Travel Channel

As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Phoenix offers a constantly changing mix of entertainment for its swelling population. Whether your tastes run to gourmet dining, championship golfing or rocketing in circles on a double loop roller coaster, this city will not disappoint you.

Arizona is a state of contrasts, from the saguaro dotted desert to the snow capped peaks of Flagstaff to the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon. Likewise, the area offers a virtual cornucopia of exciting attractions. The focal point of downtown Phoenix is Copper Square. Encompassing a full square mile of entertainment with venues such as US Airways Center, which offers exciting sporting events featuring local teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Coyotes. Chase Field offers Diamondbacks games and features the only retractable roof in the world. Seek the cool green of one of Phoenix's many world class golf courses like the preeminent Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale. Float high over the valley on a hot air balloon from the Unicorn Balloon Company or for a more rapid pace visit the fastest one-mile oval in the world at the Phoenix International Raceway.

Enjoy the Arizona outdoors with a scenic hike up Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain. Take an excursion to Goldfield Ghost Town where you can try to unravel the secrets of the Lost Dutchman's Mine. Visit ancient Indian cliff dwellings at the five-story pueblo, Montezuma's Castle or saddle up for a real cowboy experience at Trail Horse Adventures and hit the trail on horseback. If your idea of the Wild West requires a gunfight, hitch your pony at Rawhide Western Town where Roughriders still tote six-shooters and settle differences with a fast draw.

If culture is what you seek, Phoenix's museum circuit is as diversified as its population. Internationally acclaimed Heard Museum showcases culture and art of the Southwest's various Native American tribes. The Phoenix Museum of History explores the city's early days, from its rise in the 1860s through the fight for statehood. For a more participatory view of these early days, visit the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum, a 90-acre pioneer town where costumed interpreters recreate life in the Arizona Territory of the mid 1800s.

Browse through abundant galleries showcasing the talents of artists around the globe. Visit the Phoenix Art Museum where significant art pieces from a variety of cultural styles are displayed with remarkable innovation. View the exquisite bronze sculptures highlighting a trip to the Legacy Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale.

The performing arts are alive and well in Blockbuster Desert Sky Pavilion which features hillside seating and hosts concerts. The beautiful Herberger Theater Center offers a refreshing mix of dramas, comedies, and musicals. The Phoenix Symphony performs over 160 concerts a year and the historic Orpheum Theater showcases a variety of performing arts throughout the year.

If your idea of theater involves popcorn, the thrill of IMAX technology is rarely equaled for quality, or go for quantity at the gargantuan AMC Deer Valley 30. For a nostalgic experience, pull into the Scottsdale 6 Drive-In and snuggle up with your sweetheart.

For kids of all ages there are roller coasters and video games galore at Castles and Coasters. Across town, Gameworks pushes the technological envelope with the latest in interactive video games. Jeepers has rides, games and challenges for the smaller tykes, while bigger folk can indulge in shoot 'em up action with a sci-fi twist at Stratum Light Speed Entertainment Center.

Adult gamers might prefer the action at the brand new Casino Arizona, featuring slots and Las Vegas style entertainment. Dogs they've got; at Phoenix Greyhound Park or bet the ponies at Turf Paradise. If you can't make it to the track, try the off-track betting and great beer at Padre Murphy's. Or chalk up your stick and head north to Pink E's, an adult only pool hall with more games than you can shake your cue at.

Phoenix is crawling with pubs and clubs, one sure bet for fun is Alice Cooper'stown, owned by the legendary rocker, which combines food, dancing, and an intimate concert venue. Kick up your heels to contemporary tunes at Bobby McGee's Conglomeration or the hot dance club Axis. Sip high quality scotch and puff cigars at downtown's Networks, or enjoy the lively British pub atmosphere of George and Dragon. Try one of the many local brewpubs like the fabulous Four Peak's Brewing Company or the bodacious Bash on Ash.

If shopping is more your style, Phoenix can accommodate that as well. At the Arizona Center, you will find dining, dancing, and superb shopping! The Biltmore Fashion Park features world class shopping with such stores as Neiman Marcus, Gucci, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Shop in style at the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square or seek forgotten treasures in the gargantuan Brass Armadillo.

Besides the trendy mall scene, Phoenix is ripe with specialty shops and independent stores. Wander through Juttenhoops, a unique gift shop that claims to carry "everything fun." Looking for adventure? Sort the treasure from the trash and see what kind of deals you can barter at the Phoenix Park and Swap. Search through a sea of bargain imports such as Belgian Chocolates and Bali Basketry at the Cost Plus World Imports.

From its earliest days when Anglo settlers put up their tents amongst the adobe huts of Mexicans and Native Americans dwelling near the Salt River, Phoenix has been a cultural conglomeration. As we hurtle into the new millennium, the same can still be said, but now its diversity and eclectic mix serve as its identity, and its entertaining blend is uniquely Phoenix.

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