Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix Arizona has a history that is similar to the mythological bird which bears the same name. Phoenix rose from the ruins of an Ancient Native American Village and became one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. In recent years, the Phoenix Arizona downtown district has become a major sport and entertainment destination. The US Airways Center is constructed of glass walls. The 14,000 square feet include a 12 x 12 foot video screen. Chase Field seats about 60,000 people. This state-of-the-art stadium is the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Because of the stadium's retractable roof, games or concerts can take place in any kind of weather.

Symphony Hall, which is located at 225 East Adams Street, is Phoenix Arizona's top performance center. In addition to the Phoenix Symphony and the Arizona Opera Company, Symphony Hall hosts many touring Broadway shows. If you are interested in Spanish baroque style theaters, visit the ornate Orpheum Theatre at 203 West Adams Street. When The Orpheum was built in 1929, it was considered to be the most beautiful theater west of the Mississippi.

If Phoenix high temperatures prohibit you from touring Phoenix by foot, there are many tour bus companies that will arrange Phoenix tours that will pick you up at your hotel. For example, a four hour Phoenix tour includes the state capitol, Camelback Mountain, Senator Barry Goldwater's home, Wrigley Mansion, and Scottsdale's Fifth Avenue/Old Town district. One of the most interesting Phoenix attractions is Historic Heritage Square, which is located in downtown Copper Square. Here, you can travel back in time as you wander past restored, turn-of-the-century homes.

The Phoenix zoo is a favorite Phoenix attraction for both the young and old. With over 1,200 animals and approximately 2.5 miles of walking trails, you should set aside three hours for a visit. The animals at the Phoenix Zoo represent over 200 species. They come to the zoo from places such as the Arizona desert, Indonesia and Columbia. These animals include mammals, fish, invertebrates, birds, and reptiles.

The zoo, spectator sports and culture are not the only highlights of a Phoenix vacation. For those of you who like to putt the green, there are many superb Phoenix golf courses. In fact, since golf is the most popular sport in Phoenix, the area is home to almost 200 golf courses. The Gold Canyon Golf Resort is a desert style course that has been rated best in the state of Arizona. For a more traditional Phoenix golf course, plan to visit the Arizona Biltmore Country Club, where courses have been described as being more relaxing and less challenging. Most people agree that the most glamorous Phoenix golf course is the Phoenician Golf, which is located at the base of Camelback Mountain.

For more Phoenix information, you can visit the Downtown Phoenix Visitor Center, which is located at 60 North Second Street. Phoenix information is also available at the Chamber of Commerce.

The Grand Canyon is one of the few natural phenomena on earth that exceeds its own reputation. You can know everything about it — the statistics, the photographs, the superlatives — and still not be prepared for that first view over the rim.