What to see and do in Phoenix

Nursing, Jun 2004

No description of Phoenix would be complete without mentioning golf. Dubbed by the National Golf Foundation as the "Golf Capital of the World," Greater Phoenix is considered one of the world's top golf destinations. Phoenix's warmth, desert plant life, and varied playing experiences-including everything from tight target to lush oasis courses with desert, mountains, or the surrounding urban landscape as a backdrop-make Phoenix golf unique.

There are 200-plus golf courses in Greater Phoenix and more than 300 throughout the state of Arizona. An average of more than 325 mostly sunny days a year provides a perfect backdrop for the 11 million rounds of golf played every year.

Resorts, dining, and shopping

Dozens of self-contained resort communities mix shops, restaurants, activities, and luxury accommodations into the perfect destination. Four Greater Phoenix properties earned the 2003 American Automobile Association FiveDiamond rating, two of which are among the nation's top golf resorts. The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa in Carefree is a tranquil, Southwestern-styled resort nestled into the naturally formed boulders of the Sonoran Desert, which makes each hole of golf at The Boulders a scenic wonder. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North also boasts an award-winning setting for golf lovers; the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the home of the PGA Tour's Phoenix Open. Marriott's Camelback Inn has received a FiveDiamond rating since 1977-one of only four resorts in America that can make that claim-and has proven to be a long-standing favorite destination for visitors enjoying Arizona's unique Southwestern hospitality.

The atmosphere of Phoenix restaurants ranges from casual cowboy to sophisticated city. Diners can taste a bit of the Old West by sampling a mesquite-grilled steak at one of the many restaurants specializing in authentic Southwestern cuisine. Tantalize your taste buds by indulging in various foods, including Fusion, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Continental, Thai, and Moroccan, prepared by some of the world's best chefs. Greater Phoenix also boasts two five-star restaurants: Mary Elaine's at The Phoenician and Marquesa restaurant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Shoppers will find a wonderful selection of beautifully handcrafted American Indian turquoise jewelry and elegant leather goods at the exclusive shops and galleries in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Everything from the latest in fashionable apparel to collectible artwork is available at one of Greater Phoenix's many large shopping malls, from the Arizona Mills factory outlet mall to Scottsdale Fashion Square-the largest shopping mall in the Southwest.

Day trips around Phoenix

Arizona is often described as a land of contrasts because of its changing scenery and activities. You can swim and play tennis in the morning in Phoenix and spend the afternoon fishing, hiking, or sightseeing in the cool pines of Flagstaff or the White Mountains. In the spring, you can even snow ski in the morning and attend a major-league baseball game on the evening of the same day. Greater Phoenix, with its convenient central location, is ideally positioned for day trips around the state.