| Phoenix
is Arizona's 'big city'. Yet it is very unlike most 'big cities'. Firstly,
you'll find this a very friendly place, very small town in posture. And,
you'll see, the area gives the appearance (with the exception of the
immediate downtown area) of a suburb rather than the city, itself. Much of
what appears to be Phoenix is actually separate municipalities, e.g.,
Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe.
Phoenix area
attractions include (in alphabetical order so we don't get in trouble):
-
Arizona Museum for Youth
- an environment specializing in "visual and tactile
stimulations', in other words, hands-on, experiences. Hours (starting September 6, 2002): Tues-Sun
9a-5p; closed Mondays.
$3.50 per person - Children under 1 and members admitted free.
35 North
Robinson St, Mesa.
480-644-2468
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- oldest and most spectacularly sited arboretum in the southwestern
U.S..
37615 US-60, Superior (60 miles east of Phoenix)
520-689-2723
- Deer Valley Rock Art Center
- site of some 1,500 ancient petroglyphs
3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix
623-582-8007.
- Desert Botanical Garden
- a 'living museum' focused on the region's desert lands.
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix
602-754-8100
- Goldfield Ghost Town
- more than just another ghost town, here you can visit Superstition Mountain/Lost Dutchman Museum, pan for gold,
ride an old mine narrow gauge train and even witness a realistic old west gun
duel.
Head east on AZ-88 (the Apache Trail) to Goldfield (about 4 miles NE of Apache
Junction).
- Great Arizona Puppet Theater
- a real, live, puppet show. Even the adults will enjoy this
one.
302 West Latham Street, Phoenix
602-262-2050
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- Historic Heritage Square
- about the only remaining remnant of Phoenix’s Victorian past, here
you'll find the Rosson House,
some museums, shops and restaurants. This was part of the original townsite of Phoenix.
- Phoenix Art Museum
- a private not-for-profit organization, at over 160,000 square feet, it is one of the largest general visual arts institutions in the Southwest.
Hours: Tue-Sun 10a-5p except closes 9p Thursdays. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Admission: Free to all on Thursdays! Otherwise, $7 adults; $5 adults 65 and over & full-time students; $2 ages 6-17; free for Museum members & children under age 6.
northeast corner of McDowell Rd & Central Ave
602-257-1222
- Phoenix Zoo
- Hours: open every day of the year, except December 25. Schedules as follow: Regular season (Jne-Aug) 7a-8p; Off season (Sep-May) 9a-5p.
How to find the Zoo: 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix (1/2 mile west of the Desert Botanical Garden) in Papago Park
602-273-1341
- Shemer Art Center
- this 1920s Santa Fe mission-style adobe residence is now a cultural center
and concert hall. They offer a full schedule of classes, lectures, art exhibits
and, of course, concerts featuring both resident ( Arizona) and nationally-known artists.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10a-5p except Tue hours extended to 9p; Sat 9a-1p. Admission is free for most shows.
5005 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix (near the base of Camelback Mountain)
602-262-4727
- Stuffington Bear Factory
- learn about the history and art of Teddy Bear manufacturing. Many, hands-on, learning experiences
available in the making of stuffed bears and other animals. (I was
recently accused of saving the best for last :-)
2645 East Washington St, Phoenix 602-225-9513.
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