Travel Log: Phoenix

If Denny Hamlin thought Texas was hot, wait until this weekend. Temperatures reach the mid-90s as the series heads to the desert for the first time this season.

The big city backdrop can do a great job of hiding the cultural aspect of Phoenix -- its short shrubs, jagged mountain terrain and glowing orange sunsets. It's the visitor's challenge to bypass the concrete and glass temptations and get right to the characteristics that make Phoenix one of the best destinations in the United States.

It's the Old West feel. It's the wide-open space. It's the Native American heritage. It's Phoenix. But to discover it, the traditional pathways must be detoured.

Arizona Hummer Tours -- This was a highlight of last year's documentation of Phoenix, and it's good enough to highlight again. From the back of a Hummer, visitors can get an up-close taste of Arizona by splashing through creeks, climbing sandy hills, touring old ghost towns or exploring mines and ruins.
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lnhartman3 -- This is so weird ... I live in Phoenix and I can't think of much to do! One thing that is pretty fun is the Speedway Raceway over by Sky Harbor Airport. They have a really cool go-kart track and their go-karts go pretty fast, but other than that I can't think of much more!

24JG4EVR -- Depends on how long you are here. If you have time, you certainly need to cruise up to the Canyon (four and a half hours). A one-day trip to Sedona is a must (two hours or less) -- most beautiful scenery in the U.S. If you just want to hang close to the west valley where the track is, I would suggest White Tank Mountains Park; there is a short hike there and you can see the true desert landscape and all the way to Phoenix and beyond from a few good vantage points. Also, University of Phoenix Stadium (home of this year's Super Bowl) and many things surrounding that to do, restaurants, theater, Cabelas, shops all within short distance of the track. And, everyone always goes to Scottsdale, more upscale in my way of thinking. If you need any directions or tips, feel free to send me a message.

McLarenF1Fan -- If you're interested in old warbirds, the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is in Mesa (east side of Phoenix), it has a dozen restored WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam-era aircraft, including the still-flying B-17 "Sentimental Journey," one of only 50 B-17s still in existence, and one of a handful that actually flies. There was a barbecue place called Bill Johnson's that we frequented when I was a kid, and they had THE BEST deep-dish apple pie I've ever eaten. It was somewhere downtown, but that was probably over 20 years ago.

26Broad -- Pinnacle Peak Restaurant in Scottsdale is a really cool steak house. If you wear a necktie in there, they'll cut it off and nail it to the wall. Beware of "Planet Chandler." LOL.

Jimmie48Chad -- Desert Botanical Gardens: this might sound like a 'boring' place to go, but it's actually quite the contrary. Don't forget your camera! Their Web site is: www.dbg.org. Also, I'd recommend Old Town Scottsdale for shopping -- I've picked up some lovely turquoise pieces in the shops (Silver Queen was one of them). As far as good eats, I'd highly recommend El Torito located on Metro Parkway in Phoenix. Try their carnitas (YUM) and be sure to order 'fresh' guacamole (made to order mild, medium or hot, right at your table).

RDOF_Posse -- Now that spring training is over, I recommend Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Ariz. Two-hour night lights on the desert Friday evenings in February, March and April: 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. On this twilight tour you'll have the unusual opportunity to view Wright's desert masterpiece in a nighttime setting. In the evening the site assumes a luminous, jewel-like quality. The desert masonry structures lighted from within appear as sculptures, the fire-breathing dragon is lit, and the lights from the valley below create a dramatic, romantic setting.

Harpo1958 -- Ya gotta check out Greasewood Flats. It's a very RUSTIC bar out in the sticks. The locals will tell ya how to get there. The Town Dump (a sort of flea market shop), and the Hideaway (biker bar!) in Cave Creek. Also check out the Steelhorse Saloon (another biker bar) off of Bell Road in Phoenix. I hung out at these places when I lived there!

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Thursday: Sunny with a high of 84 degrees, low of 60
Friday: Sunny with a high of 89 degrees, low of 64
Saturday: Sunny with a high of 95 degrees, low of 66
Sunday: Sunny with a high of 96 degrees, low of 67
Complete Forecast

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Sweet home, Alabama. If you're heading to Talladega for racing, Southern-style, then where's your favorite hangout? Share your personal favorites here.