Travel Eye on Phoenix (Arizona, USA)

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Overview:

Arizona's capital city, Phoenix, has risen from the mythical ashes of an ancient agricultural Indian village to become a sprawling modern metropolis, the sixth largest city in the USA. Its rapid urban growth has filled what is known as the 'Valley of the Sun', encompassing the neighbouring towns of Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe as suburbs and is America's fastest-growing urban centre, claiming to have more 5-star hotels than any other city in the USA.

With luxurious resorts and spas, glitzy shopping plazas, upmarket restaurants and superb golf courses, together with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the area has become a popular winter getaway for the rest of the country.

Phoenix's greatest attraction however is its location, surrounded by a vast cactus-studded desert and the magnificent scenery of the Red Rock Country around nearby Sedona, whose landscape of canyons, pinnacles and red cliffs have been the setting for numerous 'Wild West' films and novels. The Apache Trail is a winding scenic drive that passes through some of the beautiful rugged terrain of central Arizona, passing ghost towns, ancient ruins and the Superstitious Mountains.

This area attracts the middle to upmarket, couples of all ages. There is not much on offer for children, better option for families is to stay in the suburbs and travel in for the day. Phoenix is popular with British and Americans, and well adapted for business travellers.

There are 50,000 guest rooms in the resort, ranging from 5-star luxury to more modest choices, spread around a wide area. Those summer visitors who can handle the 100°F (plus) temperatures can often enjoy rates reduced by as much as 70%.

Locality:

Phoenix is in the south west United States, in the south-central part of Arizona State. (285 mls SE of Las Vegas, 217 mls S of Grand Canyon, 117 mls NW of Tucson. 4 mls from Sky Harbor International Airport). Phoenix is surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, the sprawling metropolitan area of Phoenix lies on flat ground and encompasses almost 2,000 sq mls at an altitude of 1,092 ft.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Shopping here offers an impressive selection, there are plentiful malls include downtown's stunning state-of-the-art Arizona Center and Metrocenter, one of the state's largest shopping centres, with 250 establishments.

During the daytime popular activities inclde river floats, horseback and jeep desert tours, mountain hikes, hot-air balloon rides, gliding and sky-diving.

Golfing enthusiasts will head for the world-class courses, including those in neighbouring Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. There is also the Phoenix Zoo, Botanical gardens and the Heard Museum for Native American artefacts and fine art.

The nightlife here brings the opera, symphony, ballet and theatre performances making for a lively cultural scene downtown most of the year. Country music is popular and Phoenix is a great town for jazz. Stand-up comedy, murder mystery theatre with audience participation and karaoke are also favoured.

There are dozens of fine restaurants ranging from elegant grill rooms to casual cowboy-style outdoor barbecues. Also Southwestern, Caribbean, Mexican, European and Far Eastern specialities. There is a wide selection of establishments makes dining on a modest budget fairly easy. The usual selection of fast-food options can also be found.