Things to do when in Phoenix for Irrigation Show 2010
The 2010 Irrigation Show, to be held in Phoenix Dec. 5-7, 2010, is a one-stop shop to address industry issues head on (www.irrigationshow.org). If you are planning on attending the show, the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau offers its list of the top attractions in Phoenix.
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 252-8848 Fax (602) 252-9757
http://www.heard.org/
The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum is one of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of Native Americans of the Southwest. With a commanding presence on Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix, the museum hosts nearly 250,000 visitors a year and ” provides Indian artists with a wonderful home that will excite and inspire visitors from around the world.” according to Arizona Highways, October 1999. The museum’s 10 spacious exhibit galleries and beautiful outdoor courtyards feature outstanding traditional and contemporary Native American art.
Taliesin West
12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.; Scottsdale, AZ 85261
(480) 860-2700 Fax (480) 451-8989
http://www.franklloydwright.org/
Built as Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home and architectural studio on 600 acres of rugged desert, Taliesin West offers a broad range of daily tours and is available for pre-arranged group tours, as well as corporate functions. The famed architect, considered by leading critics to be the greatest architect of the 20th century, spent winters at the camp until his death in 1959. During 2004, nearly 126,000 people visited the campus, making it one of the most-visited historical homes in the country and one of Scottsdale’s primary tourist draws.
First Fridays Art Walk
Downtown Phoenix
602-256-7539
http://www.artlinkphoenix.com/
The First Fridays Artwalk had its origin in 1993 with a handful of downtown Phoenix art galleries that agreed to have their show openings on the same night. Since these humble beginnings, First Fridays has grown to the more than 80 galleries and art-friendly businesses that now participate, with more than 10,000 art enthusiasts coming out on the First Friday of every month of the year to create the largest Artwalk in the nation.
University of Phoenix Stadium
1 Cardinals Drive; Glendale, AZ 85305
(623) 308-2640; Fax (623) 225-7269
http://www.universityofphoenixstadium.com
The University of Phoenix Stadium that was designed by world-renowned architect Peter Eisenman opened in Aug. 2006 and will host Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3 2008. The unique facility features the only U.S. playing surface that is capable of being completely removed from the actual stadium. This multi-purpose venue is unlike any in the world, as it features a retractable roof as well as a shading mechanism that will allow a predetermined amount of light to enter the stadium, while still providing shade. Along with great NFL football in the fall, visitors to the Greater Phoenix can also enjoy concerts, trade shows and other sporting events at the facility.
South Mountain Preserve
10919 S. Central Ave.; Phoenix, AZ 85042-8302;
602-495-0222
At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve often is referred to as the largest municipal park in the country. With so much space it’s no wonder that thousands of tourists and locals visit the park each year. The area boasts 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels skills. See flora and fauna distinct to the Sonoran Desert, or drive to the top for breathe-taking views of the Greater Phoenix skyline
Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium
1200 South Forest Avenue; Tempe, AZ 85287-0105
(480) 965-5062; Fax (480) 965-595
http://www.asugammage.com/
Considered to be the last public commission of renowned architect Floyd Lloyd Wright, Gammage Auditorium opened its doors to the public in 1964. The auditorium seats a total of 3,017 people on its main floor, grand tier and balcony. Visitors to Gammage can find more than hit Broadway Musicals during their next trip, the facility is adapted for grand opera, dramatic productions, solo productions, organ recitals and university lectures.
Chase Field
401 E. Jefferson St.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 462-6440; Fax (602) 462-6404
http://www.maricopa.gov/stadiumdistrict/
Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks MLB team is configured to host various sporting events including baseball football, soccer and basketball. Other events that have enjoyed success in the facility are concerts, motor sports, trade shows, exhibits, band pageants, religious gatherings and running/walking events. The sports facility is also one of Phoenix’s premier locations to host events. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy baseball games and other events in the ballpark that seats more than 48,000 patrons, or dine at the Friday’s Front Row overlooking Left Field, open 363 days yearly.
Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 252-8497 | (602) 254-7399; Fax (602) 258-9521
http://www.herbergertheater.org/
The Herberger Theater Center was conceived as a pivotal piece in the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown Phoenix. Built in 1989 to support and foster the growth of performing arts in Phoenix as a performance venue and arts incubator, the Herberger Theater Center has contributed to the cultural and educational development of the Valley. In that time, 2,353,092 patrons, including 433,636 school-aged children have shared the unique experience of live performing arts. The Center is a three-theater complex featuring year-round music, drama and dance performances presented by four resident professional performing companies
Phoenix Museum of Art
1625 N. Central Ave.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 257-1880 Fax (602) 253-8662
http://www.phxart.org/
Phoenix Art Museum’s Collection includes over 17,000 artworks in American, Asian, contemporary, European, Latin American, and Western American art, plus fashion design and the Thorne Miniature Rooms of historic interiors. The Museum also features an interactive “child-friendly, please touch!” gallery called ArtWorks. You can learn about the Collection through video presentation in the Museum’s Orientation Theater. You may also create your own tour by using the audio guide. The Museum encompasses over 160,000 square feet, and approximately 1,000 works from the Collection are on view at any one time.
Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington St.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 716-2000 Fax (602) 716-2099
http://www.azscience.org/
The Arizona Science Center provides exploration, education and entertainment for all ages. Explore more than 300 hands-on exhibits in five themed galleries. The 120,000-squar-foot building has a maze of ramps, hallways, galleries, and terraces that creates an environment of discovery and investigation. Also included in the center is a planetarium, IMAX Movie Theater, a City Bakery café and gift shop.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway; Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 941-1225 Fax (480) 481-8124
http://www.dbg.org/
The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world’s finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts of the world in a unique outdoor setting. The Garden has more than 50,000 desert plants on display throughout five thematic trails that illustrate topics such as conservation, desert living, plants and people of the Sonoran Desert and desert wildflowers. Visit the Garden and enjoy specialized tours, special events, seasonal exhibits, concerts, family activities, an outdoor café and the Garden’s gift and plant shop.
Rawhide Western Town and Steak House
5700 W. North Loop Road; Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 502-5600 Fax (480) 496-0040
http://www.rawhide.com/
Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse is an authentic replica of an 1880’s town complete with a Main Street, gunfights, seasonal specialty shows, stagecoach and train rides, camel and burro rides, mechanical bull and climbing wall, petting ranch, gold pannin’, shootin’ gallery, unique retail shops, Sundown Cookouts, and a world famous Steakhouse & Saloon. The world-famous Rawhide Steakhouse features mesquite-grilled streaks, juicy prime rib, and mouth waterin’ BBQ. A must see attraction for every visitor and perfect for any size group. Admission to Arizona’s largest Western-themed attraction is free.
Hall of Flame Museum
6101 East Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 275-3473, FAX (602) 275-0896
http://www.hallofflame.org/
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has almost an acre of fire history exhibits, with over 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1969. Many of the exhibits feature American firefighting equipment, but the museum also has pieces from England, France, Austria, Germany, and Japan. The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes located within the museum, honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty or who have been decorated for heroism.
Pueblo Grande Museum
4619 E. Washington St.; Phoenix, AZ 85034
(877) 706-4408 | (602) 495-0901 Fax (602) 495-5645
Experience a prehistoric Hohokam ruin and full-sized replicated dwellings. Pueblo Grande Museum is located at a 1,500 year-old Hohokam village ruins in modern day Phoenix. For more than 76 years the museum has been dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Hohokam culture. On the 100-acre park grounds, visitors explore the ruin of an 800 year-old platform mound possibly used by the Hohokam for ceremonies or as an administrative center. An excavated ball court, and to full-scale reproductions of prehistoric Hohokam homes can be viewed along the ruin trail. The site also includes some of the last remaining intact Hohokam irrigation canals.
Phoenix Museum of History
105 N. 5th St.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 253-2734 Fax (602) 253-2348
Interpreting the city’s history and vast growth, this museum looks at periods chronologically from the early days of the Hohokam people through the American westward expansion. Discover how time and place have influenced modern Phoenix and the stories of the city’s exciting and colorful past.
COFCO Chinese Cultural Center
668 North 44th Street, Suite #228; Phoenix, Arizona
602-273-7268
The COFCO Chinese Cultural Center is a uniquely up-scale cultural, culinary and shopping attraction conveniently located adjacent to the Sky Harbor Airport. It is an elegantly integrated facility featuring fine Asian dining and shopping. The cultural attraction features Chinese architecture with an exterior highlighted by traditional Chinese gardens and replicas of ancient Chinese pagodas and statues. These features combine to create a uniquely interactive hub of Asian culture in the Southwest. The center also hosts multiple events throughout the year.
Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
20000 S. Maricopa Road, Gate 3; Chandler, AZ 85226
(800) 842-7223 | (480) 961-0143 Fax (480) 403-7650
http://www.bondurant.com/
Dubbed the “Fastest 60 Acres in America,” this multi-million dollar driving school is committed to professional instruction for all levels; novice to advanced, and has a fleet of more than 200 cars including Cadillac CTS, Corvette ZO6 and Pontiac GTO. The school has graduated hundreds, including celebrities Jimmy Kimmel and Paul Newman, and professional racecar drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Wrigley Mansion
2501 E. Telawa Trail; Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 955-4079 Fax (602) 955-2609
http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/
This hilltop masterpiece, built by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. in 1932, shows just how good life could be in the early 1900’s. The Wrigley Mansion invites you to eat, explore and enjoy our historic property. Geordie’s Restaurant & Lounge located inside The Wrigley Mansion offers an unmatched dining experience and unique lounge environment.
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
(480) 478-6000
http://www.themim.org/
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM is the first truly global museum of its kind. MIM celebrates music by exhibiting instruments from every country in the world. The museum has already acquired more than 12,000 instruments and objects for its core collection, representing musical traditions from folk and popular to ritual and courtly.
St. Mary’s Basilica
231 N. 3rd St.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 354-2100 Fax (602) 354-2060
Phoenix’s oldest Catholic Church dedicated in 1915 adds historic flavor to downtown Phoenix. Designated America’s 32nd basilica in 1985, St. Mary’s Basilica is noted for its Munich-style stained glass and Mission Revival exterior. Daily mass takes place at 12:05pm, and the church is open to the public Mon-Fri 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Copper Square
3rd Ave to 7th St., Fillmore to south of Jackson, Copper Square is 90 blocks of urban lifestyle.
From sun-up to sundown and well into the night, Copper Square provides a truly unique urban environment. Delight in the aromas and tastes of over 90 restaurants, bars, and markets. Expand your horizons with museums, live theater, and music events. Experience the rush of professional sports at US Airways Center or Chase Field. No matter where you turn, Copper Square has you covered.
WestWorld Scottsdale
16601 N. Pima Rd.; Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-312-6802
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/westworld/
Located in North Scottsdale, WestWorld is a premier, nationally recognized, user-friendly equestrian center and special events facility serving our community and target market visitors. Each year thousands of thousands of cars enthusiasts and make their way to WestWorld for the annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, where celebrities and star-athletes place bids on historical and rare automobiles. In February the scene quickly changes into one of the grandest equestrian shows on the planet for the Arabian Horse Show.
Arizona State University/Mill Ave
Tempe, Arizona
(480) 965-9011; Fax (480) 921-2300
http://www.asu.edu; http://www.downtowntempe.com/
Enjoy a theatrical production at Gammage Auditorium, or cheer for one of the many Sun Devil sports teams at Sun Devil Stadium or Wells Fargo Arena before strolling over to Mill Avenue for drinks and shopping. A happening thoroughfare of college students and post-graduates, visitors to the area will find plenty of art galleries, fine dining establishments, festivals and shops.
Westcor Shopping Experience
11411 N. Tatum Blvd.; Phoenix, AZ 85028
(480) 994-8048; Fax (602) 953-6335
With more than 2,000 stores to shop, Westcor Shopping Centers is composed of five regional-shopping-centers and four specialty-centers located in the Valley. Please visit the Guest Services Desk at participating Westcor locations for your complimentary Shopping and Dining Incentives Book.
Papago Park
Galvin Pkwy and Van Buren St
(602)256-3220
More than 1,200-acres of desert hills and rugged mountains feature a golf course, museums, picnic areas, fishing lagoons (urban fishing license required), hiking trails and the famous peek-through Hole-in-the-Rock landmark. Visitors to Papago Park can make it a day excursion by visiting the nearby Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, or shops on Mill Ave.
Japanese Friendship Garden/Margaret T Hance Park
1125 N. 3rd Ave.; Phoenix, AZ;
602-256-3204
www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org
The Japanese Friendship Garden – Ro Ho En features more than 1,500 tons of handpicked rock, more than 50 varieties of plants, flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall and a Koi pond. The Garden is the product and shared cultural vision of the Sister Cities of Phoenix and Himeji, Japan.
Phoenix ZOO
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Papago Park; Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 273-1341; Fax (602) 286-3809
http://www.phoenixzoo.org/
More than 1,300 animals, exhibited throughout five unique trails. Visitors will enjoy daily up close animal encounters, keeper talks, bike and boat rentals and a variety of retail and food venues. Be sure to visit the new Monkey Village exhibit-a walk through environment that brings you face to face with the animals. Check the Zoo’s website often for updates on special events, daily programs and other activities such as Night Camp and Camp Zoo. The Phoenix Zoo also offers unique event venues indoors and out and customized group events for 25-5,000+.
Wildlife World Zoo
16501 W. Northern Ave.; Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
(623) 935-WILD Fax (623) 935-7499
http://www.wildlifeworld.com/
While visiting Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals you can hand feed giraffes and Lory parrots, explore African wildlife on our African Safari Train Ride, experience the outback on our Australian Boat Ride, get an aerial view of the zoo on our Verizon Superpages Wildlife Skyride, or kids can enjoy our exotic Merry-Go-Round. Enjoy 3 indoor exhibits: Waters of the World Aquarium, It’s a Small World, Small Mammal building, and the Tropics of the World reptile building. Wildlife World Zoo is open 365 days a year, 9a.m.-5p.m
Arizona’s Salt River Tubing and Recreation
P.O. Box 6568; Mesa, AZ 85216
(480) 984-3305 Fax (480) 984-0875
http://www.saltrivertubing.com/
Looking for a cool and wet adventure? We invite you to spend the day or an afternoon tubing the Lower Salt River rapids in beautiful Tonto National Forest near Mesa, Arizona. Just minutes from Phoenix, the Salt River is a recreational paradise that offers “chills and thrills” while floating on cool and refreshing mountain-stream waters. Enjoy a “floating picnic” and experience the natural wonders of the Salt River. You may choose two, three, and five-hour trips that include float time and shuttle bus ride, weather and water flow permitting. Tube rentals and shuttle service are available 7 days a week, starting at 9 a.m and it only cost $13 per person/tube.
Lakes near Greater Phoenix
http://www.arizona-leisure.com/phoenix-lakes-boating.html
It might surprise a guest to the Phoenix desert to learn that Arizona has more boats per capita than any other state.
