Historic Sahuaro Ranch
Phoenix and neighboring valley communities started out as farming communities, but today there's little sign of this early agricultural heritage. This historic ranch in Glendale is one noteworthy exception. With its tall date palms, resident peacocks, and restored farmhouse, Sahuaro Ranch is a great introduction to what life was like here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The old fruit-packing shed now serves as a gallery hosting temporary exhibits; tours of the main house are offered.

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.

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.

Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix
The Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix is an all-suite, select service hotel offering large homestyle suites designed to meet the needs of the frequent traveler or long-term stay guest. We are a two-story, residential-style property located in the northwest metropolitan area of Phoenix just one mile from Castles N'Coasters family fun park and 1.5 miles from Metrocenter Mall and the Rose Moffert Sports Complex. Downtown Phoenix is ten miles southeast. Hotel facilities include a business center, ...

Best Western Bell Hotel
The Best Western Bell Hotel is conveniently located in Northwest Phoenix at Interstate 17 and Bell Road, just two miles south of Loop 101. ' From: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport:. Take Interstate 10 West to Interstate 17 North. From Interstate 17 exit on Bell Road, Exit 212. Go through lights at bottom of off ramp and hotel is located on the right just off frontage road. ' From: the North. (Flagstaff, Sedona): Interstate 17 Southbound. Exit Bell Road, Exit 212, and turn left on Bell Road. ...

Clarendon Hotel and Suites - Phoenix Midtown
Downtown/Midtown Boutique Hotel, 4-star amenities. FREE: airport shuttle (TO the airport only, not FROM airport), continental breakfast, covered parking, wireless internet, newspaper, local/long distance phone calls.In your room, you will find the same plush mattresses used in 5-star hotels, 310 thread count sheets, down blankets, touch of down pillows, furniture and lighting inspired by high-end modern design. Bathrooms feature Aveda products, kimono robes. In-room amenities include French ...