|
For art and nature lovers, Phoenix's variety of museums, exhibits, zoos and gardens are certain to keep you entertained. Pick from any number of arts and cultural venues including the Phoenix Art Museum, the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Museum of History, Hall of Flame (largest collection of firefighting equipment), Heard Museum (renowned for its Native American cultural exhibits), The Phoenix Symphony or the Phoenix Theatre. Or spend the day exploring the city's Desert Botanical Garden (the world's largest outdoor desert plant collection), the Phoenix Zoo or the Wildlife World Zoo (rare and exotic animals). Many locals also take advantage of the city's agreeable weather and mild terrain by biking, boating, hiking, horseback riding and, of course, golfing! And if sports are your gig, Phoenix is definitely your town. With professional teams in the NFL, NHL, NBA, WNBA and MLB, the Phoenix sports scene is well-stocked. Along that vein, greater Phoenix (including Tempe's Arizona State University) is also home to two university Bowl games - the Fiesta Bowl and the Insight.com Bowl. And phenomenal venues like America West Arena and Bank One Ballpark make deluxe accommodations for a little friendly competition. Phoenix's newest sports facility is Cardinals Stadium, the state-of-the-art home of the Arizona Cardinals and future site of Super Bowl XLII in 2008. Other unique-to-Phoenix experiences like the Arcosanti, an ecological city of the future; Taliesin West, Franklin Lloyd Wright's exquisite winter home and still-operating architecture school; and Rawhide Western theme park, a recreation of an 1880s town complete with cowboy shootouts, spittooning saloons and stagecoach rides, prove that this city is something special. Dining and nightlife shine bright in the Valley of the Sun as well. Though steak and Mexican dishes remain the house specialty, you will also find a plethora of ethnic and American cuisine. Particularly rich in taste and atmosphere, the area around 24th Street and Camelback Road and central Scottsdale offers some of the local favorites. Christopher's Fermier Brasserie features creations by award-winning chef Christopher Gross. The Fish Market Restaurant - although landlocked - simulates an oceanside dining experience. And for authentic Southwestern fare, Café Terra Cotta is rated the best in Phoenix. For a change from "howdy" to "bonjour", head to Scottsdale and visit Mary Elaine's at the Phoenician for some of the world's best French cuisine. Bon appetit! Phoenix's nightlife - though still swayed by the country scene - has grown in leaps and bounds. And while you can expect to find any number of taverns and alehouses that bespeak the city's western upbringing, its growing diversity in nightlife is evidenced through soulful blues and jazz bars, feisty Latin and salsa clubs and sophisticated Manhattan lounges. Local picks include Four Peaks Brewing Company, Majerle's Sports Grill (owned by famous Phoenix Suns guard Dan Majerle), Mr. Lucky's, Chez Nous Cocktail Lounge and Rhythm Room. Arizona State students enjoy the Acme Roadhouse, for its mix of rock and roll, techno, and open microphone nights.
|
