About Phoenix
Greater Phoenix
Phoenix, set in the Maricopa County also know as the "Valley of the Sun," is the capital city of Arizona. Located near the Salt River, it covers over 517 square miles and with a population of more than 1.5 million is the largest city in Arizona and the fifth largest city in the country.
History
For over 1,00 years the Hohokam Indians inhabited the Maricopa County around 300 BC. A resourceful and industrious nation, they built intricate irrigation canals making the desert land arable. These canals would later became a rough blueprint for the modern Central Arizona Project Canal. It is unclear as to what happened to the Hohokam community, but in approximately 1400 they abandoned the area.
The history of the city of Phoenix began in 1867 with the arrival of the first European settler. Jack Swilling, an American Civil War veteran, came in search of fortune, instead he discovered the arcane canal system and decided the area would be an advantageous location to create a settlement, and so he stayed. As the community developed, many names were put forth for the growing township.
Phoenix was eventually chosen for its reference to the mythological bird that rebirths out of its own ashes. In 1881 the city was officially incorporated and became the state's capital in 1912. Since its inception, Phoenix has been one of the fast growing cities in the US. Between 1950 and 1990 the population increased from 100,000 to over 900,000. By 2000 the population was more than1.3 million.
Climate
All you need to know about the climate in Phoenix is this: It's hot! It's beautiful! All year round the sun is shining. The average temperature is around 85 degrees. It's hard not to be happy and out and about in this city! So if you are coming for a visit, bring sunscreen, bring a hat and your bathing suit because you're bound to get some sun while you're here!
Shopping
If you need a reprieve from the golf course and sun, spend the day visiting the fabulous shopping districts. Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale are notorious for unique boutiques, antique malls and upscale shopping.
For all the finer things in life, visit Biltmore Fashion Park. With over 70 designer shops, beautiful landscaping and a hacienda fountain this mall is an all day event. Bring your credit card and some comfortable shoes! If you're looking for something a little different, Mill Avenue in Tempe is a hot spot for local art and designs. Jewelry, trendy fashions, souvenirs and unique gifts are some of the local treasures you'll find.
Outdoor Activities
Phoenix is about more than just golf. Although the beautiful weather begs a day on the green, there are plenty of other ways to spend your days outside. There are four great lakes just over an hour from the city. Bring the kids and a picnic for a day of sun and splashing in the waves. Or for the more adventurous, rent a pair of water skis and make your own waves. Tubing down the Salt River is another popular water sport for those looking to cool off from the heat.
Surrounded by desert, mountains and lakes, the outer limits of Phoenix offers ideal hiking and biking terrain. Either on your bike or hiking you're sure to feel great after an outdoor work out. Trails range in a variety of skill levels ranging from "easy" to "difficult" so, regardless of your fitness level, you know what you're getting into before you start. Hesitant about heading out on your own? Plenty of tour guides are ready to show you around this natural wonderland.
With such a diverse and distinct landscape, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure around Phoenix. Hummer tours are available for those looking for exciting off-road action. Ride though some of the area's toughest terrain on route to Weaver's Needle and Superstition Mountain. There's nothing like off-roading to get away from the city, relieve some stress and get some fresh air! For a tamer, scenic trip, luxury tour vans offer tours of the outback with a little less bump!
Phoenix Zoo
Lacking your daily dose of stripes, feathers and tails? Voted one of the Nation's top five zoos for kids, Phoenix Zoo is crawling with over 1,000 furry friends! For the very curious at heart, the zoo offers a Discovery/Children's area where kids can view animals very close-up. Stretching out over 125 acres of land in the Papago Park region, Phoenix Zoo is home to exotic and rare wildlife from all over the globe. Phoenix Zoo is the largest non-profit zoo in the US.
Casino
Try your luck at one of the seven gaming Casinos in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Wild Horse Pass Casino is the largest in Arizona with 750 slots and 15000 seats. Vee Quiva and Lone Butte are also hot spots for anyone looking to hit the slots or play a round of blackjack.
Golf
Praised as the "Golf Capital of the World" by the National Golf Foundation, there are few places better for golfing. Year-round great weather and a host of fantastic courses to choose from, golf is Phoenix's hallmark attraction! Whether you're looking for a relaxed course to take the family, a tougher "executive" course to impress your colleges, or even a PGA Champion courses to see what you're really made of, Phoenix and the surrounding area have everything you are looking for.
Some of the finer courses are designed by top golfers such as Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer--many ranked "Top 100" courses by Golf Digest. With over 200 beautiful courses ranging in skill level, all within 150 miles of downtown, the only excuse for not playing a great game is your swing!
If you've sweated out your last game and you'd like to chill out away from the sun, there are plenty of indoor mini-golf courses and high-tech golf improvement facilities. Crosswoods indoor Golf Center offers the most advanced golf simulators technology with over 30 digital golf courses to practice your swing. Crosswoods is just one of the many indoor ways to spend your day off the green, while still getting in your game.
Phoenix not only provides some of the world's greatest courses it also provides everything needed for an extraordinary golf experience. If you need a refresher before heading out to the green, or if it is your first time swinging a club, qualified instructors are ready to help you improve your game. Check out some of the golf schools in the area to find out which one works best for you.
If you're traveling with the family, fun youth golf programs are great for the kids. These programs range in price from free and upward.
Just like in any sport, it's not just about how good you play but how good you look. While playing in Phoenix you can upgrade your clubs and accessories at one of the many golf accessory stores. As one of the world's top golf destinations, Phoenix golf stores supply everything from hat to tee.
What are you waiting for? Book your tee time today and get ready for some fantastic golfing!
Dinning
With all the amazing restaurants in Phoenix, you'll never go hungry. Phoenix offers world-class dinning at restaurants created by celebrity chefs who have catered to the stars. Enjoy a romantic dinner or a family celebration at one of the ambient restaurants in Greater Phoenix. Or if you're just looking for a quick lunch for a business meeting or after a hard day on the green, visit one of the many patios offering a range of local Mexican and Southwestern dishes.
There is no shortage of flavors from all over the world. In the mood for something spicy, check out the Thai Elephant for Thai curry. For some delicious Mediterranean kebabs, Bybolos Restaurant has been voted #1 Ethnic by New Times and Entertainment Book. A classic hot, cheesy brick-oven pizza from Pizzeria Bianco is always good with a few beer while you're hanging out on a sunny patio. None of these appeal to your taste buds? Not to worry, there is something for everyone regardless of what you're craving.
Arts and Culture
Phoenix offers a plethora of interesting and enlightening openings and exhibits! The Phoenix Convention Center, the pulse of the cultural community, hosts international, national and local performances. This spectacular building has over 300,00 square feet of available entertainment space. A combination of meeting rooms and theaters, the center hosts some of the awe-inspiring talent that comes to the city.
The convention center is conveniently located in the heart of the city and is only minutes to fantastic restaurants, museums and shopping. The Phoenix Convention Center is less than seven miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The stunning Spanish colonial inspired architecture of the The Orpheum Theater makes it a state-of-the-art attraction you'll be sure to want to visit. Built in 1929, it seats 1,062 at orchestral level and 302 in the balcony. Enjoy acclaimed plays and performances from all over the nation at this local landmark.
The Phoenix Symphony Hall is home of the Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Opera Company. The symphony has been gracing its stage for over 55 years. Offering Phoenix's premier performances such as Broadway productions and high-profile entertainers, a night at the Symphony hall is great way to spend an evening.
If you're looking to learn a little history about Phoenix while you're in town, there are dozens of museums to visit including the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum, The Phoenix Museum of History, The Heard Museum and the acclaimed Phoenix Art Museum. Built on a prehistoric culture and having a long and exciting history since its inception, there are lots of fascinating fact to discover about the capital of Arizona. The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest of its kind in the Southwest, with over 17,000 works. Founded in 1929, the Heard Museum is world-renowned for the quality of its collection! The Heard Museum is a must-see while you are in Arizona!