We are pleased to publish this blog article from Robert & Mary Carey of the RMWorldTravel radio program. Robert and Mary will provide us monthly blog articles covering their different favorite travel destinations. This month, they’re taking a look at Phoenix, Arizona.
At least twice per month, we feature some of our favorite destinations around the U.S. on our nationally syndicated travel radio show — that are less traveled but offer terrific travel experiences. A recent spotlight was on Phoenix, AZ.
If you haven’t been to Phoenix, we think it’s a great time to experience this desert city. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport continues to see strong passenger growth, has won awards for its shopping choices and new airline routes continue to open up — expanding a plethora of options for travelers both domestically and internationally.
But it’s not just the airport that’s experiencing significant growth — Downtown Phoenix is exploding with restaurants, hotels, art, and culture. Starting with the largest art museum in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum holds more than 18,000 works of art of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western, American, modern and contemporary art, plus photography and fashion design. There are also many galleries and alluring street art. Roosevelt Row, which has reinvented itself as one of the hottest neighborhoods in the southwest, offers offbeat restaurants as well as a lively bar scene, is a favorite for both locals and visitors. In February 2019 alone, Phoenix welcomed 30 new restaurants!
The stunning landscape of the Valley of the Sun, envelopes this popular southwestern city nearly everywhere you go. Phoenix is also one of those urban areas that offers easy access to the great outdoors. Dotting the hillsides are the iconic saguaro cacti that provide a particularly spectacular backdrop during the sunset hours. The surrounding area is lush with prickly pear, yucca, and many other desert cactus plants. An afternoon spent at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park is high on our list of recommendations. Spread over 140 acres, you’ll see thousands of cacti in all shapes and sizes, succulents, other desert plants, and art installations. Be sure not to miss the Butterfly Garden while you’re there, which is the perfect space for family fun.
Adventurous hikers have Camelback Mountain, while Papago Mountain and Lost Dog Wash Trailhead offer more low key hikes and walks that are fun for families, bird and nature lovers. There are many other trailheads in the Phoenix area so be sure to do your research for ability, etc.
The Grand Canyon is celebrating 100 years as a National Park in 2019 and is certainly a must see in the area. Carved primarily by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles through the Arizona Desert. There’s hiking, river rapids and of course, the views of the canyon speak for themselves.
For baseball fans, think hot dogs, cold beer and home runs in February and March! This is the time of the year for the immensely popular Cactus League Spring Training. Tickets are available for more than 100 games at 10 different stadiums, and you can easily enjoy multiple games at different parks in the same day.
We find the warmth and friendliness of the locals to be one of the most inviting and memorable parts of our visits to Phoenix.
So whether it’s the year-round warm desert weather, the views, the sunsets or the constant exposure to outdoor activities including great golf, the unique southwestern flavors in the food, top-rated resorts, friendly residents and an urban cultural renaissance, what’s not to love about visiting Phoenix, Arizona? Go enjoy!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Robert & Mary Carey, Hosts
America’s #1 Travel Radio Show
www.RMWorldTravel.com
Photo of Phoenix, Arizona, by Visit Phoenix (Used with permission)