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Discover Places to Go and Things to Do
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Phoenix, AZ
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Phoenix, known as The Valley of the Sun for its 300-plus days of sunshine each year, is fragmented into many neighborhoods and suburbs. Visitors first notice the sprawling low profile of most of the valley, with two exceptional high-rise downtown neighborhoods.
Greater Phoenix Greater Phoenix includes the older North Central Phoenix area, which extends through the central Camelback corridor to just past Northern Avenue. "North Central" is relative, as the area has grown so much in recent years. Beautiful upscale mansions and stately homes grace this area, which is dotted with fragrant citrus trees.
Downtown The downtown area has been undergoing a major facelift since the building of the  America West Arena and Bank One Ballpark .
Greater Phoenix Greater Phoenix includes the older North Central Phoenix area, which extends through the central Camelback corridor to just past Northern Avenue. "North Central" is relative, as the area has grown so much in recent years. Beautiful upscale mansions and stately homes grace this area, which is dotted with fragrant citrus trees.
Downtown The downtown area has been undergoing a major facelift since the building of the America West Arena and Bank One Ballpark . Coffeehouses, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping in the Arizona Center continue to draw people downtown for the hopping nightlife. Many new restaurants have blossomed, including A League Of Our Own . Incorporating the themes of Phoenix's early history with culture and local events, Copper Square is a full square-mile hotspot for activities and action. Downtown attractions include a walk in the park at Patriots Square or delve into the new Arizona Science Center , Phoenix Museum of History or the Phoenix Art Museum .
West Phoenix The inner neighborhoods include moderately priced homes largely developed in the 70s. Shopping in the west area is provided by Desert Sky Mall , and Cricket Pavilion offers an open-air entertainment amphitheatre for concerts and attractions.
The growing west side continues to spread outward. Visit charming Historic Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court for first-rate antique opportunities. The newer Arrowhead Towne Center Mall affords shopping and diverse dining choices.
Outlying Areas Further out from the city you will find a small pocket of higher priced homes called Litchfield Park, developed in the 70s largely for the enlisted soldiers and officers of nearby Luke Air Force Base. Rooted in agriculture, the cotton fields are slowly giving way to new homes and businesses. Smaller communities like Avondale, Buckeye and Goodyear are seeing steady development as well.
Southwest Rainbow Valley and the Estrellas are a mix of newer stucco and tile homes edging out the existing prefab housing and trailers nearby. Golfers, hikers and campers, check out the scenery at Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
South Phoenix Largely comprised of low-cost housing and industry, the walled and gated community of Ahwatukee is a notable exception. Ahwatukee residents are mostly older adults and urban professionals, and upscale apartments coexist with middle class housing. Be sure to take the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive while you are visiting this area. Fabulous sunsets are the pride of Arizona and best enjoyed from a desert wilderness vantage point. Nearby shopping can be accomplished at the new Arizona Mills Mall just across the freeway.
Northwest Past Peoria and Glendale are the communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Youngtown and Surprise. Hikers will enjoy the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The Sun Cities and Youngtown are largely retirement communities with a casual, leisure pace.
East Side Bordering Phoenix is the Town of Paradise Valley. Northeast of Phoenix, this area draws middle to upperclass residents, and fine shopping is available at the Paradise Valley Mall .
East of Paradise Valley is Scottsdale, fondly referred to by residents as "The West's Most Western Town." Highly sought after for conventions and vacations, this area has upscale housing and topnotch restaurants such as Ruth's Chris Steak House at Lincoln Drive and Scottsdale Road. World class shopping is provided at the lovely Borgata of Scottsdale .
Located south of Scottsdale, Tempe is primarily a college town and the home of Arizona State University . Local festivals such as Fall Festival of the Arts are extremely popular down on South Mill. Arizona State University is located in its center, ringed by family and student housing.
Continuing east we find Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. Chandler remained largely an agricultural community until a growth spurt, which began in the 70s. Much of this area houses young families and middle-class professionals in stucco and tile developments. Local shopping is enjoyable at the Superstition Springs Center Mall at the northwest corner of Highway 60 and Power Road.
Anthem and New River Found in the extreme northern end of the Valley are the small communities of New River and Anthem just off of Interstate 17. New River is an older, small community with retirees and families, while Anthem sports an upscale planned community within the New River area. Find shopping nearby at the Prime Outlets Mall .
Carefree and Cave Creek The northeast Valley finds the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek, home to upscale resorts like the Boulders Resort and spa . Carefree is a popular retirement village and many residents are upper-class. Cave Creek residents are more middle-incomes and families. Attractions here include unique shopping at el Pedregal Festival Marketplace or dining and drinks at Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog .
Fountain Hills Traveling farther east to the edge of the McDowell Mountains brings you to the beautiful town of Fountain Hills. The centerpiece of the city is the world's tallest fountain jetting water 560 feet from the center of the lake in the town's park. This powerful white plume can be seen for miles around. Originally a cattle ranch, this planned community had eyes for retirees in the 70s and now prides itself on its small town appeal.
Apache Junction and the Superstition Mountains This virtual desert wilderness has yet to see grand scale development, although some newer stucco and tile communities provide stark contrast to the clusters of retirement mobile homes. Take a tour through Goldfield Ghost Town and ride an authentic narrow guage mining traing, or try your hand at gold-panning.
Wherever you decide to visit, the Valley of the Sun gives rise to fabulous scenic drives sprinkled with plenty of western folklore and entertainment. See you soon!
Suzanne Coleman
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By Davidm1000
3 days
This 3-Day weekend to Phoenix, AZ, the Valley of the Sun, allows you to golf on two different courses. Plus side trips to the Phoenix Zoo Lights, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Ice Chalet. Lovely trip for a couple who enjoy golf & want a little luxury in their weekend.
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By Carrollmead
7 days
6 Beautiful Women traveling to Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona.
This 7-Day trip is for women only! Not only do they get pampered at spas, go shopping at the Biltmore Fashion Park, and enjoy lively nightlife in Phoenix, but then they head to Scottsdale for Hummer & Jeep rides, shootouts at Western Town, and hang out in the evenings at places like E4 and Martini Ranch. This is a magnificent Girlfriend's get together!
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32 people reviewed Phoenix (1-20 out of 32)
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Top
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at 5:20PM November 28, 2008
Hot but beautiful! Amazing desert landscape surrounds the city.
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at 7:50PM June 28, 2008
Beautiful and hot!!!
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at 1:55AM May 29, 2008
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at 4:40AM April 11, 2009
A city Founded By Mormon settlers laid out in Square blocks as seen from South Mountain in perfect squares.
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at 7:20AM March 3, 2009
Been there want to go back for 2 days.
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at 11:30AM September 17, 2008
awesome place
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at 8:10PM August 25, 2008
I lived here for 15 years... loved it...
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at 8:10PM July 22, 2008
It is pretty...but too FRIKKIN hot!!!
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at 5:30PM July 22, 2008
Awesome! We went to the US v Mexico soccer game
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at 12:20PM July 3, 2008
Nice city but, too damn hot!!!
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at 5:40PM June 25, 2008
Personally way too hot for me but that's just me.
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at 10:40AM June 24, 2008
Family trip. I'd love to go back.
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at 9:00AM June 14, 2008
Lived here for 1.5 years
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at 12:50PM June 7, 2008
Definitely a sprawling city. Of major cities, it's ok; definitely prefer others. But, I love the weather.
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at 11:37AM May 29, 2008
I lived in the East Valley for many years and enjoyed the great weather.
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at 11:01AM May 29, 2008
Interesting house construction
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at 10:55AM May 29, 2008
Actually, I think I passed thru here once but not to visit so I'm counting it as a wanna go
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at 10:28AM May 29, 2008
Laid back people and lots of things to do
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at 4:09AM May 29, 2008
Hot and flat!
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at 3:13AM May 29, 2008
Really, really, really hot!
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