Phoenix - Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is a large prosperous city surrounded by dry grassy hills, rolling tumbleweeds and cacti. While the transition between these two views is abrupt, it's that contrast that makes life for the visitor variable and exciting. Phoenix is a destination for sun seekers from colder climates and invariably provides a weather pattern with warm to hot days and cool nights. The evening desert chill is mitigated by the exciting night life. It is Arizona's largest city, with a population of about 1.5 million people, with close to 4.5 million in the metropolitan area which also goes by the name, Valley of the Sun.

During Phoenix's distant past, the area was kept arable by a series of irrigation canals built by the Hohokam peoples. These diggings have remained, providing the basis for the Arizona Canal, Central Arizona Project Canal and the Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct. The confluence of the Salt and Gila Rivers has historically been the source of the life-giving water. Years of alternating flood and drought eventually drove the native peoples from the area, although, in time, they did meander back in much smaller numbers.

The City of Phoenix was incorporated in 1881 and within 25 years, a presidential act, the National Reclamation Act, along with various local initiatives, allowed for the building of dams to bring water and power into the region. These efforts resulted in rapid growth and the central location made it an ideal choice for state capital. Its growth soon outstripped that of Tucson or Prescott. The Phoenix area is divided into urban villages, each with its own planning committee and unique character.

Heard Museum, displays of Native American crafts, Encanto Park
Pueblo Grande Museum, Mesa
Mystery Castle, Mesa
Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum, Phoenix
Hall of Fame Museum of Firefighting, Phoenix
Bead Museum, Glendale
Sonoran Desert tours by jeep, Hummer, hot air balloon or horseback
at least 10 golf courses
Desert Botanical Gardens, Papago Park
Phoenix Zoo, Papago Park
Phoenix Symphony, Civic Plaza Convention Centre
Arizona Opera, Civic Plaza Convention Centre
Waterworld Safari, Civic Plaza Convention Centre
Arizona Science Centre, Heritage and Science Park
Phoenix Museum of History, Heritage and Science Park