My Move To Phoenix Yes Im A Local
When I moved to Phoenix, I was simply looking for a change. I wasnt sure what I wanted and didnt really have any requirements, except that I knew I wanted to live in a city where I could find jobs, and somewhere that was very different from where I was living near Boston.
I love Boston, and Im always homesick for a return visit. But, as much as I love it there and it feels like home. I got tired of the snowy and cold winters. Also, my immediate family moved away as did several of my closest friends so I felt it was time for a change.
Im glad I did decide to move as living in Phoenix has given me a great launching point to see the western part of my country. Im not sure I would have seen as much had I not moved. As much as I enjoy living here overall, I admit I have itchy feet yet again for a change. However, my next move will be with much more thought and will likely be international. And, Im not expecting to live where I move for as long as I lived here but like Phoenix, it has been a good launching point for local travel.
My plan was to live in Phoenix for three to five years. I have now been here for more than 15. You can conclude Im not great at math , but also, that the metro Phoenix area is a great place offering a lot. Both are true. I love living here and would highly recommend anyone come to visit to see what this area has to offer.
Childrens Museum Of Phoenix
Childrens Museum of Phoenix
The Childrens Museum of Phoenix is one of the absolute best among things to see and experience in this city, with all sorts of activities designed to occupy, educate, and entrance kids.
The museum spans three floors and a surprisingly 48,000 square feet, with all sorts of exhibits and 300 play experiences for children between the ages of infancy and ten years old.
Examples of some exciting exhibits are a noodle forest, a place for fort-building, a miniature market, a kiddie cafe, Pedal Power, the Schuff-Perini Climber, and BlockMania.
Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and eat at a designated dining space.
Admission into the museum is free for children below the age of 12 months, and for everyone else, its $12 per individual.
Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States
Apart from seeing the biggest attraction known as Devils Bridge Trail, here are some more things to do in Sedona!
Dobbins Lookout South Mountain
This scenic observation point offers the best views of the Phoenix area. It is the highest point you can drive to, with an elevation of over 2,000 feet. It is located in South Mountain Park and Preserve, which is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. On any given day you will see people hiking and biking on more than 51 miles of trails in this scenic desert park.
If you want to see some other amazing hikes in and around Phoenix, scroll on down to #6 or click here. There are a ton of mountains in and around the valley offering a wide range of hikes and views. You can even conquer a camel .
The Dobbins Lookout is located at 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042. There is no cost to see it and you have the option to drive to the top of the mountain or hike up. If you do drive, there is a short, uneven walk to get to the Lookout. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please check the South Mountain Park website for any information about road closures before you go.
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Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
If Phoenix has piqued your interest in the Ancient Puebloan Hohokam culture, you could make the comfortable drive to this riveting adobe archaeological site to the south-east of the Metropolitan area.
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves a walled farming compound, established around 1350 CE and abandoned about a century later.
The most substantial portion of the ruins is the Great House or Casa Grande, protected under a large canopy.
It is not known whether this monolithic structure was a gathering place, or simply a waymarker in a vast network of irrigation canals.
The surrounding desert is rich with ironwood, mesquite and palo verde, as well as barrel, prickly pear and hedgehog cactuses.
Go carefully and you may see round-tailed squirrels, cottontails and even great horned owls, which are huddled in the ruins.
How To Reach Arizona
Arizona is an amazing state with so many wonders to explore. Everyone must visit this heavenly gorgeous destination at least once in their lives. And to know how to reach Arizona in the most convenient way possible, check out the further details provided below.
You can easily reach Arizona by anywhere in the world. The quickest way to reach is via a plane. The main airport of Arizona is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport where hundreds of flights land every day. There are also major airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa that flies directly to the Phoenix sky Harbor International Airport.
All parts of Arizona are accessible by state highways from various states. You can reach major cities of Arizona through bus and cars and there are highways that connect other states like Mexico, Sonora, etc. The bus services to Arizona are available Greyhound, which is the cheap and best way to move around within the state.
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Arizona is no less than a paradise for adventure seekers, from the Grand Canyon to exciting nightlife of Phoenix, this state knows how to steal a travelers heart right with immense beauty! To make the most of your holiday visit Arizona in September and explore the best of this amazing destination. So, pack your bags and head to Arizona right away for a wonderful USA holiday!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix In Winter
Is Arizona cold in the winter?
The maximum temperature in Arizona in winter is 21 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius.
Is December a good time to visit Phoenix?
Yes, absolutely. December is the time when there are various events planned in Phoenix. You are going to have a great time during Christmas and New Year.
What are the winter months in Arizona?
Does it snow in Phoenix?
No, it does not snow in Phoenix. 1998 was the last year it snowed in Phoenix. But winters are quite chilly here. Make sure you carry extra layers along.
Can you swim in Phoenix in February?
Phoenix in February is cold when the temperature is between 10-15 degrees Celsius. It is not a good idea to swim in this weather but it is up to you.
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Arizona State Capitol Museum
Nagel Photography / Shutterstock
The Arizona State Capitol Museum is yet another good place to head to if youre in Phoenix.
After all, its a tourist spot for not just the city, but the whole state.
The State Capitol building here was built back in 1900 and used for its titular governmental purposes until the year 1974.
Now, the State Capitol Museum has been converted into a historical site that is completely free to enter.
It focuses on documenting and showcasing the rich history of the state, with multiple exhibits across an impressive 4 floors.
Some of the most loved exhibits in the museum are the very fun Arizona flag made from a whopping 113,998 pieces of Lego, specifically chosen in that number to represent the number of miles across the state.
There is also the amazing Arizona Takes Shape showcase, which exhibits the development of this state, from its presence as a mere territory to what it is currently.
Other spots to stop by near to these exhibits are the Wesley Bolin Plaza memorial monument as well as the monument for Capitol Mall.
The USS Arizona exhibit provides the history of its life at Pearl Harbor, and the Merci Train shows off all the gifts from France following the assistance granted to them for rebuilding purposes post-World War 2.
Address: 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States
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Hall Of Flame Fire Museum
for another unique museum experience, check out the Hall of Flame Fire Museum. Part firefighter tribute and part historical collection, this museum is an acre of exhibits from 1725 to the current day.
Arizona, unfortunately, has more than its share of fire fighting, as wildfires often rampage the state during the scorching summer months. This museum pays homage to the firefighters noted for heroism or killed in the line of duty in the Hall of Heroes.
The museum has a wide array of fire-fighting apparatus like old fire engines and hydrants used around the world. If you want a really interesting historical perspective about something you may not have thought a lot about previously, this is a great museum. Youll learn a lot and will have a great time.
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is located at 6101 E Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008. Its open from 10 to 6 Tuesday to Saturday and costs $12.
Out Of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 W State Route 260Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Get a taste of Africa by visiting this beloved wildlife park in Camp Verde. Known as the top zoos in Arizona, this 103-acre preserve makes you feel like youve been transported to The Savanna.
Spot a plethora of beautiful animals in this wildlife sanctuary, including hyenas, bears, lions and tigers. You and your little ones may also see the intriguing Tiger Splash show. To me, you can spend a day here just admiring the creatures and watching the shows and feedings.
The park is appropriate for children ages 3 and up.
MIM beautifully celebrates music, culture and art by detailing the history of a variety musical instruments from across the world. Here, youll see instruments from about 200 countries, with emphasis on tribal, folk and ethnic music.
See the instruments used by music legends, like Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift and John Lennon, in the Artist Gallery. Once done, teach or inspire your little ones to learn a musical instrument in the Experience Gallery. As a bonus, MIM hosts a few family-oriented events today in Phoenix.
Little ones ages 12 and up will enjoy their visit to this attraction.
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Fun Things To Do In Phoenix With Kids: The Best Family
- David Reeve
Phoenix is a mecca for exciting and memorable family adventures.
With world-class museums, year-round sunshine and parks, the city offers endless fun for kids and parents alike.
Truthfully, its not a well-known kid-friendly vacation destination like Yellowstone. But, this seriously underrated hub has all the key ingredients of an epic family trip.
So, want to make your Phoenix trip fantastic? Then, check out our suggestions for fun things to do in Phoenix with kids!
Tempe Mill Ave And Tempe Beach Park
Tempe is very much a college town and home to Arizona State University near Phoenix, and it offers a lot of fun things to do. Stroll Mill Ave. with lots of interesting boutique shops and great restaurants. There are a lot of great ethnic restaurants on Mill and nearby to choose from including Irish, Ethiopian, Lebanese, Greek, and others.
Visit Tempe Town Lake to enjoy kayaking, sailing, rowing, jogging, fishing or picnicking. There are also many festivals and events at Tempe Beach Park throughout the year that are a lot of fun.
And Gammage Theater is right off of Mill Ave with Broadway-style shows throughout the year as well as other performing arts shows.
Not far away from the Mill Street action is Big Surf Waterpark. Its home to the third-largest wave park in the world and is a great place to cool off during the warm weather.
Tempe Beach Park is located at 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281. The heart of Mill Ave. starts right across the street and continues for several blocks. Gammage Theater is located at 1200 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281. Big Surf Waterpark is located at 1500 N McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281. Tickets cost $34 for adults and older children, and $24 for younger children . They are open from 10 to 6 Saturday through Thursday and are closed on Friday.
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Things To Do This Weekend
Celebrate Fall at a Not-so-Spooky Pumpkin FestivalFairmont Scottsdale Princess marks the spookiest time of year with its festive Pumpkin Nights, through Oct. 31. Highlights include a pumpkin patch a multiacre labyrinth hay maze amusement rides, fireworks on select nights and a bounty of German beers and seasonal foods at the resorts Plaza Bar and restaurants. 6-10 p.m. Tickets start at $18. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com/pumpkin-fest.
Get Your Taco Fix in ChandlerLocal restaurants and food purveyors share tasty taco creations ranging from classic Mexican cooking to modern and Southwestern spins on the most delicious and portable of all meals at the Rockin Taco Street Fest, Sept. 25. Varieties include chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, veggie and dessert. Each taco booth or truck will offer at least one taco priced at $2 as well as other pricing options. Live music by Metalachi, luche libre wrestling, tequila tastings and a hot-chile-pepper-eating contest are included. Noon-9 p.m. $12 in advance $20 at the gate. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler, rockintacoaz.com.
Things To Do This Labor Day In Tempe And Phoenix
To many, Labor Day symbolizes the last day of summer and the kick start of fall. In Arizona, summer temperatures continue through September. That means Labor Day is an extra day off to splash in a swimming pool or enjoy fun activities that will officially bring summer to a close.
Before we all move on to pumpkin spice lattes, here are a few suggestions for things to do in Tempe and Phoenix during Labor Day weekend 2021.
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View Street Art In The Roosevelt Arts District
Street art is big in the downtown area of Phoenix and particularly in the arts district around Roosevelt between 7th Avenue and 7th Street. There are also a number of murals down 7th Street and one of my favorites is the David Bowie mural located at 1755 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006. Its fun just driving around that area to see them all.
This is my favorite area in town and I cant rave about it enough. Its one of the older parts of Phoenix so youll see a lot of smaller bungalow-style homes and historic neighborhoods. It doesnt have the polish of areas like youll see in Scottsdale, but thats what makes it fun. And, the people are pretty amazing and interesting.
Here, youll find some of the best restaurants in the city like one of my favorites, Cibo. Youll see a lot of galleries, small boutique shops, and lots of interesting finds. Go to Old Town Scottsdale, but dont skip this area.
Grand Canyon Day Tour From Phoenix Scottsdale & Tempe
When the most celebrated natural wonder in the United States is a few short hours away youd be remiss not to take a day trip.
You could make the whole experience a lot more convenient by booking a tour through GetYourGuide.com.
On the Grand Canyon Day Tour youll cruise along the historic Route 66, through the town of Williams, before skirting the south rim of the canyon.
Youll get three hours to spend in the National Park, plenty of time to marvel at this iconic mile-deep chasm, take as many photos as possible, shop for souvenirs and check out some of the man-made landmarks like Hopi House and El Tovar Lodge . Your van on this tour will be air-conditioned and equipped with captains seats for all passengers, while bottled water is included in the fee.
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Where To Stay In Phoenix For Sightseeing
Hotel Valley Ho | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
Phoenix has a vibrant downtown with many tourist attractions, and this is one of the best places to stay if you’re interested in sightseeing. Another option is to stay in downtown Scottsdale, near Old Town. Below are a number of highly rated hotels in convenient locations:
- Luxury Hotels: One of the new luxury hotel options in downtown Phoenix is the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, located at the new CityScape development. This contemporary hotel features large rooms and suites and a beautiful rooftop pool.For hip and sophisticated, look to the Found:Re Phoenix. Located in the heart of Phoenix near numerous attractions, this boutique hotel offers 104 unique rooms featuring industrial-chic décor.For a quaint, luxury experience in the desert, you can’t beat the comfort and hospitality of the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North. In the foothills of Pinnacle Peak and next to the Troon North Golf Club, this is the perfect place for a relaxing escape.Another Scottsdale option is the ultra cool, mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho. This unique restored hotel, once the haunt of Hollywood celebrities, maintains a 1950s theme, from the music to the decor. Walking distance to Old Town Scottsdale, the location here is hard to beat, with shopping, dining, and numerous things to do in the vicinity.
- Also in downtown is the Rodeway Inn Downtown Phoenix. This hotel provides decent rooms and good prices, and breakfast is included.
