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Fun Things to Do in the Area
 “Phoenix” was
named by an English traveler who visited America many years
ago, and claimed to have a vision while walking through modern-day
Arizona. As he traversed the ruins of an ancient Hohokam
Indian village, he perceived a great city growing up from
the dust of that village much like the mythological Phoenix,
an Egyptian bird said to have risen from its own ashes. In
modern Phoenix, this vision manifests itself as a major metropolitan
area covering 400 square miles, and offering a plethora of
activities to appeal to every person and every interest.
Bring the family and stay for a vacation you won’t
forget! The many offerings of this “Valley of the Sun” include:
Detours of Arizona-Detours of Arizona has been touring
and exploring the Southwest with guests since 2001. They
are the best because they remember what it was like the first
time they saw all of these amazing destinations, and they
know that many of their guests are having that same experience.
Guided tours to popular destinations in and around Arizona
to the Grand Canyon, Grand Rails Express, Sedona, Apache
Trail, and Tombstone as day tours, 2-3 day tours, and multi
day tours. Rated #1 on Trip Advisor. www.detoursaz.com
 Desert
Botanical Garden-The Desert Botanical Garden has
one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants.
It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the
American Association of Museums. Here you will find 50
acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare,
threatened and endangered plant species from around the
world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than
the Desert Botanical Garden. Located at 1201 North Galvin
Parkway in Papago Park in Phoenix. (480) 941-1225.
Camelback Mountain-Towering 1,400 feet, this mountain features the unmistakable
shape of a camel’s hump. North trailhead offers sheer
red cliffs rising 200 feet vertically in some areas. Great
urban hiking spot with 4 trails ranging in difficulty level
from easy to strenuous. The summit is a gorgeous view of
the city of Phoenix, while the easier trails are great for
a light 1 hour hike. Desert wildlife is abundant here; you
may see small animals such as snakes, lizards and Harris
Antelope Squirrels as well as a variety of birds. Admission
is free. 5700 North Echo Canyon Pkwy , Phoenix, AZ 85018 • (602)
256 3220 • www.phoenixasap.comcamelback-mountain.html
Arizona Hummer Tours-Arizona Hummer Tours offers unique
treks through the famous Sonoran Desert, complete with all
the snacks and provisions you’ll need. Take in
breathtaking vistas as you tour ghost towns, Native American
ruins, deserted copper mines and rattlers, and thrill to
an immersion into the Old West. Whether you are looking
to go on a simple sightseeing tour or have a great adventure,
let Arizona Hummer Tours offer you the adventure of a lifetime!
(602) 692-7124 • www.azhummertours.comdefault.aspx
Mystery Castle-Mystery Castle was built by Boyce Luther
Gulley, who abandoned his wife and daughter in 1930 after
learning that he had tuberculosis. He travelled to Phoenix
and started building a “castle” for the little
girl he’d left
behind. Mary Lou Gulley was a toddler when her father unexpectedly
left and she still resides there today. 800 E Mineral Rd
, Phoenix, AZ 85042 • (602) 268-1581
 Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot-About one-and-a-half hours
north of Phoenix are two national monuments that are well
worth a day trip from the Phoenix area. Nestled into a limestone
recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the
Verde Valley stands one of the best preserved prehistoric
ruins in North America. The 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling
found at the 858 acre Montezuma Castle National Monument
served as a “highrise apartment building” for
prehistoric Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago. Early settlers
to the area assumed that the imposing structure was connected
to the Aztec emperor Montezuma, but the castle was abandoned
almost a century before Montezuma was born. Follow I-17 to
exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of
Flagstaff) • (928) 567-3322 • www.nps.gov/moca
Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark)-Chase Field was
the first baseball facility in the world to combine a retractable
roof, air conditioning, and a natural turf field. Chase Field’s
retractable roof can be closed in less than 5 minutes, in
case we get one of those rare days of inclement weather.
If you are a baseball fan, a visit to this state-of-art facility
will be a special treat. There are also trade shows, religious
events, and concerts held at Chase Field. If you aren’t
that interested in going to a game, or if one isn’t
scheduled when you’ll
be in town, you can still see it. Just go to lunch or dinner
at Friday’s Front Row Sports Grill. It is located in
the left-field corner of the Ballpark. Friday’s Front
Row is open 363 days a year from 11 a.m. to 12 midnight.
If it is a game day, you have to call them to buy tickets
to eat there. Fifty percent of the ticket price is credited
to your food and beverage bill. 401 E Jefferson St , Phoenix,
AZ 85004 • 1-877-994-0471 • www.azchasefield.com
Climb Piestewa Peak- Piestewa
Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak, is part of the Phoenix
Mountains Preserve. The elevation of Piestewa Peak is 2,608
feet; the total elevation gain for the Summit Trail is
1,190 feet. That might not sound high, but hikers of all
levels can get a great workout climbing this mountain and
get a great view of the city when they get to the top. If
you decide to hike the Summit Trail, though, you won’t
be alone. According to the City of Phoenix it is one of the
most heavily used trails in the nation with 4,000 to 10,000
hikers per week. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the
Summit Trail. www.phoenix.govPARKShikephx.html
 Scottsdale
Art Walk-There are more than 100 art galleries
in Scottsdale. You can enjoy Scottsdale ArtWalks every
Thursday evening, year-round (except Thanksgiving) from
7 - 9 p.m. Each week, Scottsdale Gallery Association members
host special exhibits — many with artist receptions — and
join together for an informal come-and-go “open house” throughout
the district. Casual and eclectic, it’s a great time
to visit the galleries and learn about featured artists.
Several times per year, the Scottsdale Gallery Association
holds Special Event ArtWalks with live music along the
streets and special themed events. www.scottsdalegalleries.com
 Rawhide
Western Town and Steakhouse-Rawhide has got to
be the best place to take kids from back east who want
to be cowboys and cowgirls. At Rawhide you can experience
gunfights, stunt shows, stagecoach rides and desert train
rides, enjoy the petting ranch, bull riding, gold panning,
camel rides, see a working blacksmith, shop in western
shops, play games, and go horseback riding. Many of the
activities at Rawhide require an admission fee of between
$2 and $5. There are also plenty of holiday western-themed
events here. Of course, you could just go to Rawhide for
the dinner and show, and leave the kids at home. 5700
West North Loop Rd , Chandler, AZ 85226 • (520) 562-9550 • www.rawhide.com
Boyce Thompson Arboretum-The Boyce Thompson Arboretum brings
together plants from the Earth’s many and varied deserts
and dry lands. Approximately 3,200 different desert plants
can be found within the arboretum, and most of them can be
seen along the 1.5-mile main trail. During wildflower season,
the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is especially beautiful, displaying
all the wonderful colors of the desert. Are you a bird lover?
More than 250 species of birds have been recorded at the
Boyce Thompson Arboretum. 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior,
AZ 85273 • (520) 689-2723 • ag.arizona.edu/bta
 Phoenix Zoo-The Phoenix Zoo
is one of the younger zoos in the country. Not only is it
a successful zoo, but it is a privately owned, nonprofit
zoo. That means that it operates strictly without any government
funding. The Phoenix Zoo is totally supported by donors and
private organizations. Recognizing the important role that
zoos must play, the Phoenix Zoo has been very active in wildlife
conservation programs. The Phoenix Zoo is open every single
day of the year, including December 25th. In the summer it
is advisable to get there as early as possible, since many
animals head for shade and hide during the heat of the day.
455 North Galvin Parkway , Phoenix, AZ 85008 • (602)
273-1341 • www.phoenixzoo.org
Drive Apache Trail-The Apache Trail will be one of the
most memorable drives you’ll ever take. Your adventure
will begin in Apache Junction, about 25 miles east of downtown
Phoenix. The 46 miles between Apache Junction and Roosevelt
Lake provides not only the most scenic part of the trip but
also the most challenging driving. Please don’t close
your eyes! Along the way, you’ll pass (or you can stop)
at the Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield Ghost Town, Saguaro
Lake, the Canyon Lake Recreation Area, the Theodore Roosevelt
Dam site, and the Tonto National Monument. The Apache Trail
has been designated a USFS Scenic Byway by the U.S. Forest
Service, as well as an Arizona Scenic Historic Byway. It’s
a great day trip! Seriously—if you are a nervous driver
or passenger, this drive might not be for you. apachetrail.net
South Mountain Park-At over
16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve often is considered
the largest municipal park in the country. There are more
than 50 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and
mountain biking. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest
point in the park accessible by trail. If you aren’t
into hiking, biking, or riding, you can simply drive to Dobbins
Point to get a fantastic view of the Valley of the Sun. It’s
just over 5 miles from Central Avenue to Dobbins Lookout.
10919 S. Central Ave , Phoenix, AZ 85042 •
phoenix.govPARKSsouthmnt.html
Visit a Spa
 If
you like to be pampered like a movie star and relax in a
luxurious setting, these are the places for you:
Tocaloma Spa at the Pointe Hilton
Tapatio Cliffs Resort-The Tocaloma Spa located in
the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort was recently named
among the top 10 spas in Arizona for its outstanding service.
This intimate spa promises an experience that will soothe,
heal and beautify your mind, body and spirit. Treatments
include a hot stone massage, Hungarian Moor Mud body treatment
and a Sedona Purification that uses minerals and clay from
the Arizona desert to nourish the skin. Located at the
Pointe
Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort.-Alvadora
Spa at the Royal Palms Resort- Whether this is a first-time
spa experience or if you are already an enthusiast, Alvadora
Spa at the Royal Palms Resort provides an array of services
that indulge the senses. Discover unique signature treatments
including the Lavender and Aloe Quench, Orange Blossom Body
Buff, Citrus Grove Facial and more. Or enjoy Acqua Dolce,
the spa’s signature Villa for two, which provides several
water therapies including a Watsu pool for special in-water
massages. Experience the nurturing essences of the Mediterranean
offered in tempting choices that soothe the spirit, rejuvenate
the body and enrich the mind. Located at 5200 East Camelback
Road in Phoenix. (602) 840-3610.
Visit a Phoenix Museum
Arts and cultural activities abound in Phoenix with more
than 20 museums in the metro area and numerous performing
arts groups including:
 Heard
Museum- The foremost showcase of Native American
art and culture in the United States, the Heard Museum
reveals the cultures of tribes in the region through exhibits,
demonstrations, live performances and displays the work
of contemporary Native American artists. Located at 2301
North Central Avenue in Phoenix. (602) 252-8848.
Rosson House Museum-Historic home of one of Phoenix’s
first Mayors, Dr. Roland Rosson, built in 1985. This 2,800
square foot beautiful Eastlake architectural style Victorian
home built in 1895 features ten rooms and five fireplaces.
View what life was like for Rosson House residents of Block
14, owners and tenants both, in early Phoenix during Arizona’s
late territorial times all in its original location. Decorated
in various themes throughout the year with demonstrations
and exhibits influenced by the Victorian Era. Admission:
$5 adults. 113 N 6th St. , Phoenix, AZ 85004 • (602)
262-5070 • www.rossonhousemuseum.org
Scottsdale Museum of
Contemporary Art-The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is relatively
new in the community and focuses on modern and contemporary
art, architecture, and design. There are five galleries showcasing
changing exhibitions and works from the museum’s growing
permanent collection. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary
Art features an outdoor sculpture garden. The museum presents
a variety of educational programs and special events for
adults and families including lectures, docent-led tours,
workshops, and classes. 7374 East 2nd Street , Scottsdale,
AZ 85251 • (480) 874-4666 • www.smoca.org
Golf in the Valley of the Sun
 With
close to 370 golf courses, the greater Phoenix area makes
a legitimate claim to being the golf capital of the world.
You could actually play a different course every day of the
year and still have a few left to visit. These picturesque
golf courses helped earn the area the title of “Golf
Capital of the World” from the National Golf Foundation.
Scottsdale is at the epicenter of the Valley’s golf
map, and traveling golfers will be delighted to find one
of the most impressive arrays of high-end daily fee and resort
courses in the world.
Phoenix is home to some of Arizona’s most venerable,
traditional resorts, including the Camelback Inn, and the
Phoenician is a championship course surrounded by a canyon,
a desert and an oasis. Want to play where the locals play?
Head over to the Superstition Springs Golf Club in Mesa,
a very popular course, indeed.
In Scottsdale there are many resort courses to take advantage
of. Troon North, Grayhawk, Wildfire, Kierland and the Boulders
all provide championship golf, as well as luxury accommodations,
while properties like We-Ko-Pa, Sun Ridge Canyon and Eagle
Mountain stand alone as must-play courses.
Golf at Gold Canyon Ranch,
Dinosaur Course-This golf course, located in Apache Junction, is one of
the best golf courses in Arizona. The good news is that it
is a public course. If you enjoy golf, you’ll be challenged
while you enjoy the spectacular scenery. The Dinosaur Course
is the more challenging and the better of the two courses,
in my opinion. It is also tougher to get a tee time there
than on the other course, Sidewinder. If you aren’t
a golfer, never mind—there are 14 other great places
for you on this list! 6100 S. Kings Ranch Rd. Gold Canyon,
AZ 85218 • (480) 982-9090 • www.gcgr.com
Shopping
 There
are many wonderful shopping centers in the Phoenix area.
Two of them are truly extraordinary; the Biltmore Fashion
Park at the intersection of 24th Street and Camelback Road
in Phoenix, and the Fashion Square Mall at Camelback Road
and Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.
Both of these shopping centers offer a broad array of stores
selling high-quality merchandise at reasonable prices. Among
the anchor stores found in these locations are Neiman Marcus,
Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s Dillard’s, Bloomingdales
and Nordstrom.
Those who prefer doing their shopping at an outlet mall
will love Arizona Mills located at the intersection of Interstate
10 and West Baseline Road in Tempe. Among the stores to be
found there include Nordstrom Rack, Off-Fifth, Armani Exchange,
Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Tahari, Kenneth Cole, Burberry
and Versace.
Shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square-Scottsdale
is known for many things, and shopping is one of them. A
list like this would not be complete without a recommendation
for a shopping destination. There are newer malls in the
greater Phoenix area, but none are as appealing as Scottsdale
Fashion Square. In a city that’s not
known for haute couture, you’ll be able to satisfy
that urge here. When the rich and famous, locals, and visitors
need an upscale mall, this is where they go! 7014-590 East
Camelback Road , Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • (480)945-5495 • www.fashionsquare.com
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