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During your Phoenix vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Located outside the town of Coolidge not far from Florence, this national monument preserves one of the most unusual Indian ruins in the state. In Spanish, Casa Grande means "Big House," and that's exactly what you'll find. In this instance, the big house is the ruin of an earth-walled structure built 650 years ago by the Hohokam people. It is speculated that the building was once some sort of astronomical observatory, but this is not known for certain. Whatever the original purpose of the building, today it provides a glimpse of a style of ancient architecture rarely seen. Instead of using adobe bricks or stones, the people who built this structure used layers of hard-packed soil, which have survived the ravages of the weather and still stand in silent testament to the Hohokam's long-ago architectural endeavors. The Hohokam began farming the valleys of the Gila and Salt rivers about 1,500 years ago, and eventually built an extensive network of irrigation canals for watering their fields. By the middle of the 15th century, the Hohokam had abandoned both their canals and their villages and disappeared without a trace.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale may be obsessed with art featuring lonesome cowboys and solemn Indians, but this boldly designed museum makes it clear that patrons of contemporary art are also welcome here. Cutting-edge art, from the abstract to the absurd, fills the galleries, with exhibits rotating every few months. In addition to the main building, there are several galleries in the adjacent Scottsdale Center for the Arts, which also has a pair of Dale Chihuly art-glass installations. The museum shop is full of beautiful items, most of which will fit in your suitcase.7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. tel. 480/994-ARTS. www.smoca.org. Admission $7 adults, $5 students, free for children 15 and under; free on Thurs. Tues-Wed and Fri-Sat 10am-5pm; Thurs 10am-8pm; Sun noon-5pm. Bus: 41, 50, or 72. Also accessible via Scottsdale Trolley shuttle bus.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright fell in love with the Arizona desert and, in 1937, built Taliesin West as a winter camp that served as his home, office, and school. Today, the buildings of Taliesin West are the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and School of Architecture.Tours explain the campus buildings and include a general introduction to Wright and his theories of architecture. Wright believed in using local materials in his designs, and this is much in evidence at Taliesin West, where local stone was used for building foundations. With its open-walled buildings and patio areas, Taliesin West also showcases Wright's ability to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces.Expanded Insight Tours ($16-$22), behind-the-scenes tours ($45), guided desert walks ($20), apprentice shelter tours ($30), and night hikes ($25) are also available at certain times of year. Call ahead for schedule information.In downtown Scottsdale, you'll find Wright Downtown, 7079 E. Fifth Ave. (tel. 480/990-7710), a shop that sells reproductions of Wright designs and also has lots of books about the architect.
AmeriSuites Phoenix North
The AmeriSuites Phoenix Metro Center is located 1/4 mile east of Interstate 17 and Peoria Avenue, 1/2 mile north of one of Arizona's largest malls - the Metro Center with over 35 restaurants, three sets of theaters, and Castles and Coasters, Arizona's only amusement park. The hotel is located in the center of the business district and close to American Express, Honeywell, GMAC, APS, AG Communications and many more corporate ...
Legacy Golf Resort
All suite property, featuring private patio or balconies with scenic view of the Valley's South Mountain. 18 hole championship golf course, sparkling pool and deluxe health club. Within minutes of Phoenix International Airport, downtown Phoenix, sports venues and Arizona Mills Mall. The Legacy Golf Resort golf course is going to be closed from October 15, 2007 - October 28, 2007 for seeding. It will reopen on October 29, ...
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa
The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa is a welcome haven in the spectacular Sonoran Desert! Here in the heart of the Southwest you will find ultimate luxury, unparalleled service, endless recreation and exquisite cuisine. Step from a sun-dappled porte cochere into a cool sandstone lobby and be greeted by the stunning sight of floor to ceiling windows overlooking sparkling blue waterways and majestic palm-lined paths accented by vibrant desert wildflowers. The JW Marriott Desert Ridge ...
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