Phoenix Getaway and Hotel Guide

The 'Valley of the Sun' has become a popular nickname for Phoenix and its adjacent suburbs - where sunshine dominates the weather more than 300 days a year.

The allure of sunny dry heat and an even hotter economy has attracted enough residents to make this the sixth largest city in the nation, as well as a prime vacation destination.

Before it became home to 2.8 million people in the metropolitan area and the itinerary of some 12 million visitors a year, however, Phoenix was home to such Indian tribes as the Hohokam (meaning those who have gone) and pioneers who came with the first railroad line into the valley in 1887. Preserved and unpreserved Indian ruins can be found in close proximity to the city and at area museums. A replica pioneer village depicts 19th century life on I-17 just north of the city.

In all practicality however, it was the introduction of the air conditioner into American life after World War II, that attracted people here by the thousands. Today Phoenix and Las Vegas share the distinction of being the fastest growing cities in the country.

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, which was the last of the lower 48 states to achieve statehood in 1912. State, federal, and local governments now constitute a large portion of the traditional downtown area as private sector business has spread throughout the valley.

Phoenix is a favorite spot for vacationers, business conventions, and leisure travelers. An abundance of golf courses (there are currently 190, with more under construction) that can be played year round, together with tennis, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, etc. are some of the reasons why people are flocking to this part of the country. Numerous resorts provide business convention facilities, and office space amidst the constant growth is always available.

Craggy mountain ranges surround the city magnifying colorful dawn and dusk light displays. The typically cloudless sky gives visitors a clear view of the moon's phases and evening stars. Many of the higher rated resorts are located near mountain areas that provide the most dramatic scenery. Desert rivers called washes run only after periods of heavy rainfall in a city that receives just 7.5 inches of rain a year. Monsoon rains typically occur in late summer.

Most of Phoenix' visitors come in the cooler months of October-April, but despite temperatures that exceed 100 degrees from May-September, the city's low humidity makes it feel cooler than at least several popular resort cities such as Miami, New Orleans and Dallas. Celebrities can typically be found in season in Scottsdale, at resorts, clubs, golf courses, or at one of the many sporting or cultural events in the valley. Distinctive southwestern architecture and Sonoran desert vegetation can typically be found at the premier resorts.

Getting around the valley is typically done by car although some public transportation is available, typically on bus lines that connect Phoenix with its bordering communities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa and Chandler. These suburbs all have downtowns and attractions of their own.

Downtown Phoenix has seen some major revitalization in recent years with the addition of the Arizona Center (shops, gardens, restaurants and theaters), Patriots park (for daytime music and entertainment), a new art museum, science center, a restored Orpheum Theater and the Herberger Theater (drama). America West Arena and Bank One Ballpark bring thousands of major league hockey, baseball and basketball fans downtown at night.

A move toward bringing higher income workers back downtown is underway with many condominium and apartment projects. The Encanto and Coronado residential downtown neighborhoods have been largely restored and feature older, more distinct architecture than the stucco and tile mode housing developments that proliferate in the outlying areas.

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