Things to Do

Get away from the big city with a small change in latitude. Go horseback riding, hiking or hot air ballooning to gain a new perspective. Surprisingly, you're only minutes away from several lakes and rivers, and only an hour away from the mountains of northern Arizona and the mighty Grand Canyon.

Meet an Architectural Giant
Great architecture is well-represented in this area. Taliesin West, a National Historic Landmark, was home to Frank Lloyd Wright and houses his architectural school and firm. He wanted to become one with nature and used innovative techniques and local materials taken directly from the land. In fact, he didn't want to put glass windows in and only did so after his wife insisted. Take the last tour of the night to watch the sunset's brilliant colors wash over the landscape.

Spend the Day (or two or three) on a Golf Course
You couldn't have chosen a better place to play golf. With over 300 days of pure sunshine a year, the Valley of the Sun is a golfer's dream-come-true. Over 200 courses in the area are ready-made for champions and beginners alike and are designed by some of the best in the business. Play on desert mountain slopes or in arid valleys that wind their way around lakes and rivers. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful backdrop for your swing! CLICK HERE FOR RECOMMENDED COURSES

Top Spots for Family Fun
In town with the family? Check out the Phoenix Zoo and the Rawhide Western Town, just to name two really fun family attractions. Go for an easy hike or take a Hummer tour of surrounding desert beauty. And don't forget to visit the Arizona Science Center; a continuous stream of great exhibits and interactive programs entertains kids large and small.

Yee-haa! Be a Cowboy
Ever wanted to try your hand at being a ranch hand? You've come to the right place. Enroll in a week-long 'cowboy' course at one of the local dude ranches or the Arizona Cowboy College in Scottsdale. You'll learn everything from roping steer to mending fences. The first two days are spent learning the ropes, so to speak. Meet your horse, get familiar with the equipment you'll be using and acclimate to the long hours and rugged terrain. The next four days, you'll be sleeping under the stars on a round-up, working alongside real cowboys on a job straight out of the Old West. City slicker to 'dude' in 7 days or less!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommended Golf Courses

Arizona is home to more golf courses per capita than any state west of the Mississippi — and many of them (over 100) are in the Phoenix area. Play on desert mountain slopes or in arid valleys. RECOMMENDATIONS:

Camelback Resort Golf Club
For one of the newest and best golf experiences, head to the mountains of Scottsdale. This Arthur Hills-designed course will inspire even the greenest golfer to new heights. A par-72 course with some 6903 yards to play on, the course will amaze you with lush greens and breathtaking mountain views. SEE SPECIALS & BOOK A TEE TIME
Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club
This Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course has 18 holes and over 7,102 yards for players of all abilities. Each hole offers several tees for everyone, from beginner to seasoned pro, for a challenging game. The 72-par course hosts shots over both desert and wash areas and with the majestic Sierra Estrella Mountains as a backdrop. You'll be blown away by both course and scenery! BOOK A TEE TIME
Golf the McCormick Ranch
This golf club has two prime courses, the Palm and the Pine, over 7,000 yards each. The Palm Course (par 72) is recognized as one of the country's top water holes, and with 10 to choose from, you'll enjoy teeing off under the lush palm trees that dot the landscape. The Pine Course has been around for close to 35 years and has recently been renovated. It has narrow fairways and a forest of pines that golfers of all levels will love and also stands at a par 72. BOOK A TEE TIME
Gorgeous Fairways of the Legacy
Gary Panks is the man behind the Legacy Golf Resort, an 18-hole, par-71 course with gorgeous green fairways and everything a golfer could imagine. It's steeped in history, as it used to be a huge ranch where VIPs like Teddy Roosevelt and Poncho Villa visited. The course is lush and the amazing vistas you'll encounter along the way offer awe-inspiring glimpses of the Camelback Mountains, Squaw Peak and the skyline of downtown. BOOK A TEE TIME
Tee Off on the Rolling Hills of Lookout Mountain
In North Phoenix, tee up at Pointe Golf Club on Lookout Mountain where you'll play on open fairways and the rolling hills around the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The 18 holes can be grouped into three categories: desert, wide-open and a combination of both. The gorgeous scenery and challenging play level will engage every golfer. Lookout Mountain is a par 71 and was designed by course architect, Bill Johnson. BOOK A TEE TIME
Try the North and South of Talking Stick
Both courses at Talking Stick are designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw who worked together as a team to create this resort nestled in the shadows of the Camelback Mountains. The 7,133-yard North course allows for broad shots and has a 70 par. The South course has fairways lined with trees and raised greens that are a little less challenging than the North and is 6,833 yards at par 71. BOOK A TEE TIME
-------------------------------------------------------------

Head Out of Town

These fun day trips are a good reason to have a rental car — or you can book your visit with tour providers. Either way, the following adventures are well worth the effort:

Get in the Spirit in Sedona
Though known for its red rocks and New Age spiritualism, Sedona is also becoming a city replete with luxury resorts and sophisticated shopping and dining spots. It's also a premier wedding destination, and why not? Recently voted the most beautiful place in the United States by USA Weekend, it has all the scenery and amenities for gorgeous nuptials. Explore the canyons by jeep or on horseback, then come back to your resort and reward your muscles with a deep-tissue massage. See Sedona's natural beauty from a helicopter or hot air balloon, have your tarot cards read and head off for an elegant meal at one of the area's internationally acclaimed restaurants.

In uptown Sedona, you'll find an eclectic mix of shops with delightful wares you can't find anywhere else. This is the place to go for the ultimate souvenirs. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is a must do; you'll feel like you just stepped into a thriving Mexican village square. Check out the dozens of galleries showcasing regional, national and international talent. Take a drive through Oak Creek Canyon — this road was the first to be designated as a scenic highway in the state. Enjoy a hiking trip through red rock formations, a round of golf with a breathtaking backdrop, a fantastic meal at an award-winning restaurant or a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa. Sedona has an amazing spirit to offer.

Sedona is 119 miles north of Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 to AZ 179, then to AZ 89A.

Head to Scottsdale for Some 'Desert Cool'
Just a few miles northeast of Phoenix, this sprawling suburb is now a major hub in its own right.

Scottsdale is the perfect combination of cowboy cool and sophisticated chic. For a truly amazing dining experience, come on down to Restaurant Row on Stetson. Whether you're hungry for a steak the size of your head or looking for nouveau fusion cuisine, you're bound to find something to tantalize your tastebuds here, with over 600 restaurants to choose from! Shopping is a favorite pastime here, with some of the most exclusive brands in the business vying for your shopping dollars. As you stroll around the city, you'll notice how relaxed and refreshed everyone looks, likely due to the numerous five-star spa facilities in the area.

Oh, and check out the dozens of first-rate golf courses that dot the scenery. With over 300 sunny days a year, be amazed at the wide range of facilities you'll find. Another great way to relax is to head to the theater to watch a Broadway-caliber performance or to a museum to peruse both local and international masterpieces. Art is big here, you'll soon find out, so check out all the public art in the area, as well as the festivals and fairs throughout the year. Soak in the gorgeous desert landscape on a tour or explore on your own. You'll see the majestic Saguaros, listen to the howl of the coyote or take in the aroma of a field of desert wildflowers

-------------------------------------------------

Dining Ideas

Sample Southwestern cuisine right here, where it originated, at any number of fabulous restaurants in the area. Check into your resort and MAKE A DINNER RESERVATION right away. The food is so good here, tables book days in advance. Try these recommendations:

A Truly Entertaining (and Delicious!) Night at the Theater
Get your tickets for the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Choose your lunch or dinner from the Mainstage Buffet, have a glass of wine and sit back and let them entertain you. No worries. No rushing through dinner to ensure that you make the opening curtain. You're right there, where both dining and entertainment are the main course. This season, tickets are on sale for Broadway-style musicals like 'Aida,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and 'Spirit of the Season.' If you've already eaten and just want to enjoy a great show, there are 'show only' seats available at every performance. The theater is located at 5247 E. Brown Road in Mesa.

Arguably the Best Pizza in Town!
Although difficult to judge the best pizza in town, several foodie magazines have chosen to heap their laurels on Pizzeria Bianco, and Chef Bianco is, in fact, a James Beard award-winner. You'll see when you try to get a seat, that most everyone in town agrees. Fresh ingredients with the chef's unique flair make this eatery a must-do stop on any visitor's trip. We're betting authentic Napolitano-style pizza, rich tomato sauce and heaping handfuls of cheese, encrusted in hand-tossed crust, sets your mouth watering right now...

Sit Down to Gourmet Mexican Fare
For some of the area's finest gourmet Mexican cuisine head to the Barrio Café. You won't find the usual tacos and burritos of your local joint, the chef uses traditional ingredients but melds them in such a unique way that you'll be craving it again in no time. Don't expect chips and salsa as you are seated, instead, dive into fresh Mexican bread with a splendid tapenade. Order the guacamole and it will be mixed at your table, along with interesting seasonal additions. The décor is as quirky and unique as the menu's offerings.

Spots to Dine by Candlelight
In the trendy Camelback Corridor is a truly romantic restaurant: elements in the Sanctuary Resort. The ever-changing menu is American-traditional with a touch of Asian fusion, and the chef takes advantage of local flavors when he prepares his masterpieces. The interior is simple, yet elegant, much like the clean Japanese flavors in many of the dishes. Have cocktails on the patio while you wait and if you're stag, dine at the community table and break bread with new friends. Another great place to dine is T. Cook's in the Royal Palms Resort & Spa. Consistently ranked one of the region's best, the menu is inspired by the grandeur of the room and the Mediterranean theme

-----------------------------

Good Shopping Spots

As much a pastime as a need, shopping in this Valley is pure heaven for the seasoned bargain hunter. High-end to open market, visitors won't be able to conquer all shopping options in only one visit. Great places to start:

From Trading Post to High Fashion...
Phoenix offers Mediterranean-style shopping villas, eclectic locally owned boutiques, rural trading posts, premier retailers and a first-class shopping destination, set amidst a lovely, western landscape. The Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest shopping area in the entire Southwest, with over 225 retailers, including the largest Dillard's in the country. Go antiquing in historic Olde Town in one of the 80 stores. Unique jewelry, Native American goods, open-air markets, trendy fashions and home décor &$151; all can be found here.

Go 'Mediterranean' in Scottsdale
The Borgata is a brand-new open-air Mecca for high-end retail addicts and features 40 one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques like Femme de Paris and Davinci Collezione. Home décor, women, men and children's apparel, gifts and galleries, as well as cafés and chic bisros—the Italian marketplace is transformed with the unique desert setting in the 'Valley of the Sun.' Just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix is the first 'urban village' in the area, Kierland Commons. Designed more like a small town than a shopping mall, the development includes retailers like BCBG and Anthropologie as well as fine restaurants and hot events. Lush landscaping, pedestrian-friendly streets and fountains lend a community feel to your retail therapy.

Spend the Day at an Upscale 'Park'
Do some shopping in the upscale Biltmore Fashion Park, located in the Camelback Corridor. Featuring more than 70 shops, lush landscaping and an open-air park offers a place to take a break from your credit card workout. Anchored by Saks and Macy's, many specialty shops and trendy boutiques take up the remainder of the space. Scottsdale's Fashion Square showcases some retailers that can't be found anywhere else in the state. Designed for the high-end buyer, store like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Burberry will get your fashion-sense tingling.
-------------------------

Entertainment, day or night

Discover the rich culture of this region in its native song and dance, stage performances, symphony and cinema — and even its pro sports. Enjoy a show at the Herberger Theater Center, browse hundreds of galleries, and don't miss the museums. TOP RECOMMENDATIONS:

Cruise 'Copper Square'
Two of the hottest art districts are on Roosevelt Street and Grand Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Head to the Friday night art walks and mingle while perusing up-and-coming artists and listening to cool tunes. Kick it around at Copper Square, a refurbished, downtown urban community that encompasses around 90 blocks. Restaurants, bars, galleries, museums, theatre, music — the heart of the city beats within these streets.

Playtime for Adults
Take in a Suns or Diamondbacks game, depending on the season, and if you're here in the thick of the summer — cool off in a casino and try your luck. Many of this area's resort/casino properties rival Nevada's hotels in amenities and activities, with luxurious spas, Vegas-caliber shows, high-stakes poker and rows of slots. If you run out of luck (or especially win big!), rejuvenate at one of this area's spectacular spas. For the adventurous, go trail biking amid giant Saguaros, skydive with a tandem instructor over rolling mesas, take a hot air balloon ride up, up and away, or hike up Camelback Mountain.

Premier Arts & Culture
This area is one of the premier artistic and cultural zones in the world. Explore the cultural diversity of the region, from native song and dance to stage and cinema. Take a class while you're here or just watch others as they express their artistic side. Let the music wash over you at The Phoenix Symphony or take in a show at the Herberger Theater Center. Peruse the galleries (there are many to choose from), and don't miss the museums — especially the Heard Museum, housing one of the premier collections of Southwestern art in the country. You'll also be able to see pieces created by working Native American artists and exhibits that showcase the history of the nation's first inhabitants. In the gift shop you'll find a huge variety of authentic goods from native artists. The museum has a branch in Scottsdale that offers rotating exhibits.
Phoenix: 2301 N. Central Ave.
Scottsdale: 34505 N. Scottsdale Road
---------------------------

Weather tips

Phoenix is best in the cooler months, October-April, when warm, sunny afternoons (mid-60s to mid-80s F/high teens to high 20s C) give way to nights that cool off considerably. Occasional rain showers and thunderstorms occur during the winter, but snow is unknown in these parts. There are long stretches with little rain.

If you visit in summer, be prepared for heat - very hot heat: Temperatures above 100 F/38 C are common June-September, though the low humidity makes it a bit more tolerable. Mid July-mid August, things get worse as the usually dry air turns muggy. Be wary of sudden dust storms and downpours in summer.
----------------------------------