As Phoenix has grown in size, so too has it grown in
its cosmopolitan appeal. Today the capitol city boasts several theater
troupes, a symphony, ballet and opera company. Local clubs and resort
lounges feature a myriad of musical talent for all tastes. Throughout
the state, university and community theater groups thrive.
Arizona plays host to art festivals in small towns and cities statewide,
rodeos, and many Native American festivals. Tucson hosts the annual
Arizona International Film Festival in April and offers a year-round
glimpse into country western film making at Old Tucson Studios. In
January, Scottsdale rocks the international car collector scene with two
world class car auctions, the Kruse and the Barrett-Jackson. The Arizona
Renaissance Festival, just east of Mesa, lets you step back in time
every February and March.
Entertainment options are endless in Arizona, however the beauty of the
state can be expressed best with a visit to the Grand Canyon, just a two
hour drive north of downtown Phoenix. It's one of the seven natural
wonders of the world, its sheer magnitude and stark beauty elude mere
words or photographs, and it is Arizona's greatest treasure and most
popular destination.
The Grand Canyon, located in Northern Arizona, is a sight to see! Over
275 miles long, 10 miles wide and a mile deep, the Canyon takes the
breath away of even the worldliest spectator.
While the Canyon itself is not that old (only 5 or 6 million years old!)
the rock layers at the bottom of the Canyon are over two billion years
old! There is no other place on Earth where geologic time has been
captured so well.
Most Canyon visitors go to the South Rim of the canyon to experience its
splendor through hiking trails, walking trails mule rides and camping.
If not catching the races, or seeing the sights, you may be spending
your extra time on the more than 275 golf courses in Arizona. Many are
signature courses, designed by the world's most famous golfers, like
Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. A lot of them are public courses.
If you are an avid golfer, Arizona affords you the chance to play a
different 18-holes, 275 days a year.
