| When people think of Phoenix, usually two things | | | | There are hot air balloon rides, jeep tours, and |
| come to mind, dry heat and desert terrain. | | | | horseback riding. There is Desert Botanical |
| However, Phoenix and the surrounding areas have | | | | Garden, Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park. |
| much more to offer than just warm weather. It | | | | If you wish to catch some baseball, then come |
| is a culturally charged, active city filled with tons | | | | during Arizona's own Cactus League. It is a league |
| of interesting places to experience, must-see sites | | | | where major baseball teams practice and play |
| and action galore. Phoenix is a city that has | | | | during the off-season. Some of the teams have |
| something for every taste. It does not matter if | | | | included the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles |
| you are visiting for business or leisure. | | | | Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Arizona |
| One of the main attractions in Phoenix every | | | | Diamondbacks. It is a chance to experience the |
| year is the Barrett-Jackson Auction. It features | | | | teams in an intimate, close-up setting. |
| an auction of the world's greatest collection of | | | | If you are more of a night owl, then you should |
| cars. It is a huge attraction bringing in people from | | | | go to Mill Avenue in Tempe, Arizona. It is the main |
| all over the world. However, if cars are not your | | | | strip on Arizona State University campus. You |
| thing, do not fret for there are plenty of other | | | | shall find restaurants, shops, piano bars and |
| things to do. | | | | nightclubs. If you are over the college scene, then |
| What about walking into a serene, peaceful, | | | | the nightlife in the Biltmore in Phoenix may be |
| beautiful spa resort and spending the day | | | | more your style. It has shopping, movies and |
| receiving luxurious body treatments while the kids | | | | trendy lounge areas. |
| play in the water parks on the same safe, resort | | | | With all of these ventures throughout the Phoenix |
| property. It sounds perfect, but wait a minute. | | | | area, you definitely need a place to eat. So why |
| What is the man in your life going to do while this | | | | not try local cuisine. One of the best places to eat |
| is occurring? He will be too occupied playing golf at | | | | is Humble Pie USA. It is a gourmet pizza |
| some of the best golf courses in the world to | | | | restaurant with unique flavors, organic toppings, |
| worry about anything else. | | | | and house-made cheeses. There are gourmet |
| In addition, there is the Mesa Arts Cultural Center | | | | pizzas, sandwiches, salads and a wide array of |
| with shows appearing frequently ranging from live | | | | alcoholic beverages, including a wine bar. There are |
| music and art. Scottsdale is home to an elaborate | | | | two locations, one in Phoenix Desert Ridge and |
| area called Old Town Scottsdale where there are | | | | the other is in Hilton Village Scottsdale. |
| shops featuring artwork, galleries, and Native | | | | Phoenix has everything. There are events catered |
| American treasures and jewelry. | | | | to the sport-loving enthusiast, the art lover or the |
| For wildlife excursions, there are plenty of hiking | | | | shopaholic. There are spas, resorts, golf courses, |
| trails along the various desert mountain ranges. | | | | restaurants, nature adventures and more. |