PHOENIX - THE SUN CITY

Phoenix is located in south-central Arizona, right in the middle of what is known as the Valley of the Sun. Certainly this name is apt as Phoenix seems to be sunny from sunrise to sunset, averaging over 300 days of sunshine per year. And it is hot. In May, daily highs average 93 degrees, and when we were there it was even hotter. Obviously the weather limits the number of outdoor activities that you can do in one day, but Phoenix does have some good museums and other attractions that offer air-conditioned comfort. 

For sports fans, Phoenix is one of only 10 U.S. cities with sports teams in all four major leagues (MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL). As well, it is home to several major league baseball spring training sites, including the Seattle Mariners in Peoria,  as well as hosting several teams in the Arizona Fall League, which hosts the best prospects from each organization every October and November. 

Phoenix also hosts Arena League Football, the WNBA, and college football teams, including the Fiesta Bowl on New Years Day.

America West Arena, home of the Suns and Coyotes 

Our impressions: Although downtown Phoenix is relatively small and empty, the Phoenix metropolitan area is very large, encompassing several suburbs such as Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water and limit your time in the sun. Avoid downtown if possible as there is not much there besides Bank One Ballpark and America West Arena. During the day it seems like a ghost town as everybody is indoors. The central core is also known as Copper Square (Arizona is the U.S.'s largest producer of copper) but it should be renamed Coppertone Square because without a healthy dollop of sunscreen, you will be burnt in about 15 minutes.

Arizona State Flag - 13 rays of the sun on top of a copper star

Phoenix has been influenced by Mexican discoverers, Native Americans who lived there, and the Old West that built it up, which gives it a unique culture. You can explore any of these roots via museums and galleries throughout the city.

Tempe is a nice suburb with a more relaxed downtown and more places to eat. Tempe is the home of Arizona State University, whose Sun Devil Stadium hosts the Fiesta Bowl as well as the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.

Shopping is best done in suburban malls. There is not a lot of street shopping for reasons that should be clear by now.

There is a good bus system, but it didn't seem to be used much. We saw plenty of bus stops but few people waiting. Given Phoenix's sprawl, a car is a necessity if you want to get anywhere. A light-rail system is planned, but is not expected to be completed until 2006.

This cactus is actually in downtown Phoenix

Overall, Phoenix is a growing city with lots to do, but it's best to avoid it in the summer months. Spend some time watching baseball in the spring and fall, or enjoying the New Years celebrations, and see what the suburbs have to offer.