside. Located on the grounds of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, La Hacienda greets guests with classic Southwestern décor and carved wood furnishings. For the more adventurous food aficionado. For reservations, call 480-585-2721. 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale.
Continental cuisine infused with Southwestern flavors is featured at the Palm Court in the Scottsdale Resort. Come for Sunday brunch and experience the restaurant’s flambéed desserts and flaming coffees. For reservations, call 480-991-9000. 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale.
Upscale Mediterranean cuisine is a treat for patrons of T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms Resort. Specialties include lobster and regional dishes from Barcelona and Tuscany. For reservations, call 800-672-6011. 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.
Shopping
Shopping denizens can find their niche in central Phoenix and downtown Scottsdale. Cowboy collectibles, folk art and outlet malls all add a distinctly Southwestern flavor to Phoenix shopping.
The northwest suburb of Glendale offers Arrowhead Towne Center, featuring more than 170 shops, department stores and eateries. A movie theater and play area are convenient extras. For more information, call 623-979-9764. 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale.
Brick walkways, hacienda fountains and blooming landscapes make up the open-air setting of Biltmore Fashion Park, featuring stores such as Gucci and Cartier as well as upscale cafes and restaurants. For more information, call 602-955-8400. 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.
Scottsdale Fashion Square is home to the Southwest’s premier shopping destination, offering more than 225 retailers, a full-service concierge and valet parking. Shops include Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Sephora. For more information, call 480-990-7800. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.
Events
Phoenix events are enjoyed year round, thanks to the pleasant weather in the winter, spring and fall.
For 122 years, Arizonans have gathered to show their best livestock, view agricultural endeavors and have fun at the Arizona State Fair. Catch a rodeo, horse racing, a petting zoo, musical entertainment, thrill rides and educational exhibits from Oct. 13 to Nov. 5, 2006. For more information, call 602-252-6771. 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
More than 80 art galleries and businesses open their doors in downtown Phoenix the First Friday of every month for one of the biggest artwalks in the country. A good starting point is the Phoenix Public Library for a brochure with information on all the member galleries and locations. Admission is free. For more information, call 602-256-7539. Downtown Phoenix.
Gay Pride Events and Gay Parades in Phoenix
Neighborhoods
1. Downtown/Convention Center
When professional sports venues, upscale shopping and museums joined the downtown Phoenix area in the early 1990s, the area was reborn, drawing people to the surrounding coffeehouses, cafes and nightclubs. The area boasts the Heard Museum, Arizona Science Center and Heritage Square.
2. Scottsdale/Old Town
Arguably Arizona’s “most livable city,” Scottsdale retains its western roots with steak houses, and Old Town’s Native American jewelry and Southwest souvenirs. Scottsdale is chiefly known for its upscale shopping, sprawling residences, world-class golf courses, tennis resorts and spa retreats.
3. Tempe/Airport Area
South of Scottsdale is the college town of Tempe, home to Arizona State University. Mill Avenue hosts an eclectic mix of cafes, clubs and shopping.
4. Mesa/Gilbert/Chandler
Affordable and family-oriented, Mesa maintains its sense of family community, while trying to attract businesses and new development in the area.
Gilbert, a bedroom community, has seen explosive growth in the past two decades, while striving to retain its agricultural origins and small-town charm.
Filled with dog parks, recreation centers and golf courses, Chandler hosts young families and professionals, while establishing itself as a center of the high-tech industry.
5. West Phoenix/Glendale
West Phoenix is home to affordable housing, shopping and the Cricket Pavilion, an open-air concert venue. Glendale offers Victorian charm, with cobblestone streets, brick buildings and antique shops. Arrowhead Towne Center is located in Glendale.
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