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Phoenix Journals

Valley of The Sun

An August 2000 trip to Phoenix by willow

Desert Botanical Gardens Photo - Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona More Photos
Quote: The Valley of The Sun located in central Arizona encompasses Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa.
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Valley of The Sun Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
Our four day pleasure trip was packed with activities. As we were unable to lengthen our stay, we plan another visit within the next 2 years. The diverse natural landscape was a treat to this South Georgia girl. The ring of mountains that shapes the valley has been designated as a desert mountain reserve. South Mountain Park is the largest city park in the world encompassing 16,500 acres. Camelback Mountain (which looks like a sleeping camel) is a Phoenix landmark.Quick Tips: Don't visit in August! 116 degrees is HOT! Drink plenty of water and avoid the sun when possible. Best Way To Get Around: We rented a truck (.99/day from Budget). The downtown area would be do-abl...Read More

Painted Mountain Golf Resort Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Grand Vista Resort"

Quote:
The resort overlooks Painted Mountain Golf Resort. The condos are brand new and decorated in southwestern colors. Our one bedroom unit featured a king sized bed, two TVs, and an over sized tile bathroom with a hugh jaccuzi. The kitchen and living area are furnished with top of the line appliances and furniture. Best of all, everything is new.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 2, 2000

Painted Mountain Golf Resort
6210 East Mckellips Road
Mesa, AZ 85215
(480) 832-0156

Hard Rock Cafe Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
We had a late leisurely lunch at Hard Rock. The restaurant of course carries the theme of all Hard Rock properties. Rock music memorablia adorn the walls and ceiling. The restaurant was not busy and parking was easy. Since we were both dieting we decided to order for one and ask for an extra plate. We still had food left! We started with an appetizer sampler which was a small meal in itself. Wings, tenders and other goodies served with a flair by a smiling and bubbly waitress. Our entree was steak fajitas (enough for 2 each). Casting aside our diet at the encouragement of our waitress, we ordered a banana split for dessert. The stemmed dish was as big as a fish bowl! We ate our fill of ice c...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 2, 2000

Hard Rock Cafe
3 South 2nd Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 261-7625

Dolly Steamboat Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Dolly Steamboat"

Quote:
As we dined on prime rib, baked potato, salad and homemade dessert the steam wheeler cruised 'The Junior Grand Canyon' on Canyon Lake. The food was good. The steaks were cooked on an open grill and served buffet style. The lake was created by building a damn at the entrance to a box canyon. Access to the canyon is limited, we saw one other vessel during our three hour cruise. The scenery of this boxed canyon is awe inspiring. The captain is well versed in the legends and lore of the area. We were lucky and spotted a group of big horn sheep from a distance. Our return to the dock was by starlight. I saw more than one couple holding hands and enjoying the quiet solitude.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 2, 2000

Dolly Steamboat
Canyon LK
Phoenix, Arizona 85201
(480) 827-9144

Heard Museum Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Heard Museum"

Quote:
The Heard Museum features works of art and ethnographic objects from across the continent. The displays include 437 Hopi kachina dolls from the Barry Goldwater collection.

I found the modern art displays out of place among the native artifacts but the attempt is to show the evolution of native american art.

The children's area is delightful with lots of hands on activities and crafts. Cost was about $12 for two adults. Time to tour 1-2 hours.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 2, 2000

Heard Museum
2301 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 252-8840

Desert Botanical Gardens Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Desert Botanical Gardens"

Montezuma's Castle Photo - Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona
Quote:
I wanted to see cacti and found them at the Desert Botanical Gardens. This 150 acre garden features more than 2,000 desert plants from around the world. We made the mistake of visiting at noon. The sun was so hot and no shade to be found. We drank water like camels and only saw half of the park. How the Apache lived in this desert climate with only primitive shelter is beyond me! Cost for two adults to tour the gardens is less than $30. Bring plenty of water, sunshades and a hat.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 2, 2000

Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 North Galvin Parkway (southeast Of Mcdowell Road & 64th Street)
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
(480) 941-1225

Montezuma Castle National Monument Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Montezuma's Castle National Monument"

Quote:
Montezuma's Castle was built by the Sinagua Indians in the early 1100's. This multilevel cliff dwelling is one of the best preserved ruins of this type. Incidently the name is hype, Montezuma never journeyed this far north. Cost about $5.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 21, 2000

Montezuma Castle National Monument
2800 Montezuma Castle Hwy Off Highway Southeast Of Oak Creek
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
(928) 567-3322

About the Writer

willow

willow
Nicholls, Georgia

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