Recommended Attractions: Sedona: The splendor of Sedona begins as you approach along
the highway and revel in your first views of the towering
red rock mountains that surround this quaint city. As you
draw closer, these natural sculptures circle you, wrapping
you in a crimson embrace. It is this first encounter with
the red rocks of Sedona that has enchanted visitors for
generations.
The Grand Canyon: Located on the Colorado Plateau in
northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon has long fascinated
visitors with its breathtaking scenic vistas. Carved out by
the Colorado River over the last 6 to 10 million years, the
Grand Canyon is considered one of the finest examples of
arid-land erosion in the world. Measuring some 15 miles from
rim to rim at its widest point, the Canyon averages 4,000
feet deep for its entire 277 miles. The colorful strata of
the canyon walls offer an excellent record of three of the
four eras of geological time, tracking the earth's evolution
over the last 2 billion years. Each year, Grand Canyon
National Park welcomes more than 4 million visitors to view
the vast expanses that have both inspired and humbled
painters, poets, photographers and those who simply come to
stand on the Canyon's rim and marvel at nature's artistry.
The South Rim, which is open 365 days a year (holidays
included), is the most popular destination and offers a
full-service visitors center, numerous scenic overlooks, the
Tusayan Museum, unique gift shops, and lodging options.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: Located in
Scottsdale's popular Old Town district, the SMoCA as the
locals call it, features the most compelling modern and
contemporary art, architecture and design from around the
globe. Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder,
SMoCA's minimalist building includes a public "skyspace" by
the acclaimed artist James Turrell (one of only a handful in
the world), where visitors can experience the ever-changing
light of the desert sky. SMoCA also presents a wide variety
of changing exhibitions, educational programs, including
docent-led tours, cell phone audio guides, and special
events.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Opened in 1975,
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts offers exceptional
and culturally diverse performances of contemporary dance,
jazz, classical and world music, theater and satire. More
than 1,000 performances, educational programs, festivals and
other events are presented annually serving more than
300,000 people. Performances take place in the Scottsdale
Center for the Performing Arts' 838-seat Virginia G. Piper
Theater and 136-seat Stage 2, the 2,200-seat amphitheatre on
the grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall and the
326-seat Theater 4301 @ Galleria Corporate Centre.
Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park:
Experience a
prehistoric Hohokam Indian ruin. Outdoors you can explore a
2/3 mile (1km) interpretive trail featuring the
archaeological site and walk through the Hohokam Houses
exhibit with reconstructed homes. Inside the Land and the
People exhibit tells the story of the ancient Hohokam. The
changing gallery showcases exhibits on topics such as
archaeology, southwestern cultures, and contemporary
American Indian arts. Exciting workshops, tours and events
are available year round.
The Phoenix Zoo: Get Your Wild On at the Phoenix Zoo!
Nestled within the buttes of Papago Park on 125 acres of
beautiful and varied landscapes, the Phoenix Zoo is home to
more than 1,300 animals from around the globe - including
more than 200 endangered or threatened species. Designed
around four distinct trails - Africa, Tropics, Children's
and Arizona - the Phoenix Zoo offers amazing experiences and
opportunities to see, and learn about, some of the planet's
most wonderful creatures. Two of the most unique and
intriguing experiences can be found at Monkey Village and
Stingray Bay. Walk down the path into Monkey Village and you
become part of a family of squirrel monkeys as they play and
dart about - with no barriers between you and the monkeys.
At Stingray Bay, dip your hands into a beautiful
17,000-gallon pool and become member of the school as
stingrays and sharks glide by for you to safely touch them -
a truly interactive experience. Admission: Adults $16;
Seniors (ages 60+) $11. Hours: regular 9am - 5pm; Open daily
except December 25.
Recommended Events: Dec 26-31, 2009:
Holidays at the Heard: Exciting music and dance
performances, artist demonstrations and special programming
make this a great time to explore the Southwest with the
kids or out-of-town guests. Free with museum admission.
Location: Heard Museum
Jan 04, 2010: Fiesta Bowl: As a member of
The Bowl Championship Series, the Fiesta Bowl will host the
champion of the Big 12 Conference & an at large BCS team.
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium.
Jan 15-Mar 28, 2010: 19th Annual
Celebration of Art: Imagine visiting 100 artist' studios in
one day! Visitors can meet the artist and watch them working
in the full spectrum of art media. Location: Scottsdale Rd., South of 101
Jan 22-30, 2010: Arizona Sun Circuit
Horse Show: Watch 1,500 of the country's best quarter horses
compete for $200,000 in prizes. Horse and riders from around
the world ride in five rings over eight days. Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale
Jan - Apr 2010: Native Trails: Celebration
of Native American culture, song, dance and food. Location: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.
April 15-18, 2010 Scottsdale Culinary
Festival: This festival draws more than 40,000 visitors
looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities. No
matter what kind of culinary experience you crave, there's
something for everyone! Location: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
