Phoenix Sites
By Josie Oden
EMOL (Entertainment Magazine On-Line)
Since Phoenix is the Arizona State capital, many people come here to speak
about the issues our government deals with. Lobbyists and government officials
alike push for their voice to be heard above the din while the voters shake
their heads at the sight.
There is much more to this grand city named for the fabled bird of Egyptian
lore. The urban sprawl that reaches out in every direction, galleries, shops
and malls without number, national parks and wildlife preserves that insure
a place for wildlife within a few minutes of the cities edge, several natural
and man made lakes for swimming and boating enjoyment, and many other interconnected
cities, make up several facets of the whole. This Metropolitan city area
is full of contrast, with skyscrapers standing across the street from old
historical homes, and new streets crossing old fashioned roads. The lifestyle
is not quite as laid back as in other towns. This is a bustling city with
lots of people, big businesses, and industry.
The Phoenix area is just a short hour and a half away. This is the place
to go for motor boat racing and lots more. The Phoenix area is made up of
several cities, including Tempe, Litchfield Park,
Mesa, Scottsdale,
and Metropolitan Phoenix area. It does have lots of congestion traffic department,
so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to where you want.
Phoenix is a great city to visit and not because it is the seat of Arizona's
Government. The State capital has lots of people, lots of events, and lots
of amazing things to do. It is the city lover's dream vacation with tons
of shopping, dining, theatre, music, and more. Of course, with everything
going on in this huge metropolis area, a person can easily get lost. It
isn't the streets that make a person lose their way, just all of the different
directions the natives can give. If vacationing here, rent a cab, take a
bus, or keep several detailed maps and use lots of patience. Having been
in Phoenix for extended periods myself, I suggest taking buses or any other
form of transportation available. This city has narrow streets, several
on-ramps/off ramps, and thousands of cars often driving at a snails pace.
Even with all the room Phoenix has, it hasn't really discovered three and
four lane (each direction) roads yet (unlike Tucson).
It is preferable to rent a cab or take a bus in this city, due to the congestion
and size. The streets aren't that wide and all of the traffic can become
a headache quickly. Phoenix isn't hard to figure out if you have a map,
just has lots and lots of cars and on/off ramps directing the flow. Buses
are great because they allow someone else to fight traffic, they're economical,
ecologically sound, and comfortable. It is also easier to get good directions.
As with any community, there are almost as many ways to get to a single
place as there are people to give directions.
It won't be long before it has a reputation for congestion, not unlike Los
Angeles. Besides, the buses are comfortable, economical, ecological, and
help save visitors the headaches of finding convenient parking spaces. There
are lots of outdoor sports to partake of (for those not into the city thing).
The city has quite a large amount of space that is protected through the
parks and recreation department. Several thousand acres outside of the city
limits have been set aside as preserves and federal parks for the pleasure
of future generations. There are lots of nature attractions here just like
in Tucson. The urban sprawl is something Phoenix people pride themselves
in having. Unlike the Eastern States, Phoenix and all of Arizona's communities
gives residents and visitors alike some breathing room. Fewer houses per
block mean wider spaces for the residents. This is a philosophy that all
of Arizona holds dear to it's heart. If looking for elbow room, the South-west
is the place to go.
Some places to check out while in Phoenix include the Old State Capital,
Heritage Square, Rosson House, Siva House and other historical houses in
the Heritage Square, The Civic Plaza and Convention Center, Phoenix Art
Museum, the Heard Museum, Castle and Coaster Amusement Park, Kachina Gallery
and many other fine places. For the outdoors lover there is Squaw Peak Mountain
Park, South Mountain Park, Phoenix Zoo,
and the Desert Botanical Garden among others to experience. The Phoenix
Visitors center has brochures galore on the endless number of fun things
to do. Stop in and find out what there is to do or write to the Phoenix
and Valley of The Sun Convention and Visitors Bureau, 400 E. Van Buren Street,
Suite 600, Phoenix Az. 85004-2290, or call (602) 254-6500.
The Phoenix metropolitan area encompasses several smaller cities that have
many exciting things happening as well. Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, and many
smaller communities are places in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Litchfield
Park is one example of a residential and farming community instead of a
cultural art center. Paradise Valley is one of the nice communities outside
of Phoenix. The community is sandwiched between Phoenix city limits and
Scottsdale city limits. The Paradise Valley area inside Phoenix City limits
is more of a resort area than a town with lots of amenities for the visitor
to enjoy.
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