Travel Log: Phoenix

After the time change and early darkness that has fallen upon the land, it's off to the Valley of the Sun. Daylight hours in Phoenix provide an array of adventures for visitors, thanks to the big-city surroundings in the desert backdrop.

But it's that very backdrop that gives Phoenix its character.

The last visit to the desert was back in April, when a look back in time gave a historical reference point to the 30 Phoenix Points of Pride. Now it's time to get a little dirty.

Don't get off the asphalt and you're not visiting the city properly.

MAP OF PHOENIX, ARIZ.
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DID YOU KNOW?
South Mountain Park in phoenix is the world's largest municipal park, covering 20,000 acres.
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WHAT THE AREA OFFERS
Apache Trail -- For the out-of-state visitors, this is a must. Otherwise, you'll never know you've been to Arizona. This loop that spans up to 80 miles provides the optimal scenery and true Western experience of Arizona as some of the trail is paved and other parts aren't. This isn't the highway by any means. But the local stops along Route 88 will provide a little history lesson with a lot of culture mixed in.
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Arizona Hummer Tours -- Want to see the desert? Want to see the desert in a way you've never dreamed? Hit up the ghost towns, see the Native American ruins and immerse yourself in the Old West through streams, sand, hills and hard-core rock climbing in four wheels. Various tours taken off road in Hummers allow serious four-wheelers to get their high and provide keepsake memories for families.
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Mystery Castle -- Some visitors claim it's the highlight of their trip. Others say it's too spooky to forget. A three-story castle built of stone, adobe and various unique materials, Mystery Castle was built by a father for his daughter. And his daughter sometimes gives the daily tours.
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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Oregano's -- It's an Arizona thing. Think salads, appetizers and wings. But most of all, think pizza. Good pizza. A family tradition lives on through this pizzeria. The owner's heritage traces directly to Chicago and a pizza-making lineage. This one's for you, Lawrence of Oregano.
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WEEKEND FORECAST
It looks to be sunny all weekend with highs topping out in the lower-80s and lows in the mid-50s. Complete forecast

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
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