Phoenix A Cultural and Art Lovers Retreat
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona offers a wide range of theatres, art centers and museums to keep you busy this holiday.
Incorporated as a city in 1881, Phoenix was first inhabited by the Hohukam American Indians for approximately one thousand years, but they abandoned the area before 1450 due to droughts and floods. The first church was built in 1871, followed closely by the first school in 1873. Phoenix then became the capital of Arizona in 1912.
Now this city is filled with museums, performing arts and art galleries and centers and is an ideal holiday destination for people who enjoy culture, arts and the outdoors.
Phoenix Symphony Hall stands proud and if you want to see the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arizona or the Arizona Opera perform, and then this is where you need to visit. The Phoenix Metropolitan Opera performs at the Orpheum Theatre, while the Comerica Theatre is a must to see. If you love music don’t miss a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum.
If you have a passion for art then don’t miss the Phoenix Art Museum or the Center of Creative Photography, both within easy reach of public transport.
Museums are everywhere in Phoenix, this proud and cultural area show off their heritage at the Heard Museum, the Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park and the Arizona Science Center.
Travelling with children, there is so much to do. Visit the Phoenix Zoo or one of the many waterparks, which will help keep you cool in the subtropical climate. The Big Surf in Tempe and the Wet ‘n Wild Phoenix are two of the famous and frequently visited waterparks, which are guaranteed to make your day an enjoyable one.
If it’s thrills you’re after then a visit to Castles N’Coasters Amusement Park or Enchanted Island Amusement Park is a must. Spend a day or two enjoying the thrilling rides and fun these parks have to offer, whether you are travelling as a family or friends, you will not be disappointed.
Apart from the culture, arts and excitement Phoenix has to offer, there are the many parks and gardens that can be visited for the day with a picnic lunch, perfect places to relax and soak up the views. The South Mountain Park and the Camelback Mountains are both popular visitor areas due to their amazing views. Sunnyscape Mountains and Desert Botanical Gardens are other firm favorites, take a picnic and spend the day in the sun.
The Sky Harbor International Airport is the closest airport for arrival to this city, while trains and bus service the entire city making it easy to get around and visit all the places you have on your must see list before you leave.
Being so tourist orientated, Phoenix has many hotels to choose from with them offering some affordable deals to make your stay a pleasant one.
If you want to stay in pure luxury during your holiday, having every possible amenity at your fingertips, then the Talking Sticks Resort is an obvious choice for you. Reasonably priced this four star property is located close to Camelback Mountains and offers restaurants, lounge bar and twenty four hour room service. You can also enjoy three outdoor swimming pools, children’s pool, health club, golf course and fitness facility. There is a full service spa on site as well as a casino, poolside bar and coffee shop.
Travelling to Phoenix on a budget, doesn’t mean you have to stay in a hostel. The Lexington Hotel Central Phoenix is a 2.5 star hotel close to the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum. This affordable hotel offers a restaurant, lounge bar, outdoor pool and fitness facility. They have an airport shuttle on hand at any additional charge.