Few places in America can stand up to the true luxury and comfort of Phoenix Arizona. This metropolitan area is America’s 6th largest city. It’s over 2000 square miles boasts a population of 4.2 million strong. Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe are all proud to be part of the Valley of the Sun. This now booming area was originally inhabited by the Hohokam people in 1450 A.D. They created the first major settlement in the Salt River Valley and created a canal system still used today. The U.S. government established fort McDowell in 1865, and in 1868, the city of Phoenix was born. Phoenix offers a little something for everyone, tourist and locals alike. Its comfortable autumn weather makes it a popular holiday destination. Thirteen to fifteen million people visit Phoenix every year.
What to do in Phoenix:
You don’t have to look very far for something to do in Phoenix, and it is a prolific giving tree of entertainment.
Adventure:
You can take a lovely hike in some of its magnificent mountains. If golfing is what you like, it has many lovely courses. Or, if you would enjoy viewing the scenery from a better perspective, there are hot air balloons. Of course, you would try to avoid arriving in the peak of summer, when temperatures are consistently over 100 degrees. This sunny weather is one of the main reasons the area attracts so many visitors. The Sonoran Desert is colorful, majestic, and an excellent place to play.
Leisure:
For those that are less adventurous, the Phoenix and Baltimore area offer top rated restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping and sports venues. The Desert Botanical Garden hosts a wide variety of resilient desert plants. Children will love to see the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Zoo.
Sports:
On the subject of sports – all major professional sports leagues have a Phoenix team. In March of every year, MLB’s Cactus League spring training has been raking in the fans. Glendale has the new Arizona Cardinal’s football stadium, and the Phoenix Coyote’s hockey arena. If you ever have the pleasure of making a flight into Phoenix, you will see how extensive its sports stadiums are. The NASCAR series comes twice a year, and is an excellent event for those that love fast-paced action.
Recreation:
Of course, there are still more things to do in this booming city. Lake Pleasant is north along with the Salt River and Verde River reservoir system east and northeast of Phoenix. These locations are perfect for power boating water, skiing, and fishing.
Risky business:
Of course, no vacation would be complete without a little bit of gambling. Phoenix offers many reservation casinos, greyhound, and horse tracks. What could be more fun than winning some money to cover this vacation? It doesn’t compare to Vegas, but you make do with what you can get.
Some fun Facts about Phoenix:
• This city averages over 310 sunny days a year
• There are over 200 golf courses in the Greater Phoenix area
• Phoenix is only a 75-minute drive from six different lakes