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During your Phoenix vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Picacho Peak State Park
Alternatively, if you're heading to Tucson by way of I-10, and it isn't too hot outside, consider a stop at this state park, 35 miles northwest of Tucson at Exit 219. Picacho Peak, a wizard's cap of rock rising 1,500 feet above the desert, is a visual landmark for miles around. Hiking trails lead around the lower slopes of the peak and up to the summit; these trails are especially popular in spring, when the wildflowers bloom (the park is known as one of the best places in Arizona to see wildflowers). In addition to its natural beauty, Picacho Peak was the site of the only Civil War battle to take place in the state. Each March, Civil War reenactments are staged here. Campsites in the park cost $12 to $22.
Desert Botanical Garden
Located in Papago Park adjacent to the Phoenix Zoo and devoted exclusively to cacti and other desert plants, this botanic garden displays more than 20,000 plants from all over the world. The Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Trail is the state's best introduction to ethnobotany (human use of plants) in the Southwest. Along the trail are interactive displays that demonstrate how Native Americans once used wild and cultivated plants. You can make a yucca-fiber brush and practice grinding corn and mesquite beans. At the Center for Desert Living, there are demonstration gardens and an energy- and water-conservation research house. On the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail, you'll find an ever-changing palette of colorful wildflowers throughout much of the year. If you come late in the day, you can stay until after dark and see night-blooming flowers and dramatically lit cacti. A cafe on the grounds serves good food and makes a great lunch spot. In spring and fall, there are also concerts in the garden. In early December, during Las Noches de las Luminarias, the gardens are lit at night by luminarias (candles inside small bags).
Phoenix Museum of History
Located adjacent to Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix, this state-of-the-art museum is one of the anchors of the city's downtown revitalization plan. It presents an interesting look at the history of a city that, to the casual visitor, might not seem to have any history. Interactive exhibits make this place much more interesting than your average local history museum. One unusual exhibit explores how "lungers" (tuberculosis sufferers) inadvertently helped originate the tourism industry in Arizona. There's also an exhibit on ostrich ranching.
Courtyard by Marriott Camelback Phoenix
The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard by Marriott surrounds you with all the comforts that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our guest rooms featuring cable television with free HBO premium channel and pay movies, comfortable sitting area, free high speed Internet access, hairdryer, in-room coffee and tea service, iron and board, spacious well-lit work desk with ergonomic chair and two dataport telephones with speaker and ...
Days Inn Phoenix Airport
Lovely resort style hotel located 1.5 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport. Recently renovated rooms, many overlooking the pool and courtyard. Full service workout facilities and 24-hour hotel airport ...
Sleep Inn Airport
AIRPORT VALUE!! Secure and convenient central location. Minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport with a FREE 24-hour shuttle. Easy access to freeways, business parks, ASU and Bank One Ballpark. FREE Deluxe Continental Breakfast served from 5am - 10am every day. Stay & Fly packages available. The hotel offers a FREE business center. FREE high speed Internet access in all rooms and FREE wireless high speed Internet access in some rooms. 24-hour hot food on the premises. Pet accommodation: ...
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