The Valley of the Sun: An Oasis for Individuals and Families Alike by Art Gib

There is nothing in the world like being in an urban environment when it comes to discovering a variety of new experiences--from fine dining to golfing and other outdoor sports and everything in between, there is always something out there in the big city to enjoy.

Take Phoenix, Arizona: my hometown. The Valley of the Sun is often overlooked when people consider our country's major urban centers, but you may be surprised to learn that it's the sixth largest city in the nation! The savvy vacationer will choose a destination in the Phoenix metropolitan area during the fall and winter months for warmer temperatures and an even hotter nightlife.

So, what do you do, exactly, when you are in Phoenix, whether as a visitor or a resident? Well, everyone knows you have to eat! My family members were absolute champions when it came to selecting a restaurant for a prime dining experience.

One advantage to the extensive population is vibrant variety. Most people associate the Southwestern United State with authentic Mexican food, but the truth is that Phoenix also hosts pockets of Indian, Middle Eastern, African and Western European populations. If you know where to look, you can savor the flavors of India, Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean, France, Ethiopia, and more.

Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs also host a number of golf courses. Even though it takes a little extra work to maintain them, particularly in the heat of the summer, the courses are still some of the finest in the southwest.

For those who love the outdoors, the city also provides great hiking and mountain biking opportunities, but be careful--many of the trails are infamous for being covered with loose shale. Athletes who are unfamiliar with the territory and how to compensate can fall easily. But the multiple mountain preserves offer excellent variety and stunning views of the Valley.

For families, there are countless exciting attractions to explore. The Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens present opportunities for children to learn about and appreciate endangered and threatened species of both animals and plants alike.

A more recent development in downtown Phoenix provides a unique shopping experience, no matter what your fancy. First Fridays, which as it sounds, takes place on the first Friday night of each month, is one evening when local artists line the streets in booths down the major streets of downtown, offering their unique wares--everything from jewelry to original prints and more!

There is so much to do in this vibrant city that you might never expect. It is a shimmering oasis in the desert! Trust me. I lived there for nineteen years, and there are reasons why I keep going back.

Hoping to find the best Phoenix restaurant for an ideal dining experience tonight? Check out Arizona Outdoor Fun & Real Arizona Reviews (http://www.realarizonareviews.com) for real reviews on all kinds of food, the best drinks, and even catering. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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