I love Phoenix for many reasons! I have grown up in the Phoenix area, so I have been fortunate enough to experience many of the things that Phoenix has to offer. One of the main reasons that Phoenix is so great is its culture and attractions. Phoenix has attractions that are sure to please any visitor or resident…there is never a dull moment. For example, many cities hold community events which provide entertainment for the whole family. Also there is an exciting nightlife in nearly every city which is sure to please any party goers! Here are some of the areas and attractions that are awesome in Phoenix. The following posts include “My Top 5 Nightspots” and “My Top 10 Valley Attractions”.

Mill Avenue

Mill Avenue- Mill avenue is a great place to spend the weekend as there are numerous bars and restaurants along one strip. Mill is a popular place for Arizona State Students as it is next to the university. I LOVE MILL because you can have dinner with your friends and do all the bar hopping that you want. What nice about mill is that all the bars are next to one another so if one place is too crowed or “not fun” you can hop to the next bar. Learn more at: http://www.millavenue.com/

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale: Old Town Scottsdale is home to numerous upscale restaurants, bars and clubs. This is a great nightlife spot, but can also be visited during the day for it’s boutiques and galleries. I LOVE OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE because it is a fun time to get dressed up and have a fun night out with your friends. On many occasions, my friends and I will have a nice dinner and drinks and walk to the bars near by. Learn more at: http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch: Cadillac Ranch is a fun restaurant/bar atmosphere. At night, the restaurant turns up the music and visitors drink the night away! Cadillac Ranch is locally owned and operated and located in the Tempe Market Place. The Ranch is a great place to watch sports and get happy hours specials. I LOVE CADILLAC RANCH for the upbeat night environment it has. My friends and I enjoy dancing on the floor while having a few cocktails. Learn more at: http://www.cadillacranchtempe.com/

Tempe Market Place

Tempe Market Place: The Tempe Market Place is a great place for nightlife. The Market Place has restaurants, shops, entertainment and bars. At night you can bar hop to each of the bars as they are located directly next to one another. I LOVE THE TEMPE MARKET PLACE because they have a stage where music groups perform concerts on weekend nights. It’s a nice addition when you sit out side at the bar and listen to the fun music! Learn more at: http://www.tempemarketplace.com/index.aspx

Dave and Busters

Dave and Busters: Dave and Busters is a fun restaurant and bar. Dave and Busters also has a full arcade which truly makes this an unforgettable experience. Dave and Busters “Eat, Drink & Play” motto really encourages a fun atmosphere. I LOVE DAVE AND BUSTERS because it is a great place to spend with friends, family or on a date. Learn more at: http://www.daveandbusters.com/

Salt River

Salt River- Want to relax and spend the day with your friends? Visit the Salt River! This is a great way to spend an Arizona summer day as you stroll down the river and cool down on a 100+ day. The Salt river is cheap as you pay for your tube and a bus ride to the river. I LOVE THE SALT RIVER because it is a fun way to get your friends together, have a few drinks, and cool down! Learn more at http://www.saltrivertubing.com/

South Mountain

South Mountain- The South Mountain is a great way to get a hike and view the Arizona desert. This preserve covers 16,000 acres of the AZ desert. Many hikers go early so they can catch the sunrise and beat the heat! This trail is challenging yet a enjoyable to do with your friends. I LOVE THE SOUTH MOUNTAIN because it is a great balance of exercise and entertainment. This experience will truly make you appreciate the Arizona desert. Learn more at: http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikesoth.html

Arizona Science Center

Arizona Science Center- The Science Center is a great way to get the kids out of the house and interested in education. The Science center has many exhibits including robots, health, gravity, space, and more! The exhibits at the Science center are hands on and extremely entertaining. I LOVE THE SCIENCE CENTER because the exhibits are creative and are informational for adults and children. The Science Center encourages kids, teens and adults to participate in each exhibit and stimulates the education process.
Learn more at: http://www.azscience.org/location_hours.php

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden- The Desert Botanical Garden is home to many rare, endangered and native plants in the Arizona community. This garden is truly beautiful as it also showcases local artists work. In addition, the DBC offered classes on plant education and care. Throughout the year the DPC holds many events including luminaries throughout the holidays. I LOVE THE BOTANICAL GARDEN as it showcases the beautiful Arizona plants and is home to many butterflies and ladybugs! Learn more at: http://www.dbg.org/

Castle N Coasters

Castle N Coasters- Soar the Arizona skies as you ride along in a roller coaster at Castles N Coasters! Castles N Coasters offers many attractions for all ages. Castles N Coasters is home to rides for adults, teens and young children as well as games, mini golfing and restaurants. I LOVE CASTLE N COASTERS because I remember in high school going with my friends and being able to ride as many riders as we could. I thought it was a fun way to spend a Friday night and accommodating everyone’s needs! Learn more at: http://www.castlesncoasters.com/

Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns: If you love Basketball and competitive sports…you will LOVE the Phoenix Suns! The Phoenix suns games are entertaining for the whole family. The Suns are known for their competitive game and head line players. The games are also entertaining as they hold many contests, performances and slam dunks! I LOVE THE PHOENIX SUNS as the games are always fun and nail biting! My boyfriend and I have gone to many regular session games as well as playoff games and we always have a good time. Learn more at: http://www.nba.com/suns/

Heard Museum

Heard Museum: The Heard Museum is world famous for its Native American art work. The Heard is home to textures, pottery, books and jewelry. The Heard was founded in 1932 by an Arizona pioneer settler and is one of Phoenixes first natural attractions. I LOVE THE HEARD MUSEUM because it is unlike any other museum. After visiting the Heard you will appreciate the natural beauty of the Native American art. Learn more at: http://www.heard.org/about/index.html

Scottsdale Art Walk

Scottsdale Art Walk: The Art Walk is located in Downtown Scottsdale and is known as “America’s Original Art walk”. The walk takes place every Thursday and is an open house for visitors. Local artist display their art and showcases a variety of styles and pieces. I LOVE THE SCOTTSDALE ART WALK for it’s cultural ambiance and welcoming feel. Visiting the art walk you truly gain a sense of the Arizona community and enjoy the local artist work. Learn more at: http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com/about.html

Rawhide Western Town

Rawhide Western Town: The Rawhide Western Town is known for its great entertainment, restaurant and ambiance. Rawhide was founded in 1880 and is considered Arizona’s best Western Town! The town holds nightly attractions including gun shows, hay rides, ghost stories and a marshmallow roast. I LOVE RAWHIDE for its music and dancing. I remember dancing the two step with my grandpa on his birthday! Learn more at: http://www.rawhide.com/

Scottsdale Fashion Square

Scottsdale Fashion Square: Clothing, jewelry, accessories, the Scottsdale Fashion Square has it all! The Scottsdale mall is home to three stories of stores, restaurants, attractions and events. I LOVE THE SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE for it’s variety of stores under one roof. I also enjoy being able to go shopping with my friends and catching a nice dinner after. Learn more at: http://www.fashionsquare.com/map.asp